Hello Rhonda,
Sounds like you have a great trip brewing.
:) I echo Avery in saying that you can certainly explore much of the Emerald Isle in that amount of time, and importantly, without rushing.
Hiring a car would provide the most freedom and flexibility, allowing you to adapt the pace as you go. You could take a look at this post about
hiring a car in Ireland which includes links to good resources on the topic. Another viable option is using
public transport. You could also utilize tour operators, such as
Finn McCools for
day trips to sites that may be harder to reach.
Ireland is certainly a great place for history buffs.
This page provides a good overview of various sites and a handy map to show their locations. The great thing is that history and nature often go hand in hand so you are able to enjoy both aspects. You can find more information about the different wonders of our nature
here.
Avery's suggestion was great for planning time spent in different parts of the island. Once you have identified some
must-visit sites and the preferred way to get around, a more tailored plan can be cooked up.
I hope this helps with your planning. Feel free to ask if you have any questions. :)