A few things worth doing beyond the usual list

If you've got the main Dublin sights ticked off, my honest advice is to give yourself a couple of days outside the capital, because that's where Ireland really opens up.A few I'd point people to:

1) Drive a stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way. You don't need to do the whole thing. Even a day or two around west Clare or Connemara, with the cliffs, the small harbours and a slow pub dinner, gives you the version of Ireland most people are actually coming for.

2) Pick one smaller coastal town and stay the night rather than day-tripping out and back. Spots like Westport, Kinsale or Dingle have great food and live music and are far easier going than the big tourist stops.

3) Don't over-plan. Some of the best afternoons here come from pulling into a random village, finding a café or a trad session, and letting the day drift.

Happy to help if anyone's trying to piece a route together. What sort of trip are you planning, more coast and scenery or cities and culture?

Many thanks for adding your post and ideas for a time on the island of Ireland!

It is always tempting to see as much of the country as you possibly can, but as you say, sometimes it's better to take the slower approach and absorb the culture and feel instead.