Ireland is home to many natural and historic sites. Some, like the Book of Kells in Trinity College Dublin, draw snaking lines of tourists all through the summer months. Others, like Cape Clear, the southernmost island off Ireland's coast, are extremely remote and enjoyed only by a handful of people who are willing to take the winding, narrow roads to Baltimore and a ferry to this famous island. With Ireland's famous cities--Dublin, Cork, Waterford, Belfast, Galway and others scattered across the country, and sites like the Ring of Kerry and Newgrange outside of urban centers, picking and choosing your favorite spots is an essential first step to route planning for a trip to Ireland.
Ireland's locals often complain about public transport, stating that it is easy to travel north or south in the country, but quite difficult to travel across Ireland. This is especially true for Irish Rail, the country's train system. If you are simply looking to get from, say, Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher, then there are tour buses like Paddywagon Tours that do day trips seven days a week--typically leaving Dublin at the crack of dawn, as it is a four-and-a-half hour drive, and arriving in Dublin in the evening. The other transportation option for touring in Ireland is renting a car, and a popular company like Europcar has offers on car rentals from time to time.
Once you have sorted out your route and how you'll get there, booking accommodation is essential to your route planning. Ireland offers a full range of accommodation, from hotels and bed and breakfasts, to hostels, vacation apartments and even campsites, if you're willing to take a gamble with the weather. If you are looking for short-term apartments in a city or town in Ireland, the Irish use a website called Daft. See the link in Resources below for a map of camping and caravan parks in Ireland.
