I agree that the Cliffs of Mohr were spectacular, but I was there 15 years ago and there was no security (beyond my own fear of heights). I understand wanting to avoid kids in Galway, but from there you can also take a day trip over to the Aran islands, which (awhile ago) were really unspoiled and charming. The ferry was quite rough, though, if you're prone to seasickness. I'm not sure, but maybe there is a place to stay in Connemara--that would put you fairly near the cliffs and the ferry, without being in the midst of it all.
Your driving distances all seem very reasonable. I think that this is a good itinerary that won't leave you exhausted.
I would suggest skipping Waterford and stay in the Wicklow Mountains instead. Stay a night in Glendalough after driving along the coast and then drive straight through to Cobh the next day. You can still pass through Waterford and get out and look around if you like, but I don't personally think it's worth staying there. Glendalough to Cobh can definitely be done in a day's drive, with plenty of time to stop and sightsee along the way.
Ashford Castle = NICE. You will love it. Gorgeous! You've chosen some nice places all around. The Shelbourne in Dublin is fabulous.
Ballyvaughn is a good stop between Killarney and Cong. You can see the Cliffs and some of the Burren, and then be on your way to Co. Mayo the next day.
I wasn't the hugest fan of Galway, myself. It was fine, but I saw all I needed to see in like two hours. I don't think you're missing anything huge by passing it by.
Now, I know you're going to post lots of photos when you get back, right? This trip sounds completely amazing and I'm super jealous.
2 nights in Dublin at the Shelbourne Hotel
1 night in Thomastown (Kilkenny) at the Conrad Mount Juliet
2 nights in Cobh at the Knockeven House
2 nights in Killarney at the Caherane House
2 nights in Cong at Ashford Castle
2 nights in Belfast at the Culloden Estate
1 night in Dublin (suburbs) at Clontarf Castle
Just joining in to say that I hope you have a fabulous time DH, DD and I were there this past June to visit my family. My mother and that side all live in and around Galway. It was my fifth trip over and the first for DH and my DD who was 22 months at the time. We were lucky to have beautiful weather and were able to walk everywhere. We stayed in Galway because that's where my family is located for the most part - if you run into a Traynor they'd be one of mine I won't go into the details regarding sites etc since it's not part of your itinerary, but if ever you do decide to see Galway feel free to PM me
kmack - So sorry to hear you had a terrible trip to Inish Oirr. We went while we were there in June and had lovely weather on the way over, but it did rain during the trip back. My grandmother was born and raised there and we went to visit one remaining relative on the Island as we still own land there. The castle you posted a picture of is O'Briens castle is part of my family history from centuries ago. Anyway, if ever you have the chance to go in good weather it is a charming place to visit. Of course I'm biased due to family influence
wow interesting mb1197! i think i am scarred for life because of that boat ride though, maybe i will consider taking a plane the next time!
justHB my brother-in-law got married at clontarf castle in august so we stayed there for the night. we really enjoyed it! and not sure if you're set on staying at that hotel in killarney for 2 nights, but i highly, highly recommend the hotel castle dunloe just outside of killarney and right near the gap of dunloe. the hotel is amazing and has gorgeous views of the moutains/gap, complete with some tan horses roaming the property (i can't remember what kind they are but i think they are some special kind of horse). you can drive towards the gap on leave your car there, then take a pony and trap ride through that takes about an hour in total. i did it once with my husband and the kids and then brought a friend who was visiting us back to see it b/c i thought it was so great.
and i had never heard of cobh before today, we are in cork right now and drove through there today. it was pouring rain and we didn't get out so i can't add any comments there. enjoy your trip!
just thought i would come back and post pictures of the cliffs of moher in case anyone was interested.
this is the extent of the "security' there - stone slabs line the walkway of the cliffs now:
you can see the slabs on the right
other fences up along the pathway
we didn't go onto the actual cliffs (the ones that are always in photos, we were on the opposite side looking at them) because i had a baby stroller and there were stairs and it was really windy so i was a bit nervous. it's very hard to tell in this photo but i believe the slabs are up on that side as well
there are no security personnel walking around or anything, so if you feel like climbing over the walls no one will stop you. while we were there a group of Italian guys climbed over and i was totally convinced that we were going to witness death by stupidity, but alas, they did not fall over the edge
they also have a tourist facility there that has an exhibition, restaurant, cafe, and a bunch of gift shops. i heard it was just built in the last 5 years. i can't imagine what it was like to visit there before it became so touristy! my husband told me 20 years ago he got on his stomach and peered over the edge and was shaking the whole time - i am still waiting to see pictures!
and this is just a picture of the view from our room at the hotel dunloe castle outside of killarney that i mentioned above. definitely my favorite hotel so far, and the ride through the gap of dunloe is awesome.
The Caherane House in Killarney just canceled our reservation as apparently they will be closed. Um, might have been good to know that while you were taking reservations, no? Expedia has moved us to the Brehorn which is nice and new but lacks a certain character and historic element. I'm trying to decide how - if at all - this impacts our trip/route. Maybe we'll stay one night in Killarney and another night in Dingle.
Okay, instead of Cahernane House in Killarney we're now staying in Ballyseede Castle in Tralee. Ugh, so stressful for a hotel to cancel your reservation days before you leave on your biggest trip of the year.
DH, DD and I were there this past June to visit my family. My mother and that side all live in and around Galway. It was my fifth trip over and the first for DH and my DD who was 22 months at the time. We were lucky to have beautiful weather and were able to walk everywhere. We stayed in Galway because that's where my family is located for the most part - if you run into a Traynor they'd be one of mine 
I won't go into the details regarding sites etc since it's not part of your itinerary, but if ever you do decide to see Galway feel free to PM me 
