Well, we're back home. We took alitlle of all the advice and had GREAT time.
Started our trip of as kinda a "mileage run", meaning La Guardia to Miami to Boston to Shannon, so a bit tired upon arrival.
Day One: Rented a car (advice: book the smallest car you are comfortable with, you'll appreciate it on the narrow roads) and headed to Galway via Ennis. We drove through the center of town to get the lay of the land, found a nice B&B and napped for a couple of hours. Fish & Chips at Mcdonoughs on Quay St, the rest of the evening enjoying walking the town, stopping here and there for a pint.
Day Two: The morning we explored the rest of Galway and then heading out along the coast for Doolin and the Cliffs, stopping for a climb up the Burren. Another B&B, just up the hill from the main Pub in the "center" of town, great food 'till 9 (lamb chops & mashed potatoes with a weird worchester based, spicey mint gravy), then some great music.
Day Three: Continued south, walked around Kilrush before catching the ferry to Tarbert and south along the coast to Dingle, Murphy's pub for dinner (more lamb & potatoes) & a bed.
Day Four: All day on the Ring of Kerry, overnight in Kenmare.
Day Five: Ring of Beara, drive back to Shannon & a hotel at the airport.

Doesn't sound like much, but we drove close to 600 miles, stopping, it seemed, at almost every bend in the road for a picture, hilltop, beach, sunset view, sheep in the road, and an occasional pint stop as well. So many places we didn't get to see this trip, but then it will be hard not to want to do the exact same things again upon our retun. The weather was crystal clear, blue skies and cold, but no precipitation until the morning we were getting on the plane to leave. Thanks again all. If I can be of any help to those planning, let me know.