Holiday In Ireland - suggestions?

Hiya Folks, my husband and I are thinking about a holiday in Ireland this summer, and I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions on places to stay, things to see and stuff like that.

We need to do this on the cheap, because we don't have a lot of money, but our tax return just might pay for our airfare.

We will only have one week, and we want to do North and Republic.

My Mum might also be coming with us, and her sister.

And none of us have ever driven on the wrong side of the road, but we might be able to be talked into it if that'll work out cheaper than taking the train or coach or whathaveyou.

Thanks for any help you can offer!

Hi - we live in West Wales so Ireland is quite handy for us to get to by ferry (Rosslare on the southeast side). We have had 2 family holidays and I'd definitely recommend the southwest - we spent a week in Clifden in the Connemara area (look for Galway and go west) and before that we stayed in Dingle which is on the peninsula below - very untouristy, very beautiful. I'd avoid places like Killarney (tooraloora - yawn) - you'll want to see Dublin I guess but it's not exactly stunning. I want to go to Cork next - if you're limited for time I'd hire a car and try the west coast - and take advice about the situation in Northern Ireland and "bandit country" and certain areas of certain cities in the north.
Have a lovely holiday there - it's expensive because of the Euro but the service and food have a good reputation in the areas we've been to.

thanks for the tips!

We may be thinking around September now, as peak season is a bit too pricy for airfare for us. I couldn't believe it, over $1000 USD! per person! Waaaaaaaay too much for our pockets. September may be less hopefully.

I love going to Ballybunion and that area in Northern Ireland.

oh. and Donaghadee!