Only one week in Ireland- what is a must see in the South? Great places to stay?

I have never done a blog but this seems as good a place as any to start. I could use some help or suggestions for heading south by car. I am overwhelmed but excited to be planning a return trip to Ireland at the end of August. My first visit there when I was 21, 14 years ago. I started in Belfast and took in a lot of the west coast, Dublin and fell in love with Connemara/Galway. I will be taking my spouse and know that among the highlights from my first trip.

Starting in Howth and making this our home base for the first 2 days ( I am returning to Seans B&B: Glen na Smol - http://www.dublinevents.com/dublin-bed-and-breakfasts/gleann-na-smol.php) Not much to look at but what a great experience and an entertaining host. Good prices too (38 Euro pp)

So here's a rough outline so far:
A day in Dublin - Grafton, St. Stephans Green, (Pub Crawl - his idea) and Book of Kells.
A day in the Wicklow area - Powerscourt and a trip to Glendalough.

And then I'm stuck: Kilkenny? Cork? Limerick? Killarney? Ring of Kerry? HELP!

I have 3 days 2 nights mid-week to fill and don't want to do too much but rather would like to keep it simple, walk a little, visit some pubs, ruins or a castle. Any ideas of where to go and a good inexpensive but nice place to stay? Youth Hostels are fine too.

I only know this I want to incorporate a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher and end up in Connemara . . . the place I imagine heaven must be like. Last time I squeezed in a bus tour and saw Kylemore Abby and wished I could stay forever.

I am looking at a place in Clifden and it seems to be a popular place to stay and sightsee.

I also have a very early flight out of Dublin . . . so I am wondering is there a good youth hostel near enough to Dublin for that last night?

Any suggestions welcome!

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