Yes, we were told by the B&B owners that high season runs anywhere from May through October with June, July and August being the busiest. I really think the car rental is the way to go. The tour groups only hit the main tourist traps and we were told that they really cram a lot onto a tight schedule--hurry up and look--okay back on the bus.

We only got to actually see inside two of the castles Bunratty and parts of Kylemore. And as we were told no flash photos and hubby is a rule follower many of them were blurry, dark or out of focus. But I'll look through them and see for any clear ones. If they had one of us in them could you edit over or should they be just clear background with no people? (don't really know anything about creating fanart.) I do have a few nice pics from inside some country homes, now museums. (picture more along the lines of Malfoy Manor more so than a Hogwarts style castle.)