Happy new year! It's been over 2 years since my last trip to Ireland, so it's time to head back. I'll be returning with my mom late May/early June. I have a rough idea of the itinerary, but still not committed 100% to all of it. I'm debating Wexford versus Waterford. Can you please share with me your opinions of the two cities? I'm fond of castles, towers, churches and shopping.
Hope you've been well. Thanks for your help!
Ande Ps. I had to do a new registration to post, so I'm showing up as a newbie.
It's great to hear you are planning another trip to Ireland and with your mother. Waterford is a large rather industrial city with a lot of shipping that comes up the river. I actually prefer Wexford which has a more ancient feel to me and is not so industrial. Now, you could stay nearby Waterford. Tramore and Dunmore East are only a few miles south of the city.
Probably what you want to see will determine your overnight stop.
Wexford, hands down over Waterford for me. As Michele has said, Waterford is an industrial town. My first impression of it was to compare it to Buffalo's industrial district. I spent 3 days in Wexford. The entire county of Wexford is a treasure trove. I want to explore it in its whole one of these visits back. A Day trip along its coastal edges is a day well spent! Selskar Abbety alone is worth the visit to Wexford Town. Johnstonw Castle, which is close at hand to Wexford Town houses the Irish Agricultural museum and a fabulous garden.
How long will you spend in either Waterford or Wexford? Or is just an overnight stop? Where will you be coming from and going to? That would help determine where the overnight should be.
My itinerary is a work in progress, but here's my plan so far: Day 1, arrive Dublin, ramble around at a leisurely pace for the day spontaneous siteseeing. Day 2, Dublin, taking in St. Michan's, Trinity for the Book of Kells, and Kil. Gaol. Day 3, rent car, head out in morning to Powerscourt and Glendalough, spend night somewhere on coast. Day 4, head to Waterford or Wexford, and then on to Kilkenny for the night. Day 5, Kilkenny Day 6, Capoquin, Lismore, Blarney Castle. Don't know where to spend night. Day 7. explore whatever town I end up staying in, before heading back to Dublin for final night. Day 8, Fly home.
I think this itinerary needs more thought. It's kind of annoying to have to drive away from the coast to go see Kilkenny, but I've been wanting to go there, so it must be done!
There is no getting around the fact that Kilkenny is inland. Guess you will just have to bite the bullet and drive away from the coast. There is so much to do and see you won't miss not seeing the ocean for a couple of days! On the day you do Powerscourt and Glendalough you could easily make it to Wexford for the night.