Advise on 4-night itinerary, please

Jasaco · Member

Advise on 4-night itinerary, please

Michele Erdvig · Host

Jasco,

Welcome to my forum! There is a wealth of beauty right on Dublin's doorstep. Just south of the city is Co. Wicklow, called the garden of Ireland. I think you would be very pleased with the scenery, mountains and attractions there.

Just south of Wicklow is Co. Wexford, where fewer tourists venture. Kilmore Quay will fulfill your desire to see lots of thatched houses.

If you loved Galway, may I suggest Kilkenny? It is my favorite city in Ireland. There is also lots to see in the vicinity.

I think if you venture to Ireland's "sunny" southeast you will be pleasantly surprised.

Michele

Jasaco · Member

Thanks, Michele. I just read a bit on Kilkenny (where it is reported there are stones there as black as ink?) and it does look interesting. Plus we have friends who've invited us to visit in Waterford. Then I think we could probably get over to Cork and maybe Ring of Kerry/Dingle before hightailing it back to Drogheda. Sound do-able for 4 nights?

But, just in case, what did you think of our suggested Northern Ireland itinerary?

Thanks again!
Jasaco

Michele Erdvig · Host

Jasaco,

I don't know what time of year you were last in Ireland. However, in October the days get much shorter. You cannot fit in as much as you think you might. Many people prefer a "green blur" type pace where they are always on the go and only spend one night in any area. If that is your preference you can do any of the trips you have outlined. But you will be spending most of your time driving.

If - on the other hand - you prefer to spend more time sightseeing, enjoying Ireland and don't feel like packing up and moving on every day, why not consider a couple of two-night stays? Covering less territory is always a plus in Ireland.

You mention "hightailing" back to Drogheda from Kerry. Such a drive will most likely take you 6 hours or more, depending on your starting point. It seems sensless to waste a whole precious day just driving. Please consider sticking closer to the SE as I mentioned previously. You will have a much nicer time and actually have time to visit your friends in Waterford.

Michele

Jasaco · Member

Michele, you've persuaded us that we should definitely go see Kilkenny as part of our trip. Can you recommend a nice, clean, affordable B&B within walking distance of town (and, of course, preferably with a thatched roof! LOL!)?

Michele Erdvig · Host

Jasaco,

Go to my "Lodgings" page. I have links to Alcantra and Laragh House. Sorry, no thatched roofs in the city! You will have to drive down to Kilmore Quay for lots of them. Think about a night in Glendalough in the Wicklow Mountains. Then you could have 3 in Kilkenny.

Don't know if you have my book but there is a lot of sightseeing in the beautiful countryside around Kilkenny. The tourist office will also help with that. Do go to my "Discounts" page and get your free Walking Tour of Ireland, courtesy of Corey of IrishFireside.com

Michele

CowboyCraic · Guru

Jasaco,

With only 4 days, it would be wiser to follow Michele's course and stay in the Southeast, save the west coast for a longer visit, as there is so much to see and do on that side. As well, you are best off to save the North for a visit of its own.

Though not within walking distance of Kilkenny, my favorite place to stay is just on its outskirts. Lawcus Farm Guesthouse is a fabulous experience, with its stone farmhouse and location on the King's River. Mark Fisher is the most delightful of hosts! Newlands Lodge is also a wonderful place to stay, about five minutes from Kilkenny's town centre.

Slan Beo,

Bit