Dublin Airport to Kilkenny-Scenic Route?

Michele Erdvig · Host

Dublin Airport to Kilkenny-Scenic Route?

Lucky Traveler · Veteran Member

We wondered if route M81 through Blessington is more scenic than M9 driving to Kilkenny from Dublin Airport. We'll be picking up the car late morning and then on our way to stay in Kilkenny. Or, other routes/sights to see along the way?

Thanks!

Nancy

tony2phones · Guru

I would not go via Blessington. Take the M50 all the way onto the N11 Wicklow Rd past Bray then to PowersCourt on the R760, The R755 takes you to Laragh which is under a mile to Glendalough on the R756 which effectively puts you on the M9.

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?msid=215571892271980732006.0004bb2130ecf6b8c4f34&msa=0

This assuming you are not getting straight off a transatlantic.

Lucky Traveler · Veteran Member

We'll have been in Dublin for two days, so ready to try out driving (well, as ready as we will be). If we take this route past Bray and PowersCourt then on to Laragh, we could then see the scenery around Glendalough! I had wanted to see this area, but thought it might be too far out of the way. Thanks for the route plan, Tony.

Any other sights we should be on the lookout for along the way?

Thanks!

Nancy

tony2phones · Guru

To be honest I have driven over the area a few times and It lacks something or just reminds me of where I learned to drive on Saddleworth moor in the UK. I am sure others will have fascinating spots. The drive is usually after collecting or dropping folk off the ferry terminal in Dún Laoghaire and occasionally involves a walk up Bray Head or a visit to Wicklow Gaol.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Nancy,

Because you mentioned Blessington I thought you wanted to see Russborough House. It is worth seeing but not at the expense of dropping Powerscourt and Glendalough. They are much more impressive and important to see. Take Tony's advice - it is good.

If you have the whole day to get to Kilkenny this is what I would do:

Continue south through the scenic Vale of Clara to Rathdrum and Avoca. Avoca is the setting for the Irish TV series Ballykissangel. You might want to stop in the village and see Avoca Handweavers. Continue on to Arklow, then south on the N11 to New Ross where you can visit the Dunbrody Famine Ship. From New Ross take the scenic drive up the R700 to Kilkenny. There are several things to see on that road but you may not have the time for Woodstock in Inistioge or Jerpoint Abbey.

If you do not have the whole day cut west across the mountains from Laragh to hook up with the M9 and continue south to Kilkenny.

Michele

Lucky Traveler · Veteran Member

These are great ideas. I think I will print off both routes and then we can decide once we see how long it takes to get back to the airport and pick up the rental car and all. We can turn toward Kilkenny either at Laragh or keep on driving. Looks like the New Ross route would be 6 hours or so with a few stops and lunch. Thanks for the great ideas about sights to see. I'll be printing this off to take with us.

Nancy

Michele Erdvig · Host

Nancy,

Good idea to play it by ear and see what happens when you are actually in Ireland. The weather could impact what you do too.

Michele