Kilkenny to Doolin

Geno · Guru

Kilkenny to Doolin

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

A lot would depend on what interests you --

If you take the N77 North and then NE on the N78, you'll pass right by Dunmore Cave. Then, in Newtown, turn NW for Swan (R430) and N on the R430, to Timahoe -- which has a TERRIFIC Round Tower and church ruins, just off the Green in the village center. From there, continue N toward Port Laoise -- unless you haven't visited the Rock of Dunamase. If not, a turn NE onto the R427, toward Stradbally, will bring you to the N80 and a left, to the W, will bring you by there. It's JUST off the M7, outside of Port Laoise.

http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/south-east/dunmorecave/

http://www.megalithicireland.com/Timahoe%20Round%20Tower.html

http://www.megalithicireland.com/Dunamase.html

If you then head S on the M7, exit onto the NW (near Junction 19) onto the R434, toward Aghaboe and Borris-on-Ossory. There is an abbey, in Aghaboe, as well as a motte.

http://www.megalithicireland.com/Aghaboe.html

In Borris-on-Ossory, the R434 joins the R 445 and that will take you into Roscrea -- where there is another fine Round Tower, High Cross and Monastic Ruins (as well as a Castle). It is also home to the Unwed Mother's Home featured in the movie: "Philomena".

http://www.discoverireland.ie/Arts-Culture-Heritage/roscrea-castle-church-high-cross-and-round-tower/13130

http://www.heritagetowns.com/roscrealarge1.shtml

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/philomena-misleading-and-doesnt-tell-whole-truth-nuns-29740018.html

From there, the M7 will take you to Limerick. If you STILL have time, though, Birr and Portumna (and, of course, Lough Derg) are just to the North and West! biggrin biggrin

-- Edited by Itallian Chauffeur on Tuesday 28th of January 2014 12:34:38 PM

Geno · Guru

Some great ideas -- I was thinking about Lough Derg, but everything else is something new to think about and look into.

The Rock of Dunamase looks real interesting ... have not been there, but probably have driven past that turnoff several times over the years. A great tip!

Thanks!

-- Edited by Geno on Tuesday 28th of January 2014 01:07:26 PM

Geno · Guru

We are going to be in Westport for a few days too, and wondered if you had taken the ferry to Clare Island? My wife has read many books on Grace O'Malley and is interested in that as a day trip. Interesting? Or are there better things to do (we have been to Crough Patrick).

Geno

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Hmmm -- Westport and Grace O'Malley ... confuse confuse

I've NOT been to Clare Island, but info, here: http://www.goexplorehostel.ie/clare-island/general-information/

I suppose a LOT would depend upon the weather! biggrin biggrin

An interesting GO"M site: http://www.graceomalley.com/timeline.php

Have you been to Achill Island? There's a nice GO'M castle there -- Michele used a pix of it on her 20th Anniversary edition of Ireland Dream Trip Guide Book. Some TERRIFIC scenery, too! http://www.achilltourism.com/granuaile.html

Westport House has a rather extensive collection: http://www.westporthouse.ie/westport-house-and-gardens/grace-omalley/

In the vicinity:

Ballintubber Abbey: http://www.museumsofmayo.com/ballintubber.htm

Museum of Country Life: http://www.museum.ie/en/homepage.aspx

Nearby to the Museum is

Turlough Round Tower: http://roundtowers.org/turlough/index.htm

Michael Davit Museum and Grave: http://www.michaeldavittmuseum.com/

There are also three other Round Towers in the area and the Foxford Mill isn't too far. Knock is also within reach.

Michele Erdvig · Host

I highly recommend the Rock of Dunamase. It is signposted on the road to Stradbally from Portlaoise (or vice versa). It is like an alternative to the Rock of Cashel, the same as we recommend Loop Head as a different experience to the Cliffs of Moher. You may find yourselves the only people there.

There are some interesting drives through the Slieve Bloom Mountains. Have you visited Birr before? The gardens are beautiful and the Georgian town is lovely.

I second Achill Island. Beautiful scenery on Atlantic Drive out to Minuan Mountain, the deserted village, Keem Strand.