driving from Dublin Airport to Kilkenny

murphy714 · Member

driving from Dublin Airport to Kilkenny

tony2phones · Guru

Welcome.

DUB to Kilkenny is a straightforward 1 1/2 hour motorway drive so simple reach point to point..

There are some folk who think its a good Idea to get off a transatlantic flight and go sightseeing over the Wicklow mountains..I would strongly suggest that being unwise

If a detour is deemed necessary then I suggest the National Stud and Japanese Gardens which are far less a deviation from course http://irishnationalstud.ie/

Michele Erdvig · Host

As Tony suggested the motorway will be the easiest and quickest way. Another option (that will require getting off the motorway) would be to go via Portlaoise and stop at the Rock of Dunamase (signposted off the Stradbally road). I think weather and how tired you are feeling will determine what you want to do along the way.

You could also just go directly to Kilkenny and do a walking tour of town and see the castle.

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Perhaps as a lesser detour, you might find some options on http://www.megalithicireland.com

Old Kilcullin -- In Old Kilcullin. Take M7 to the N9 South to the Kilcullin exit. Turn right onto N78 heading SW. The second left takes you to the graveyard/site.

http://www.megalithicireland.com/High%20Cross%20Old%20Kilcullen.htm

Moone High Cross. This is the second highest High Cross in Ireland. In Moone, Co. Kildare. Take M7 to N9 South for Carlow. Turn Left, toward Moone, drive through village until you see signs for the High Cross. Turn right toward a second sign ( about 1 1/2 KM). Park next to the stone wall and pass through the stile into the graveyard.

http://www.megalithicireland.com/High%20Cross%20Moone.htm

Castledermot High Cross and Round Tower Take the M7 West to N9 South toward Carlow. In St. James Church of Ireland, in town center, about 7.5 Kilometers South of Moone.

http://www.megalithicireland.com/High%20cross%20castledermot.htm

murphy714 · Member

We won't be coming off plane and driving we are spending first two nights in Dublin then going back to airport to pick up a car to start our journey- I've heard a lot of Powerscourt and thought maybe stopping there for a walk then on to Kilkenny? Thanks for any information- most helpful

Michele Erdvig · Host

Powerscourt Gardens are beautiful. Since you won't be jet-lagged you can easily go south to Enniskerry see Powerscourt, then go a few miles south to Glendalough and see the monastic site and end the day in Kilkenny. Co. Wicklow is gorgeous. But keep in mind that weekends are extremely crowded at both places.

tony2phones · Guru

If you aim to Go Via Glendalough there is an alternative to Powerscourt you might not have heard of http://www.mountushergardens.ie/ straight down to Ashford before turning right off the N11 and you practically pass the gates.

PuzoP2 · Member

I had the same sort of question, regarding Dublin airport (just picking up the car), and the driving to Galway. Can you miss the Dublin traffic? Also, I know the motorway is a straight shot, but are there any side trips along the route not to be missed on the way across? We'll also have 5 nights outside of Galway, so there will be plenty of day trips from our home base there.
Thanks.

Geno · Guru

The route from Dublin Airport to Galway is via the M6 which is a four-lane highway, and we stopped to stretch our legs and see the sights at Clonmacnoise -- about an hour away from the airport, turning on R446. I thought it was a good way to get out of the car for a bit and see one of the most tranquil places in the country. We were there on a weekday morning and had it to ourselves.

If you are going through that part later in the day, Kilbeggan and Tullamore distilleries do wonderful tours, and both are close by Clonmacnoise.

Geno

PuzoP2 · Member

Perfect! Thank you Geno.

Michele Erdvig · Host

From Dublin Airport you need to hop on the M50 south and take exit 7 to the M4, and then the N/M6.

Another stop on the Dublin/Galway route is Belvedere House & Gardens (south of Mullingar). It is a few miles off the main highway.

tony2phones · Guru

Dublin to Galway some points not far off the main drag http://goo.gl/maps/FDZCV

PuzoP2 · Member

Such a wonderful resource! Thanks once again.

murphy714 · Member

that looks lovely and maybe not as crowed as Powerscourt? How long will it take me from there to Kilkenny.

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

www.aaroadwatch.ie calls the TOTAL trip from Dublin Airport to Kilkenny, via Arklow and Glendalough, as 152 miles and claims 4 hours. Real-world, it will probably take more like 5 -- EXCLUDING stops.

BUT -- This route should actually take the better part of a day, if you stop at Mount Usher, drive the Vale of Avoca (with stops at Avoca and Meeting of the Waters), a visit to Glendalough and a drive through the Wicklow Gap, ending up in Kilcullen (the Round Tower from my earlier post) -- where you join the N9, for the run into Kilkenny.

There are, of course, quicker options, but this one has a LOT of 'Bang for your Buck', in MY opinion.

murphy714 · Member

Thanks- it seems like a long day- not sure what time we will get car from airport- and I like to end in Kilkenny not too late to see castle and walk around a bit- we are leaving the next morning for Blarney and onto to Killarney- the Rock of Dunamase might not be so crowded since we will be driving on a Sat. Aug. 2nd.

murphy714 · Member

Thank you this looks very interesting and I think a nice first day of driving- directions there would be great and how long to do you think it would take to get to Kilkenny if we stopped and walked the Rock of Dunanase

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Not sure what you are asking for . . . confuse

Dublin Airport to Kilkenny, via Rock of Dunamase is 94.3 miles and AA says 2 hours. I would allow 1 hour to climb the ramparts and see the sights at Dunamase -- possibly a bit longer, if the weather gods smile . . . biggrin

A Good, alternate route is to then detour through Timahoe, Co Laoise -- the Round Tower and Church Ruins there http://www.megalithicireland.com/Timahoe%20Round%20Tower.html have a remarkable setting and are seldom visited. Dunamase http://www.megalithicireland.com/Dunamase.html is almost NEVER crowded!

This route is only 98.6 miles -- 3 hours driving -- more or less . . . aww

Google Maps:

R426 and N78

Driving directions to Kilkenny, Ireland

This route has tolls. - more info »

Dublin Airport

Co. Fingal

Ireland

	1. Head southwest
		28 m
	2. Slight right Go through 1 roundabout
		2.1 km
	3. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto the M1 ramp to An Lár/City Centre
		700 m
	4. Merge onto M1
		1.0 km
	5. Keep left to continue on E01, follow signs for O Dheas/Southbound/Dún Laoghaire/Port/Calafort/M50
		1.1 km
	6. Continue onto E01/M50 Partial toll road
		16.9 km
	7. At junction 9, take the N7 exit to Luimneach/Limerick/Corcaigh/Cork/Waterford/N8/N9
		800 m
	8. Merge onto R110
		130 m
	9. Continue onto N7
		20.6 km
	10. Continue onto M7 (signs for Luimneach/Limerick/Corcaigh/Cork/Port Láirge/Waterford/M8/M9)
		49.1 km
	11. At junction 16, exit toward R445/Port Laoise/N80/Ceatharlach/Carlow
		500 m
	12. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit
		3.4 km
	13. Turn right
		110 m
	14. Turn left
		150 m
	15. Sharp right
		45 m

96.7 km about 1 hour 4 mins

Rock of Dunamaise

Dunamaise

Co. Laois, Ireland

	16. Head southeast
		45 m
	17. Sharp left
		150 m
	18. Turn right
		110 m
	19. Take the 1st right toward N80
		650 m
	20. Slight left onto N80
		4.2 km
	21. Turn right onto Court Square Destination will be on the left
		7.8 km

12.9 km about 14 mins

Timahoe Round Tower

	22. Head northeast toward R426
		160 m
	23. Take the 2nd right onto R426
		8.9 km
	24. Slight left onto R430
		250 m
	25. Take the 1st right onto R426 (signs for An Chloch/Clogh/Caisleán an Chomair/Castlecomer)
		3.3 km
	26. Turn right to stay on R426
		7.5 km
	27. Turn right onto N78
		12.6 km
	28. Continue straight onto N77
		3.6 km
	29. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit
		500 m
	30. Continue straight onto Castlecomer Road
		1.5 km
	31. At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Castlecomer New Road Go through 1 roundabout
		700 m
	32. Turn left onto Dublin Road
		140 m

39.1 km about 41 mins

Kilkenny

Ireland

Michele Erdvig · Host

Wicklow (Powerscourt & Glendalough) to Kilkenny would be a long day. Taking a different route and stopping at the Rock of Dunamase would take less time. Figuring out what you want to see and do in Ireland is all about time and trade-offs.

larissa · Veteran Member

We just took the scenic route when we took off from Dublin to Killkenny. We stayed in Dualla, at Tir Na Nog, and we just took our time and went Jerpoint abbey. We had some scones and tea in Thomastown and headed on to the B and B. It was simple and lovely, and a nice way to start our trip. Getting off the plane and using a full day to tour, is not a good idea. I think I turned in at 7:30 that evening, but I woke up refreshed! You can check out my blog to see the places we went the first day. I used this site RELIGIOUSLY the entire time I was planning!

www.larissasmuncy.com

-- Edited by larissa on Sunday 2nd of March 2014 03:52:13 PM

larissa · Veteran Member

Forgot to add, I used "NO JET LAG", I got it from Amazon.com. It worked wonderfully for that first day driving. I didnt want to bring to light Tony's prediction of me crashing into a cow or something on my first day. smile Really though, it helps you feel normal! biggrin

tony2phones · Guru

The chances of hitting a Cow on the Wicklow moors are pretty remote, the chance of dropping into a ditch slightly higher and the chance of getting lost,, pretty good. Being tired and slightly stressed plus the zero white lines and maybe forgetting to drive on the left with no traffic coming the other way until it does!

murphy714 · Member

thanks so much for all the information- we aren't interested in Powerscourt mainly becacuse it would be very crowded on a Sat.we like just to take a hike in Glendalogh and then go to Kilkenny- we also dont want to go through Sally Gap or Military Rd on the first take of learning to drive on left side- plus we have lovely mts. here in CA. is there a direct rout to Glendalough and then to Kilkenny-

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

According to www.theaa.ie/routes from Dublin Airport to Kilkenny, via Glendalough is 121.3 miles. The call it 3 hours and 15 minutes of drive time -- I would say it is at least FOUR hours -- NOT counting your time in Glendalough. Their route takes you to the M50, to the M/N11 and then onto the R 765, from Newtown Mount Kennedy, through Roundwood, into Laragh (Glendalough). Departing there, it has you driving through the Wicklow Gap via the R756, to the N81. After a SLIGHT 'jog' North, it has you take the R413 to Kilcullen -- where you join the M9 South, around Carlow, to the N10 (Junction 8) into Kilkenny.

Google maps directions says the route is 114 miles and 2 hours and 30 minutes. I call it closer to 3.5 hours. They route you similarly to AA, but instead of 'jogging' North on the N81 and heading to Kilcullen, it has you STAY on the R756 to the R448 and then, West, on the R747, to joint the M9, at Junction 3.

Personally, since you seem to have your heart set on that Glendalough hike -- I would suggest that you take the M50 to Junction 11 (Tallaght Road/ N81) and head SW, through Blessington (and past Russborough House) and then take the R756, into Glendalough. Departing there, I would retake the R756, back to the N81. From THERE, follow Google's R448 and R747, to the M9. THIS route is 117 miles and 2 hours and 45 minutes, per Google. I would call it 3.5 - 3.75 hours -- BUT, I think it is less distracting, less hectic and less confusing than the OTHER options.

If it WERE me, I would let Glendalough go -- But, then again, I KNOW how I react to an over-night flight . . . cry

http://www.russboroughhouse.ie/ You could stop for a coffee/tea break and 'reassess' . . . They offer TWO different, 2km walks -- a Wood Land and a Wild Life walk. They also offer a Tea Room, Guided Tours of the House, Walled Garden, a Maze, Gift Shop AND -- the Stables/Courtyard are occupied by some delightful Independent Craft and Artisan shops.

murphy714 · Member

thank you- we will have rested two nights in Dublin first- and wanted to take a hike along our way to Kilkenny- to see a different part of Ireland since the rest will be on the coast-Kilkenny-Killarney,Dingle, Kinvarra- I like the simple route you suggested- but maybe we will just head to Kilkenny if we get a late start from Dublin-

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Ah --- that DOES make a difference! biggrin

Well rested, a detour to Glendalough makes an excellent option. Much of the Monastic Site might be rather crowded with 'day-trippers', but the Upper Lake is much less so -- and VERY scenic. If you are willing/ interested in making a day of the trip to Kilkenny, you could drive via the M50/N11 all the way down to Arklow and then take the R747 through the Vale of Avoca and Meeting of the Waters, into Glendalough. Decent roads and VERY scenic.

In April of 2012, we departed Bray and followed an even more convoluted route, to Wexford -- via Glendalough: http://ireland.activeboard.com/t49038325/scenes-from-a-wedding-april-2012/?page=2&sort=newestFirst It was on our 2nd day. You might find the information useful.

murphy714 · Member

Thanks so much you are very helpful- the Upper Lake hike looks wonderful and hopefully we can spread out from the crowd- that route sounds good for first day of driving after leaving Glendalough which way would you recommend to get to Kilkenny.

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

You don't mention your dates of travel, or your destinations AFTER Kilkenny, so it makes it harder to 'Second Guess' . . .

Since there MAY be a 'Late Start' and the presumption that your time IN Kilkenny will be limited to a night or two -- I would suggest YOUR choice of my earlier suggestions:

"According to www.theaa.ie/routes from Dublin Airport to Kilkenny, via Glendalough is 121.3 miles. The call it 3 hours and 15 minutes of drive time -- I would say it is at least FOUR hours -- NOT counting your time in Glendalough. Their route takes you to the M50, to the M/N11 and then onto the R 765, from Newtown Mount Kennedy, through Roundwood, into Laragh (Glendalough). Departing there, it has you driving through the Wicklow Gap via the R756, to the N81. After a SLIGHT 'jog' North, it has you take the R413 to Kilcullen -- where you join the M9 South, around Carlow, to the N10 (Junction 8) into Kilkenny.

Google maps directions says the route is 114 miles and 2 hours and 30 minutes. I call it closer to 3.5 hours. They route you similarly to AA, but instead of 'jogging' North on the N81 and heading to Kilcullen, it has you STAY on the R756 to the R448 and then, West, on the R747, to joint the M9, at Junction 3."

OR

"Personally, since you seem to have your heart set on that Glendalough hike -- I would suggest that you take the M50 to Junction 11 (Tallaght Road/ N81) and head SW, through Blessington (and past Russborough House) and then take the R756, into Glendalough. Departing there, I would retake the R756, back to the N81. From THERE, follow Google's R448 and R747, to the M9. THIS route is 117 miles and 2 hours and 45 minutes, per Google. I would call it 3.5 - 3.75 hours -- BUT, I think it is less distracting, less hectic and less confusing than the OTHER options.

http://www.russboroughhouse.ie/ You could stop for a coffee/tea break and 'reassess' . . . They offer TWO different, 2km walks -- a Wood Land and a Wild Life walk. They also offer a Tea Room, Guided Tours of the House, Walled Garden, a Maze, Gift Shop AND -- the Stables/Courtyard are occupied by some delightful Independent Craft and Artisan shops. "

These two offer Glendalough, but should get you into Kilkenny early enough to see some of the city -- and enjoy some of the 'Night Life'! biggrin biggrin