Allison,

Welcome to the forum. My first suggestion is to skip Kilkenny and instead route through Cashel for the Rock of Cashel. A bit south of Cashel is Cahir with its castle and the Swiss Cottage. I think the girls will love the fairytale thatched cottage that is unique in Ireland. It is slightly off the main Dublin/Waterford route but I do not think it will add more than half hour of drive.

You might consider having tea at Waterford castle. The picturesque castle is set on an island in the river and you are whisked to it via car ferry. There are walks around the island that is home to a flock of deer.

Since the girls like history they might like the Blasket center on the Dingle peninsula. There are also boat cruises to either see the dolphin or to the Blasket Islands. There is an aquarium in town.

Stop in Adare to see the thatched cottages and plan on several hours at Bunratty Castle. So much more than just a castle...it has a very interesting folk park, which will give a good insight into past Irish life. They also have animals.

Your second day in Galway choose either a day trip to the Aran Islands or Connemara.

On your drive back to Dublin stop at Clonmacnoise, south of Atholne.

Have fun!

Thank you for your prompt reply. I appreciate your insight. We take off next week, so excited for our adventure!