wrenwood

Would staying somewhere reasonably close to Newgrange or Trim be too far out of the way for a 10:55 flight home from Dublin Airport the next morning?

These are two places that are not on our itinerary at the moment but would like to see them.

We would be leaving Kenmare early in the morning and wondering if this is too much.........

Padraig

Near Newgrange is okay, as you can expect a fairly clear run into the airport; it's more risky from Trim.

But, in your position, I wouldn't try. It's 200 miles and 5 hours from Kenmare to Dublin (plus stops). It might be a better idea to work in some tourism along your route than to extend your day's travel and try to enjoy a major visit or two at the end of the journey.

wrenwood

Padraig, I know, I'm a little worried too that I'm trying to do too much.

Had thought about the Rock of Cashel, any other ideas along the way?

Padraig

If you take the route via Cashel (not a bad option) then you can visit Cahir Castle near to it (see http://www.cahirtourism.ie/tourist/cahircastle.htm ). Closer to Dublin, if you are early enough, you can visit the National Stud at Kildare where you can also visit the Japanese Garden and St Fiachra's Garden (all on one site: http://www.irish-national-stud.ie/ ).

wrenwood

If we only do one ~ Cahir Castle or Rock of Cashel, any reason to choose one over the other?

I don't think Janice has ever seen a Castle, and the only one that I know we'll see when she's with us is Ross Castle in Killarney.

Padraig

Cahir Castle and Ross Castle are quite different, so it is worth seeing both (and both are interesting).

That said, the Rock of Cashel is outstanding, and it would be a pity to miss it.

You do not need to spend a great deal of time to get at least an overview of both Cahir Castle and the Rock of Cashel, and I think you can manage both. Combine with a quick lunch in either town, and you can have it all with two hours added to your driving time. The National Stud is a good visit, but I would not omit Cahir or Cashel to make time for it.

wrenwood

I think I've got it now. Cahir and Rock of Castle will work our last day on the way towards Dublin. I booked our last night at Marine Hotel in Sutton, we can drink any wine left over from the self catering cottage looking out over Dublin Harbor, and eat at the one of the restaurants there before we re-pack. Or, if time, we could also go into Howth for dinner. ( Sitric?)

I've changed our accommodation after Carlow ( first 3 days at beginning of trip) to a self catering cottage near Athboy as they offered a 4th night free. So we will definitely be close enough to Trim and Newgrange if we get tired of gardens and trees.

Thanks for all the help!