Lisa

Hi, <BR> <BR>I am looking for help from Fodorites with input on the following day trips from Dublin. I am going to Ireland/France in mid-June and part of the trip includes one of the following "tours". How do I choose!!??? <BR> <BR>Kilkenney Castle, <BR> <BR>Powerscourt Estate and Glendalough, or <BR> <BR>Kildere <BR> <BR>Have any of you visited the above places and what was your impression? <BR> <BR>I can't even say that I am leaning toward one place over the other at this point!! They all sound great! <BR> <BR>Thanks, <BR> <BR>Lisa <BR>

Kathleen

I've heard great things about Kilkenny and Glendalough, though I've never been there. I went to Kildare and National Stud several week ago, and it was just okay, not really worth the detour, and I'm a huge horse lover. Personally I'd opt for Glendalough and Powerscourt, but then Kilkenny Castle looks pretty cool too. Check out a guidebook and see which appeals to you more.

TAJ

Hi Lisa <BR> <BR>I have been lurking on this board for a while now, but Ireland is the only place I have traveled to. Was there last Oct/Nov. We took a day trip to Glendalough through St. Kevins (? believe that is the correct name) bus service. They have a (small) bus stop right outside St. Stephens Green in Dublin. Great trip. Almost went with another tour group, but found out right before boarding the bus that she had decided not to go to Glendalough that day! With St. Kevins, we has almost all day there (believed we left Dublin about 11:30), and paid a small fee to have the guided tour of the monastic settlement. We really enjoyed our day there and having the whole day gave us plenty of time to walk around the upper and lower lakes of Glendalough. The area is very relaxing and the trip down is quite enjoyable. If you do a trip to both powerscourt and Glendalough, make sure they give you plenty of time to explore the lake area. Even spending all afternoon there, I know there was more to the lake area that we did not get to explore, including some beautiful waterfall areas that were pictured in the book. <BR> <BR>Enjoy <BR>TAJ <BR>

Cathy

Lisa, <BR>If you like mountains and beautiful scenery and ancient momunets then head for Glendalough and the Powerscourt Gardens and Waterfall. Bring good walking boots and some rain gear. If you like shopping, castles and an art and craft style city then head for Kilkenny. These are the best of the two tours you are being offered. Which ever tour you take enjoy yourself.

Dave Hutchinson

My wife and I just returned from a trip that included Kilkenny and Kilarney from Dublin. Kilkenny would be very nice if the tour company gives you plenty of time to explore the shops, Kilkenny Cathedral, etc. If you get to Kilkenny Cathedral be sure to climb the tower and take some photos from the top. Great views. My Ireland photos will appear soon on my web site at "www.crazyabouttravel.com" -Dave-