kilkenney or kinsale?

Kinsale is much more quaint and would be my choice for an overnight stop. Both places are very worth seeing. I have spent a day in both and really enjoyed just strolling around Kinsale, it's lovely. I also did an organised walk in both places and although Kinsale doesn't have the big draws like the castle and brewery that Kilkenney has, I think for an overnight it has more to offer. I found the locals in Kinsale very welcoming and friendly and I recently saw a restaurant featured on tv that they said was amazing, but unfortunaely I don't remember the name. It's also a quick drive to Cork.

I'd choose Kilkenny. I've been to both and I liked Kilkenny better. No specific reason that I can put my finger on, just one of those things. However, on the trip you describe, I would also choose Kilkenny. It is closer to Dublin and you can make a stop or two along the way to Dublin. Glendalough and Powerscourt are both worth a stop. (Now if you have to make a choice between the two, I think I would choose Glendalough.)

I think I agree with irishface on picking Kilkenny. That way you do the major portion of the Killarney-Dublin drive first, perhaps stoppping at Cashel en route. Then you can spend as much time in Kilkenny and visiting other sites closer to Dublin (Glendalough/Powerscourt or the Irish Stud/Japanese gardens at Kildare, depending on your route) as time permits on the second day.

If you go only as far as Kinsale the first day, then you'll have a longer drive the 2nd day and less time to see things along the way.

thank you for your advice i will take it. i think you are right about going to kilkenney. and i will make those stops along the way.