dandooo

I'm looking for some suggestions as for towns to visit while traveling in the Southeast. Here's what we've planned so far.

Tue / March 18th - Leave Dublin and drive to Wicklow and play golf at Druids Glen. From the map it looks like Wicklow isn't to far from Dublin so we'll play golf then probably hit the road traveling south. Looking for a place to stay the night in a B&B. We're really big fans of old style pubs and traditional irish music.

Wed / March 19-22 - Really don't have any plans minus stay a night in Kilkenny. I know Kilkenny is a must stop so does anyone have more suggestions?

Was thinking either Waterford or Wexford????

GreenDragon

There are villages and mountains in between. Oh, and Carlow

It is only a couple hours from Glendalough to Kilkenny. Depending on how long you play golf, this could be a one day trip. Alternatively, there are places to stay in Glendalogh, in Avoca, in Inistioghe, etc. Avoca is where they filmed the series Ballykissangel, and Inistioghe was where they filmed Circle of Friends. Both are nice villages, not large towns

dandooo

I've heard a lot of people suggest Glendlogh. Why is this and what are the attractions?

GreenDragon

Glendalough Abbey is a very powerfully religious site. It's been a Christian site since around 400AD, I think - that's about when St. Kevin started the place. It's also an incredibly serene valley nestled in the Wicklow mountains. Best time to see it is early in the morning or late in the afternoon, after the tourists have fled. I've been to Ireland three times, and I've been to Glendalough three times. I'll go again next time - I simply love the place, it is very peaceful and beautiful. (and I'm not even Christian)

irishface

Stay in Kilkenny an extra night and do Waterford/Wexford as day trips if they appeal. Personally, I find both places a bit gritty. (Sorry for any offense given.) Kilkenny is worth an explore on its own. A pleasant drive down to Hook Head lighthouse on the coast would be a nice day's outing.

New Ross has an interesting replica of one of the "famine" ships that sailed to America in the middle of the nineteenth century. A guide takes you below decks and explains how much food you would get, shows you the berths (4 person and not sorted by sex so you might be a young woman sleeping with three strange men.), the places where you could stow your belongings, what a typical day was like.

After visiting this ship (and it was one of the best ones!) I vowed I would not fuss about eight hours on a plane again, or even about airline food!

Kilkenny could be a base for a lot of places in the southeast.

GreenDragon

You could easily base yourself in Kilkenny for a week and not get bored. Day trips to Cashel, Cahir, Jerpoint Abbey, Kells Abbey, etc. are there for the historically intrested. Great pubs in Kilkenny (trad music at several, we enjoyed Kytler's Inn). We stayed at the Alcantra B&B, and had wonderful service, great location - don't know if Bridget is taking new guests, though

dandooo

Would anyone recommend making accomadations at B&B's in Kilkenny soon? Or can I wait until we're over there?

GreenDragon

Well, I'd certainly start looking, and then if you see a place you like, go for it. But I don't think you'll have a great deal of difficulty finding a place in March. It's not season, so it won't be filled with folks, but it's not off-season so most things are open.