We want an easy first drive in Ireland, after four days in Dublin (without car, will see the sights in city and take one or more day tours: Glendalough, Wicklow, etc.) Kilkenny seems like a good start and a charming town. Want to avoid one night stays, so would like to stay in Kilkenny two nights, Mon. and Tues. May 8 and 9. Assuming we leave Dublin early-ish on Mon. and arrive in Kilkenny by lunch, what would be reasonable to plan for Monday afternoon and all day Tuesday? Would go see Cashel if that worked. We are open to all suggestions at this point: walking around in town, castle, outlying areas (but don't want to spend loads of time in the car. Not interested in Waterford/crystal.) Thanks very much to all for sharing your experiences. Always very helpful.

Oh...also could use some reccomendations for B/B's in Kilkenny. Have heard a bit about Celtic House and Hilgrove. Thanks.

Kilkenny is a good choice. I suggest starting off with lunch at Langton's in Kilkenny (the Design Centre is a decent spot for lunch if your still full from breakfast) and then heading to Kilkenny Castle (1-2hrs) and the Kilkenny Design Centre (1/2 - ?) and walking around town.

If the weather is okay, I suggest a short trip to Kells to wander the priory in the early evening. Then return to town and catch some traditional music in one of the pubs (a list is available at the tourist office).

For your second day, a trip to the Rock Cashel is a good idea...expect to spend just over and hour in the car to get there. Cahir Castle and the Swiss Cottage are about 20 minutes from Cashel and could also be added.

Or you could spend the day visiting Bennettsbridge (Nicholas Mosse and other potters are based there), Thomastown (Jerpoint Abbey), Kells (Kells Priory), Inistoige (picturesque village where Circle of Freinds and other movies were filmed and home of Woodstock Gardens). All those sites are within 30 minutes.

Or you could spend the entire day wandering around Kilkenny. There are several sites and shops in town to keep you busy.

You are welcome to download my Walking Kilkenny tour at http://www.knockahopple.com/downloadkilkenny.html. It'll give you an idea of some of the main sites and lesser known "finds" in Kilkenny.

I've stayed at Danville House and found it nice, but it's long walk to town.

I've walked by Celtic House and it seems nice...it's just accross the river so it's close to city centre, but still a short walk...not the cosiest-looking location, but looked clean and well-kept.

The River Court Hotel is in the heart of everything and is brand new, but it's also a bit more pricey...however, they do run internet specials.

Guidebooks have recommended Hillgrove (for it's award-winning breakfasts), but I haven't been there.

Thanks very much yesiree100. Still open to accomodation suggestions from anyone else.

Claire50, I stayed at Langton's in 1997. They had just opened the rooms. I found them very comfortable, but that has been some time ago.

There are some previous posts with Kilkenny accommodations. Type Kilkenny in the search field above and it will narrow down the posts for you.

Thanks for checking back yesiree100. After looking at lots of books, and posts on various websites, we booked Fanad House. Looking forward to our stay in this area, thanks to your encouraging suggestions.