My wife and myself will spend a week in Mid-August touring (by car) around Ireland and I would appreciate any advice on what to see. Our main interest is history and that includes castles/abbeys as well as strolls in historic towns. Please note that we have already visited Dublin.

One terrific resource for planning a trip to Ireland

www.irelandexpert.com

Don't know your budget, but a night in Ashford Castle (in Cong, Co. Mayo) was a highlight of my last trip. Dromoland Castle (very close to Shannon airport) was also wonderful -- but not quite as impressive as Ashford.

These castles are pricey -- but worth it if you want to splurge.

On two separate potings in the last day or two djkbooks has given one piece of advice which is to go to a different website. I find that to be either irritating or irritating and advertising.

Back to the OP, where will you be landing? That makes a pretty big difference with a week to work with.

Bill

I am landing and departing in Dublin. I was thinking on concentrating on the on the west side due to the number of castles located there.

You might be interested in Newgrange - though it is to the north of Dublin.
http://www.knowth.com/newgrange.htm

The Rock of Cashel was most interesting also.

The Blarney Castle is def. worth seeing and the Cliffs. My favorite town was Dingle. I don't know about the amount of history there, but the beaches are stunning and the drive is beautiful.

alexous wrote: "Our main interest is history and that includes castles/abbeys as well as strolls in historic towns."

Have you a real interest in history, or do mean that you want to see old buildings?

Stellablue312 wrote: " My favorite town was Dingle. I don't know about the amount of history there"

Quite a lot, and prehistory also. Not much in the way of habitable castles, though.

A note on the Blarney Stone and castle. It is a difficult series of stone steps with a rope bannister and once you start up you cannot go back down until you reach the next level. It is not for anyone with problems walking or going the stairs.

If you like to read something about the history of Ireland try Edward Rutherfurd's books. Both are great reading -
The Princes of Ireland: The Dublin Saga
The Rebels of Ireland: The Dublin Saga

alexous,

You've chosen a terrific vacation destination.

Eastern Ireland is not without its castles - or vacation potential. Allow me to suggest that you spend a few of your days touring a region just south of Dublin, counties Wicklow and Kilkenny. The scenery in these parts isn't as rugged as much of the west, but it's very scenic, often less busy with tourists, and packs a good deal of historic punch.

Glendalough, located in a lovely wooded setting, is less than an hour's drive south of Dublin. It's features the impressive remains of a 6th century monastic settlement, including high crosses, churches, and a round tower. Get an early start (or visit late in the day) to avoid tour bus groups visiting from Dublin.

Drive southwest from Wicklow to reach the friendly small city of Kilkenny, featuring a tourable castle and one of the country's best cathedrals, St. Canice. Kilkenny city is also the gateway to a stretch of countryside and numerous scenic villages that are well worth your time. Be sure to obtain a rental car and try to spend at least a full day touring such places as Bennetsbridge, Inistioge, and Thomastown.
For the history buff, don't miss Jerpoint Abbey, an evocative 12th century Cistercian monastey, located just outside Thomastown. Whatever you do, this part of Ireland is the perfect antidote to an over-stressed, always-on-go lifestyle.

Perhaps you could spend the first four days of your holiday in the west - the Dingle Peninsula and coastal County Clare are especially scenic - and then conclude your time in the places suggested. From there it's a short drive back to Dublin.

Best of luck.