We are planning to spend a day and night in Kilkenny and then leave the next morning to see Cahir Castle and Rock of Cashel (perhaps taking in a performance at Bru Boru, if they are open on Sept. 12). We had planned to spend the night in Cashel, leaving the next day to see Killarney Park and Muckross House, and ending that day in Kenmare (plan to drive ROK clockwise the following day, spending that night in Killorglin or Castlemaine - then on to Dingle
the next day).
My question is: If we spend the night in Cashel, will that give us enough time in Killarney Park the next day, or should we drive part (or all the way there) that night? If we drove part way, where would we spend the night - (I don't see any towns)? Thanks!

According to viamichelin.com, it's 166 km from Cashel to Killarney via Limerick and 145 km via Mallow. The estimated driving time in either case is around 2 1/2 hours. Since viamichelin tends to underestimate driving times in Ireland, play it safe and increase that estimate a bit.

If you leave really early in the morning, I imagine you can fit everything in. But be sure to allow yourselves time to enjoy the drive between Killarney and Kenmare. It's gorgeous!

I have stayed in Knocktopher (near Kilkenny) and driven the ring of Kerry that day and come back - but it's a LOOOONNG day. Certainly if you are not driving the ROK, and not then driving back to Kilkenny, you should be perfectly fine.

This is what we did on one day: We overnighted in Cashel, started early at Rock of Cashel, stop and toured Cahir Castle, continue driving on to Kenmare via Killarney. We made it to Kenmare around 5pm. What I am trying to tell you is that a stop in Killarney and tour of the Muckross House is a bit much to add to this day; drop the Muckross House because you want to have daylight for the drive Killarney-Kenmare. At Kenmare make sure you go to O'Donnabaihns (sp??!!) for dinner!!!

Thanks - it sounds as if we would be better off staying closer to Killarney than in Cashel; I didn't realize the drive from Killarney to Kenmare would be so scenic and I certainly don't want to miss any of it!

Questions: Is the drive from Cashel to Killarney Park one that could be made late in the day or should it be done in all daylight?

Anyone know of a B & B that is on the way to Killarney from Cashel (but closer to Killarney)?? Or should we just try to get to Killarney?? I know this is a lot of driving, but we have limited time.

We enjoyed Salmon Leap, on the N22 a few miles east of Killarney. http://www.salmonleapfarm.com/

Thanks - it looks nice. I was thinking of something on the N72, though, for the ease of finding it, since it will probably be late in the day. I have been looking at places near Mallow, as TimS suggested it was a good route.

newcomer1, I haven't driven through Mallow myself. The information I gave you in my previous post about driving from Cashel to Killarney via Mallow was based solely on what I found at viamichelin.com. OTOH, it's good to know that Viagero2 agrees with me about the drive between Killarney and Kenmare. BTW, if you use viamichelin.com, you will see sections of road that are highlighted in green, meaning scenic.

Thanks for the information; I had been using AAroadwatch, but I'll check out Michelin.