Arriving Dublin April 21st and driving to Mount Juliet in Thomastown for a 6 night stay there. Plan to play golf 1 or 2 days but also want to take a couple day trips. Waterford is close so is Cork. Any other suggestions? I think places like Galway and ROK are probably to far for day trips. Will be spending 2 nights in Dublin 27th and 28th so will see the sights there then.

From Kilkenny it's an easy drive to Cashel and the Rock of Cashel. We greatly enjoyed our visit.

Tracy

Waterford city does not appeal to me. The coast to the west of the city is very attractive and interesting -- picturesque villages like Ardmore and Dungarvan (but you might not care for Tramore). Inland, Lismore is worth visiting.

To the east of Waterford you have the Wexford coast and the Hook peninsula -- more picturesque villages and many Norman remains including abbeys, castles, fortified houses, and one of the oldest lighthouses in the world at Hook head.

Thanks to both of you for your responses.

Tracey, I forgot about Cashel, it is a must see.

Padrig, thanks for your insight to the Waterford area. The small picturesque villages sound much more appealing than Waterford itself.

Thanks

After Cashel we also went to Cahir to visit the castle before heading back to Kilkenny. I was going to mention it in my post above but had a momentary memory loss as to the name of the town. Anyways, the castle was neat and there is a lovely footpath near the castle that made for a very nice walk. Across the street was a nice cafe that served terrific hot chocolate and pastries.

Tracy

I'm just back from a weekend in Dunmore East in Waterford which is very nice.

Did you see me at the Hook Light yesterday morning? I was looking across to Dunmore East.

I agree on Dunmore East and Hook Head. There's all sorts of interesting coastal villages in the SE though I must say, Tramore was not one of them in my book.

You could make it to Glendalough and Powerscourt as day trips. Taking the road straight east from Thomastown is beautiful also.

BTW the way, don't believe the 'by hook or by crook story they tell at Hookhead. Interesting and in all likelyhood, completely false.

Have fun!

Bill

Padraig - I saw a glint....perhaps off a pair of glasses or a rapier like wit...on the balcony of my B&B...it could have emanated from your neck of the woods....

Anyway, I stayed at http://www.parkswood.com/
This is a really nice place.
Tt's actually in Passage East - but Dunmore is more geared for tourists.

Lawchick, we had a near miss. I was just across the river in Arthurstown, staying here http://www.glendinehouse.com/ . It's the cheapskate's alternative to Dunbrody House, where we dined. If you haven't been there yet, put it on your list of good eating-houses to be tried.

The Glendine looks very nice Padraig.