Driving trip recommendations in Ireland
 

We will be staying 2 nights in Dublin. Then we have a car for 5 days. Our last night will be at Waterford Castle, before driving back to Dublin. Would appreciate recommendations for a driving trip between Dublin and Waterford. Thank you.

We just came back from Ireland. We did 2 days in Dublin (wish we would have had 3 days) and then got in the car for another six days. Our first stop after Dublin was Waterford. It's only a few hours away. My favorite thing on the whole trip was the Waterford factory tour - it's fascinating. I would recommend Kilkenny as a cute town to see. We also really enjoyed Powerscourt gardens and Dalkey. These suggestions are in different directions, so you'll have to choose based on what route you want to take. As someone who had both a GPS, directions from aaroadwatch.com and maps, I strongly suggest you get the GPS. Yes, it's fun to get lost, but it's also fun to see the sites you want to see. I don't know if we would have made it anywhere without the GPS. There just isn't enough road signs in Ireland to rely soley on a map.

As you come south, you might like to stop at Glendalough, an interesting, thought provoking monastic sight from the 8th century.
While in Waterford, Kilkenny is an easy drive, should you choose not to come via there on the way down. If you go to to Kilkenny from Waterford, stop in New Ross on the way and visit the "famine ship". The story is wonderfully interesting. After my visit there, I vowed never to complain about plane accomodations again. (I'm ashamed that I have occasionally broken this promise, but regretted my whining afterwards.)

A drive over to Hook Head lighthouse would be worth your while.

Take an evening drive over to Kilmore Quay, a village of thatched cottages and a harbor with great photo ops. Have supper at the Silver Fox. It was one of my best meals ever (and I am not a foodie, this was splurge for me and I wished that I had someone with me as there were so many delicious sounding things on the menu, that a travel partner could have ordered something different and we could have shared. the waitress was friendly and very kind. Even though I was alone, I had a good table for watching out the window and watching the comings and goings inside.

2.5 miles NW of Wexford on the N11 in Ferrycarrig is the Irish National History Park with replicas of buildings representing 2000+ years of Irish history. There is a pleasant path between each exhibit and lots to learn.

Have a great trip.

imf,

Michelin's Green Guide to Ireland suggests a highly recommended tour that'll take you through most of the highlights of southeast Ireland all while sampling some mighty pretty countryside. While the trip is too long (ten days) for your plans, might I suggest that you make every effort to experience the lovely villages of Thomastown and Inistioge. These are south of Kilkenny City (well worth a visit in its own right) and are situated in some of Ireland's prettiest, most stress-reducing countryside. Thomastown is home to the marvelous Nicholas Mosse pottery, and Inistioge is the setting for such films as Widow's Peak, with Mia Farrrow, and Maeve Binchy's Circle of Friends. Both of these should be viewed before experiencing this most delightful part of Ireland.

Best of luck.

Please advise if this is too ambitious: We have 2 nights booked in Dublin and then are picking up a rental car. We have 4 nights in B&Bs, then 1 night at Waterford Castle, before driving back to Dublin.

We were thinking of driving from Dublin to somewhere near the Cliffs of Mohr - Loughrea? Doolin? (need advice)
Next day - The Burren/Cliffs
at the end of the day drive to Killarney & stay over
Next day - Ring of Kerry
should we stay another night in Killarney - what else is recommended in the area?
Would like a recommendation for destination between Killarney & Waterford
Thank you!

imf,

Your ambition to see and do as much as possible is understandable, but you want to be mindful about not going overboard. You don't want to reach your final day of vacation and mutter to yourself, "I need a vacation from my vacation."

When you say we have four nights in a B & B, does that mean you can stay wherever you want, or are you locked into a certain region, such as Clare or Killarney?

Given that your heart seems to be set on exploring Ireland's west, consider the following four-day plan: drive from Dublin and spend two overnights in County Clare, pehaps in the village of Ballyvaughn. From here you can enjoy the wonders of the Burren, drive south along the coast to the Cliffs of Moher, or, if you're feeling ambitious, get an early start on the day and drive north to Galway City, spending a couple hours strolling this colorful, lively place, and then take a drive west to Connemara and enjoy some terrific scenery, including the wonderfully situated Kylemore Abbey. By the time you get back to your B & B in Ballyvaughn, you'll be dog tired, but oh so satisfied.

For your next two days, drive south from Clare, cross the River Shannon on the Killimer ferry, and stay in Dingle, gateway to some of Ireland's most memorable scenery, the Dingle Peninsula. You'll want at least two overnights here, and you'll have it. Keep your fingers crossed for fair weather.

En route from Dingle to Waterford, you'll want to get an early start on the day, especially if you'd like to take in a major site before reaching your accommodation. Two attractions that come to mind are Cahir Castle, located about 20 miles southeast of Tipperary town, and the Rock of Cashel (one of Ireland's great highlights), siutuated about 15 miles northeast of Tipperary town.

Please note that the above distances are approximations; your drive from Dingle to Waterford will be quite lengthy. You'd be wise to consult www.viamichelin.com for more detailed driving information.

Best of luck.