Help with Ireland Itinerary
 

We've already got all our hotels booked and now deciding what we can fit in and what we can't. One of the days, we'll be leaving from Dublin and need to get to our hotel in Kinsale by that night. On my list of possibilities are Powerscourt, Glendalough, Kilkenny Castle, Rock of Cashel, Ardmore (St. Declan's/Round Tower), Waterford. I know that we can't do them all but which ones are most worth seeing? Thanks!!

You are setting yourself for some very subjective answers. What I enjoyed you might not. With that being said, Waterford was okay - we enjoyed the Glass demo and my wife bought some anniversary goblets. The Rock of Cashel was under rennovation (Oct 2011) so access was limited. Kilkenny Castle was nice but we didn't enjoy the nightlife in Kilkenny as well as other places. While in Kilkenny, we toured the Smithwick's Brewery and took a scenic train ride (across from the castle). Both were fun in our opinion. We didn't visit any of the other places you mentioned. We absolutely loved Ireland. I'm sure you will have a great time no matter what you decide to do.

This is either a suicide mission or you are not thinking of doing this straight off a redeye?

Technically it is possible to drive this route in a day. Powerscourt and Glendalough could take a day for the pair, Kilkenny at least a couple of hours for the Castle and just one of the Cathedrals (St Canices Round Tower). Cashel is west and despite the renovation which has little influence on publicly accessible areas is the best €6 guided tour you will find. Cahir would be the next point for the castle and Swiss Cottage. Waterford and Ardmore are South so would be on a different route altogether.

Then the time of year would come into effect with daylight hours, opening times and weather.

First, not off a redeye, and later this month, so I know not a full day of light. I'm beginning to think Glendalough and Cashel for sure and since Cahir is close maybe that instead of Kilkenney. Our plans after this day will include Blarney and Bunratty Castles (we would have hopefully seen Dublin castle the day before) so I think Cahir or Kilkenney but definitely not both. I think I'm going to have to give up on Waterford and Ardmore, which I think I'm okay with : ) Just trying see the best stuff that I can in limited time.

You would be surprised how many visitors think they can land at 7.30am and see 1/4 of the island before bed time, more disturbing the amount of agents and advisor's who encourage them. Glendalough lends itself more to Kilkenny whilst Cashel and Cahir are off the M8 direct route to Cork. You might consider taking this route and including the National Stud and Japanese Gardens as a first stop rather than Powers Court.

Kilmainham Gaol would be my choice over Dublin Castle. If you do opt for Dublin castle you might want to consider the Passport to learning initiative http://www.stpatrickscathedral.ie/pa...-learning.aspx

Not sure how far north of Bunratty you might be going but Irelands tallest Roundtower is at Kilmacdugh just outside Gort. http://www.irelandtravelkit.com/kilm...bey-co-galway/