Padraig thank you! Didn't know a thing about Gougane Barra, it looks magical! It's now on my notes.

Is this route possible in a day, not being rushed?

I think you could cover the distance, but might not have much time for Fota. If you plan to stay at Ballymaloe, you could visit Fota the next morning.

If I had to choose, I'd sooner spend time in Gougane Barra than at Fota, even though I like Fota quite a lot.

Yes, we would plan on Fota the next day, so we can do both. We'll head to Carlow/Bagenalstown after Fota.

I'm not sure we'll stay at Ballymaloe, I'm having mixed feelings. I'm looking into some other places at the moment.

Our itinerary is always a little unusual. I'm a landscape designer, and (thankfully) my husband loves trees. We spend alot of time at arboretums and gardens, estates, castles ( and cemetaries!) circling and admiring fine old trees!

Padraig, I was at Gougane Barra last year (not my first time!). It is so tranquil and beautiful. A much overlooked spot. The road there was something else but I was not in a hurry. Who could be on that road?