My husband and I are flying into Shannon in mid-September and staying for one night at the Glin Castle in Limerick. Then we have 3 days before we drive to Dublin for the Ryder Cup. Is it safe to drive and what is the mileage? Where must we stay, eat, and experience during those 3 days in between? We are in our early 50's, adventurous and want a feel of old Ireland. Thanks!

There are a couple of recommendations I would make.

First, it's safe but sometimes 'fun' to drive in Ireland. The stated mileage is usually higher than what you feel safe driving. I always figure an average of 35mph. Yes, only 35mph, and I'm in my mid-thirties and tend to speed at home.

A nice place to stop would be Cahir Castle, Swiss Cottage and Rock of Cashel, all rather close to eachother. Cashel is truly impressive, and definitely worth a trip. I was less impressed with the cultural museum underground there, though.

I would recommend Kilkenny, which is a great little medieval town. One of the posters here (was it intrepid1?) has a wonderful 'walk' of Kilkenny posted.

I would also highly recommend Glendalough Abbey, one of the most serene spots I've visited. It's south of Dublin a couple hours through the Wicklow Mountains, not too far from Powerscourt Falls and House/Gardens, another good stop.

I wouldn't recommend staying in Limerick, as it's a city and rather hectic. To get a good feel of Ireland, I'd stay someplace smaller, such as Dingle or Ennis. There are several castles around to stay in as well, if you're set on that.

To get a real feel of Old Ireland, take a day trip to the Aran Islands or Blasket Island.

Good luck!!!

Yes, it's certainly safe. Narrow roads and driving on the left side take concentration and a bit of adjustment but, IMO, aren't really hard to get used to, particularly in the countryside and smaller towns.

According to viamichelin.com, it's 200km (120 miles) from Limerick to Dublin. Expect to average no more than 40 mph on main roads, less on secondary roads. You'll want a detailed map like the Michelin Ireland map available at amazon.com. Do NOT drive in Dublin. Traffic is very heavy and parking is problematic. Turn in your car at the airport and use public transportation while you're in the city.

From Limerick you could go to Dublin via Cahir (Cahir Castle), Cashel (Rock of Cashel), Kilkenny (medieval arhitecture), and the Wicklow Mountains. Or you could go via Ennis, the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, and Galway. Lots more time and distance than gong the direct route, but in either case you'd be able to see some of Ireland's most famous sights.

Hehe Tim -- we seem to be on the same page at the same time!~

Hey, GreenDragon. I guess it's true that great minds think alike--especially when it comes to the Emerald Isle.

Thanks for the input. I have also gotten a strong recommendation to go to Killarney and Hotel Europe for those 2 days between Glin Castle and Ryder Cup. What do you think greendragon and/or tim s.?... or anyone else out there!
Thanks much

Killarney is perfectly situated for touring the area, but as such, is very touristy However, I don't always mind touristy as it's convenient!

Green Dragon, do you know anything about Hotel Europe? If we go up to the Cliffs and Burren, is that worth a two day stay? Will we be missing out if we don't go to Killarney?
Thanks.

Hi GreenDragon and Tim S. Where do you recommend staying in Cashir, Cashel or Kilkenney?
Thanks

You can drive the Ring of Kerry from Kilarney and it is beautiful. The town is downright charming and Ross Castle is also there. Driving the Ring was about the only time we didn’t feel close to death driving on the roads. If it’s the “wrong side” of the road for you be prepared for a wild ride. Our hearts were in our throats the entire time – I honestly screamed a few times. Be very careful pulling in and out of gas stations, etc. That’s where most people make the mistake and end up on the wrong side. Best of luck with the roundabouts!

I really love Wicklow and it would definitely be worth it to spend some time there. Ashford is a good town to stay in. The Wicklow Gap, the Sally Gap, Glendalough (spectacular), Powerscourt and the Meeting of the Waters. I don’t care for Dublin. I live in a dirty city though so that’s probably why!

I wouldn't say Killarney is a good base for the cliffs of Moher, that's a rather long drive -- at least 3 hours or more each way. I would recommend staying up there at least overnight, either in Lisdoonvarna, Ballyvaugn, or Ennis.

I've heard nothing of the Hotel Europe. I will be in Killarney next week, I'll try to go by and check it out though!

In Kilkenny, we are staying at the Alcantra B&B, recommended by Michele at Irelandyes.com. In 2002 we stayed at the Knocktopher Abbey, about 15 minutes south of Kilkenny, which is a 12th century Abbey made into a resort, it was very cool!

No personal experience, but I'll give you some guidebook recommendations for lodging in Cahir, Cashel, and Kilkenny.

Cahir: Rectory ("refreshingly big rooms and big bathrooms in this spendid Georgian house. A big welcome too" - Lonely Planet.

Cashel: Rockside House gets a top review from Lonely PLanet. Both LP and Rick Steves also recommend Rockville House and Abbey House.

Kilkenny: LP recommends Bregagh Guesthouse, Celtic House, and O'Malley's Ormonde Court Guesthouse. RS recommends Butler Court and Berkeley House. Both recommend Ristorante Rinuccini.

Since you are going to the Ryder Cup I assume that you already have reservations? If you do not yet have reservations don't go within 200 miles of the area during the Ryder Cup or you will sleep in your car.

As for Rick Steves recommendation of Rockville House, it is not a place that I would ever stay in.

I stayed in Cashel Palace Hotel a few years back and it was very nice and comfortable. I've heard some good things about Hotel Europe, it's on one of the lakes I believe. I stayed in Killarney Park Hotel, it is in the center of town, but quiet and really very nice. Have a good trip. Joan