Hello - four of us (from NYC) are travelling to Dublin (for the first time) in a couple of days to celebrate a fortieth birthday (the irish-american in the group)!

We are in Dublin for four full days and are considering exploring the surrounding countryside for a day or two. Based on the posts on this site, it seems like Wicklow/Kilkenny are good destinations.

My questions: is this the best region to explore (how does it compare to Newgrange/Boyne Valley)? What would be an ideal day trip or an ideal overnight trip? Is it possible to catch the highlights of this region in one day or should one spend a night somwhere? If so, what would be the best place/hotel/B&B to do so?

Any advice on the above as well as what to do/where to eat in Dublin would be tremendously appreciated!!

Thanks!

Came back yesterday from 3 days in Dublin. For restaurants, see #16 below in the list of questions.
Spend 1 day on the "Hop on/off" bus, that starts in O'connell street, but can be joined at any of 19 stops. Your ticket ( 12.50 EUR) is valid for 24 hours, and al of the drivers were very knowledgable and helpful. They can also provide tips for other things to do.

If you have 2 days to explore the countryside , why not go north to Newgrange one day and south to Glendalough, Greystones another!!

That way you will see 2 quite different areas of the Greater Dublin area.

that's a great idea - thanks! do you know if we can do these day trips using public transportation or tours (ideally, we'd rather not drive)? any recommendations?

Sorry Sen, I have only ever been to either by car but try this CIE link they only mention Glendalough and Powerscourt but I am sure they will go to Newgrange as well (it is vey popular).

Have a good trip to ireland

Helen

Forgot to post the link

https://www.buseireann.ie/asp/TourList.asp

Thank you cambe, that link was very useful - they have tours to both places. I wonder if I should buy tickets now (we leave in two days) or wait till we get to Dublin....

Sen,

I would wait until you get to Dublin. I don't think there would be a mad rush for seats at this time of year but really don't know for sure.

thanks! i tried booking online but it didn't work, so i will try to do it tomorrow when i get there

Kilkenny is quite nice. If you happen to be into racing horses (the breeding, raising, and training aspects)then you would find the National Stud Farm interesting. The Japanese Gardens at the National Stud are very pretty as well.

There are many day trips you can book from Dublin. The tourist office in Dublin can give you info on tours going both north and south.

Kilkenny is my favorite Irish town. You could easily take the train or bus there, and it would make a great overnight.

thank you so much for all your suggestions!

we just came back from our wonderful trip. turns out, we had such a good time in dublin that we only had time for a day trip on the bus line (bus eiran) to glendalough (sp?) and surrounding areas. it was great - one of the best, low key bus tours i have ever taken.

will save kilkenny for next time