kc1

Wrapping up our 3 week trip to Ireland, we will be driving from Kilkenny to Dublin, leaving Kilkenny at about 10 a.m. We must return our rental car in Dublin no later than 6 p.m.

Both Powerscourt and Glendalough look like amazing stops on our way, but I think trying to do both within our time constraints would be difficult.

Please recommend which stop we should make, and why one over the other?

Also, a recommended driving route, along with highway numbers would be really appreciated.

Thanks so much!!!

jaja

Having enjoyed both, I lean to Glendalough, although when we were there there was absolutely no place to park.

irishface

Fifty years ago I lived near enough to both to be able to take a trip over with the changing seasons.

Powerscourt has those wonderful manicured gardens and some trails off to more natural spots. NOt far off is Powerscourt waterfall (You will need to drive from the gardens.) It is the tallest in Ireland but not exactly gushing. Wild grounds around it, though it was more developed the last time I was there.

Glendalough is my favorite just because there is to me a strong feeling of something holy there.

I think if I were working with your time constraints I would get an early start from Kilkenny and head to Glendalough and see how your time was working. You might just have time for a quick visit to Powerscourt.

However, I can't give concrete reasons to choose Glendalough over Powerscourt.

flpab

Glendalough gets my vote and try to drive some of the coast to Dublin. People tend to miss the east coast and it is beautiful.

MmePerdu

I think you have time to do both, not something I'd ordinarily recommend. It's about 1-1/2 hrs to Glendalough from Kilkenny, and just over a 1/2 drive on to Powerscourt. The places are so different that I think it would be worthwhile to see them both. I recall Glendalough being the less time-consuming place, even lingering.

You don't say where you plan to return the car, but even if it's to the airport on the north side of town and considering traffic in late afternoon, an hour should be enough time from Powerscourt. With wiggle room, noon at Glendalough, then lunch, an hour each, drive on to Powerscourt, you'd still have easily a couple of hours there.

sfmurphys

There's a lovely outpost of Avoca Cafe at Powerscourt, if you make it there. Nice for lunch or afternoon tea and cake.

Tony2phones

A Monastic settlement that has survived centuries or a Stately Home that survived the revolution. Two totally different sights but as MP suggests close enough together to see a little of both or more of the one that appeals most to You.

kc1

Thank you to everyone for their thoughtful replies!
We will do as mostly recommended, go to Glendalough first, and then if time permits, go to Powerscourt.
We are very much looking forward to experiencing Ireland!