pittpurple

Hi,

My mom is visiting me for two weeks in Scotland and we've decided to have a few days in Ireland so she can see a bit more of the world!

The plan right now is for us to fly (with my husband) to Dublin on Ryan Air and spend 2 days with him and then 2 days without him. My mom and I don't drive, so we're thinking that we could see a bit of County Wicklow with my husband and then spend the last couple of days in Dublin.

With 2 days, where should we go that isn't a huge journey from Dublin? Powerscourt looks gorgeous and is something my mom would really like to see. Where should we stay for 2 nights around there? Price is definately one of the main considerations.

It looks like Powerscourt is a full day in itself, which leaves another day for exploring something else... any other waterfalls or easy countryside walks around there? My mom has back problems so it can't be too strenuous, but she loves being in the countryside.

Would love any recommendations for affordable hotels in Dublin as well.

Thanks for your help,
PittPurple

irishface

Right in the Powerscourt neighborhood is the Powerscourt Waterfall, highest in Ireland. Don't expect Niagra Falls, but a nice gush over the rocks and down to its stream. You can drive quite close to the falls.

You could do Glendalough in the same day--although a long one. There is a good visitor center there which explains the geology and history of the area. It is an interesting explore. The walk is not difficult around the site.

You might want to spend another day north of Dublin--Newgrange, Trim, Monasterboice Abbey, Mellifont Abbey,Malahide. You can't do all of these in a day, but google them and narrow it down. There are tours from Dublin to Newgrange and the DART (train) goes to Malahide, but a car would be preferrable as you can do more and stop along the way for picnic or lunch in a cafe.

Vallombrosa

A day at Powerscourt would be wonderful; I've been there and wished I had had more time; and I can recommend New Grange as well--absolutely fascinating...The DART from Dublin to Bray was fun (and efficient)--not sure how far Powerscourt is from that station or how you'd get there...perhaps there's a closer station.

irishface

At the train station, there is a bus which runs to Enniskerry and the gates to Powerscourt are in view from the center of town. However, I recall that it is a bit of a walk into the garden area from the gate.

irishface

I forgot to say the train station in Bray.