I am taking a family trip, but plan to extend my stay for three to four days after they head back to New York. I would love to go somewhere for two or three nights that is less than four hours away from Dublin. I really don't need a lot to do, and a charming priority with good food is ideal. Traveling by train is preferred, but I am also open to taking the bus. Would consider two nights in one place, one night in another. We will have already been in Belfast.
Thanks so much!
The dates I am extending are January 2nd-5th or 6th.
Kilkenny (https://visitkilkenny.ie/) is one of the best-preserved medieval towns of Ireland. It's only about 1.5 hours southwest of Dublin. It's rich in atmosphere. It's definitely reachable by bus and, I believe, train but double-check the latter. And a great site a further 50 miles southwest from Kilkenny in County Tipperary is the famed Rock of Cashel (https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/the-rock-of-cashel/). I've seen castles in at least 15 European countries, and Cashel is still thick in my memory.
A great pilgrimage site only 25 miles or so south of Dublin is Glendalough: https://www.ireland.com/en-us/things-to-do/attractions/glendalough/. It's an ancient monastic site in a glacial valley. If you like hiking, the Wicklow Way trail (https://www.wicklowway.com/) goes through Glendalough. In 1999, I hiked the entire 100 miles of the Wicklow Way over seven days, starting in Dublin. Obviously, your time is limited, but you can hike Wicklow as part of a day hike or two.
Without knowing where else you will have been, aside from Belfast, I will suggest Cork. I think it's 3 hours on the train. Day trips to Cobh and Blarney are easy to do. Cork has good food and a lively pub scene. https://corkheritagepubs.com
Without knowing where you will be before, you might be getting recommendations of places you will have already visited. However, I suggest Galway. It's an easy train or bus ride from Dublin (2.5-3hrs). Lots of good restaurants, not just Irish pubs. Lively, good music, beautiful scenery, close to the Burren, Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, Cong (less than an hour drive), etc. Enjoy your trip!
