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21 day Rick Steves Ireland's Best 3 week trip by car: Day 5 and Day 6 - stay in Waterford 2 nights?

Hi,
I am planning my 3 week trip using Rick's tips from his 2020 book. He recommends staying in Waterford for both day 5 and day 6 to visit Rock of Cashel and Waterford but it feels like that is too many nights in Waterford and perhaps should stay in Waterford one night to explore County Wexford and stay in Ardmore the second night. I am having a hard time judging how long it will take travel time and sight seeing time as to the best bet. Any advice is welcome.

Posted by
37 posts

Hello,
We did not visit Waterford so I cannot directly speak to that portion of your question. As far as determining distance and the travel time, I used google maps and selected the actual travel date and the time I would be traveling. The actual travel times were very close to my estimates. We were in Ireland in September. Travel time estimates may be different if you are traveling in the busiest season. Hope this helps.

Posted by
2452 posts

We were not impressed with Waterford at all. The first time we took the factory tour. Second time another factory tour with different family members. I sat that one out but they said they didn't see many exhibits with glass blowing. I think that was because it was a Saturday. The town itself was not as pretty as many others. Seems a little more industrial. I would not enjoy two days there.

Posted by
2308 posts

You don't have to slavishly follow the itineraruy - it is just guidance to help get you started... Depending what you are wanting to do in Waterford, your gut feeling may well be right... Having looked at it, 1 night does seem to be short changing Kilkenny. There's more to do and see there than Waterford. Rock of Cashel can be done from Kilkenny just as easily as from Waterford. I'd be inclined to remove Waterford and spend the three nights in Kilkenny. You could always do Waterord from there.

Posted by
5 posts

Thank you Gail. I have amended my plans to stay in Kilkenny 3 nights and skip Waterford.

Posted by
92 posts

Re your decision to stay in Kilkenny. It is a good one. Just stayed at Butler Court Accommodations there. The rooms and host Yvonne were great. A lot to see in Kilkenny and we did the Rock of Cashel from there.