We are debating about cutting out Rock of Cashel/Kilkenny from our itinerary this October. We are staying our first night in Dublin and then driving the next day to Kilkenny via Wicklow Mountains/Glendalough, and then spending the night in Kilkenny in order to see Rock of Cashel and Jerpoint Abbey before heading to Doolin. We are contemplating cutting out Kilkenny, and spending the night near Wicklow Mountains, to allow us more time to explore Glendalough and do a walk/hike. And then drive onto Doolin the next day and skipping Kilkenny. Thoughts or suggestions?
Posted by
Canada
36 posts
We stayed the night in Kilkenny and went to Rock of Cashel, which I really enjoyed. We spent a few hours exploring and enjoyed the history. There isn't much in Kilkenny itself that I would say you had to see. The castle is mostly redone on the inside and I don't think it's in the original state. I have not been to the Wicklow Mountains or Glendalough so I can't give advice on whether you should see one over the other.
Posted by
Sunnyside, New York, United States
439 posts
Hi,
I have been to both. If you prefer hiking over shopping, I would stay in the Wicklow mountains. Kilkenny is a beautiful town with plenty of shops & pubs. I was not at all impresses with the castle, they have some sort of artist mall attached to it. The art work was beautiful but prices were very high.
I have never stayed in Glendalough. The scenery is beautiful. I want to try and make it up there the next time we are over.
Mary
Posted by
3 posts
We were there in March and stopped at Glendalough on our way to Kilkenny. While we really enjoyed Glendalough, we loved Kilkenny - so much so, that we plan to move there for a year after retirement next summer. The castle was fun, Rock of Cashel is a must see for us, and we also liked the castle at Cahir, as well as the town of Cahir. Everyone has their own tastes, likes and dislikes. For example, Rick is not crazy about the town of Killarney. We adore Killarney. Both times we have stayed there, we found local pubs with live music and very friendly people. The bottom line is that you cannot go wrong either way. Any time spent in Ireland is time well spent. What you miss on this trip, you can catch on the next one.
Dave
Posted by
Colorado Springs
2980 posts
Glendalough is only about an hour's drive from Dublin, so with an early start you could probably do your hike, walk around the Monastic settlement, and still have time for the drive to Kilkenny.
There are several very nice hikes in and around the Glendalough area. Our personal favorite was the loop around the valley rim that gains about 1500 ft., then proceeds along a boardwalk and through some very pretty countryside, complete with several herd of red deer. It's a serious undertaking - probably 7-9 miles for the complete circuit - but quite picturesque if the weather permits. Many spectacular views down into the valley from the rim. There are also shorter loops that can be strung together for more moderate hikes down near the valley floor.
The tour buses start arriving at 9:30, coincident with the opening of the Visitor Center (and restrooms). Before that you'll have the place pretty much to yourself.
As I recall you can collect a map of the various trails from the Visitor Center, or just download one from the local website.
Kilkenny wasn't our personal favorite either, but Cashel is certainly worth seeing.
Posted by
Kansas, United States
1081 posts
We were in Ireland in May and loved the Wicklow Mts. and Glendalough, also we found Kilkenny a wonderful place to spend two days, on the other hand we were very underwhelmed by the Rock of Cashel, it is in such ruin that you can see everything in about 30-40 min. The view around the Rock was nice and the tour is interesting but if I was going to cut one thing out of our trip it would be the Rock. If you decide to go to Kilkenny I would recommend "Butler House" B&B, great location and the breakfast is amazing.