Hi All. We are a group of 4 who will be travelling from Ennis to just outside Dublin (Dunboyne) on 9/13, the day before our departure from Ireland. We plan to leave Ennis around 8:30am, and have a 7:30pm dinner reservation in Dunboyne. We are thinking of the following itinerary en route:
King John's Castle (is this just a tourist trap or is it worthwhile?) and Limerick town (thoughts?)
Rock of Cashel,
Kilkenny Castle, Rothe House & Garden, Medieval Mile Museum, and maybe St. Canice's Cathedral (thoughts on all of this?)
If time permits, Jerpoint Abbey & Kells Priory
Is this all doable in 1 day? If too much, what should we eliminate?
What do you recommend booking in advance, or are we likely able to walk in?
Thank you!! This forum has been so amazingly helpful in planning this trip!!
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
2292 posts
I've entered your route into Google maps and it is nearly 300km . They estimate 4 hours driving time. Being more realistic, I would estimate nearer five hours and that is WITHOUT any stops... Yes it is doable if all you intend to do is wave to all of that list as you drive past. It is not realistic if you are wanting to stop and see things. Allowing for parking, getting to an attraction and back to your car is going to take 90minutes at least for each stop... You have a full day sightseeing just in Kilkenny alone.
Something has to give . In fact a lot has to give. Not knowing what your priorities are it is difficult to advice. I would drop Limerick and St John's Castle. It would then be a toss up between either Rock of Cashel (add in Hore Abbey if time allows ) OR some of the list from Kilkenny. Rock of Cashel is probably the more realistic choice and may even allow enough time for some lunch...
Posted by
3123 posts
I'll just add that since you're flying out the next day, you don't want to get messed up by car trouble or other delays. With your 7:30 dinner reservation, I'd advise planning to arrive in Dunboyne no later than 6:00. That way if your plans encounter some delay, you'll still have a good chance of making the dinner. Obviously that would mean forgoing a lot of the attractions on your list, but there's always the next trip to Ireland...