Friends, we are struggling, struggling finding the best way to guide our children on a driving route from Dublin to Sally Gap to Glendalough to Kilkenny. Our kids will be doing the driving but we have been designated the navigators for this day! I would so welcome suggestions for the roads to take on this day. We are not in a hurry but don't want to be foolish in choosing byways that are difficult and not all that worthy. Thanks much!
Posted by
Colorado Springs
2980 posts
The prettiest way to get to Glendalough from Dublin is via the Old Military Road (the R115 on the map) that takes you thru some of the most spectacular scenery in the Wicklow Mountains ... including the Sally Gap.
From there you can head NW to connect with the motorway to Kilkenny.
My suggestion is to get an early start if you can. Glendalough can get crowded after 9:30 AM when the tour buses start to arrive (and when the Visitor Center opens). The monastic site itself is always open, so with an early arrival you'll have the place all to yourselves.
Posted by
Land of La
9221 posts
Agree with Robert. Did this drive in the early 90’s.
Go early.
BTW not sure what “ not all that worthy “ means.
Be prepared for small one lane roads in Eire.
Watch out for dog walkers, walkers, lorries, and bicyclists.
Eire is about slowing down and enjoying the natural beauty.
Posted by
OP
71 posts
Thanks very much for this help.
Posted by
1585 posts
If you want to take a short little detour after the Sally Gap, turn east on to R759. You will cross the "PS I Love You" bridge - a scene in a Rom-Con starring Hilary Swank and Harry Connick Jr. Shortly after the bridge, and much more scenic, is Lough Tay which I think is now owned by a Guiness heir, but I might be wrong about that. From Lough Tay, bear south at R755 to take you on to Glendalough. Or double back on to R115 and continue on the Old Military Road.
Posted by
OP
71 posts
Wonderful, thank you.
Posted by
Victoria, B.C. Canada, British Co, Canada
2 posts
We rode a motorcycle through Glendalough, along the Military road and Sally Gap and loved it. The Wicklow mountains are beautiful and we found it very quiet late April.
Susan
Posted by
16 posts
How long is this drive if we start early morning. We are planning to visit in September.
Posted by
Colorado Springs
2980 posts
For shanbha12: going by way of the Old Military Road will slow you down a bit, but you probably won't care since it's such a pretty way to go.
From either Dublin airport or the city center I'd allow about two hours to get to Glendalough assuming brief stops along the way for photo ops.
Posted by
16 posts
Thanks Robert. Ya we are thinking of going via the military road. How long is the drive further to Kilkenny. Will we have time to visit the castle there as I wanted to pre book the tour. Thanks.
Posted by
CT
101 posts
I don’t think you need to pre-book a tour of Kilkenny Castle. They go pretty frequently throughout the day, and on both times I’ve done it, there was never a problem walking up and getting tickets. Enjoy!