Ireland - what cities should I add to Enniskerry?

Posted by Jean (Idaho, USA) on 04/27/26 02:28 PM

Hi, I just received the chance over the weekend to fill a recently vacated spot for a pastel painting art workshop in Enniskerry, outside Dublin the end of summer.

This will be my first time in Ireland. I’m not looking to make this a long, touristy trip. I’d appreciate your help, so I can book a couple of B&B’s or small hotels very soon in a couple of charming towns.

I would like to add an arrival town for 2-3 days to get over jet lag - something smaller that I can reach by train after flying into Dublin.

Besides some time in Dublin after the 1-week workshop class, I might possibly add one more city before flying back home. Everything needs to be by train. I don’t want to place art supplies in bus lower storage.

Thanks so much for your suggestions!

Posted by G3rryCee

Bellingham, WA

04/27/26 02:57 PM

1824 posts

Here is a map of the rail network in Ireland.
https://www.seat61.com/reference/Ireland-map.pdf?dl=0
Don't rule out taking a bus from the airport, as there is no train station that serves the airport. Also, more destinations available by bus.
Where you choose depends on what you're after. Galway is a popular choice that gives you several day trip options, including the Aran Islands. Westport is smaller and also gives you access to the water. You should definitely make one of your stops a coastal city/town.
An easy option from Dublin is Belfast. You'll need the ETA to enter. There are direct buses from Belfast to the Dublin airport for your return flight.

Posted by Katiecem

California Central Coast 🐚

04/27/26 03:25 PM

589 posts

Hi Jean, we took a train directly from Dublin to Waterford for jet lag recovery. It may be farther from Dublin than you want to go but we enjoyed it very much. Lots of history, walks and we found the crystal factory tour fascinating.

Posted by Jean OP

Idaho, USA

04/27/26 03:54 PM

9658 posts

Any thoughts on Kilkenny?

Posted by jules m

Twin Cities of MN

04/27/26 04:10 PM

8166 posts

We will be first time visitors to Ireland in September. Kilkenny came up frequently on the forum, and we've made it our first stop after flying into Dublin. We plan to stay there a couple nights and perhaps this list of planned/possible activities will help:

Kilkenny walk RS guidebook
Kilkenny castle and tour, 12 euro with one hour tour
Rothe House and Gardens, 10-6, 10euro, check schedule for tour, Tours lasting 30/40 mins are provided when booked in advance
Kilkenny Famine Experience, free, audioguide, 9-13 and 14-17, tour desk in middle of the mall
St. Canice's Cathedral, 6.5 euro
Kilkenny Design Centre, across from castle, Irish craft products
If time, River Stroll (RS guide)
The Whole in the wall Pub

Posted by isn31c

Lake District, England

04/27/26 06:22 PM

11672 posts

I'm wondering about Malahide on the Northern Suburban Line and the DART suburban train from Dublin. Or a taxi won't be that expensive.

Malahide is on a direct citybus route, the 102, from Dublin Airport, every 30 minutes.

From Malahide it is a direct train to Bray- a 75 minute journey, every 20 minutes for E2.60.

From Bray there is the citybus route L15 every hour to Enniskerry (a single deck route) taking 20 minutes, or again a taxi won't break the bank.

There is also the single deck citybus route 33A every 30 minutes to Rush & Lusk and Skerries stations on the Northern Suburban line- both could be nice places for a day or two. Skerries, especially, is known for it's beaches.

Going down the Rosslare line from Bray Wexford would be a nice and simple end to the week. Direct trains back to Connolly.

From those two take a Northern Suburban to Dublin Connolly, changing onto DART- at least every 30 minutes, for E4.60.

Posted by Jean OP

Idaho, USA

04/28/26 05:22 AM

9658 posts

Thank you so much for your helpful advice! I also ordered the RS Ireland guidebook to read this weekend. This is going to be a quick planning trip compared to my normal months of time.

Posted by CT22

Midwest USA

04/28/26 01:28 PM

18 posts

Hi Jean, My husband and I are leaving tomorrow for our first trip to Ireland! We have booked Malahide Guest Rooms for one night before we head to Dublin. We are looking forward to the smaller coastal town for the first day and night. I will let you know what we think of taking the bus there then train to Dublin.