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Kilkenny, Kinsale, and Killarney

Hello! I'm having difficulty planning this portion of the trip -- I basically have two options and am trying to decide between the two -- looking for opinions!

Option 1: Drive from Dublin to Kilkenny and see the Rock of Cashel that day (maybe later in the afternoon to avoid crowds). Spend night in Kilkenny. Drive to Kinsale the next day to catch the 11:15 walking tour. Spend night in Kinsale. Next day, drive to Muckrosse House, drive leisurely through Killarney National Park, and then make our way through Ring of Kerry to Portmagee.

We miss the Gap of Dunloe in this option....which does look incredible.

Option 2: Drive from Dublin to Kinsale, stopping at the Rock of Cashel. Spend night in Kinsale. Next day drive to Killarney. Visit Gap of Dunloe and spend night in Killarney. Following day, Drive via Muckrosse House, Killarney National Park and Ring of Kerry to Portmagee.

In this option, we miss Kilkenny.

Note that we will be doing Ring of Kerry, Dingle Slea Head, and Connemara later in the trip....if that helps.

Any thoughts?

Posted by
404 posts

What about going from Dublin to Kilkenny stopping at Glendalough or Powerscourt, and then doing the Rock of Cashel on your way from Kilkenny to Kinsale or Killarney?

Posted by
15 posts

Yes, we could certainly do that and beef up the sights near Kilkenny. My big question is whether to focus a day around Kilkenny or skip it entirely (but see the Rock of Cashel) so that we can make time for the Gap of Dunloe.

Posted by
404 posts

For what it's worth, we really liked Kilkenny. The castle is cool, the town center is walkable, St. Canice's Cathedral (and round tower) and interesting.

Are you doing mostly one night stops?

Posted by
15 posts

Ok cool, that does help. Yes, mostly 1-2 night stops, depending on location. Thanks!

Posted by
455 posts

We spent about 3 hours in Kilkenney. It was enough for us. Nothing bad, just more interested in other places. I would do it as a stop on the way to Cashel and stay there instead.