We are a group of four women who will be staying in Dublin for a few days prior to a 12-day organized tour. We're considering a day trip by train to Kilkenny and Waterford on Sunday September 7th. There is an organized tour option with a guide or we could figure out how to do it on our own. Would love to hear the pluses and minuses of both of these options.
Posted by
Citizen of the World
3449 posts
Kilkenny is a charming, historic borough with a castle and much atmosphere to recommend it. It’s about 90 minutes by train from Dublin’s Heuston train station.
While I’ve not been to Waterford, I understand the draw to the city is mostly the famous House of Waterford Crystal whose namesake is made there— although most Waterford Crystal is now made outside of Ireland. Its Medieval Museum is also a draw. Waterford is about two train hours from Dublin.
Have a great trip!
Posted by
Lake District, England
10288 posts
If you are going to Waterford for museums you will be short of time.
The first Sunday train to Kilkenny from Dublin is at 0910, arrive 1042.
You then have a big service gap until the next train south at 1442, Waterford arrive 1523.
Then the last train back to Dublin at 1825, arrive 2049.
However I think the train ride is worth it, and you will see the faded charm of Waterford (Plunkett) station in its last days - as a new modern station is being built to replace it.
Whether it keeps the name remains to be seen (Joseph Plunkett was one of the leaders of the Easter rising, as was Thomas MacDonagh after whom Kilkenny station is named). Both were executed.
I like Waterford as a city, and think it's worth an hour or two just to see the City. It's actually the oldest city in the Country, dating back to the Vikings with a lot on that score to see.
Ideal!y you would have the time to explore that and out of city things like the Copper trail and the Suir Valley preserved railway.
If you want to see both places I think a tour with guide may well be the optimal way to do it, and I very rarely say that.
There are also boat trips you can do on the River Suir.
If you had the time this could sail be a 3 or 4 day diversion.
Posted by
OP
Eden, Utah
56 posts
After further digging, I see that the organized tour is not offered on Sunday so we will be on our own. I think we should take the earliest possible train to Waterford, where we primarily want to check out the crystal factory, then stop in Kilkenny on the way back to Dublin. Maybe we can find a local guide in Kilkenny for a walking tour. Thank you both for your insights and advice. Kenny - your comment about the Kilkenny name on another post made me LOL. isn31c, you continue to amaze me with your knowledgeable and thoughtful replies!