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Wicklow to Killarney- what to add besides Rock of Cashel

Will be in Ireland in less than 2 weeks. One day will be traveling from Wicklow to Killarney. Rock of Cashel is my top pick. But, which, if any of the following would you include this day?

Kells priory
Jerpoint abbey
Cahir castle.

Thanks!!

Posted by
9218 posts

I liked Jerpoint Abbey because it was a complete surprise as I approached it by car. However, that was over 25 years ago….no admission…wasn’t a tourist attraction.

Posted by
2279 posts

It's a difficult decision as all three places are worth a visit. However, bear in mind you are looking at about 5 hours driving time between Wicklow and Killarney via Rock of Cashel. Most people need 90-120 minutes for a visit. Allowing for this, you may not have a lot of time for another visit.. You would need to allow another 60 minutes for any of the other places highlighted. I assume you will also need a lunch break somewhere too?

Entry to Kells Abbey is free, but there seems to be some confusion about opening times. The website says '2024 Opening Dates to be confirmed' Elsewhere I've seen open 24 hours...

Since Claudia visited 25 yerars ago, there is now a charge of €5 for Jerpoint Abbey.

Posted by
7146 posts

I’ve only been to Cahir Castle of the three places you mentioned, but very much enjoyed visiting it.

Posted by
348 posts

In addition to what's already been suggested, if you are going to Rock of Cashel, Hore Abbey is only a few minutes away. Depending on your interests, Mitchelstown Cave might also be of interest.

Posted by
2279 posts

I emailed Cashel Touism and their reply was:

Hore Abbey is open to the public, it is on private land so there may be cows in the field

So it sounds as if it is OK to visit. Being so close to Cashel, it would make sense to visit that rather than try and do one of the other sites. Nearly all the reviews on Trip Advisor comment about the cows and that there is no information about the site once there. This is probably the best place to start for information..