We'll be touring Ireland this spring, starting in Dublin. We're pretty confident about our stops: Glendalough, Kilkenny, Cashel, Kinsale, Kenmare, the "Ring...," Dingle, Limerick, Cliffs of Moher & Doolin, Galway. However, it looks like getting back to Dublin from Galway will just be a 2-3 hour interstate type trip. Is there anything along that route worth stopping for? (Just to break it up a little?)
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2449 posts
I think it is on your way, can't remember but in central Ireland we stopped in Athlone, not sure of spelling, but enjoyed the few hours there.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
Haven't been there, but I think Clonmacnoise is along that road, too.
Posted by
San Diego, CA, USA
237 posts
That road is only a couple of hours - if you're willing to leave it a little bit Trim is a nice little town with an interesting castle. Take the tour of the castle - ours was led by a local guy who used to play in the (then neglected) castle as a kid. This is a little off the highway but a good distraction. Newgrange and Knowth are only about 45 minutes north of Dublin but are worth half a day for both sites so may not be a short distraction. If you care at all about ruins and ancient sites I would make time for these two in your schedule. My .$.02,
=Tod
Posted by
OP
Orlando, FL, USA
29 posts
Thank you all so much! Great suggestions -- it will be nice to break up the drive a little and have interesting places to visit along the way.
Posted by
Parsippany, New Jersey, USA
19 posts
We broke up the same trip with a detour to Clomacnoise Abbey. If you enjoy Glendalough, you might want to consider it. And if you've bought an Irish Heritage Pass, the admission will be free.
Posted by
Texas
144 posts
Made that day trip a few years back and we stopped at newgrange northwest of dublin, very interesting tour of Knowth. We got lost on the roads as it was our first day learning to drive and navigate the roads, so it took us longer than expected. Once on the main highway, we could fly and made good time!