Cobh, Rock, Kilkenny and Wicklow in one day?

Actually 4 full days plus 2 mini travel days on either end. 5 nights. My husband and I and our daughter will have already seen Dublin.

Could you clarify your timing? You'll be there just four nights, the way I'm reading this (three full days). If that is the case, I'd first cut Galway. Early on the first whole day I'd go to the Cliffs of Moher, then head to Dingle via the Killimer-Tarbert ferry. See Dingle the next day, then head for Cobh. I'd skip Kilkenny, too, to allow time to get to Glendalough. You're not going to have much time for hiking, though -- you're going to spend most of your time in the car.

Sorry, I'm still only counting four nights (2 Doolin, one Dingle, one Kilkenny). Where is your fifth night?

The last night we stay in or near Dublin because our flight leaves back to the US at 11am the next morning

I went on a day tour of the Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough, and for me, the three hours at Glendalough was not nearly enough to explore everything! If you do like to hike, there are many trails there and I would definitely budget a good half-day there if you want to get the most out of it.

I agree, Bonnie. If the weather doesn't happen to cooperate, though, you could spend a bit more time in Kilkenny or visit Avoca on the way through the Wicklow Mountains. And I'd still cut Galway and spend more time in Dingle.

Yes, I'd agree. Cut out Galway. It's a really nice city and has a great night life but a night in Galway may write off the next day with a sore head!! Deffo have to recommend the Cliffs of Moher. I was there a few weeks ago and it was spectacular.

So if I cut Galway, head straight for a night near Doolin, next day see Cliffs of Moher head to Dingle, spend one night, next day see Dingle, head for Cobh for the night, next day see Cobh(this will be sunday), next day see the Rock of Cashel, Kilkenny and Wicklow/Glendalough in one day, or should I see Rock of Cashel on the same day as Cobh, to give more time for Wicklow/Glendalough and Kilkenny.
My daughter who loves the Wicklow/ Glendalough area spent only two days in Ireland and saw only Dublin and Glendalough/ Wicklow on a study abroad program in London.

You could do Cobh and Cashel on the same day, then stay near Cashel that night. You might want to stop off at Blarney on the way to Cashel (it's between Cobh and Cashel). Trying to do Cobh, Cashel, AND Wicklow in one day is too much. Even doing Kilkenny and Wicklow could be too much if you intend to spend much time in Kilkenny and allow time for hiking at Glendalough.

Jennifer,

I just have a general comment. I think you'll be much happier with your trip if you cut lower priority sites and focus on your "must see" places. It sounds like these would be the Cliffs, Dingle, and Wicklow/Glendalough. Driving in Ireland is notoriously sloooooow. My wife and I spent two weeks seeing only a little bit more than you plan to see in four days. Plus you'll probably be jetlagged the first day from the flight. So you want to plan conservatively with lots of time to get from place to place and see things without being rushed.

Better to see a few places and enjoy them than see a lot of places but not truly enjoy any of them.

I hope you have a wonderful trip. Ireland is a great country.

If I remember right, it took us about 3 hours to drive from Wicklow to Cobh. The Titanic Tour was interesting in Cobh. Pretty small town...doesn't take long to walk around it. We stayed there for 2 nights at the Waters Edge Hotel...you may catch some local musicians playing the guitar at Johnnie Fox's Pub in the Wicklow Mountains.