I've been reviewing and considering other traveler's itinerary to make a plan of my own for 2 week tour, but I was wondering what roads to take. For example, I want to drive from Dublin to Wicklow (Glendalough)on the N11, and then to Kilkenny. What is the best route to take from Wicklow to Kilkenny?--looks like a choice of different winding roads. Any suggestions are welcome. Thank you.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
You're going to be stuck with winding roads, but it's pretty through there, anyway. I would use the route recommended by ViaMichelin (www.viamichelin.com) which you can see here:
Posted by
Westport, Ireland
80 posts
Have you plotted your route driving on the AA site?
http://www.aaireland.ie/routes_beta/Search.aspx
I always try to stick with the N roads unless I know the area pretty well. We had tons of flooding throughout Ireland in the late fall and some of the smaller roads really took a beating.
Posted by
Marietta, GA, USA
29 posts
on the smaller roads you may well encounter a stone wall on one side and a big tour bus on the other we drove in Ireland took our time and stopped often with no problems.. we avoided a car in Dublin all together and had a great time ...
Posted by
San Diego
1540 posts
We rented a car at Dublin airport and headed south to Wicklow Mtns. Enjoyed Powerscourt and the beautiful gardens and grounds.
The little winding roads heading west and south were wonderful. We scraped the shrubs and walls on the left and even lost a hubcap - but we LOVED the small roads.
We drove the first day from Dublin airport - thru Wicklow and to Adare!!! Long drive, but it was wonderful. Get a good map and you will be all set.
Posted by
OP
Topeka, KS, USA
6 posts
Thank you all for your replies. The map links were great. I have driven in England/Wales, and actually popped a tire on a stone wall in Wales. Was a pain in the arse, but just part of the adventure!
Posted by
Pantego, NC, USA
1014 posts
We took the back roads in Ireland. Got lost, got stopped by cows in road (got pictures), got stopped by sheep in road (got pictures), son got chased by protective ram (got blurry pictures) and loved all of it. Took a lot longer, but got to see Ireland, the real Ireland. Stopped on way in small pubs, ate lunch with Irishmen and women and we were the only tourists around or had been around in weeks. The only bad part is be careful of bushes scraping the sides of your car. They will charge a respray fee if it is to scratched up. When looking at the car at the initial rental, be SURE to indicate every bump, scratch, chip,etc. all over the car. Check the boot ledge also. If it was scratched by another person, you can be charged. Check the bumpers, both of them and the wheel coverings. Take your time and really look. Mark everything on the form they give you. If they do not offer a form, ask for one. They will look the car over carefully when you bring it back.