we will be driving from dublin to dingle. along the way, we would like to see the rock of cashal and probably muckross house. Where do you recommend spending that first night? We were told possibly kilkenny or kinsale...which do you prefer for the first night's stay? any other suggestions instead?
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9369 posts
If this will be your first day in Ireland, Kinsale is probably too long a drive, particularly if you intend to see the Rock of Cashel on the way. You might consider staying Cashel that first night instead.
Posted by
Sparks, NV
12 posts
michelle, my wife and I like the Kilkenny area. Reasonably short drive from Dublin. We have stayed multiple times at Hill Grove B&B, with Margaret and Tony Drennan, just outside town. Nice country house, great breakfast. If you ask for oatmeal, it's possible that Tony will offer you a splash the Irish to put a tiger in your tank for the day. Take time to go a few miles down the road to the Nicholas Moss pottery factory. See how it's made and maybe shop a bit. Kilkenny castle tour is also interesting as is a stroll down the main street. Check out the Kilkenny Design Center across the street from the castle for shopping and the craft workshops out back. The drive from Kilkenny to Cashel (get directions from Tony) is quite spectacular if you are into fortified castle houses. Seems like there is one every few miles, so keep your camera handy! As I recall, the drive takes about 45 minutes.
While in Cashel, you might want to check out Hore Abbey, which is just a short walk from the Rock. Haven't done so, but it always looks interesting.
While in Dingle, check out the Blasket Island Center. Stopped for a quick peek and spent over three hours. Wish we had taken the time to go out to the Blasket islands and check things out.
The Ring of Kerry can be a pretty drive (Muckross area). Got caught in a heavy rain storm. The sight of water cascading off the mountains was spectacular. A real Nat Geo photo op. Think there is a peat bog along the road. Stop and see what they are like. Stand still and have someone walk in a circle around you. Kind of a weird experience.
We think Muckross is worth the trip. Three trips, Muckross three times. Fun to see how the "haves" used to live. Nice gift shop and restaurant on the grounds. Take the time for a jaunting car ride (think The Quiet Man) just to get the picture of yourself being Irish.
Have a wonderful trip. To us, Ireland is a great experience!
Posted by
Arlington, WA
993 posts
We left Dublin late morning and drove to The Rock of Cashel by way of Sally Gap. We stayed the night in the Glen of Aherlow not too far from Tipperary Town. If you google Glen of Aherlow you'll find all sorts of information. It was a lovely place & I think called the Aherlow Hotel. Next time we will leave earlier and visit Powerscourt before heading into the West.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10559 posts
After landing in Dublin in the morning we drove to Kilkenny. I felt that it was about as far as I was able to drive after a long trip. It took about two hours to get there I think. The Kilkenny Castle is worth going to and it is a cute town. We stopped at the Rock of Cashel the next day before going to Dingle.
If you are making the drive after you have already been in Ireland it would easy enough to drive further.
Posted by
Denver
7 posts
I had planned to drive Dublin to Cashel to Kenmare, but I lost a day due to car issues. I left Dublin (Trim) around 9am, drove to Cashel and spent an hour at the Rock, spent an hour installing a new tire (long story) then drove on to Kenmare, arriving around 6 pm. Long day, long drive, but personally, not sure what else I would have done in Cashel.
Loved Kenmare so much that I stayed an extra night and did the Beara Peninsula instead of the Ring of Kerry!