Ireland

Kilkenny was easily my favorite stop during my recent trip to Ireland and it also just so happens to be the country’s best preserved Medieval city.

What I loved most about Kilkenny was exploring the town’s history along what’s known as the Medieval Mile, a discovery trail running through the city that connects Kilkenny Castle to St. Canice’s Cathedral.

There’s so much interesting Medieval history in this town, it really is a destination you don’t want to miss.

You’ll find Medieval castles and cathedrals near the Kilkenny historic center along with the remnants of the old Medieval walls that used to guard the city.

In addition to its Medieval history, Kilkenny also has great restaurants and lively pubs to enjoy after you’ve spent the day sightseeing. I share some of my favorite places for food and drinks down below.

While there are many places to visit during a trip to Ireland, I highly recommend making Kilkenny one of the destinations you choose to visit.

Kilkenny is a wildly fun city and if you’re short on time also makes an easy day trip from Dublin.

However you choose to visit, whether you’re just in town for a day, or you decide to stick around a while, you’re really going to love this city.

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Things to do in Kilkenny Ireland

Kilkenny is located about 90 minutes south of Dublin and is easily reached by car or bus.

First time visitors will want to spend at least one full day here if possible. If visiting as part of an Ireland road trip, I would spend the night here so you have more time to explore the following morning.

I include a few hotel suggestions down below, but Kilkenny is a very walkable city. As long as you’re in the city center, you’ll be in a good place to explore.

Down below you’ll find my favorite things to do in Kilkenny. Most of these places are within 10 to 15 minutes walking distance to each other. You can use Google Maps to get walking directions as you go from place to place.

You can also stop into the Shee Alms House on High Street. This is the Kilkenny Tourist Office and they can provide tips for your visit and a map of the city’s attractions and points of interest.

Tours in Kilkenny Ireland

If you’re interested in joining a guided tour to Kilkenny during your visit to Ireland, I recommend taking this one:

• Kilkenny and Wicklow Mountains: This is a 9 hour day trip from Dublin with stops at the Wicklow Mountains and Kilkenny. I like this one because it’s affordable and a bit shorter than the other 12 hour day trips on offer.

If you decided to drive on your own to Kilkenny but would like a guided tour of the city, I recommend this one:

• Historical and Hysterical Kilkenny Walking Tour: This is a fun 90 minute guided walking tour to the city’s main attractions with plenty of humor to keep you engaged and entertained.

Don’t like guided tours? No problem. Just keep reading.

Traveling Soon? Don’t forget your travel insurance.

• Travel insurance is now more important than ever.
• Travel insurance is probably less than you think it is. (Ex. For a week in Spain next month I’m paying less than $62.00.)
• Travel insurance covers a lot more than you think it does.
• It’s better to have it, than need it and wish you’d bought it.
• See for yourself. Check prices here.

1. Kilkenny Castle

Kilkenny Castle dates back to around 1195 and is one of the most popular Kilkenny attractions.

You’ll find Kilkenny Castle right in the heart of the city’s historic center and surrounded by expansive gardens with grass, trees, and flowers.

I recommend arriving at Kilkenny Castle first thing in the morning to get pictures outside before heading inside. If you arrive early, you’ll also beat the crowds wanting to tour the interior.

On the inside of the castle you’ll get to wander from room to room viewing the old furniture and art while learning about the history of Kilkenny, the castle, and the people who once lived there.

Kilkenny Castle is open daily from 9:30 a.m. Admission is free.

2. St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum

St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum is located about a five minute walk from Kilkenny Castle and was my favorite historical site in Kilkenny.

Admission to the Medieval Mile Museum comes with a guided audio tour which leads you through the museum’s various exhibits, including outdoor cemetery.

The interior exhibits walk you through the Medieval history of Kilkenny where you’ll learn about important events and people from the city’s past.

The Medieval Mile Museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

3. Explore the Medieval walls

One of the more unusual things to do in Kilkenny is to wander around exploring the city’s old Medieval walls.

You’ll find the Medieval walls in the city center near the Medieval Mile Museum. There’s no one particular thing to see, it’s just cool to get to experience a city like this built up around the old walls.

So my recommendation is to just wander around and explore, and see what you can find.

If you’d like to spice this activity up a bit, stop into the various pubs as you make your way around the city. You can thank me later for this fantastic idea!

4. Visit St. Canice’s Cathedral

One of the biggest historical attractions in Kilkenny city is St. Canice’s Cathedral, which dates back to the 13th century. The cathedral was built between 1202 – 1285 and is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture.

St. Canice’s Cathedral still holds worship services on Sundays and Wednesdays, so be sure to check their website to avoid visiting during these times if you’re hoping to view the interior.

Visitors to the cathedral can also climb the adjacent Round Tower which stands at about 100 feet high. At the top of the platform there is a viewing platform that offers incredible views of Kilkenny, making the climb to the top well worth the effort.

As you might have guessed, the interior of the round tower is quite small. Those uncomfortable in small spaces may want to pass on climbing the tower.

St. Canice’s Cathedral is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

5. Cocktails along the River Nore

If you’re looking to take a little break from all the sightseeing around Kilkenny, make your way over to the Kilkenny River Court Hotel for cocktails at The Terrace.

The Terrace sits along the bank of the River Nore and offers impressive views of nearby Kilkenny Castle. If you can time it right, this is also a great place to be for sunset.

At The Terrace you can enjoy wine, cocktails or a pint of beer. They also serve sandwiches, burgers, salads, local Irish dishes and desert.

Reservations for the outdoor area are not required and all are welcome. You do not need to be a guest of the hotel to visit, thought it is a nice hotel if you’re looking for a place to stay.

6. The Black Abbey

As you explore Kilkenny, you’ll want to be sure to leave time for a visit to the city’s historic Black Abbey.

The Black Abbey is a 14th century Dominican church and priory located about a 12 minute walk from Kilkenny Castle along the city’s Medieval Mile.

The Black Abbey is best known for its huge stained glass windows that depict the Mysteries of the Rosary and date back to 1892. It’s the largest stained glass window in Ireland and the church’s most notable feature.

7. Rothe House and Garden

Rothe House and Garden is a historic home turned museum located at the midway point of the Medieval Mile.

The home used to belong to John Rothe Fitz Piers, a local merchant, landowner and mayor of Kilkenny City. The property consists of three homes and three courtyards that date back to between 1594 and 1610.

Today, guests can wander the three historic homes and courtyards and learn about Mr. Rothe and his family, and also about what like was like in Kilkenny in the early 1600s.

Rothe House and Garden is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Adult admission is 7.50 (EUR).

8. Visit Dunmore Cave

Dunmore Cave is a large limestone cave in County Kilkenny, known for important archaeological discoveries.

Visitors enter the wide opening to the cave via a series of stairs leading down further into the back of the cave. It gets darker and wetter the further down you go, but it also gets a lot more interesting. You’ll definitely want comfortable walking or hiking shoes for this activity as the stairs and rocky surfaces can get a bit slippery.

Even more interesting, the cave was the sight of a Viking massacre back in 928. I’ll leave the fascinating stories for you to discover on your own visit, but definitely plan to visit Dunmore Cave if you have the time.

If you’re looking for another activity before heading back to Dublin, consider visiting Castlecomer Discovery Park. This is an adventure park with ziplining, canoeing, tree top walks and more. The park is located about 15 minutes north of Dunmore Cave or 20 minutes north of Kilkenny.

9. Visit the local shops

Once you’ve finished exploring Kilkenny’s Medieval tourist attractions, you can enjoy the rest of your day visiting the city’s local shops.

You’ll find all sorts of local boutiques selling everything from candy to clothing and shoes. You will also of course find plenty of souvenir shops if you’re looking for something to take home with you.

If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, head over to the Kilkenny Design Centre located right across the street from Kilkenny Castle.

At the Kilkenny Design Center you’ll find locally made crafts and art including candles, clothing, jewelry, and home goods. If you’re looking for a unique gift for yourself or someone back home, this is the place to get it.

10. Enjoy a pint at Kytelers Inn

Don’t judge, but Kyteler’s Inn was my favorite stop while in Kilkenny. It didn’t hurt that they had my favorite cider on tap, but what I enjoyed most was the venue’s history and lively atmosphere.

The Inn is actually a pub and restaurant that dates back to the 13th century, but is now known as a lively gathering place for locals and visitors alike.

I recommend stopping into Kyteler’s Inn for drinks and dinner at the end of the day. They serve traditional Irish cuisine and local Irish beers and offer live music most nights of the week.

They offer both indoor and outdoor seating and can accommodate large groups. If seated outside, be sure to check out the interior of the building as well to see the original Medieval stone walls that were restored in the late 1980s.

Kyteler’s Inn is open daily and hours vary.

If you have extra time during your visit to Kilkenny you can also visit the following places:

• Kells Priory – Located in the village of Kells, this Priory is considered one of the most impressive Medieval monuments in Ireland. Kells Priory is located just 17 minutes south of Kilkenny.
• Kilfane Glen and Waterfall – This is a large natural area with gardens and a waterfall which date back to the late 1700s.

Where to Stay in Kilkenny

Here are a few options for hotels in Kilkenny including the hotel I stayed at during my recent visit. When visiting Kilkenny you’ll want to be near the historic center so you’re in close proximity to all the main sights.

Here are my Kilkenny hotel recommendations:

• Kilkenny River Court Hotel: This is the stylish hotel I mention above as a great place for cocktails. The hotel sits right long the river, so it has incredible views. This is also an upscale hotel so the rooms are quite nice too.
• Kilkenny Pembroke Hotel: This is the hotel I stayed at during my trip. It’s walking distance to everything, has comfortable rooms, free breakfast, and parking.
• Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel: Four star hotel located near the Medieval Mile. This hotel has comfortable rooms, a chic bar, nice restaurant and very large fitness center.
• Mount Juliet Estate: If you’re looking for something fancy and a little out of town, this is the place for you. This is a luxury hotel located about 20 minutes south of Kilkenny City near Jerpoint Abbey, a ruined Cistercian abbey that dates back to the mid 12th century.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to the best things to do in Kilkenny and that I’ve inspired you to plan a trip of your own. If you’d like to support this blog please consider sharing this post. As always, thanks for reading.

These 10 Day Trips from Dublin are sure to make your visit to Ireland a memorable one.

While I think everyone traveling to Ireland should spend a few days seeing the sights in Dublin, there is so much more to see in Ireland outside the city.

If you’re comfortable renting a car and driving on the opposite side of the road, you should definitely plan this trip as an Ireland road trip. This way you can explore the whole country at your own pace.

However, if you’re not comfortable driving, don’t feel like driving, or just prefer to join a few group tours, then this guide to 10 incredible day trips from Dublin is for you.

Down below you’ll find 10 different guided day trips from Dublin to various parts of Ireland. I list my favorite ones at the top so you don’t miss those.

Congratulations on planning your first trip to Ireland, it’s a beautiful country and I know you’ll have a great time.

Some of the links in the post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links it helps to support this site at no extra cost to you.

Day Trips from Dublin

The 10 day trips from Dublin listed below were selected based on my own recent road trip around Ireland.

I selected these 10 destinations because I think you’ll enjoy them, and because they offer an experience you won’t get if you spend your whole trip in Dublin.

I list my favorites at the top. If you’re visiting Ireland on a short trip, I would start with one of the first few listed. Those were the places where I had the most fun, and that I think will add the most value to your visit to Ireland.

However, if you are looking for something a bit different and a little less touristy, the day trips at the bottom are for you.

Either way, Ireland is incredible and you’re going to have a fantastic time.

Real quick, if you’ve never done a group day trip before, here are a few tips to ensure you have a good time.

• Be ready to go at least 15 minutes before your scheduled pick up time in the morning. You don’t want to miss your pick up, and sometimes they show up early.
• Dress in layers so you can remove something if you’re too hot, or add something if you get cold. Bring an umbrella as well.
• Pack water and snacks for the road.
• Bring headphones and something to listen too.

Finally, approach your group trip with an open mind and be willing to meet people. As a frequent solo traveler, I often join group day trips so I have others to travel with. It’s also a great way to meet new people and make new friends.

So what are the best day trips from Dublin?

I’m glad you asked, let’s get to it.

Traveling Soon? Don’t forget your travel insurance.

• Travel insurance is now more important than ever.
• Travel insurance is probably less than you think it is. (Ex. For a week in Spain next month I’m paying less than $62.00.)
• Travel insurance covers a lot more than you think it does.
• It’s better to have it, than need it and wish you’d bought it.
• See for yourself. Check prices here.

1. Cliffs of Moher Day Trip

If you take only one day trip from Dublin, let it be this one.

The Cliffs of Moher are the highlight of Ireland’s Atlantic coast and definitely worth the rather short drive across the country to get there.

Once at Cliffs of Moher you’ll find several viewing platforms overlooking the cliffs. Explore this area for a bit, but then head over to the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk.

The Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk connects the Cliffs of Moher to the neighboring city of Liscannor to the north or Hags Head to the south.

You don’t need to hike the entire distance of the trail to get the benefit of the incredible views along the Coastal Walk. At minimum, head down the trail in either direction for about 15 to 20 minutes. The views from the trail are far more impressive than those from the viewing platforms. Plus, you’ll be able to get much better photos.

If you’re up for the challenge, here are the distances to Liscannor and Hags Head:

• Liscannor: 20 kilometers round trip. Walking time is about 4 to 5 hours.
• Hags Head: 5.6 kilometers. Walking time is about 90 minutes to 2 hours.

The tour linked below also includes a Cliffs of Moher tour, some time driving along Ireland’s famous Wild Atlantic Way, and a stop in Galway city.

Cliffs of Moher Day Trip from Dublin

• Duration: About 13 hours
• Price: About $60

2. Kilkenny

kilkenny was another one of my favorite stops in Ireland. It’s a totally walkable city and is best explored on foot.

Kilkenny is a very well-preserved Medieval town. Visitors will want to explore Kilkenny Castle, St. Canice’s Cathedral, and St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum.

As you wander around town going from place to place you’ll also get to see and walk along the town’s old Medieval walls. It’s impressive the walls still exist and are in such good shape.

After you’ve finished exploring the Medieval history of Kilkenny, head over to the town’s famous Kytelers Inn. Here you can grab dinner, try a pint of local beer or cider, and enjoy live traditional Irish music.

Kilkenny Day Trip from Dublin

• Duration: About 8 – 12 hours
• Price: About $35

3. Blarney Castle

Blarney Castle is Ireland’s most visited castle and one of the most well-preserved Medieval castles in the country.

Visitors to Blarney Castle will get to explore not only the outside, but also the inside of the castle. There is a very narrow (and steep) spiral staircase that winds up to the top of the castle.

Fortunately, you can also stop on the different levels as you make your way up to the top level, which is good news since you’ll likely want a break from the stairs every once in a while.

Once at the top, you’ll be greeted with some impressive views of the surrounding area and gardens. You’ll also have your chance to kiss the infamous Blarney Stone.

While this may not be the year you want to partake in kissing the Blarney Stone, you can rest assured that the stone is disinfected in between each person. But, you can always just leave a bit of distance between the stone and your lips, if you’d like to be on the safer side.

Either way, it’s a fun experience that involves a little gymnastics and the help of an assistant for safety who works there. Those with back issues may want to skip this activity.

After you’ve explored the castle and kissed the Blarney Stone, you can wander around the surrounding gardens for a bit.

Blarney Castle Day Trip from Dublin

• Duration: About 12 hours
• Price: About $75

4. Northern Ireland and Giant’s Causeway

If you have enough time during your visit to Ireland, I highly recommend a Giants Causeway tour from Dublin, which includes a visit to Belfast.

If you’re at all familiar with the history between Ireland and Northern Ireland, you’ll likely find the visit to Belfast very interesting. The Belfast city tour includes stops at some of the city’s most popular destinations, along with plenty of information on its history and current political climate.

After a stop in Belfast the tour continues on to the stunning coast of Northern Ireland. Here you’ll get to explore Giant’s Causeway and the country’s famous Carrick-a rede rope bridge.

This is one of the most popular day tours from Dublin. Be sure to book this early if you’d like to go to Northern Ireland during your visit.

Northern Ireland and Giant’s Causeway Day Trip

• Duration: About 13 – 14 hours
• Price: About $88

5. Ring of Kerry

This Ring of Kerry day trip from Dublin is quite the adventure. Due to its distance from Dublin, this guided tour also includes transport via a very scenic train ride.

The Ring of Kerry is a scenic drive around the Iveragh Peninsula located in the southwestern corner of Ireland in County Kerry. The Ring of Kerry runs 179 kilometers (111 miles) in length.

The full drive around the Ring of Kerry is about 3.5 hours without stops. This tour does include several stops along the way at scenic lookouts, and of course a stop for tea and another for lunch.

Along the route you’ll get to view Ireland’s gorgeous rocky coastline along with several local villages. As one of Ireland’s top road trip destinations, you’re sure to have a good time on this day trip from Dublin despite the long time to get there.

Ring of Kerry Day Trip from Dublin

• Duration: About 15 – 16 hours
• Price: About $150

6. Rock of Cashel

The Rock of Cashel was one of the most unexpectedly cool stops on my Ireland road trip this past year. The castle sits on a hilltop overlooking a valley about 50 minutes west of the Medieval town of Kilkenny.

This castle looks so ominous as you approach it from the roadway down below. It seriously looks straight out of a movie.

The other cool thing about Rock of Cashel is that you get to go inside. This castle is not as well preserved as say Blarney Castle, but its just as cool in my opinion. Actually, don’t tell anyone, but I actually enjoyed visiting Rock of Cashel way more than Blarney Castle.

Rock of Cashel dates back to the 12 century, and you’ll have the opportunity to learn all about its history on your day tour from Dublin.

Inside the castle you get to see how massive the structure was and how thick the walls are. It’s amazing to see how these things were built back in the day.

This Rock of Cashel day trip from Dublin also includes a stop at Cahir Castle and a city tour of Cork, Ireland’s second largest city.

Rock of Cashel Day Trip from Dublin

• Duration: About 12 hours
• Price: About $85

7. Wicklow Mountains National Park

Wicklow Mountain National Park is located just 45 minutes south of Dublin and makes a fun day trip from the city. This is also one of the few Dublin day tours that gets you out in nature and into one of the country’s beautiful national parks.

This national park is home to some incredible scenery, many miles of hiking trails, several lakes, and even a waterfall.

This guided tour will take you on a 90 minute hike in the mountains and also to Enniskerry Village Square, Guinness Lake, Glendalough Monastic Settlement, and Glendalough Upper Lake.

Bring good hiking shoes for this one, and don’t forget your camera.

Wicklow Mountains Day Trip from Dublin

• Duration: About 8 hours
• Price: About $50

8. Trim Castle

Trim Castle was another unexpectedly fun stop on my Ireland road trip. This castle is also fairly well-preserved, though visitors are not permitted on the inside.

You can however enjoy a walk along the paved pathway that circles the castle. From the paved trail you can see the remaining ramparts and the area where the moat used to be. How cool is that?

In addition to a 90 minute visit to Trim Castle, you’ll also have the opportunity to visit the ancient monument of Newgrange, a former burial site and place of ancient worship. Newgrange is one of only two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ireland.

This tour also includes a short stop at Slane Castle, where Irish band U2 recorded one of their songs.

Trim Castle Day Trip including Newgrange from Dublin

Duration: About 8 hours

Price: About $45

9. Galway

Galway is a lively and fun city located along Ireland’s Atlantic coast. Its home to an abundance of great pubs and restaurants, and is truly worth a visit during your time in Ireland.

If you won’t be renting a car during your Ireland visit, this tour is the perfect way to see the city. After visits to Kilmacdaugh Monastery, Cliffs of Moher, and The Burren, you’ll have the chance to explore Galway city for a bit.

I recommend walking around the city for a short while, then finding a local pub for lunch and a pint or two. This city is all about its pub culture, so you might as well enjoy it while you’re there. I know I sure did!

Galway Tour Including Cliffs of Moher from Dublin

• Duration: About 12 hours
• Price: About $55

10. Boyne Valley

Finally, if you’re looking for one of the most unique day trips from Dublin, book this tour to the Boyne Valley. The Boyne Valley is located a short drive north of Dublin and makes an easy day trip destination.

This tour stops first at the Hill of Tara, an archaeological site dating back to the Iron Age which served as a both a ceremonial site and burial site.

After an hour or so at Hill of Tara, you’ll make your way to the town of Trim where you get to explore Trim Castle.

After Trim Castle you’ll head to Loughcrew Cairns, the site of multiple passage tombs from the Neolithic Age.

Finally, the tour will take you to Fore Abbey, a Christian monastery dating back to the 7th century.

Boyne Valley Day Trip from Dublin

• Duration: About 10 hours
• Price: About $60

That’s it for my guide to the best Dublin day trips. No matter which trip you choose, I think you’ll enjoy the opportunity to explore Ireland outside of Dublin. Safe travels.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this short guide to the best day trips from Dublin and were able to find a day trip you’ll enjoy. If you would like to support this blog please consider sharing this post. As always, thanks for reading.

This Ultimate Ireland Road Trip is the perfect way to explore Ireland on your first visit.

As a country known for its rolling green hillsides, lively pub culture, and its abundance of well-preserved medieval castles, Ireland is a must visit for any traveler.

Since Ireland is fairly easy to get to from both the USA and Europe, it’s a popular destination and one you’ll definitely want to plan ahead for.

While many first time visitors head to Ireland just to visit Dublin, Kilkenny, and Cliffs of Moher, there is so much more to see outside these popular tourist destinations. I strongly encourage you to rent a car, stay a little longer, and see a lot more.

This Ireland road trip itinerary will take you to about a dozen spots around the country including medieval towns, big cities, rocky coastlines, and of course, to plenty of castles.

Ireland was one of the best road trips I’ve ever taken, I really believe you’ll love it too. Let’s get to it.

Some of the links in the post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links it helps to support this site at no extra cost to you.

Ireland Road Trip

Before getting into this five to seven day Ireland itinerary I wanted to give you a few tips before heading out on your trip.

First, be sure to book your rental car well in advance, especially if travelling in 2021. Many popular tourist destinations are sold out of rental cars, so plan ahead for this trip and book early.

Second, make your hotel reservations in advance as well to ensure you get the hotel you want at a good price. I include recommendations for each city down below based on the places I stayed during my own recent trip. Just don’t wait until the last minute or you may not get to stay where you want to. You can check rates via the links for each hotel.

I include approximate drive times between destinations below, but please remember these are approximate. Your drive may be faster or much longer depending on a variety of factors.

Finally, don’t overbook your time. There will be so much to see while driving around Ireland, you’re not going to want a rigid schedule. Keep an open mind, and just explore.

Traveling Soon? Don’t forget your travel insurance.

• Travel insurance is now more important than ever.
• Travel insurance is probably less than you think it is. (Ex. For a week in Spain next month I’m paying less than $62.00.)
• Travel insurance covers a lot more than you think it does.
• It’s better to have it, than need it and wish you’d bought it.
• See for yourself. Check prices here.

Stop 1: Dublin

There’s quite literally a million things to do in Dublin so plan to hit the ground running when you arrive. I recommend booking your first two nights near the Dublin city center so you’re close to the action.

While in Dublin plan to visit the Temple Bar neighborhood, Molly Malone Statue, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin Castle, Christ Church Cathedral, Trinity College Library, and my personal favorites the Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Irish Whiskey Distillery.

Seriously, even if you’re not a beer drinker, the Guinness Storehouse is a very good time, do not skip this. You will not only learn a lot about beer making, but you’ll also learn what Guinness means to the country of Ireland. I highly recommend getting tickets for both Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery.

If you’re looking to maximize your time spent in Dublin, consider getting tickets for the Hop On Hop Off Bus. You’ll save a ton of time, and it’s way cheaper than an Uber.

There are convenient stops everywhere for this thing and it takes you to all the attractions you’d want to see on a first visit to Dublin.

Plan for at least two days in Dublin before heading off to explore the rest of the country on your Ireland road trip.

Where to stay in Dublin

Hotels in Dublin can be pricey, but good deals can be found easily. I suggest staying near the city center so you don’t waste time traveling back and forth from your hotel. Here are a few great options for hotels in Dublin.

• The Morrison: This is the hotel I stayed at and it’s located right across the river from Temple Bar. It’s no frills, but nice enough. Also comes with affordable parking and free coffee and breakfast.
• The Grafton: A bit more stylish than The Morrison with a very cool hotel bar. This hotel is located just south of Temple Bar and is walking distance to many of Dublin’s attractions.

Next Stop: Powerscourt Waterfall

Drive Time: 40 minutes

Stop 2: Powerscourt Waterfall

Powerscourt Waterfall is the second highest waterfall in Ireland at around 396 feet (121 meters) tall. The waterfall is located in the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains south of Dublin near Wicklow Mountains National Park.

Visitors can reach the waterfall via a short walking path from the parking area. A stop here will only take about an hour or so, but its a nice place to visit and take some pictures.

Next Stop: Kilkenny

Drive Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Stop 3: Kilkenny

Okay, not gonna lie… I loved Kilkenny. In fact, Kilkenny was my favorite stop on my Ireland road trip.

Kilkenny is a very cool old medieval town in the southeast corner of Ireland. Just walking around this town is super fun as you meander through all its old narrow medieval walkways.

Some of the most popular things to do in Kilkenny include visiting Kilkenny Castle, walking the Medieval Mile, St. Canice’s Cathedral, the Black Abbey, Kyteler’s Inn, and Dunmore Cave.

A Kilkenny walking tour is a great idea here if you’d like to learn more about the town. Kilkenny has such a rich and fascinating history, the tour is actually quite interesting.

I recommend just one night in Kilkenny to see the main sights, but two nights if you prefer to take it slow. You’ll have a great time either way, Kilkenny is a fun town.

Where to stay in Kilkenny

The town of Kilkenny is rather small, so as long as you stay near the city center you’ll be in a good spot.

• Pembroke Hotel: This is the hotel I stayed at right in the city center. The rooms were comfortable and the hotel had free breakfast and free parking. You could easily walk to anywhere in town.
• Kilkenny River Court Hotel: Very nice hotel right on the river overlooking Kilkenny Castle. You can also walk to anywhere in the city from this hotel. They also have a beautiful dining room overlooking the river. It’s a great spot for dinner or cocktails in the evening.

Next Stop: Rock of Cashel

Drive Time: 50 minutes

Stop 4: Rock of Cashel

If Kilkenny was my favorite medieval town, Rock of Cashel was my favorite medieval castle on my Ireland road trip.

The Rock of Cashel sits on a hilltop a short distance outside Kilkenny. What I loved most about Rock of Cashel is how ominous and foreboding it looks as you approach from a distance. It was like it was straight out of a movie, but totally real. Hope that doesn’t sound dumb, but I think you get what I mean.

The castle itself is mostly remnants of the outer walls, but visitors are welcome to go inside and have a look around. It’s very cool to step inside the interior to see how the castle was built and how thick the walls are.

Around the outside of the castle you’ll find a cemetery. Many of the headstones indicate burials in the 1900s. Definitely not medieval times, but it’s interesting to walk and makes for some great photos.

Next Stop: Lismore Castle and Gardens

Drive Time: 1 hour

Stop 5: Lismore Castle and Gardens

As you make your way towards Cork you’ll definitely want to stop at Lismore Castle and Gardens. While the castle itself is a private residence that does not allow visitors, the gardens surrounding the castle make the trip worthwhile.

There are two sections of the gardens, the upper gardens and lower gardens. As you walk around you’ll find all kinds of trees, bushes, and flowers with Lismore Castle serving as the perfect Medieval backdrop.

Plan to spend about an hour to 90 minutes exploring the gardens. There’s also a coffee shop and art gallery here as well.

Next Stop: Cork

Drive Time: 1 hour

Stop 6: Cork

If you want to see all the sights in Cork, you’ll need to spend a bit more time here than just half a day. Cork is similar to Dublin in that it’s a large city that will require some driving between attractions.

With that said, I think a single night in Cork is fine. Just have a good plan on what you want to see and plan to either arrive early in the day, or get up early the morning you wake up here.

Some of the most popular attractions in Cork are Fitzgerald Park, Blackrock Castle Observatory, St. Anne’s Church and Cork City Gaol. If you’re short on time but want to get a feel for the city, you can join a 90 minute Cork Walking Tour to see the main sights.

Cork is also known for its impressive restaurant scene. If you have the time, I recommend trying out a Cork Food Tour during your visit. This way you’ll get to learn about the city’s restaurant scene while tasting some of the best food in the city.

Where to stay in Cork

Cork is kind of a big city, so I suggest staying near the city center near some good restaurants. Here are my recommendations.

• Maldron Hotel: This is the hotel I stayed at right in the city center along the river. The rooms were very comfortable and the location was perfect. You’ll find great restaurants and pubs just a block away on Oliver Plunkett Street.
• Imperial Hotel: An upscale hotel near the city center, also walking distance to Oliver Plunkett Street and many of the city’s best restaurants and bars.

Next Stop: Blarney Castle

Drive Time: 15 minutes

Stop 7: Blarney Castle

You can’t come all the way to Ireland and leave without visiting Blarney Castle and kissing the Blarney Stone.

Blarney Castle is just a few minutes outside Cork, so I recommend arriving when they open to beat the crowds. They open at 9:00 a.m. Book your tickets in advance to save time.

I visited in the summer of 2021,so there were no crowds anywhere in Ireland, but I’ve heard the line to get into Blarney Castle can last well over an hour in normal peak seasons. Do plan ahead.

Once you arrive at Blarney Castle and Gardens, make a bee line for the castle. You’ll find a large lawn out front where you can get pictures. Once inside the castle, you’ll make your way up a narrow and steep spiral staircase.

The stairs will take you to the very top of the castle where you’ll be greeted with a rather impressive view of the surrounding area. The top of the castle is also where you’ll find the Blarney Stone.

Kissing the Blarney Stone requires a bit of acrobatics as you have to bend backwards into a hole. There will be someone there to assist to make sure you don’t injure yourself and another person who will take your picture.

The pictures are pricey as you’d expect, but totally worth it in my opinion.

After you’ve explored inside Blarney Castle and kissed the Blarney Stone, you can either continue to explore the outer gardens, or hit the road to Cliffs of Moher. I chose the latter.

Next Stop: Cliffs of Moher

Drive Time: 2 hours, 15 minutes

A quick note here. If you have more time to spend in Ireland, consider heading down towards Killarney and driving the Ring of Kerry.

The Ring of Kerry is a popular tourist route that starts and ends in Killarney and circles the County Kerry peninsula along Slea Head Drive. There’s lots to see around the Ring of Kerry including Killarney National Park, Medieval castles, and Ireland’s beautiful coast.

After the Ring of Kerry you can also head next door to the Dingle Peninsula, which juts out into the Atlantic. You’ll get beautiful coastal views as you drive around the peninsula and then back north towards Cliffs of Moher.

Stop 8: Cliffs of Moher

You can’t come to Ireland without seeing the Cliffs of Moher. If you’re visiting the country but not driving, join a Cliffs of Moher day trip from Dublin. It’s worth the time it takes to get there, trust me.

For the rest of you who decided on an Ireland road trip, you’ll find the gorgeous rocky Cliffs of Moher along Ireland’s famous Wild Atlantic Way, a 1,500 mile long coastal road on Ireland’s Atlantic coast.

Plan to walk around for a bit to explore and hike along the various trails lining the coast. The Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk is about 8 miles and hugs the coastline. The trail is easy and flat. Just be sure to bring comfortable shoes.

I also think you can get better pictures along the Coastal Walk as opposed to just hanging out at the viewing platforms. So even if you don’t plan to walk the whole 8 miles, head up the trail at least a little bit for the unobstructed views.

After you’ve had enough majestic scenery for the day, make your way over to the visitor center. They have several informational exhibits to learn more about the Cliffs of Moher and local wildlife.

Be sure to bring something warm to wear when visiting Cliffs of Moher. It can get very windy and cold along the coast. You’ll need a sweater or jacket.

Next Stop: Galway

Drive Time: 90 minutes

Stop 9: Galway

Galway is the perfect city to visit when you want to experience the pub scene in Ireland and take a break from all the sightseeing. The city center is packed with great pubs and restaurants that you can easily walk between.

Do keep in mind that Galway is a university town, so pub patrons are likely to be on the younger side. The bars and pubs near the city center will get a bit loud and rowdy on weekend nights.

If you’re on the older side (like I am!) you may wish to head out on the early side (say 6:00 p.m. ish) so you can avoid the madness of the late night. This will give you time to have a few pints and grab dinner before it gets too late.

If you’d like to hear some traditional Irish music, be sure to visit The Crane Bar over on Sea Road. It’s a traditional pub with live music every night.

Galway is also a popular homebase for those visitng Cliffs of Moher or exploring more of the Wild Atlantic Way. So if you plan to spend more time at either of those locations, Galway is the perfect place to be.

Where to stay in Galway

You’ll want to stay in the city center when visiting Galway so you’re close to the restaurants, bars and cafes. Here are my recommendations:

• The House Hotel: Upscale, yet affordable rooms near the city center with a bistro and cocktail bar.
• The Residence Hotel: Comfortable rooms in a hotel located right on Quay Street.

Next Stop: Trim

Drive Time: 2 hours

After Galway, this Ireland road trip itinerary heads back east. However, if you have extra time consider heading north towards the Slieve League Cliffs, Achill Island, Glenveagh National Park, and Northern Ireland and it’s beautiful Causeway Coast and famous Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge.

Stop 10: Trim

Trim Castle was another one of my favorite stops in Ireland. Both the town of Trim and Trim Castle were much cooler than I had expected.

Plan to spend about 90 minutes to two hours for this stop so you can explore the castle grounds and then walk around town for a bit.

You cannot go inside Trim Castle, but there’s a walking path leading around the outer perimeter. From the outside, the castle is in pretty good shape. No idea what it’s like on the inside, but the outside is impressive.

From the walking path you can see the old ramparts and the area where the moat used to be. How cool is that?

After you’ve seen the castle, head across the River Boyne via the Trim Castle River Walk to see a few other medieval ruins. While you’re over there, head to The Olive Tree for lunch. They serve fantastic sandwiches and coffee.

Trust me, after a week of dining on Irish cuisine, you’ll be grateful for something different!

Next Stop: Carlingford

Drive Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes

Stop 11: Carlingford

Carlingford is located along Ireland’s west coast overlooking the Irish Sea. The town is known for it’s medieval buildings and King John’s Castle, which sits along the shore near the harbor.

While in Carlingford you’ll want to take a walk through the city center, explore King John’s Castle, grab a pint at PJ O’Hare’s Pub, and take a bike ride along the Carlingford to Omeath Greenway.

Carlingford is also known for it’s fresh Oysters, so be sure to try them while you’re in town.

Where to stay in Carlingford

Carlingford is on the small side, so you’ll be walking distance to the city center with just about any hotel choice, but here are my picks:

• Four Seasons Hotel: The world’s most affordable Four Seasons! Okay, maybe it isn’t but it’s darn close. Upscale hotel about a 5 minute walk to the city center. Rooms in the mid $200s.
• Carlingford House: Upscale historic guesthouse located about 10 minutes from King John’s Castle.

Next Stop: Back to Dublin

Drive Time: 90 minutes

Once back in Dublin, hit up any last minute stops you might have missed at the beginning of your trip and have one last celebratory pint.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to the Ultimate Ireland Road Trip and that I’ve inspired you to plan a trip of your own. If you liked this post please consider sharing it. As always, thanks for reading.