My partner and I are flying into Dublin at 9:00 on 30 September and out of Cork at 19:00 on 3 October. We're going to rent a car and have not booked any rooms or attractions yet. Would someone who knows the area please suggest a rough itinerary? He would like to see the Blasket Islands, but I'm told that those are both far away and often not accessible during this time of the year--if you disagree we would love to hear your opinion, but at this point that's no longer a required journey for us. Some of the other places we've considered are Cahir Castle, Glendalough/Wicklow National Park, Powerscourt Estates or Mount Usher Gardens, Kilkenny Castle and area cathedrals/ruins, stops in Enniscorthy, Wicklow, Arklow, Tramore, East Dunmore, or Dungarven. We would consider spending a whole day in both Cork and Dublin, and we're not against spending a few hours driving to an out-of-the-way location if the ride is pretty and the destination is worth it. We would be happy to see a mix of churches, museums, ruins, nature parks, pubs, mountains, coastlines, etc. Cost is a consideration, but our priority is having a trip that is fun and exposes us to some authentic Irish places and people. Many thanks for reading this and your suggestions.
Yep the Blaskets are too far to go for 4 days. Kilkenny and Cork both have castles, ruins, gardens, churches and pubs and are really great cities. I'd get out of Dublin city unless you want to spend a day in the city. From Kilkenny you can drive onto Waterford city, see Dunmore east and Dungarvan on your way to Cork. You will see the coastline at Dungarvan and Youghal that way and then arrive into Cork to spend the day before you fly out.
If you are already in Kilkenny, Cashel is worth a day. We thought the Rock of Cashel was very interesting, especially the Romanesque chapel and the old monastery. Although we were in Dunquin, it was too windy to go to the Blasket Islands, and this was in May. If you really want to see them, you need to hang out there for a few days.
Powerscourt Gardens are magnificent. Then Glendalough via Sally Gap (Wicklow Mtns). Decent Youth Hostel close to the monastic ruins together with excellent walks by the lake or the adjacent hills if you have the time.
Otherwise B&Bs at nearby villages.
R
In Cork, visit Cobh ( say cove ) go east on the N25 Waterford road
go to the heritage centre and visit
the Queenstown Story.
more info : WIKIPEDIA.ORG / COBH
I wouldn't agree with punder saying to get out of Dublin. I think you should visit it, I mean there is allot to see and do there aswell as some nice old buildings. www.visitdublin.com for more information
It's a good thing that you don't mind driving a few hours out of the way becuase almost all the places you've listed are pretty far east of the Dublin-Cork motorway. I have to say that Kilkenny Castle is well worth visiting aswell as Glendalough. But I can't understand why you want to stop in Enniscorthy, Wicklow or Arklow. They are just your average Irish towns. And Kilkenny is a good example of a nice Irish town (even though it's classed as a city).
Although Dunmore East, Dungarvan and Tramore are supposed to be lovely towns! Especially Dunmore East!
I agree with yofletch Cobh is a lovely town, it's so pretty! And it was the last stop of the Titanic! Cork city is amazing and it's my favourite city in Ireland. Visit tourism.cometocork.ie for more information.
Oh yes and the Blasket Islands are certainly out of they way! They are hidden away in the cliffs beside the sea in county Kerry on a very narrow road. They are about 2hrs 45mins from Cork City!
Ok for finding your route I think I would use the AA Route Planner: http://www2.aaireland.ie/routes_beta/
It can tell you how long your route will be, how far and which directions to take!
You will probably be using the N11 and M9 quite a bit aswell as the N25.
Hope I helped and that you have a nice time here! :)
Thanks everyone so much for all of your good advice. I think we've decided to spend some time in Cobh and probably not go to the Blaskets so that we will have more time to spend in towns and less in the car. Honestly, the only reasons for Wicklow and Arklow are that they were recommended by Ireland's Tourism website. I think I'm learning that while they are nice Irish towns, we may be better off spending more time in fewer towns. Enniscorthy has a castle and I've seen it recommended elsewhere. I will post a trip report when we return (and have been forced to make final itinerary decisions). Thanks again!
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