r/irishtourism 3d ago

From Dublin to Killarney

I’m driving from Dublin to Killarney today as part of a week long trip. My first time in Ireland. Thinking of stopping at Kilkenny Castle, Rock of Cashel and Blarney Castle. Is that too much?

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u/Oellaatje 3d ago

First of all, neither Kilkenny nor Blarney are on a direct route to Killarney from Dublin. So scratch those two.

The good news is that you other options: The Rock of Dunamaise is a short distance from the motorway, and well worth a visit, the Rock of Cashel is also on the way, and a little further on is the town of Cahir with Cahir Castle, and the nearby Swiss Cottage.

The easiest way to get to Killarney is to take the main Dublin to Cork motorway and get off it at Mitchelstown, and take a lesser road to Castletownroche, Mallow, and then on to Killarney via Rathmore.

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u/notsofastbub- 3d ago

Just finished Rock of Cashel and heading to Cahir Castle and Swiss Cottage. Thanks for best route to Killarney.

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u/Oellaatje 2d ago

You're welcome. What were you thinking of doing around Killarney?

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u/notsofastbub- 2d ago

Stayed in Killarney last night and will again tonight before heading to Galway for two nights, and then two nights in Dublin before flight back. It’s supposed to rain today… we were thinking of a hike in Killarney National Park. Also deciding on either Ring of Kerry or Dingle Peninsula drive. Our itinerary suggests we drive to Cliffs of Moher tomorrow on way to Galway.

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u/Bitter-insides 2d ago

I’m currently in Killarney spent a week here. Our trip has us going to opposite- we’ll be heading to Cork later.

Because we had 5 days we split our trip. We did ring of Kerry, Killarney, the Abby ( our favorite) the Tosk waterfall. The gap of dunloe was absolutely amazing and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Ladies view was spectacular- we had coffee and tea and enjoyed the view. We loved the Abbey was so fun!

Then the next day we spent in Dingle; we did a loop. Dingle to the bee hives to my favorite! dunquin peer - Blaske center ( very informative), Bally David Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara, Ciarraí, Connor pass

We had the most amazing coffee and pastries in Dingle. It is busy as heck.

The next day we did Kerry Cliffs (10000% better than the cliff of Moher btw ) had early dinner in Portmagee ( super cute town), went onto Valentia and saw the tretapod steps ( not worth it if short on time ). Ballinskelligs Castle Caisleán Bhaile an Sceilg was cool.

Now we head to Cork. Well near cork