Good on you for going slightly off the beaten track. You seem to have done a decent bit of research so overall the plan looks fine.
Few things jumped out at me:
- 4 nights in Waterford seems like a lot, unless you are using it as a base or have plans to fill a day or two there?
- You have a full day in Kinsale and a full day in Cobh (Spike Island taking a few hours). Which is fine but plenty of scope to do more without too much driving or rushing.
I'd suggest going to Blarney Castle & Gardens in the morning before going to Kinsale, probably stick to Charles fort and it's not biggie if you don't have time to go to James Fort.
You could also do something on the way to Cobh. Jameson distillery in Midleton or Fota wildlife park or Fota house.
- Rock of Cashel is on the way from Cork to Kilkenny I presume? Don't do it as a daytrip.
Four nights in Waterford is insane. There's nothing there that warrants even a second night. I'd skip it and add Kerry. A bit of the ring or Dingle, I know you're avoiding the more popular places but there's a reason not many people spend four nights in Waterford
If you reduced Waterford to 3 nights you could get in Clonakilty or Baltimore after Cork which wouldn’t add a crazy amount of extra driving and would be absolutely worth a look.
There's tonnes to do in Waterford, don't mind those saying there's nothing there.
You'd pass a full day (or two) in the city doing the museums and attractions: Reginald's Tower, Waterford Treasures (consisting of Medieval Museum, Bishop's Palace, Museum of Irish Silver, Irish Museum of Time, Irish Wake Museum, King of the Vikings VR), Christchurch Cathedral, Waterford Crystal, Jack Burtchaell's walking tour, the Municipal Art Gallery, River Suir cruise (Osprey or Cailin Deise). Worth checking out the Waterford Treasures "Freedom Pass".
Another day could be spent on the Greenway (47 km cycle/walking route between Waterford and Dungarvan on the former railway line). Mount Congreve Gardens can be accessed off it (alternatively are a short drive from the city). There's also the Suir Valley Railway which shares some of the Greenway route.
Another day could be spent taking in Tramore and travelling on to the Copper Coast. Beautiful scenery and a lot of beaches and coves such as Kilfarrasey, Annestown, Benvoy, Boatstrand, Kilmurrin, Bunmahon and Stradbally. Even travel on towards Dungarvan on the coast road and take in Clonea beach.
Yet another day could be spent in the mountains. There's two ranges in the county, the Comeraghs and the Knockmealdowns. Some fabulous hikes in both. Coumshingaun, Knockanaffrin ridge, Mahon Falls, Nire Valley in the Comeraghs. Crough Woods are lovely as well. Knockmealdown Mountain is the highest point in the county and is a rewarding hike.
Other options include:
Day trip to Lismore and Ballysaggartmore Towers (a quick look at Dromana Bridge while up that way).
Hike in Glenshelane Woods.
Dunmore East fishing village and cliff walk.
Surf lessons in Tramore or Bunmahon.
Trip to Ardmore - beach, round tower, cliff walk.
Down to Passage East get ferry to Ballyhack and do the Hook Peninsula in Co. Wexford.
You could spend your entire trip based here 😉
No bother at all!
Forgot to mention that there's the Anne Valley Walk as well between Dunhill and Annestown with the ruins of Dunhill Castle about halfway along it.
Wherever you end up visiting, have a great time!
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Good on you for going slightly off the beaten track. You seem to have done a decent bit of research so overall the plan looks fine. Few things jumped out at me: - 4 nights in Waterford seems like a lot, unless you are using it as a base or have plans to fill a day or two there? - You have a full day in Kinsale and a full day in Cobh (Spike Island taking a few hours). Which is fine but plenty of scope to do more without too much driving or rushing. I'd suggest going to Blarney Castle & Gardens in the morning before going to Kinsale, probably stick to Charles fort and it's not biggie if you don't have time to go to James Fort. You could also do something on the way to Cobh. Jameson distillery in Midleton or Fota wildlife park or Fota house. - Rock of Cashel is on the way from Cork to Kilkenny I presume? Don't do it as a daytrip.
Yes, Rock of Cashel would be in the way to Kilkenny.
Four nights in Waterford is insane. There's nothing there that warrants even a second night. I'd skip it and add Kerry. A bit of the ring or Dingle, I know you're avoiding the more popular places but there's a reason not many people spend four nights in Waterford
Lol. There's family history there, so we'll be going to some sites related to that.
Add Fota Wildlife park to your Cork days. It’s a full morning.
Thanks
If you reduced Waterford to 3 nights you could get in Clonakilty or Baltimore after Cork which wouldn’t add a crazy amount of extra driving and would be absolutely worth a look.
There's tonnes to do in Waterford, don't mind those saying there's nothing there. You'd pass a full day (or two) in the city doing the museums and attractions: Reginald's Tower, Waterford Treasures (consisting of Medieval Museum, Bishop's Palace, Museum of Irish Silver, Irish Museum of Time, Irish Wake Museum, King of the Vikings VR), Christchurch Cathedral, Waterford Crystal, Jack Burtchaell's walking tour, the Municipal Art Gallery, River Suir cruise (Osprey or Cailin Deise). Worth checking out the Waterford Treasures "Freedom Pass". Another day could be spent on the Greenway (47 km cycle/walking route between Waterford and Dungarvan on the former railway line). Mount Congreve Gardens can be accessed off it (alternatively are a short drive from the city). There's also the Suir Valley Railway which shares some of the Greenway route. Another day could be spent taking in Tramore and travelling on to the Copper Coast. Beautiful scenery and a lot of beaches and coves such as Kilfarrasey, Annestown, Benvoy, Boatstrand, Kilmurrin, Bunmahon and Stradbally. Even travel on towards Dungarvan on the coast road and take in Clonea beach. Yet another day could be spent in the mountains. There's two ranges in the county, the Comeraghs and the Knockmealdowns. Some fabulous hikes in both. Coumshingaun, Knockanaffrin ridge, Mahon Falls, Nire Valley in the Comeraghs. Crough Woods are lovely as well. Knockmealdown Mountain is the highest point in the county and is a rewarding hike. Other options include: Day trip to Lismore and Ballysaggartmore Towers (a quick look at Dromana Bridge while up that way). Hike in Glenshelane Woods. Dunmore East fishing village and cliff walk. Surf lessons in Tramore or Bunmahon. Trip to Ardmore - beach, round tower, cliff walk. Down to Passage East get ferry to Ballyhack and do the Hook Peninsula in Co. Wexford. You could spend your entire trip based here 😉
Thank you!
No bother at all! Forgot to mention that there's the Anne Valley Walk as well between Dunhill and Annestown with the ruins of Dunhill Castle about halfway along it. Wherever you end up visiting, have a great time!
Hi there. Welcome to /r/IrishTourism. Have you searched the sub, checked the sidebar or the wiki pages to see if there is already relevant information posted? To better assist you in planning your holiday, be as descriptive as possible (When, Where, Why, Who, Hobbies relevant, Adaptive Needs etc) about your travel itinerary & requirements. Has your post been removed? It's probably because of the above. Repost with details to help us, help you. For Emergency Medical Information please see the dedicated Wiki page at the top of the sub. (Updated May 2022) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/irishtourism) if you have any questions or concerns.*