Drive UK & Europe - Harvey World Travel

a taste of ireland
4 days / 3 nights from Dublin
a taste of ireland
On this circle trip from Dublin, visit some important historic sights as well as some spectacular views along the way. Drive
narrow and winding roads that offer beautiful panoramas of the Irish countryside, stone walls and hilly terrain.
Day 1: Dublin – Glendalough – Arklow – Enniscorthy – Wexford
(Distance 151kms)
South of Dublin, take the road to Enniskerry and Glendalough through the
Wicklow Ranges, this road is much more picturesque than the coastal one.
The visit to Glendalough’s Monastery will be one of the most interesting
attractions of the whole trip. Do not miss Saint Kevin’s Church as well as
the ruins of the Cathedral. The quaint port of Arklow is an old seaside resort
founded by the Vikings and where the famous Gypsy Moth III was built. You
will then reach the historic town of Enniscorthy on the River Sanley with its
impressive Castle, before reaching Wexford an ancient city famous for its
Opera Festival in October.
Overnight: Wexford.
Day 2: Wexford – Waterford via ferry
(Distance 64kms or half that distance with the ferry)
This will be a short drive but you could take a longer route via New Ross if you
want to avoid the ferry across Waterford Harbour. Waterford is an important
seaport with more than just the crystal factory to see. You must stroll the
picturesque fishing village of Dunmore East, a few kilometers south. The
quaint holiday resort of Tramore also in the vicinity is worth seeing, it is one of
the main seaside resorts in Ireland and offers beautiful walks along its cliffs. Of
course, the Waterford Crystal factory is not to be missed.
Overnight: Waterford.
Day 3: Waterford – New Ross – Kilkenny (Distance 63kms)
Enjoy the scenery offered by the Kilkenny and Wexford counties. New Ross,
your first stop is an old city founded in the 13th century and very pleasant with
its narrow streets and passages on the River Barrow. Saint Mary’s Church is
built on the site of one of the most ancient Irish churches. South of New Ross,
in Dunganstown is the Kennedy Homestead, this is the place where the greatgrandfather
of John Fitzgerald Kennedy was born. Kilkenny, your next night
stop is a very interesting medieval city with a lot of character and charm. Its old
houses and buildings are very well preserved and walking through its narrow
streets is a real delight. Kilkenny’s Castle, built in the 12th century is a must
as well as the Saint Canice Cathedral. Shopping is also very good here with
high quality ceramics, textiles and jewellery. An interesting place for a meal is
Kyteler’s Inn, a restaurant since 1324.
Overnight: Kilkenny.
Day 4: Kilkenny – Carlow – Kildare – Russborough House – Dublin
(Distance 159kms)
Carlow, has been the site of numerous battles between Irish and Anglo
Normands, the last one in 1798. A picturesque road, along the canal, will
lead you to Kildare, where a beautiful cathedral can be seen and marvellous
Japanese gardens deserve a relaxing and enjoyable stop. Visit Russborough
House, a magnificent Estate. Its location, overlooking the Poulapouca Reservoir
and facing the Wicklow Range is perfect for such an elegant place. Your next
stop, weather permitting, should be at Blessington, on the Reservoir, where you
could rent a small boat for an enjoyable outing before reaching Dublin.
Total distance: 437kms.
Shannon
Galway
Limerick
Blarney
Cork
THE REPUBLIC
OF IRELAND
Highlights:
• Powerscourt Estate
• Glendalough Monastery
• Irish knitwear at Avoca
• Waterford Crystals
• Kilkenny’s Castle
• Kildare’s Cathedral
• Russborough Estate
Waterford
Carlow
Kildare
Kilkenny
New Ross
DUBLIN
Glendalough
Enniscorthy
Wexford
Rosslare
Arklow
From $319 per person share twin*
*Based on a 4 day Hertz economy rental car & 3 nights accommodation including breakfast daily (B&B
Passes). No activities mentioned are included.
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