In this episode, I’m taking you along on my Craft, Culture & Craic women’s tour – a week designed for connection, creativity, and a good dose of laughter along the way.

This trip winds through some of my favorite parts of Ireland’s south and east, where artistry and tradition meet the relaxed pace of coastal life.

Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 303

Like all my tours, it’s built around balance: the must-see spots, hands-on experiences that bring Ireland’s culture to life, and enough breathing room to follow your own curiosity. Because my groups are intentionally small, there’s always a real sense of community – and more than a few friendships that last long after the tour ends.

I don’t offer these trips all the time; each one is created around a theme or experience I’m truly excited to share. Once it’s over, it may not happen again. So, let’s dive into what makes this one so special.

View the tour and reserve your spot: Craft, Culture & Craic Women's Tour

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In the podcast episode below I’m sharing highlights from A Giant Adventure, one of my small-group tours through Ireland north of Dublin. This journey included Belfast’s Titanic history, the legendary Giant’s Causeway, Derry’s resilience, and a deep dive into Ireland’s Celtic past.

My tours are designed with balance in mind: iconic sights, unique hands-on experiences, and the flexibility to enjoy a bit of personal discovery along the way. Groups are intentionally small, which makes it easy to feel part of a community — and many guests keep in touch long after the trip ends.

Because I don’t run tours year-round, each trip I design is an exclusive opportunity. They’re created around themes and experiences I’m personally excited to share, and once a tour is over, it may not return in the same way.

If you’d like to see any future tours, more information can be found here.

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The Medieval City of Kilkenny is an easy trip from Dublin – under 2 hours if you travel direct by car – and is a terrific day trip from Dublin by train.

But too many travelers consider Kilkenny as a ‘stop through' in route to another spot (usually Cork), which often leads to regret, as this small city has more than just a magnificent castle to offer visitors.

This article is also available as the Traveling in Ireland podcast, episode 264. Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article and get resource links.

The choice comes down to time: arrive by late morning for a full day in Kilkenny, or wind your way through Wicklow and reach the city by evening.

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This option is quite direct, with only one stop (but it's terrific), allowing you a full afternoon and evening in Kilkenny city.

Depart Dublin by 10am and plan a quick stop at the Rock of Dunamase, a wonderful castle ruin in COunty Laois.Stop at the Rock of Dunamase

Arrive to Kilkenny no later than 1pm and visit Kilkenny Castle first. (Kilkenny Castle is an OPW Heritage site.)

After visiting the castle you'll want to enjoy the highlights of Kilkenny.

I recommend joining the Shenanigans tour for fun history & a terrific overview of the city.

If you want to DIY your explorations,follow the Medieval Mile between the castle and St. Canice's Cathedral.

Highlights

As attractions shut down it's time to think about dinner. A few tasty spots:

Visit a pub this evening – just follow the music or look for the sign that Hole in the Wall is open (it will appear on the Medieval Mile).

This route gives you a full day to explore the natural beauty of ‘the Garden County' and arrive in Kilkenny in the late afternoon or evening.

Wicklow highlights:

Unfortunately you won't make it to all of those sites in one day – 3 may be the limit.

Enjoy your first taste of Kilkenny this evening.

If you enjoy a morning walk, kick off your day in Kilkenny with a stroll along the Canal Walk beginning at Canal Square, passing the hurling statue, and continuing along the River Nore. This trail skirts the Kilkenny Castle grounds, ending at Bennettsbridge Road, which winds back to Castle Road and The Parade past the castle gates.

Plan Kilkenny Castle for your first stop, then I would choose a tour- there are a few options, so you can choose the one that best fits your interests

Break for a wee bite.
I really like the Kilkenny Cafe at Kilkenny Design Centre if you want something quick and easy.
If you would rather have a bite of something sweet and a cuppa, head to Cakeface – it's not far from the cathedral on the Medieval Mile – the flavors and presentation will blow you away.

Sporty types – or those who enjoy a bit of activity with a good laugh – should consider the Hurling Experience. Kilkenny is known as the ‘Hurling Capital of Ireland and getting your hands on a hurley is like connecting with the heart of the Irish people.

Be sure to get to St. Canice's to climb the round tower, and if you enjoy a good pint make sure Smithwick's is part of your itinerary.

And if you have gifts to buy, or just want to pick up something special for yourself, visit the Kilkenny Design Centre across from the castle.

Wrap up your day with a great meal and live music – just follow your ears from pub to pub.

Butler House – charming boutique inn, the former dower house of Kilkenny Castle

Kilkenny River Court Hotel – perfectly located, across the river from the castle

Kilkenny Ormonde – 4-star boutique hotel, the only one in the city centre with a pool

Hotel Kilkenny – a great option for families located on the ‘ring road'

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The drive from Dublin to Killarney is one of the most popular point-to-point routes in Ireland. It takes about four hours if you're going straight through—but where’s the fun in that? These routes offer plenty of chances to turn the journey into a full day of exploration, with castles, gardens, and charming towns along the way.

This article is also available as the Traveling in Ireland podcast, episode 264. Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article and get resource links.

When planning your drive, most navigation apps will show you two main options: the M7, which routes through Limerick, and the M8, which takes you through Tipperary. Both are roughly equal in drive time, but the stops you choose will shape the experience. Here’s a breakdown of each route with recommended stops along the way.

This route offers a great balance of history, scenery, and charming towns. Perfect if you’ve got a bit of flexibility in your schedule.

Stop 1: Irish National Stud & Gardens – Kildare

This is a gem for both horse lovers and garden enthusiasts. The stud farm trains some of Ireland’s top racehorses, but even if horses aren’t your thing, the gardens are worth the visit. The Japanese Gardens, in particular, are beautifully designed to represent the journey of life, while the Irish garden has its own quiet charm. Give yourself at least two hours here to really enjoy it.

Learn more about visiting the Irish National Stud & Gardens

Stop 2: Rock of Dunamase – County Laois

An atmospheric castle ruin with panoramic views over the countryside. There’s no visitor center or ticket booth—just wide open access to explore a site that once had serious strategic importance. It's rugged, raw, and peaceful. A perfect quick stop for history and photo ops.

Stop 3: King John’s Castle – Limerick City

This beautifully restored Norman castle sits right on the River Shannon and is one of the most visitor-friendly castles in Ireland. Expect hands-on exhibits and interactive displays. Plan to spend 90 minutes to two hours here.

Optional Stops:

– Lough Gur – South of Limerick, this site offers Ireland’s largest stone circle and a rich archaeological history.
– Adare Village – Often dubbed one of Ireland’s prettiest villages, Adare is full of thatched cottages and small-town charm. Ideal for a short walk and a meal.

Choose Your Adventure Here

This route is packed with historical highlights and dramatic ruins, perfect for travelers who want to dive into Ireland’s medieval past.

Optional Early Stop: Rock of Dunamase

If you missed it on the M7 route, you can still swing by here—it’s not far from the M8 and makes for a great early stop.

Stop 1: Rock of Cashel – County Tipperary

One of the most iconic sites in Ireland. Perched on a limestone outcrop, the Rock of Cashel features medieval buildings, a stunning cathedral, and deep ties to Irish legend—St. Patrick is said to have preached here. Don’t miss the guided tour, and if you’ve got extra time, walk down to Hore Abbey, a beautiful ruined monastery nearby. Give this stop at least two hours.

Learn more about visiting the Rock of Cashel

Stop 2 Option 1: Cahir Castle – County Tipperary

This is one of the most complete and impressive Norman castles in Ireland. Explore its towers, dungeons, and battlements—it's incredibly atmospheric. Across the road, The River House café makes excellent sandwiches. You can picnic in the riverside park just behind the castle. Total time: about 90 minutes.

Learn more about visiting Cahir Castle

Stop 2 Option 2: Blarney Castle – County Cork

If kissing the Blarney Stone is on your list, this is the place. But be warned: the climb to the top can involve long waits (up to 45 minutes), especially in summer. The castle grounds are extensive and beautifully maintained, so even if the stone isn’t a must for you, the gardens alone are worth exploring. Allow 2.5 hours minimum.

Learn more about visiting Blarney Castle & Gardens

These are fantastic places, but they’re better suited to their own dedicated day trips rather than trying to squeeze them into the drive to Killarney.

– Wicklow (including Powerscourt and Glendalough) is a full-day experience from Dublin. Including it on your Killarney travel day would mean skipping some of the great stops in Tipperary or Limerick.
– Kilkenny city is slightly more manageable, but most tours only spend two hours there—just enough time to see the castle and grab lunch. This city deserves more time to explore the Medieval Mile and soak in the atmosphere. If you want to really experience Kilkenny, consider staying overnight or planning a separate day.

Whether you choose the Limerick route or the Tipperary one, you’re in for a memorable day. This isn’t just a drive—it’s a chance to experience Ireland’s history, landscape, and culture at a relaxed pace. Whichever path you choose, take your time and enjoy the journey.

The post Driving from Dublin to Killarney: Two Scenic Routes, One Incredible Day appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

When you think of Ireland, you might picture rolling green hills, ancient castles, and lively pub music. But did you know that Ireland is also one of the world’s top destinations for equestrian tourism?

Welcome to Horse Country—an area that embodies the island’s deep-rooted connection to horses, from world-class breeding to immersive visitor experiences.

Get the Free Horse Country Itinerary

Whether you're a lifelong horse enthusiast or just someone looking for a unique Irish adventure, Horse Country offers unique experiences that can fit into most itineraries.

This article is based on a podcast episode featuring Laura Magee, CEO of Ireland's Horse Country. If you prefer to listen to the podcast, you can find the player at the bottom of the page.

Horse Country focuses on the counties of Kildare and Tipperary—two regions renowned for their equestrian heritage. These areas aren’t just picturesque; they boast some of the finest land for breeding and training thoroughbreds. The rich limestone soil, combined with Ireland’s temperate climate, makes it an ideal environment for raising strong, healthy horses. It’s no wonder that global thoroughbred breeders, including Godolphin, Coolmore Stud, and Juddmonte, have chosen this area as their European base.

But Horse Country isn’t just about racing. This region welcomes visitors of all backgrounds, offering access to exclusive stud farms, behind-the-scenes tours, and interactive experiences that make the world of horses accessible to everyone.

One of the highlights of Horse Country is the opportunity to go beyond the spectator stands and into the heart of Ireland’s equestrian culture. Whether you’re visiting with family, traveling solo, or with a group, there’s an experience tailored just for you.

While the equestrian experiences are a major draw, Horse Country offers more than just horse-related activities. The region is home to excellent dining, charming towns, and other uniquely Irish experiences. Enjoy a gourmet meal at Sadler’s in Fethard, visit Kildare Village for some high-end shopping, and don't miss the incredible historic sites in the area – including the Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castle.

One of the biggest takeaways from visiting Horse Country is the reminder to slow down. Instead of rushing through attractions, take the time to truly immerse yourself in the experience. Whether you’re watching a newborn foal joyfully race across a paddock or sipping tea in a historic stud farm, these are the moments that make travel unforgettable.

If Horse Country sounds like your kind of adventure, you can start planning your trip at HorseCountry.ie. The site provides detailed information on experiences, pricing, and how to customize your itinerary.

You can also get trip inspiration at the social accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

For an even easier way to explore, check out the new Horse Country itinerary where you’ll find a carefully curated guide to making the most of your time in this extraordinary part of Ireland.

Irish National Stud & Gardens Immerse yourself in one of the only public stud farms in the world. Learn about horse breeding, see the horses, and visit the amazing gardens.

Coolmore Stud The largest stud farm in the world, headquartered in County Tipperary.

The Curragh Plains in Kildare 30,000 acres of publicly owned land. You can drive through the area and may see horses training.

Whether you’re a lifelong equestrian enthusiast or simply someone looking to explore a new side of Ireland, Horse Country welcomes you to discover the passion, tradition, and beauty that make this place so special.

Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 252

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