Irish Roadtrip pt. 1 | Dublin down to County Cork
Get out of Dublin by way of the (somewhat intimidating) M50. The busiest motorway in Ireland circles the capital, braving it is your only way out of the city. Once you’ve figured out the basics of driving on the left, head southwest and set off on part one of this Ultimate Coastal Irish Roadtrip.
Part one will lead you through Ireland’s interior before heading to the southern shores and ending in County Cork, a place of aged castles, colourful towns and show-stopping coastal views.
Killkenny Castle
Kilkenny
Drive time Dublin to Kilkenny: 1.75 hours
Approximate time there: 1-2 hours
After picking up your rental and braving the M50, head for Kilkenny. In town you’ll find Kilkenny Castle, built in the 1200s. Located along the River Nore, which runs through the centre of the city, the grounds are free to explore while there is an admittance fee to enter the castle itself.
When we were passing through, there was a street food festival happening on the road leading up to the castle and we were lucky enough to try some local bites. Check out the Kilkenny Events page to see if anything exciting is happening during your visit!
Newton and Guillamene Swim Club
Drive time Kilkenny to Tramore: 1 hour
Approximate time there: 1-2 hours
“Off-the-beaten-path” to a tee. This local swim club in the town of Tramore is the perfect place to take in the sunset or dip in the waters. On the side opposite the carpark, there is a steep trail heading up through privately owned farmland, leading to the Metal Man. Though the Metal Man is the endpoint, the real prize are the endless sea views along the way.
Trá na mBó
Drive time Tramore to Trá na mBó: 30 minutes
Approximate time there: 1-1.5 hours
A short and easy hike with beautiful landscapes, you’ll come across a small sandy beach with a tall narrow seastack standing in the middle of it. You might pass a couple of locals out walking their dogs in the morning, but it is an otherwise quiet stroll.
Cobh
Drive time Trá na mBó to Cobh: 1.5 hours
Approximate time there: 1-2 hours
Cobh (pronounced “cove”) is a small town by the sea that is known as being the Titanic’s last port. There is a Titanic Experience here, though we chose to visit the one in Belfast, Northern Ireland, instead. While you’re in town, check out St Colman’s Cathedral, a gothic building that dominates the city’s skyline, and walk along the “Deck of Cards,” (also known as West View Road), a colourful length of residential homes.
Blarney Castle
Drive time Cobh to Blarney Castle: 45 minutes
Approximate time there: 1.5-2 hours
Have you heard of the Blarney Stone? Legend says that anyone who kisses it will receive the “gift of gab”. The catch? You’ll have to lie on your back and hang upside-down into an opening that drops a few stories to the ground below… but fear not, no one has fallen doing so!
Apart from the Blarney Stone, the Blarney Castle grounds are beautiful, as is the castle itself. We found the experience to be well worth the cost. If you plan to visit, note that the castle was built in the 1400s and isn’t accessible other than by narrow spiral staircases.
