Road Tripping: Ireland – Kilkenny to Galway

Last Updated on April 3, 2024 by Travelationship

On our visit to Ireland, we decided to take a six-day driving tour of the central and western regions of the country. We arrived in Dublin, rented a car, and immediately set out for our trip’s first stop.

Kilkenny, Our First Stop

An easy 90-minute drive outside Dublin puts you in the heart of Kilkenny. It’s a lively Irish town that has embraced its medieval roots and, in doing so, has retained a great deal of its charm. Kilkenny has everything you could be looking for, with a population of roughly nine thousand.

The city center consists of a triangle created by High Street, St. Kieran’s Street, and Patrick Street (R887). There, you will find Kilkenny Castle, with its expansive grounds and a blur of color that makes up a variety of restaurants, pubs, and shops. Kilkenny is also home to Smithwick’s, my all-time favorite Irish beer for all you beer lovers, and they recently started giving tours of the facility.

Kilkenny was home to some of my distant relatives, which played a significant role in its addition to our road trip list. If you would like to read more about that, head here. O’Malley’s Bed & Breakfast served as our base camp in Kilkenny; they were helpful with every question and beyond friendly hosts. We would highly recommend them to anyone wanting to stay in Kilkenny.

Kyteler’s Inn received the honor of being our favorite restaurant in Kilkenny. Made famous by its original owner, Dame Alice Kyteler, who was born in Kilkenny in the year 1263 and later accused of witchcraft in 1324, she was forced to flee to England and leave her Inn behind. Today, it is known for its nightly live music, ranging from traditional to modern, and its great-tasting food. When you go, please take a minute to explore the multi-level establishment, grab a pint, and join in on the singing in their marvelous courtyard.

Kilkenny Hospitality:

• Kyteler’s Inn – Hours, Menu, and Upcoming Shows
• Smithwick’s Experience – Tickets and Hours of Operations

Next up, The Rock of Cashel

A quick hour outside Kilkenny to the west puts you in Cashel, home to the famous Rock of Cashel. Also known as Cashel of the Kings and St. Patrick’s Rock, it is reputed to be the site of the conversion of the King of Munster by St. Patrick in the 5th century.

A tour of the rock will fill you with great stories, legends, and a good sense of the area’s history. The round tower still stands high in its original 12th-century home, and the surrounding chapel and cathedral are in pretty good shape, with many thanks to the Office of Public Works for its vital efforts. Before leaving the rock, look in the fields to the west, and you can see the remains of Hore Abbey, which is worth a stop before leaving the area.

The Rock of Cashel – Heritage Ireland site with hours and admission details.

Cliffs of Moher

Another 2 hours to the northwest puts you at the much-famed Cliffs of Moher. The sheer cliffs rise dramatically from the Atlantic Ocean between 400-700 feet. Originally named after an old fort called Moher that once stood at Hag’s Head on the cliff’s southernmost point that has since been demolished. The park is superbly designed, with almost no manufactured structures interfering with your views and a well-placed, self-sufficient visitor center below the hilltop.

The views from the cliff walls are spectacular, but you should always exercise extreme caution. Two paths follow along the cliffs, one behind a protective wall and another for use at your own risk. We cannot stress enough how important it is if you choose to walk on the other side of the protective barrier to maintain complete vigilance. There is nothing to stop you should you make a misstep; in the few hours we were there, we almost witnessed the horrific sight of a young lady falling off. Please be safe while enjoying this wonder.

The Cliffs of Moher – The official site with all the necessary information.

Galway

Ninety minutes up the coast is right in Ireland’s cultural heart. Galway is a must-do for any trip to Ireland, with a population of about 75,000 and a host of festivals, celebrations, and events, not to mention history. Among the stream of B&Bs on College Road, the Ardawn stands alone. Welcome doesn’t describe how Mike and Breda make you feel when you are a guest. Avid travelers themselves, I would be surprised if there was a question they couldn’t answer.

Our stay with them was one of the best we have ever had. Quay, High, and William Street create a vibrant pedestrian zone with restaurants, shopping, music, and street performers guaranteed to satisfy your needs. If you fancy some traditional Irish dancing and a little song to go with it, then you should add a visit to Trad on the Prom to your list. The show can feel like it is geared toward tourists, but it is one of the best ones running. Our favorite place to get some grub, have a pint, and listen to live music was The Quays. A multi-level establishment with something for everyone, I am sure The Quays won’t miss the mark.

Galway Hospitality:

• Ardawn House – Contact and Booking information
• Trad on the Prom – Official site for showtimes and tickets
• The Quays – Official site and a Facebook page

Road Trip Route Map

Travelationship Rating:

5 out of 5 Travelationship High Fives. You can’t beat the open road, especially when a Smithwick’s is waiting for you at the end of the day. Type of traveler rating – adventure, romance, relaxation, partier, historical, bucket lister

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