Ireland Road Trip Part 2: Glendalough, Waterford Crystal, Rock of Cashel, Kilkenny & Jameson Whiskey Experience
Day 3: Moving Day – Glendalough & Waterford
After a buffet breakfast at the Ashling Hotel, we checked out and caught a taxi to Hertz to pick up our rental. Since driving in Ireland is so different from the U.S., we decided to rent an automatic. If you aren’t used to keeping to the left, having one less thing to worry about makes the narrow roads much safer.
Pro tip: Wait to pick up your rental car until you’re actually leaving Dublin. The city is better explored without a car, especially given the tricky traffic and limited parking.
Pro tip: If you need an automatic, book well in advance for the summer months. They are in high demand and can be hard to find at the last minute.
We kicked off our road trip at Glendalough in the Wicklow Mountains with stunning monastic ruins, beautiful lakes, and trails that begin near the visitor center parking lot. From there, we made our way over to the House of Waterford Crystal for a fascinating guided tour. Seeing the master craftsmen at work was incredible, and holding a real BCS trophy was a total pinch-me moment. Book your House of Waterford tickets here.
Quick Logistics: Parking at Bolton Street (€3/3 hrs) is a great, affordable option for the tour. That evening, we settled into the charming Fern Hill Tramore B&B, just a short 12 km drive away, and our first B&B of the trip. It was clean, had welcoming hosts, and they served a great breakfast. After a delicious seafood dinner at a place known for it, Raglan Road, we couldn’t resist a walk along the beach. Even with the Irish wind and a bit of rain, the Tramore Boardwalk was the perfect place to wrap up the day.
Day 4: Rock of Cashel & Kilkenny
We fueled up with another scrumptious traditional Irish breakfast made by our hosts. Today we visited the Rock of Cashel. To be honest, we expected a quick stop here, and we weren’t overly excited, but we ended up being pleasantly surprised! Between the impressive ruins and the sweeping views, it is definitely a must-see. Book your Rock of Cashel tickets here.
Pro Tip: Entry is covered by the OPW Heritage Card, but you should still book your tickets ahead of time to secure your time slot.
Post-tour, we made the drive to Kilkenny for a legendary lunch at Kyteler’s Inn. A steak sandwich paired with a local Smithwick’s? Perfection. We spent the rest of the afternoon wandering around the town, exploring both Rothe House and Kilkenny Castle. Both sites were fascinating, especially the gorgeous gardens. Our only regret was missing the Smithwick’s Experience, which was still closed due to the lockdown.We wrapped up the day back in Tramore for a bit of seafood deja vu. Raglan Road was so good the first time, we just had to go back for round two!
Day 5: Midleton Whiskey & Kinsale
We packed up and kicked off our journey toward Kinsale, catching a quick glimpse of Dungarvan Castle as we passed. It wasn’t open yet, so we admired the stonework from the outside before moving on to Midleton. With some time to kill before our tour, we grabbed coffee and scones at a cozy outdoor table in town. It was the perfect pre-whiskey snack.
Finally, it was time for our Jameson Experience. This tour is a masterclass in history and craft, covering the entire whiskey-making process. We even did a tasting comparison between Irish, American, and Scotch whiskies, followed by a premium aged whiskey upgrade. To top it off, every tour ends with a complimentary drink at the bar! Get your Jameson Experience tour here.
After some time browsing the shop and relaxing on the patio, we headed for our final stop of the day: Kinsale. We went straight to dinner since many Irish restaurants stop seating around 8:00 PM. We snagged a table at the famous Fishy Fishy, where I tried the Fishy Fish Pie – a unique and delicious standout. Finding our B&B in the dark was a classic Irish challenge (no house numbers or street signs!), but we eventually settled in, falling asleep with bellies full of fresh fish and whiskey warmth.
Today was the perfect blend of nature, history, and iconic Irish experiences. But tomorrow? We’d chase something even wilder: cliffs that drop straight into the ocean, hikes that leave your legs shaking, and a peninsula drive that sets the benchmark for every scenic road we’ve ever seen. Ready to plan your own Ireland road trip? Head to Crafted Routes for a personalized custom itinerary tailored to your pace, interests, and budget!
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