What most people said
- Most suggest one or two well-chosen stops rather than many, especially with short winter daylight; check opening hours first.
- Killarney or Cork to Dublin: the Rock of Cashel is the most recommended stop, with Cahir Castle 10 minutes away and Kilkenny for a longer break.
- Dublin to Galway: Clonmacnoise, Athlone and Athenry come up. Near Dublin Airport, many suggest Malahide for its castle and coast.
- For an overnight between Dublin and Kerry, Adare, Cashel and Limerick are the usual picks, depending on which part of Kerry you're heading to.
What people said
- Definitely hit up the Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle and Kilkenny Castle. If you have time, try to spend a full day in Kilkenny. It's a medieval town with plenty to see, including St. Canice's Cathedral.
- Head for Malahide, which is very close to Dublin airport. Lovely coastal town with castle and grounds, great pubs, restaurants and shops.
- We were at the Rock of Cashel with a disappointed child because she wasn't able to climb around things. Cahir ended up being her absolute favourite castle. Lots of climbing around and hidden rooms to explore.
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