If you are joining the Ireland series - you should go check out the Dublin weekend guide, where I discuss all the logistics of traveling to Ireland. My other road trip in Ireland post covers my time at the Cliffs of Moher, Burren Park, and Galway. This post is the final post in the Ireland series of posts and a much shorter trip than my other road trip. I was very impressed by the tour company that I booked this trip back from Galway.

STOP 1 - KILKENNY. We arrived around 10 a.m and had about 2:30 hours to explore. The tour ticket included 45 mins walking tour of the city; unfortunately, it started pouring rain as we arrived, and I opted out of the tour. Once the rain let up, I explored the ground of the Kilkenny Castle, St John's Cathedral, and the area around River Nore. Rothe House and garden; Stroll down Medieval mile, which is lined with shops and pubs and beautiful alleyways; St Mary's Cathedral and the Black Abbey, which dates back to 1225; take a tour of Smithwick's brewery, which is the oldest brewery in Ireland. If you have more time - you should add Kilfan Waterfall and Glen to your itinerary. If you need to grab a meal, this will be the best place to have a meal.

STOP 2 -WICKLOW MOUNTAIN. The rain continued to put a damper on the plans, and it only intensified as we arrived in Wicklow. From our window, we could see the beautiful pastures and glacial valleys, including the spots where Braveheart was filmed and the famous bridge from PS I love you. However, we did not stop. This stop was going to be for only 20 minutes from the tour itinerary, so maybe we did not miss much.

STOP 3 - GLENDALOUGH. If only the rain let up, this might have been my favorite part of my time in Ireland; Notwithstanding, I still had a great time here. The tour started at Glendalough's heritage site and a half hour walking tour of the monastic city, which has been around since about 600 AD; then it was off to explore on my hiking the lower and upper lakes. The upper/lower lakes are a glacier lake in Glendalough valley and one of the most stunning scenes of nature I have ever since, and I imagine it will be spectacular at sunset. Despite the rain, I hiked both the lower and upper lakes, and it was stunning. If you are short on time, I would recommend the Upper lake over the lower lake. If you have time, I recommend extending your hike from the upper lake to the Poulanass waterfall and river. I did not make this hike due to the time to speak to the conditions of the hole. Stay on the marked trailed and if you go off the path, keep in mind there are wild animals.

STOP 4: SHEEP FARM AND DOG TRIALS IN GLENDALOUGH. This stop was an optional part of the tour; I could have remained at the upper lake, but with the temperamental weather, I thought it best to be as close to the departure spot as possible, and the rest of the tour group were at the sheep farm. It was amazing to see the sheepdog at work; there was a baby lamb you could pet and feed if you wanted, but I just wanted out of the rain. After our time at the farm, we headed back to Dublin and arrived at the right time to grab dinner in the city.