Recommend Irish city/town for 2 night break?

BlueLass

As thread title states, looking for a nice 2 night break (NOT DUBLIN) close to or within Leinster. Actually getting chance to offload the kids for the first time in what seems forever and need to get away, preferably to bustling little area with nice bars restaurants outside Louth but not too far either. Had anyone any recommendations?? Many thanks.

theflipdave

Kilkenny is in Leinster and nice, but a bit of a distance from Louth

Ryan Mac Sweeney

Hi
Yes Kilkenny is a nice place to go as there is lots to do and lots of bars and restaurants also. The Lyrath Hotel is a great hotel to stay in if you have kids with you as it is an extremely family friendly hotel. There is lots for kids to do such as a free kids club in the hotel and for the older ones there is also a cinema in the hotel. It is set in a country estate so it is the perfect place to let the kids run around and let off steam. Also in Kilkenny there is Kilkenny castle and as its the hurling capital of Ireland there is lots of hurling going on in the streets. Also in the Lyrath you get great family deals which is two nights bed and breakfast and 1 evening meal but the restaurant has a policy that children under 8 are not allowed after 830 so maybe around 630-7 is the best time for dinner.

bee06

Ryan Mac Sweeney wrote: »

Hi
Yes Kilkenny is a nice place to go as there is lots to do and lots of bars and restaurants also. The Lyrath Hotel is a great hotel to stay in if you have kids with you as it is an extremely family friendly hotel. There is lots for kids to do such as a free kids club in the hotel and for the older ones there is also a cinema in the hotel. It is set in a country estate so it is the perfect place to let the kids run around and let off steam. Also in Kilkenny there is Kilkenny castle and as its the hurling capital of Ireland there is lots of hurling going on in the streets. Also in the Lyrath you get great family deals which is two nights bed and breakfast and 1 evening meal but the restaurant has a policy that children under 8 are not allowed after 830 so maybe around 630-7 is the best time for dinner.

She/he specifically said they were going away without the kids?

I know it's not in Leinster but what about Belfast. Seems like it's a similar distance if not closer to Louth than Kilkenny.

BlueLass

Thanks very much for the replies so far. As previous poster said there will definitely be no kids with us this time but I will keep in mind that post for when we get away with the kids in future but for now its a chilled out, nice pubs and restaurants, late night and long lie lazy morning we both want.

Kilkenny has been suggested before so its looking like a strong contender at moment. Have been to Belfast thanks, lovely place but want to try somewhere I've never been before so all suggestions are much appreciated!!

SmartinMartin

Athlone is a lovely spot for a break and very close to you relatively speaking, full of nice bar and shops. We stayed at the Sheraton on a weekend special last year, couldn't recommend it highly enough. The Radisson is good too, or for an outside of town location try the Hodson Bay, gorgeous.

Sundew

If you haven't been to Kilkenny before then I'm another another member of the " Kilkenny Appreciation Society" .Its a great little city.

I also would recommend Wexford Town. It may be a bit far though! My hubby booked us a weekend there two years ago and I was pleasantly surprised.
We stayed in Whites Hotel and there were some nice little pubs/ cafes/ there. We also took a day trip to Hook Head during a storm. It was very wild and romantic with some great photography opportunities.

BailMeOut

Kinsale - not Leinster (obviously!) but with motorway its a really quick drive these days. Has everything you need for a lovely weekend away like this. Lots of lovely places to eat, cosy pubs, really nice walks and always bustling even in winter. Plenty of really nice places to stay in the town so once there you will not use or need your car.

nibtrix

Another vote for Athlone here, nice little town to wander around in, plenty of bars and restaurants. The castle is interesting and there are boat trips for an afternoon activity. I also recommend the Sheraton, very central and a nice hotel - decent spa there too.
If you like Thai food then Kin Khao restaurant is excellent and just up the road from Sean's Bar (very old, famous bar)

BlueLass

Never would of thought of Wexford town, sounds great especially the hook ferry!! Also love the sound of Kilkenny and Athlone, definitely more choices than when I started, thanks very much everyone!!

byhookorbycrook

If you are heading for Wexford, it's worth visiting Loftus Hall!

kingshankly

Carlingford in county Louth is beautiful set on the shores of carlingford lough under the Cooley mountains plenty of pubs with live music