It was a newcomer mistake to think that eight months was a long time in Ireland and that I would find the time. “Later” To visit. Taken on a routine from Dublin – work, trips with friends, evenings – I forgot to explore. Since my first weeks there, I have seen Mohr’s Cliffs and visited Galway (which I highly recommend!), And then I’ve never seen anything like that in Belfast, Bray, or Houth.

We are Friday. I resigned from my job and the trip is on Tuesday. Between “goodbye” and packing suitcases, I only have Saturdays to enjoy my last hours in Ireland. So I choose cork. I have information about bus timetables, I have information about the city, I have everything … and then come the discussions. When I explain to my local friends that my ultimate destination will be Cork, they all explode: “Um … you should go to Kilkenny instead …” Plan change: This Saturday, it will be Kilkenny’s direction.

Compulsory passage at Kilkenny

Why have I never been to this city before? What a mistake! Kilkenny is my favorite. Is it because the weather is unbelievable this Saturday? may be. But this small town won me over. 10 euros and 1 hour 40 minutes by bus from Dublin, here I am in the middle of Kilkenny.

A visit to the fort is important here. A nice bridge spans forward, and here I face the building. View, fronts: Here, everything is beautiful. Everything is magical as the Nor River cuts the city in two and runs through the buildings. Thanks to the student fee of 4 euros, I allow myself to visit the building. The magnificent decorations are eye-catching and intriguing, but I can not look out the window. Because outside, I see a large tree that reveals a field where families, friends and couples enjoy the sun. The small stand at the bottom of the castle offers everything that makes a sunny Saturday great: ice cream, sandwiches, cakes …

After tasting an ice cream cone, and then a sunbath, I head to the heart of the city. The main streets are busy, but the place remains beautiful. On almost every street corner, you have to look up to see the roof or tower of a passing monument. St. Canis’ Cathedral, Black Abbey Church or St. Mary’s Cathedral are part of the list. Arrive in the city at 11:40, so I spend three hours on the streets. At 2:47 pm, I had to get to the station a few minutes from the center.

Authentic Waterford

I had the idea to go to Waterford by bus. Initially, I had planned to return to Kilkenny by bus and go to Waterford for 5 euros. But that option did not leave me much time in Kilkenny. Then I found the train option, which was ultimately more fun: 3 euros and a 40 minute ride with student fare.

When I get to the place, I quickly realize that the most beautiful view the city has to offer is right in front of me, from the bridge to the city. Waterford is a specialty. Situated on the banks of the Suir River, this city is very close to its mouth.

The Vikings founded Waterford 914, the oldest known city in Ireland. Retaining an important mark of its past, the Viking Triangle District is proof of this: a medieval exhibition is on display there, offering a virtual adventure of developed reality. Unfortunately, I only have an hour and a half to explore the city. In my opinion, trying on an indoor visit or an activity is not enough.

Once again I wander the streets. This Saturday is “Africa Day”, a trader told me. On this day, everyone celebrates the richness of African culture and the contribution of people of African descent to Irish life. Music, games, stalls, the city celebrates. After a quick photo of the harbor and the clock tower, it was time for me to head back to Dublin, again for 10 euros and a 2.5 hour ride on the Dublin Coach Company.

With more time⁇

On this marathon visit day I happily returned to Dublin. But, of course, I’m sorry. More time would have made each place better appreciated – I realize I could have seen more things above all else. Waterford’s Crystal House, Viking’s immersion activity, augmented reality, Dunmore Cave (although temporarily closed as I write this post) and above all: Cork. Due to time constraints, I would spend an entire day exploring Cork, and then spend a day in Kilkenny before completing my short trip with a few hours in Waterford.

In the best case scenario, you would have to go by car this way. Although public transportation has worked well for me in the end, I still want to find the Copper Coast – the “Copper Coast” declared by UNESCO Global Geopark – cycling along the Waterford Greenway or enjoying the sea from Tramore Beach.