Thursday, April 30, 2026
For our last breakfast at the Schoolhouse Hotel, Jane and Nancy chose items from the buffet, while John enjoyed porridge and I ordered the banana pancakes. John had purchased tickets for the Aircoach, a bus from Dublin Center to the airport, which stopped nearby, so we waited there with our luggage for about twenty minutes. Because the coach was running late, we arrived at Terminal 2 later than planned to collect our rental car.
From the airport, we took a shuttle to Enterprise, which partners with My Irish Cousin, through whom we had made our rental reservations. We were delighted to receive a beautiful late model blue Peugeot 5008. It was spacious and comfortable, with plenty of room for our luggage. The hybrid vehicle also featured a modern electronic interface that added to the experience. We were very pleased with it and eager to begin the driving portion of our tour of Ireland.
— Our Hybrid Peugeot 5008 Rental Car —–
With John M. driving, we left the airport and headed onto the M50 toward Powerscourt Gardens and Estate. After exiting the motorway for smaller rural roads, we soon encountered a construction detour, followed by a wrong turn that added to the confusion. During this time, we began noticing an unusual engine noise and a surging sensation whenever the car stopped.
Before long, ominous warning lights appeared, including a “Check Engine” message and instructions to drive to the nearest service station. Fortunately, we managed to reach Powerscourt safely and parked in the estate’s parking lot. Jane called My Irish Cousin, and they told us they would send AA roadside assistance to inspect the problem. With little else we could do at that point, we proceeded into the gardens, all the while staying alert for a phone call announcing the arrival of the AA mechanic.
Powerscourt Estate, located in the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains, is renowned for its grand 18th-century mansion, sweeping mountain views, and richly landscaped grounds. The estate’s gardens feature Italian terraces, formal flower beds, fountains, lakes, and themed areas such as the Japanese and walled gardens, all spread across nearly 50 acres. We spent more than an hour wandering the beautiful grounds while waiting for a call from AA. After the tour, Jane and I enjoyed a pleasant lunch at the estate’s café, while Nancy and John picked up a light lunch and picnicked near the parking lot in case the AA mechanic arrived.
—— Powerscourt Estate —–
After lunch, a friendly mechanic finally showed up but was unable to reproduce the warning lights we had been seeing or find anything wrong with the car. Even so, we were hesitant to continue the trip in a vehicle we no longer trusted. After several more back-and-forth phone calls, we decided to backtrack to the nearest Enterprise office south of Dublin. There, we exchanged our lovely Peugeot for a white Volkswagen Tiguan diesel. We were disappointed to give up the Peugeot, but before long we had transferred our bags and were once again heading south. (Later, we realized the Tiguan’s slightly smaller size was actually an advantage on some of Ireland’s very narrow rural roads.)
—— Our Diesel Volkswagon Tiguan Rental Car —-
We continued on to Glendalough, an ancient monastic settlement nestled deep in the Wicklow Mountains. Founded in the 6th century by St. Kevin, Glendalough became one of Ireland’s most important early Christian centers and is renowned for its remarkably preserved medieval ruins set within a dramatic glacial valley. The site is especially famous for its iconic round tower, ancient stone churches, and serene setting between two picturesque lakes.
We visited the visitor center, watched a short film about the history of the settlement, and then explored the grounds, seeing the round tower, centuries-old gravestones, and the remains of several churches scattered throughout the beautiful valley. From there, we set out on a hike around both sides of the Lower Lake, eventually reaching the shore of the Upper Lake before retracing our steps back to the car.
—— Glendalough ——
We pressed on for another hour and a half before finally reaching our lodging for the next two nights, The Lawcus Farm Guesthouse B&B near Stonyford. By the time we arrived, we were completely frazzled and deeply relieved simply to be there. After a warm welcome from our hosts, Mark and Anne Marie, we quickly settled into our respective rooms and began to unwind in the peaceful and welcoming countryside retreat.
—— Lawcus Farm Guesthouse B&B —–
Later, Jane, John, and I drove the mile into the tiny village of Stonyford for a well-earned beer at the local pub, Mallard’s — better known locally as Fred’s Pub. We also ordered takeout from Stony Kebabish and enjoyed our Indian meal at the pub while replaying the day’s adventures.
Phew — what a day. We were utterly exhausted and ready for some serious sleeping.
—— Dinner in Stonyford —–
