Where to stop between Dublin and Killarney?

I´m going from Dublin to Killarney, with train or bus, on 9 September and back a week later.
I would like to find an interesting place along the way to make a short stop of one or two nights.
I like:
botanical gardens and parks
biking on flat easy bike tracks
folk music
abandoned buildings or places (industrial, cemeteries, bunkers and other places that haven´t been
used since a long time).
Grateful for advices, also about places that I haven´t thought of, but that could be joyful for me!

Hi Kerstin!
This sounds like an amazing trip. Since you are relying on trains and buses, the two best places to break up your journey without adding stressful travel time are Limerick City or Cork City.
Both sit directly on major transit routes and will cater exactly to your tastes:
1. Cork: You can visit the haunting, abandoned prison tunnels at Spike Island, walk the stunning walled paths at Fota Gardens, and catch nightly folk sessions at The Sin É pub.
2. Limerick: You can cycle a perfectly flat riverside path along the River Shannon, explore the historic Mount Saint Lawrence Cemetery, and experience live folk music at Dolan's Pub.
You can easily map out your train connections on Irish Rail or look at nationwide express coach options on Bus Éireann. Wherever you choose to stop, it’s going to be an amazing trip! Safe travels! 💚