10-Day Ireland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Dublin to Kilkenny and surrounding area

On day 2 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to discover what to see in Dublin. You’ll stay in Dublin for 6 nights.

Let Phoenix Park set the tone for the day. Spend some time admiring this serene park before continuing your journey. Dublin Zoo is your next stop. This notable zoo is one of the best-rated sights in Dublin.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Dublin Castle. This picture-perfect castle is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Book Of Kells and Trinity College Dublin.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Ireland. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Dublin's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Prepare for an extraordinary culinary adventure in Dublin by booking a table at Bastible, a 1-star Michelin restaurant that boasts an exceptional modern menu. For a different flavor experience, head to Patrick Guilbaud, renowned for its delectable modern french dishes. This 2-star Michelin restaurant consistently wows guests, making it a memorable stop during your holiday. Looking for another option? Visit Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen, a local gem known for its delightful modern cuisine in Dublin. Nestled in the city's heart, this 2-star Michelin restaurant is a perfect choice for discerning restaurant-goers seeking a new experience.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Bruxelles. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Light House Cinema, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Bowe's Lounge Bar provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in Ireland.

Day 3 of your road trip across Ireland promises a magnificent time exploring what to see in Dublin. You have 5 nights left in Dublin. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Check out the notable park, St Stephen's Green. Afterward, continue to National Museum Of Ireland – Archaeology, a museum every traveler should visit. As you explore Dublin’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the city.

Next, make your way to National Gallery Of Ireland. This well-known art gallery is an essential stop. Following that, head to Natural History Museum, another must-visit site that will enhance your experience. Don’t forget to stop by National Botanic Gardens, a locally renowned botanical garden in the city.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Ireland. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Dublin's best restaurants.

Dine in style at The Brazen Head, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Bewley's Grafton Street boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out The Shack Restaurant Temple Bar. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Dublin.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at The Bridge 1859, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, The Dame Tavern offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Mary's Bar & Hardware provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Ireland!

Day 4 offers an itinerary packed with the best things to see in Dublin. You’ll stay in Dublin for 4 nights more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Experience Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, a worthwhile church in the city. Then, head to Dublinia and soak in the ambiance of this respected museum.

There are many interesting places to see in Dublin, and when you are ready for more, go to St Patrick's Cathedral. This is one of the city’s most notable stunning spots of interest. After exploring the church, visit the notable Guinness Storehouse.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Ireland. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Dublin. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Savor the flavors at SOLE Seafood & Grill, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Kehoes Pub beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider The Cobblestone. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Dublin tonight.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at John Fallon's "the Capstan Bar", a well-loved spot among locals and tourists.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Ireland!

On day 5 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Dublin, where you still have 3 nights left. You'll spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city, including Malahide and Castleknock.

After soaking in Dublin’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Malahide. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 28 min. When you arrive in Malahide, it's time to take a break from the road.

Savor the day by heading to Malahide Castle & Gardens, a notable castle that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue to Malahide, where you can soak in the serene surroundings.

Spend your afternoon discovering Santry Park, a locally appreciated park known for its picturesque features. Next, continue your sightseeing at St. Catherine's Park (fingal), an up-and-coming park.

Upon reaching Castleknock, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Spend your afternoon discovering Farmleigh House & Estate, a curiosity-inducing palace known for its visually striking features.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Dublin.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Dublin. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Enjoy a delicious meal at The Stags Head, a highly-rated dining destination in Dublin. If you're eager to try something different, consider Chapter One Restaurant, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at The Bank on College Green. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Dublin this evening.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Ireland!

On day 6 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Dublin, where you have 2 nights left to stay.

Don’t miss Grafton Street today, a must-see street that offers a glimpse into the town’s vibrant character. Take your time to explore its best features, and enjoy the convenience of nearby top-rated landmarks. While you’re in the area, consider visiting O'Connell Street, another street that adds to the charm of Dundrum.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Dublin and set your GPS to Dundrum. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 25 min. Upon reaching Dundrum, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the town's best attractions, visit Marlay Park, an up-and-coming park that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Dundrum, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Dún Laoghaire. This drive usually takes around 24 min.

People's Park is an increasingly popular park we recommend visiting today. Discover its gorgeous features before continuing your self-guided tour.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Dublin and your accommodation.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Dublin's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Quays, a popular restaurant in Dublin. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Dublin at Keoghs Cafe, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Café en Seine. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Dublin tonight.

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Ireland.

On day 8 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Ireland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, including The Municipal District of Cahir — Cashel, Cahir, and Kilkenny. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Kilkenny, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — The Municipal District of Cahir — Cashel, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Dublin to The Municipal District of Cahir — Cashel may take around 1 hour 53 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in The Municipal District of Cahir — Cashel, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Rock Of Cashel, a well-known castle that everyone visiting The Municipal District of Cahir — Cashel should see.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Cahir may take around 17 min. Upon your arrival in Cahir, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the town's best attractions, visit Cahir Castle, a frequently visited castle that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Kilkenny. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 1 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Kilkenny Castle, a popular park that everyone visiting Kilkenny should see. Next, head to Kilkenny Castle. This majestic castle is one of the most captivating attractions in the region.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Kilkenny, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Kilkenny's best restaurants.

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at Campagne, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an exceptional modern menu. Alternatively, experience a taste of Kilkenny at Langtons Hotel Kilkenny, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, The Dylan Whisky Bar stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Biddy Early´s offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Tynans Bridge House Bar is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Ireland!

On day 9 of your road trip in Ireland, your travel plans include 4 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Laragh, Wicklow, The Municipal District of Bray, and Enniskerry are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Dublin, where you will stay for 1 night.

After soaking in Laragh’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Wicklow. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 31 min. When you arrive in Wicklow, it's time to take a break from the road.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Glendalough Cathedral and explore the picture-perfect features.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Laragh, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Wicklow. This drive usually takes around 31 min.

Wicklow Mountains National Park is a curiosity-inducing national park we recommend visiting today. Discover its romantic features before continuing your self-guided tour.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, The Municipal District of Bray. This car ride takes around 26 min.

Powerscourt Waterfall is a worthwhile waterfall we recommend visiting today. Discover its majestic features before continuing your self-guided tour.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Dublin. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Dublin. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Bar Italia ristorante, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Slattery's offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Darkey Kelly's. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Dublin.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Ireland!