Relaxed 10-Day Ireland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Dublin to Sligo and Carlingford

On day 2 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Ireland, you’ll go deep into Dublin, where you'll stay for 5 nights, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Dublin, and meet locals along the way!

Make a stop at Phoenix Park. This captivating park is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Dublin Zoo located in Dublin for another exciting encounter.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Guinness Storehouse. Its historic features will captivate you. After the brewery, continue your tour of the city with a visit to St Patrick's Cathedral. Visitors usually appreciate the breathtaking features of this church.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Ireland by joining a traveler-approved tour in Dublin. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Dublin that will make your slow-paced self-drive tour in Ireland more memorable. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Dublin to find the best options for you!

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in Dublin by securing a table at Bastible. An esteemed 1-star Michelin restaurant, it features an exceptional modern menu. For an alternative taste experience, visit Patrick Guilbaud, famous for its scrumptious modern french dishes. This 2-star Michelin venue consistently impresses guests, making it a standout addition to your holiday plans. Looking for another choice? Discover Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen, a local favorite celebrated for its exquisite modern cuisine in Dublin. Located in the heart of the city, this 2-star Michelin restaurant is an ideal pick for modern cuisine lovers seeking top-notch culinary experiences.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in Ireland.

Continue your lively evening at Bruxelles, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Light House Cinema is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Bowe's Lounge Bar ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

Raise your glass to celebrate another day of your laid-back and relaxed road trip experience in Ireland!

Day 3 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Dublin, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Ireland are extraordinary.

St Stephen's Green is an ideal stop early in the day. This interesting park is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Dublin Castle, which may be one of the most picture-perfect places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Dublin on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, a frequently visited church in the city. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Dublinia and National Botanic Gardens.

Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Ireland more special is by joining unique tours and activities. Dublin offers a wide selection of experiences for every traveler.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Ireland. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Dublin, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

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.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Dublin.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at The Bridge 1859. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to The Dame Tavern, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Mary's Bar & Hardware provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

Toast to another unforgettable and relaxing road trip adventure in Ireland!

Day 4 of your relaxed road trip through Ireland means 24 hours of making the best memories in Dublin. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Dublin. In the evening, you will experience one of the most popular dining spots in the city. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by Dublin!

Awaiting your discovery is the popular Molly Malone Statue, a heritage-rich monument in Dublin. Next, go to Irish Whiskey Museum.

After visiting Molly Malone Statue and Irish Whiskey Museum, have a stroll along Dublin's streets and take in the local charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Book Of Kells. This respected museum offers a unique experience. National Museum Of Ireland – Archaeology is another noteworthy attraction worthwhile a visit. End your self-guided sightseeing tour on top with a visit to National Gallery Of Ireland, one of the most heritage-rich places to visit in Dublin.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Ireland. Check out all of the tours you can join this day of your leisurely self-drive holiday in Ireland and ensure the experience of a lifetime.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Dublin, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Have a fantastic dining experience at SOLE Seafood & Grill, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Kehoes Pub offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, The Cobblestone is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Dublin.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Dublin and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

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.

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back road trip adventure across Ireland.

Your relaxed road trip in Ireland continues on day 5 with more unforgettable memories to make. Today, you’ll get to know Ireland better by exploring the top attractions of Dublin and beyond. With 2 nights left in Dublin, you’ll still have time to eat and unwind at popular restaurants and bars in the city.

To truly experience Dublin, make sure to drop by Balrothery Weir. This curiosity-inducing waterfall is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Tymon Park, one of the town’s best highlights.

Next, check out Sean Walsh Memorial Park, one of the most worthwhile places to see in Dublin. This park is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Enjoy some downtime and refreshments before continuing to your next stop, Corkagh Park. Wander around and soak in the picturesque atmosphere this park offers. Then, head to Griffeen Valley Park, a top-rated park that adds another dimension to your day.

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

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Ireland. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Dublin, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at The Stags Head, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Chapter One Restaurant offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss The Bank on College Green. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Dublin.

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Dublin and take the pulse of the city’s nightlife. Enjoy the night without rushing to fully appreciate it.

A leisurely self-drive holiday in Tallaght can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in Ireland!

On day 6 of your relaxed road trip across Ireland, you’ll explore the area around Dublin, where you’ll be staying for another 1 night. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Dublin will make you fall even more in love with the city and uniqueness of Ireland.

Look forward to a unique sightseeing adventure at the beloved Dún Laoghaire Harbour Police and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, People's Park, an idyllic park that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Forty Foot, one of the town’s most beloved spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the intriguing Killiney Hill Park. When you're finished at the park, Marlay Park awaits your visit. This park is a visually striking highlight on today's itinerary.

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

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in Ireland, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Dublin.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Quays, a top-rated dining spot in Dublin. If you're in the mood for something new, try Keoghs Cafe, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Café en Seine. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Dublin.

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Dublin. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Ireland!

Day 8 of your relaxed road trip across Ireland offers a day of exciting discoveries. You’ll start your day in The Municipal District of Laytown — Bettystown and drive in the direction of Carlingford for some laid-back sightseeing. You’ll end your day in Carlingford, where you’ll stay for 1 night.

Make a stop at Knowth. This curiosity-inducing archeological site is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Newgrange located in Sligo for another exciting encounter.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Brú Na Bóinne. Its culturally significant features will captivate you. After the archeological site, continue your tour of the region with a visit to Irish Military Museum. Visitors usually appreciate the instagrammable features of this military museum.

In Carlingford, you’ll find plenty of places to unwind after a day on the road. Our top recommendations go perfectly with your laid-back road trip in Ireland.

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in Ireland, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Carlingford.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Carlingford and unwind at some of the best bars in the town.

Toast to another unforgettable and relaxing road trip adventure in Ireland!