10-Day Ireland Road Trip from Dublin traveling south to Cork, Kilkenny, and Waterford City Metropolitan District

Your road trip adventure in Ireland begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Dublin. You’ll stay in Dublin for 4 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Dublin has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Ha'penny Bridge. This attraction is a footbridge and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 13,192 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Dublin, FX Buckley Steakhouse Temple Bar. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,660 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Dublin is PHX Bistro. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,038 customers.

Locals recommend The Vintage Kitchen as one of the best restaurants in the city of Dublin. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 911 customers.

Dublin also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Dublin is Shouk. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,608 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Dublin is The Temple Bar Pub. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 25,491 customers.

Locals also enjoy The Brazen Head. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 11,980 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 10-day vacation in Ireland!

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Dublin has to offer. Cherish the 3 nights you have left in Dublin by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Dublin. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.

You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the city of Dublin, like the extraordinary Phoenix Park. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 37,056 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Dublin is the spectacular Dublin Castle. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 31,135 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Molly Malone Statue. This best-rated sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 11,653 visitors.

Book of Kells is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This codex is a popular destination among visitors in Dublin. Rated at an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 13,007 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.

Your discovery of Dublin does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Dublin on this day of your trip.

After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Ireland, be sure to eat at Chapter One Restaurant, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Dublin. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 849 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Dublin is the popular Mr Fox. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 690 customers.

Another great restaurant we recommend in the city of Dublin is The Old Storehouse Bar and Restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,719 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, The Church Café, Late Bar & Restaurant is one of the best bars in the city of Dublin for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 10,779 customers.

Porterhouse Temple Bar is another of the most popular bars in the city of Dublin. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,884 customers.

Alternatively, a great bar that locals enjoy in the city of Dublin is Light House Cinema. Light House Cinema has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 3,744 customers.

Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Dublin!

Day 3 of your road trip across Ireland is another day in the magnificent Dublin. You now have 2 nights left in Dublin. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Dublin offers plenty for you to see and do, and your hotel will be conveniently located near several of the area's best attractions.

One of the best travel destinations you can travel to in the city of Dublin is the stunning National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology. This national museum gets around 370,965 visitors every year and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 12,172 visitors.

You could also spend some time visiting the spectacular St Stephen's Green in the city of Dublin. This attraction is a park and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 29,325 visitors.

Another attraction you could visit in the city of Dublin is the incredible St Patrick's Cathedral. This attraction is an anglican or episcopal cathedral and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 20,815 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the fantastic Guinness Storehouse. This tourist attraction and travel destination is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 18,823 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the outstanding National Botanic Gardens. This botanical garden is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 15,536 visitors.

Today you’ll also have the opportunity to take part in a popular tour. You’ll be excited to learn that there are plenty of options for top-rated tours and activities in Dublin you could sign up for on this day of your vacation. Choose among the best tours before or after booking.

When it’s time to eat, the city of Dublin has restaurants and bars to fit all budgets.

We recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Dublin, O'Donoghues Bar. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,110 customers.

Alternatively, if you’re hungry to try a top restaurant in the city of Dublin that locals enjoy, eat at Lemon Jelly Cafe. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,104 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city of Dublin, The Old Storehouse Bar and Restaurant. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,719 customers.

For one of the best bar experiences that locals enjoy in the city of Dublin, we recommend the cocktails at The Stags Head. This bar has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,691 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Dublin is The Celt. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,507 customers.

Toast to another amazing day in the city of Dublin!

Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Cork. You’ll stay in Cork for 3 nights.

This much-appreciated museum and attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,476 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Dollar Bay , Co. Wexford. This best-rated sightseeing destination and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 245 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Hook Lighthouse to make the most of your road trip across Ireland. The spectacular Hook Lighthouse is a lighthouse that has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 7,665 visitors.

Cork offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Liberty Grill. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,609 reviews.

The remarkable Elbow Lane Brew and Smoke House is another top restaurant in Cork we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 792 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Izz Cafe is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 731 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Cork, the fantastic Sin é. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,654 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful The Oliver Plunkett. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 5,192 customers.

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Ireland!

At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Cork, where you'll stay for 2 nights more.

One of the best travel destinations in the city of Cork is Fitzgerald's Park. This amazing attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 5,130 visitors.

Blarney Castle & Gardens is another popular attraction you could visit in the city of Cork. As one of the best-rated attractions in the area, Blarney Castle & Gardens has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 10,638 visitors.

You can also make your new day in Ireland more epic with one of the most popular tours you can take part in today. The tour allows travelers to experience the enjoyment of exploring some of Ireland’s most popular attractions and hidden treasures. Make sure to check out all options below to find the perfect adventure for you.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation near the city of Cork.

When you arrive, we recommend eating at a restaurant that locals enjoy, like Market Lane. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,609 customers.

The SpitJack Cork is one of the top restaurants in the city of Cork. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,934 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Cork is Luigi Malones Cork. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,073 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city of Cork, The Old Town Whiskey Bar at Bodega. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,534 customers.

If you’d prefer one of the top bar experiences that locals enjoy in the city of Cork, we recommend the cocktails at Cornstore Cork. This bar has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,516 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Cork is A Bróg Bar + Kitchen. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,592 customers.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day in the city of Cork!

You still have 1 night left in Cork.

One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Ross Castle. This incredible attraction is a castle and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,044 visitors.

Muckross House is another popular attraction you'll visit. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 9,269 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit is Killarney National Park. This amazing attraction is a park and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 10,542 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Torc Mountain. This mountain and place of interest is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,583 visitors.

To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Ireland to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Cork.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Cork, like Hayfield Manor Hotel. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,427 customers.

Quinlans Seafood Bar Cork is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Cork. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,527 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Cork, The Thomond Bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,430 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like The Woodford. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,261 customers.

The Shelbourne Bar is another of the best bars in the city of Cork. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,024 customers.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Ireland!

Day 7 of your road trip through Ireland gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Ennis and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Kilkenny. You will stay in Kilkenny for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Ennis is the amazing Knappogue Castle. This attraction is a schloss country house museum that is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 260 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible park, Bunratty Castle & Folk Park. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 12,299 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

You can make the most of your new day in Ennis by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Ireland. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Kilkenny, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Petronella Restaurant, one of the best restaurants in the city of Kilkenny. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 640 customers.

Locals also recommend Butcher Restaurant as one of the best restaurants in the city of Kilkenny. Butcher Restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 563 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Kilkenny is Paris Texas Bar and Restaurant. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,225 customers.

After dinner, visit Tynans Bridge House Bar, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Kilkenny. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 509 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Matt The Millers Bar & Restaurant. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,409 customers.

Alternatively, Kytelers Inn is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Kilkenny. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,411 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Ireland!

You’ll stay in Waterford City Metropolitan District for 1 night.

One of the best places to explore today is Kilkenny Castle. This excellent attraction is a schloss country house museum that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 10,609 visitors.

Around 11,284 travelers rated this attraction with 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit is St Canice's Cathedral. This amazing attraction is a church and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,013 visitors.

To experience the local culture, see more of Ireland, and meet new people at the same time, we highly recommend you go on a tour. On this tour, you can go on an epic adventure to some of the best places to visit in Ireland. You also get to admire popular places of interest.

You could then travel to Rock of Cashel for some unforgettable sightseeing experience. This popular attraction is a castle and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 13,334 visitors.

This outstanding castle has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,990 travelers.

You’ll have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Waterford City Metropolitan District.

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Waterford City Metropolitan District, Emiliano's. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 945 customers.

Locals recommend Momo Restaurant as one of the best restaurants in the city of Waterford City Metropolitan District. Momo Restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 854 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Waterford City Metropolitan District is McLeary's Restaurant. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 620 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the top bars in the city of Waterford City Metropolitan District, Geoff's Cafe Bar. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,480 customers.

You could also relax with a drink at a popular bar like The Reg. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,344 customers.

Uluru Bar is a popular bar that locals recommend in the city of Waterford City Metropolitan District. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,037 customers.

Be sure to celebrate another day of your incredible road trip adventure through Ireland with a toast!

Rise and shine on day 9 of your road trip in Ireland. Today, you'll wake up in Waterford and embark on a scenic drive to Dublin, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Waterford and County Wicklow before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Waterford. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful House of Waterford Crystal. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,065 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Seasonal Tramore Amusement Park. This attraction, a beloved amusement park, has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,714 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Waterford is the stunning Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens. This park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,141 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Wicklow Mountains National Park. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 7,553 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Powerscourt Waterfall. This waterfall and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,206 reviews.

Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Powerscourt House & Gardens. This park and travel destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 9,337 visitors.

When you're done with your sightseeing in County Wicklow, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Dublin. When you arrive in Dublin you’ll check in at one of the best hotels in the area.

After dinner, visit O'Donoghues Bar to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Dublin, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,110 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like The Bank on College Green. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. The Bank on College Green has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,043 customers.

Café en Seine is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,282 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Ireland, and look forward to more great days to come!

Day 10 of your road trip in Ireland is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Dublin before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Dublin and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Ireland.

You’ll then say farewell to Dublin. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Ireland!