11-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 explore Dublin. You’ll stay in Dublin for 6 nights and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

A blend of family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and natural wonders await you in Dublin on today’s itinerary. First up is the notable park, Phoenix Park. Afterward, continue to Dublin Zoo, a zoo 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 Museum Of Ireland – Decorative Arts And History. This underrated museum is an essential stop. Following that, head to National Botanic Gardens, another must-visit site that will enhance your experience.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Ireland is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

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 and reflect on the day's adventures.

Experience a harmony of flavors at Bastible in Dublin by securing a reservation in advance. Known for its 1-star Michelin status, Bastible offers a delightful variety of dishes highlighting its delicious modern menu. If you're seeking an alternative culinary experience, be sure to explore Patrick Guilbaud, a highly recommended restaurant known for its enticing modern french cuisine. This popular 2-star Michelin-awarded venue consistently exceeds expectations, ensuring a memorable holiday experience. Ready for another culinary adventure? Indulge your senses at Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen, a highly acclaimed restaurant celebrated for its exceptional modern menu.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Bruxelles, known for its inviting atmosphere. Light House Cinema is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Bowe's Lounge Bar provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Ireland!

Day 3 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Dublin has to offer. Cherish the 5 nights you have left in Dublin by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

Get ready for a day filled with fun adventures, breathtaking views, and picturesque spots in the charming city of Dublin. Your adventure starts at Guinness Storehouse, a locally renowned local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is St Patrick's Cathedral. This interesting church is known for its historic appeal.

After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Dublin's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin. This symbolic church offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable. Dublin Castle is also worth visiting, along with St Stephen's Green. These standout landmarks offer unique experiences that add to the day’s enjoyment.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Ireland is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Dublin. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at The Brazen Head, a top-rated dining spot in Dublin. If you're in the mood for something new, try Bewley's Grafton Street, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at The Shack Restaurant Temple Bar. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Dublin.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like The Bridge 1859, known for its lively atmosphere. The Dame Tavern is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Mary's Bar & Hardware offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

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

Day 4 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Dublin for 4 nights more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Immerse yourself in Dublin’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary. Start your journey at Natural History Museum. This heritage-rich museum is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the photogenic features of National Gallery Of Ireland, a must-visit art gallery in the city.

In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to National Museum Of Ireland – Archaeology, a notable museum. For a change of scene, check out Book Of Kells, known for its heritage-rich features. We also recommend visiting Trinity College Dublin. This university is a must for anyone looking to experience the city to the fullest.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Ireland is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

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 delightful dinner at SOLE Seafood & Grill, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Kehoes Pub? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at The Cobblestone as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Dublin.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at John Fallon's "the Capstan Bar", a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere.

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

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

Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Dublin, including a beach, a castle, and a park. Start your adventure at Malahide. This underrated beach is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Malahide Castle & Gardens located in Dublin for another exciting encounter.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Santry Park. Its enchanting features will captivate you. After the park, continue your tour of the town with a visit to St. Catherine's Park (fingal). Visitors usually appreciate the enchanting features of this park.

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

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 and reflect on the day's adventures.

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.

Head back to your accommodation in Dublin and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Ireland!

On day 7 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Dublin, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

Today, you'll explore some of the most beautiful places in Dublin, including a park, a beach, and a marina. Start your day with a visit to Marlay Park. This often recommended park is a must-visit in the town. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Killiney Hill Park, which may be one of the most stunning 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 Forty Foot, an increasingly popular beach in the town. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for People's Park and Dún Laoghaire Harbour Police.

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

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Dublin. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Savor the flavors at FX Buckley Steakhouse Temple Bar, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, The Winding Stair beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Mayfield Restaurant. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Dublin tonight.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Ireland.

On day 8 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Ireland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 5 destinations, Tallaght, Clondalkin, Lucan, The Municipal District of Celbridge — Leixlip, and The Municipal District of Kildare — Newbridge. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Kilkenny, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Dublin today. One of the most underrated attractions included on the itinerary is Tymon Park. This peaceful park will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Corkagh Park and learn what makes this visually striking park unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the worthwhile Griffeen Valley Park. After exploring the park, head to Castletown House. This often recommended castle is a highlight in Dublin. As your day continues, stop by Irish National Stud & Gardens, known for its serene features.

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.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Kilkenny. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in Kilkenny by reserving a table at Campagne. Renowned as a 1-star Michelin restaurant, it offers an exceptional modern menu. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Langtons Hotel Kilkenny, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at The Dylan Whisky Bar, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Biddy Early´s offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Kilkenny. Tynans Bridge House Bar is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Ireland!

Day 9 of your road trip across Ireland promises a magnificent time exploring Kilkenny. You have 1 night left in Kilkenny. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Kilkenny. Some of the city’s most loved attractions await! Kilkenny Castle is the perfect place to start. This park is one of the most popular places to visit in Kilkenny. Next, head to Kilkenny Castle, a popular castle, known for its enchanting features.

In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny. This heritage-rich brewery is a highly recommended experience. Nearby, you'll also find St Canice's Cathedral. Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Ireland is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

As you explore more of Kilkenny, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Italian Connection, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Syd Harkin's Pub offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Butcher Restaurant. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Kilkenny.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Blue Bar offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Ryans Bar is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Christy's Bar is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Ireland!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 10 of your road trip in Ireland. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Wicklow, The Municipal District of Bray, and Enniskerry. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Dublin, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and natural wonders. Whether you decide to explore Kilkenny on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Wicklow Mountains National Park is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this serene national park before continuing your journey. Powerscourt Waterfall is your next stop. This frequently visited waterfall is one of the best-rated sights in Kilkenny.

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 Powerscourt House & Gardens. This serene botanical garden is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Bray Head Cross and Bray Seafront.

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

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 and reflect on the day's adventures.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Bar Italia ristorante, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Slattery's offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Darkey Kelly's is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Dublin.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Ireland!