12-Day Ireland road trip from Dublin to Kilkenny, Killarney, and Galway

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 12-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 Iveagh Gardens. This attraction is an urban park and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,930 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing St Stephen's Green. This park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 29,325 visitors.

National Botanic Gardens is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This botanical garden is a popular destination among visitors in Dublin. Rated at an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 15,536 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 Book of Kells in the city of Dublin. This attraction is a codex and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 13,007 visitors.

Another attraction you could visit in the city of Dublin is the incredible Dublin Castle. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 31,135 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the fantastic St Patrick's Cathedral. This anglican or episcopal cathedral and travel destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 20,815 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the outstanding Guinness Storehouse. This tourist attraction is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 18,823 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!

You’ll stay in Kilkenny for 1 night.

One of the best places to explore today is Powerscourt House & Gardens. This excellent attraction is a park that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 9,337 visitors.

Around 6,206 travelers rated this attraction with 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit is Wicklow Mountains National Park. This amazing attraction is a park and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 7,553 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 Kilkenny Castle for some unforgettable sightseeing experience. This popular attraction is a schloss country house museum and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 10,609 visitors.

This outstanding schloss country house museum has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 11,284 travelers.

You’ll have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Kilkenny.

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

Locals 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 one of the top bars in the city of Kilkenny, Tynans Bridge House Bar. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 509 customers.

You could also relax with a drink 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.

Kytelers Inn is a popular bar 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.

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

Get ready to experience some of the most famous attractions in the area!

One of the best places to visit is the amazing Rock of Cashel. This attraction is a castle and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 13,334 visitors.

You could also go sightseeing at the incredible Cahir Castle. This castle and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,990 visitors.

Jameson Distillery Midleton is another popular attraction you can explore. This well-known attraction, a spectacular best-rated sightseeing destination, has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 2,523 reviews.

Joining a top-rated tour in Munster is another excellent way to spend your new day in Ireland. The best tours in this travel destination will take you on an exploration to some of Ireland’s most well-known attractions and best-kept secrets.

With this tour, you’ll set out on a journey to Ireland’s most interesting sights. As you go along this remarkable tour, you’ll also have the unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of Ireland’s scenic spots.

You could then travel to the amazing Jameson Distillery Midleton for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination and has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,523 visitors.

You’ll also have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Killarney.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Cronins Restaurant, one of the best restaurants in the city of Killarney. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 950 customers.

Locals also recommend Bricín Restaurant and Boxty House as one of the best restaurants in the city of Killarney. Bricín Restaurant and Boxty House is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 626 customers.

After dinner, visit John M. Reidy, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Killarney. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,292 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Celtic Whiskey Bar & Larder. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 766 customers.

Alternatively, Murphys Bar, Restaurant & Townhouse Killarney is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Killarney. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,665 customers.

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

On day 6 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Killarney, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. You still have 2 nights left in Killarney.

Today you'll explore the city of Cork. One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Blarney Castle & Gardens. This incredible attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 10,638 visitors.

Cork City Gaol is another popular attraction you'll visit in the city of Cork. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,875 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Cork is Fitzgerald's Park. This amazing attraction is a park and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,130 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Cork Opera House. This opera house and place of interest is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,802 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 Killarney.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Killarney, like Khao Asian Street Food. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,191 customers.

Salvadors & Robertinos Killarney is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Killarney. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 980 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Killarney, The Laurels Pub & Restaurant. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,544 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like Porterhouse Restaurant. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,244 customers.

Killarney Brewing Company is another of the best bars in the city of Killarney. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,059 customers.

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

You still have 1 night left in Killarney.

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 Abbey is another popular attraction you'll visit. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,835 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit is Muckross House. This amazing attraction is a house and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 9,269 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Killarney National Park. This park and place of interest is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 10,542 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Torc Mountain. This mountain is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 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 Killarney.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Killarney, like Rob's Ranch House Killarney. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 881 customers.

Café Du Parc is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Killarney. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 533 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Killarney, Paddy Sheehan The Grand Bar & Niteclub. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 897 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like O'Connors Traditional Pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 760 customers.

Hannigans Bar, Restaurant & Rooftop Balcony is another of the best bars in the city of Killarney. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 608 customers.

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

Rise and shine on day 8 of your road trip in Ireland. Today, you'll wake up in Killarney and embark on a scenic drive to Galway, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 3 nights. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Killarney 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 Killarney. This attraction is a castle that has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 5,569 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Bunratty Castle & Folk Park. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 12,299 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Poulnabrone dolmen. This dolmen and attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,933 reviews.

Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Aillwee Cave. This show cave and travel destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,872 visitors.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Ard Bia at Nimmos. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,099 customers.

Locals also recommend The Quay Street Kitchen, another of the best restaurants in Galway. The Quay Street Kitchen is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,029 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Esquires - The Organic Coffee Co (Eyre Square). This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,000 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit O'Connor's Famous Pub to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Galway, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,806 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Tigh Chóilí. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Tigh Chóilí has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,662 customers.

O'Connell's Bar Galway is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,659 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!

On day 9 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Galway, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. You still have 2 nights left in Galway.

Today you'll explore the city of Galway. One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas, Galway. This incredible attraction is a catholic cathedral and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,467 visitors.

Great Escape Rooms is another popular attraction you'll visit in the city of Galway. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,150 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Galway is Eyre Square. This amazing attraction is a square and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 13,014 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Galway City Museum. This city museum and place of interest is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,211 visitors. Each year, approximately 161,558 people come to this outstanding attraction to enhance their travel experience in Galway.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Spanish Arch. This top-tier point of interest is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 5,733 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 Galway.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Galway, like Scotty's Burgers & Wings, Galway, Ireland. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 616 customers.

OSTERIA da Simone : Italian restaurant & pizzeria is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Galway. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 588 customers.

Locals enjoy Zappis Restaurant, one of the most popular restaurants in the city of Galway. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 505 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Galway, Caribou. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 979 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like A Púcán. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,188 customers.

The Front Door Pub is another of the best bars in the city of Galway. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,692 customers.

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

At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Galway, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

One of the best travel destinations is Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden. This amazing attraction is a cafe and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 13,480 visitors.

Walled Victorian Garden is another popular attraction you could visit. As one of the best-rated attractions in the area, Walled Victorian Garden has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,302 visitors.

To make your time more memorable, we recommend you visit Connemara National Park. This outstanding attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 5,608 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 Galway.

When you arrive, we recommend eating at a restaurant that locals enjoy, like The Kings Head Bistro. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,233 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city of Galway, The Skeff Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,056 customers.

If you’d prefer one of the top bar experiences that locals enjoy in the city of Galway, we recommend the cocktails at The Quays Bar and Restaurant. This bar has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,514 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Galway is The Dáil Bar Galway. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,040 customers.

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

Day 11 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 Ballinasloe Municipal District and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Dublin. You will stay in Dublin for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Ballinasloe Municipal District is the amazing Dunguaire Castle. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest that is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,844 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible park, Coole Park. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,356 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Ballinasloe Municipal District is the outstanding Coole Park Nature Reserve. This popular park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 555 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Ballinasloe Municipal District 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 Dublin, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After dinner, visit O'Donoghues Bar, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Dublin. This bar is rated an average 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 has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,043 customers.

Alternatively, Café en Seine is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Dublin. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,282 customers.

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

Day 12 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.

Molly Malone Statue is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Dublin. This must-see tourist destination and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 11,653 visitors.

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!