Relaxed 12-Day Ireland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Dublin to Kilkenny and Wexford

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photo of view of Dublin, Ireland. Night view of famous illuminated Ha Penny Bridge in Dublin, Ireland at sunset,Dublin Ireland.
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Set out on this 12-day relaxed road trip in Ireland, where Dublin, Malahide, Curragha, The Municipal District of Trim, Dún Laoghaire, Dundrum, Clondalkin, The Municipal District of Kildare — Newbridge, Kilkenny, Whitechurch, Slade, Barntown, Wexford, Rathdrum, Laragh, and Enniskerry offer rich culture, beautiful views, and memorable experiences at every stop!

Travel freely with this relaxed self-drive package in Ireland, designed for comfort and exploration. Spend 8 nights in Dublin, 2 nights in Kilkenny, and 1 night in Wexford, staying at top-rated hotels near the heart of each city. Between drives, indulge in local cuisine, sip refreshing drinks, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at popular restaurants and bars along your road trip route in Ireland.

Your journey starts in Dublin, where your rental car with CDW insurance will be ready for pickup. Choose a vehicle that suits your style, then set off on your 12-day relaxed road trip in Ireland to explore its rich culture, fascinating history, and stunning landscapes.

Every stop on this leisurely self-drive holiday comes with handpicked accommodations that make relaxation effortless. Choose from elegant 5-star hotels with breathtaking views or comfortable 3-star stays that offer excellent value, all providing a welcoming retreat after a day on the road.

With your self-drive itinerary in Ireland already planned, you’ll enjoy the country’s most celebrated sights without the rush. Marvel at the stunning Phoenix Park and soak in the atmosphere of the magnificent St Stephen's Green.

Enjoy each stop as you explore the history, architecture, and character of each destination on this Ireland road trip itinerary for 12 days.

As you travel between destinations, you’ll have plenty of time to explore local markets and boutique shops. These stops give you the chance to find unique souvenirs, taste regional specialties, and experience everyday life in Ireland.

If you want to make your 12-day relaxed self-drive tour in Ireland even more memorable, add optional tours or activities. Join a guided excursion, discover hidden neighborhoods, or spend an afternoon in your favorite market. Each choice deepens your connection to the places you visit.

Alongside these experiences, your laid-back self-drive package in Ireland includes 11 nights in comfortable hotels, a rental car for 12 days, and convenient access to nearby dining options. You can also add flights and entry tickets to shape the trip exactly how you want it. With 24/7 travel support and a mobile app keeping your itinerary and documents organized, you can enjoy a relaxed drive and savor every mile of the road ahead.

Turn your travel plans into reality. Book your 12-day relaxed self-drive road trip in Ireland today and enjoy a journey filled with discovery, freedom, and unforgettable moments!

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Driver’s age is 30 - 65
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Pick-up: 10:00
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Day 1

Day 1

  • Dublin - Arrival day
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  • Ha'penny Bridge
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Your relaxed road trip through Ireland starts when you reach the incredible city of Dublin, where you'll stay for 7 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Dublin and begin your adventure in Ireland.

Dublin is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. Taking a stroll in the city center is a great alternative. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

When you're ready for some downtime, make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Dublin. Make yourself at home and unwind before heading out again.

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

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.

Raise a toast as you look back on the highlights of today’s relaxed road trip in Ireland. Enjoy your first taste of Dublin as you soak in the city’s unique vibe.

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Day 2

Day 2

  • Dublin
  • More

Drive 16 km, 1 hour 4 min

  • Phoenix Park
  • Dublin Zoo
  • Guinness Storehouse
  • St. Patrick's Cathedral Park
  • More

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.

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.

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.

Grab yourself a drink and savor every moment of your relaxed road trip experience in Ireland!

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Day 3

Day 3

  • Dublin
  • More

Drive 12 km, 1 hour 14 min

  • St Stephen's Green
  • National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology
  • National Gallery of Ireland
  • National Museum of Ireland – Natural History
  • National Botanic Gardens
  • More

Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Ireland more special is by joining unique tours and activities.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Dublin has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Dublin.

Raise your glass and toast to another unforgettable, laid-back road trip adventure in Ireland!

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Dublin
  • More

Drive 3 km, 49 min

  • Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin
  • Dublin Castle
  • Molly Malone Statue
  • Irish Whiskey Museum
  • The Book of Kells Experience
  • More

Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Dublin.

Ireland makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun road trip experience. Aside from amazing sights, Ireland also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

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.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Dublin’s best bars to celebrate this day of your slow-paced adventure in Ireland.

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

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Day 5

Day 5

  • Dublin
  • More

Drive 63 km, 1 hour 43 min

  • Malahide Castle & Gardens
  • Santry Park
  • St. Catherine's Park
  • More

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 3 nights left in Dublin, you’ll still have time to eat and unwind at popular restaurants and bars in the city.

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

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.

As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Dublin. The bars in Dublin make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

Grab yourself a drink and savor every moment of your relaxed road trip experience in Ireland!

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Day 6

Day 6

  • Dublin
  • More

Drive 107 km, 2 hours 2 min

  • Emerald Park
  • Hill of Tara
  • Trim Castle
  • More

On day 6 of your relaxed road trip in Ireland, you’ll start your self-paced adventure in Dublin and visit amazing attractions in Curragha, The Municipal District of Ashbourne, and The Municipal District of Trim, just outside the city. You still have 2 nights left in Dublin, so today is another excellent opportunity to dine at some of the top-rated restaurants and bars in the area.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.

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

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.

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.

Soak in the unique atmosphere of Dublin as you commemorate this day of your relaxed road trip with a toast. Cheers to a memorable, leisurely self-drive holiday in Ireland!

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Day 7

Day 7

  • Dublin
  • More

Drive 45 km, 2 hours 10 min

  • Dún Laoghaire Harbour Police
  • People's Park
  • Forty Foot
  • Killiney Hill Park
  • Marlay Park
  • More

On day 7 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.

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.

Experience the amazing nightlife in Dublin and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your leisurely paced road trip in Ireland!

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Day 8

Day 8

  • Dublin
  • Kilkenny
  • More

Drive 154 km, 2 hours 14 min

  • Corkagh Park
  • Irish National Stud & Gardens
  • More

Day 8 of your relaxed road trip across Ireland offers a day of exciting discoveries. You’ll end your day in Kilkenny, where you’ll stay for 2 nights.

After a day of exploration, relax at one of the top hotels or accommodations in Kilkenny. Staying in the city gives you a comfortable, welcoming place to recharge during 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 Kilkenny.

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

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

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Day 9

Day 9

  • Kilkenny
  • More

Drive 3 km, 48 min

  • Kilkenny Castle Park
  • Kilkenny Castle
  • Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny
  • Cathedral Church of St Canice & Round Tower
  • High Street
  • More

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.

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 Kilkenny, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

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

Raise your glass in celebration of your freedom and relaxed road trip adventure in Ireland!

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Day 10

Day 10

  • Kilkenny
  • Wexford
  • More

Drive 139 km, 2 hours 33 min

  • John F. Kennedy Arboretum
  • Hook Lighthouse
  • Irish National Heritage Park
  • Church of the Assumption - Bride Street Church
  • More

On day 10 of your laid-back road trip adventure in Ireland, you can visit several remarkable places. With the freedom and flexibility of a self-drive tour, you decide how much time to spend in each, making the most of these memorable destinations.

Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Kilkenny.

When you’re not exploring beautiful places, you can relax in Wexford. Here, you can choose from the best hotels and other accommodations as you get to know more about the culture in the town.

Exploring the food culture in Wexford offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the town.

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Wexford.

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

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Day 11

Day 11

  • Wexford
  • Dublin
  • More

Drive 179 km, 3 hours 24 min

  • Beyond the Trees Avondale
  • Glendalough Cathedral
  • Wicklow Mountains National Park
  • Powerscourt Waterfall
  • Powerscourt House & Gardens
  • More

Day 11 of your relaxed road trip in Ireland will take you on a self-paced journey to more than one incredible place in one day. See some of the best attractions in Ireland, taste the most delectable foods and exquisite drinks, and make incredible memories as you go!

Continue your laid-back road trip in Ireland as you make your way to Dublin. Here, you’ll find top hotels and accommodations in the city, perfect for relaxing and recharging.

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.

As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Dublin. The bars in Dublin make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

Grab yourself a drink and savor every moment of your relaxed road trip experience in Ireland!

Read more
Day 12

Day 12

  • Dublin - Departure day
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  • James Joyce Statue
  • More

Day 12 of your relaxed road trip in Ireland is your departure day. If you’re flying home, return your rental car with time to spare.

Over a good meal, take a moment to unwind and reflect on the past 12 days of your relaxed road trip.

The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 12-day relaxed road trip in Ireland is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.

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How it works

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Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.
Secure your spot
Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.
Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

We guarantee

Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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