6-Day Ireland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Dublin to Kilkenny and surrounding area

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View of Mellows Bridge in Dublin - Ireland.
photo of view of Dublin, Ireland. Night view of famous illuminated Ha Penny Bridge in Dublin, Ireland at sunset,Dublin Ireland.
6-Day Ireland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Dublin to Kilkenny and surrounding area
6-Day Ireland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Dublin to Kilkenny and surrounding area
6-Day Ireland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Dublin to Kilkenny and surrounding area
6-Day Ireland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Dublin to Kilkenny and surrounding area
6-Day Ireland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Dublin to Kilkenny and surrounding area
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Experience the freedom of the open road on an unforgettable 6-day road trip in Ireland! Embark on a self-drive tour that caters to every traveler, featuring destinations like Dublin, Malahide, The Municipal District of Trim, Kilkenny, and Enniskerry.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Ireland. You will spend 4 nights in Dublin and 1 night in Kilkenny. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!

With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in Ireland. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have you covered.

Upon arriving in Dublin, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover Ireland on your own terms.

An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in Ireland. Phoenix Park and St Stephen's Green are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Dublin, Malahide, The Municipal District of Trim, Kilkenny, and Enniskerry, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Ireland. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in Ireland.

Throughout your road trip in Ireland, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Ireland.

This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodations, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.

The best services in Ireland fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in Ireland today!

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Driver’s age is 30 - 65
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Pick-up: 10:00
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Day1

Day 1

  • Dublin - Arrival day
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  • Ha'penny Bridge
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Welcome to Dublin, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Ireland! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 3 nights discovering what to see in Dublin before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Dublin is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Ha'penny Bridge. 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.

Find your way to your hotel in Dublin. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Ireland. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

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.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Peadar Kearney's Pub, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? The Lotts Cafe Bar offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Merchant's Arch. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Dublin.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Mulligan's, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of John Kavanagh The Gravediggers, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Cassidy's likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

Raise a toast to the start of your 6-day road trip in Ireland!

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Day2

Day 2

  • Dublin
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Drive 23 km, 1 hour 32 min

  • Phoenix Park
  • Dublin Zoo
  • Guinness Storehouse
  • Dublin Castle
  • National Botanic Gardens
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Day 2 offers an itinerary packed with the best things to see in Dublin. You’ll stay in Dublin for 2 nights more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Make a stop at Phoenix Park. This locally renowned 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 history-steeped features will captivate you. After the brewery, continue your tour of the city with a visit to Dublin Castle. Visitors usually appreciate the culturally significant features of this castle. Next up is National Botanic Gardens, a highly recommended botanical garden.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Ireland. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

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.

Have a memorable dining experience in Dublin by booking a table at Bastible, a 1-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional modern menu. For a different culinary experience in Dublin, Patrick Guilbaud shines as one of the top destinations, known for its delicious modern french cuisine. This 2-star Michelin-awardee consistently earns high praises, making it a must-visit addition to your holiday experience. If you're looking for an alternative, Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen is known as a top local spot in Dublin for its delicious modern cuisine. This 2-star Michelin awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Bruxelles stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Light House Cinema offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Bowe's Lounge Bar is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Ireland!

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Day3

Day 3

  • Dublin
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Drive 5 km, 55 min

  • The Book of Kells Experience
  • National Gallery of Ireland
  • National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology
  • St Stephen's Green
  • St. Patrick's Cathedral Park
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Day 3 of your road trip across Ireland promises a magnificent time exploring what to see in Dublin. You have 1 night left in Dublin. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

One of the most interesting attractions included on the itinerary is Book Of Kells. This visually striking museum will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to National Gallery Of Ireland and learn what makes this instagrammable art gallery unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the notable National Museum Of Ireland – Archaeology. After exploring the museum, head to St Stephen's Green. This notable park is a highlight in Dublin. As your day continues, stop by St Patrick's Cathedral, known for its picture-perfect features.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Ireland. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

Dublin is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Dublin.

Enjoy a lovely meal at The Brazen Head, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Bewley's Grafton Street is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at The Shack Restaurant Temple Bar. As an establishment that consistently gains high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Dublin tonight.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at The Bridge 1859, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to The Dame Tavern. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Mary's Bar & Hardware, another top-rated place in the area.

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

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Day4

Day 4

  • Dublin
  • Malahide
  • Trim
  • Kilkenny
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Drive 206 km, 2 hours 56 min

  • Malahide Castle & Gardens
  • Trim Castle
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Your itinerary for day 4 of your road trip in Ireland includes 2 stops and features some of the highlights of Malahide and The Municipal District of Trim. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Kilkenny, where you'll spend 1 night.

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

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Malahide, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Dublin to Malahide may take around 40 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Malahide, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Malahide Castle & Gardens is a notable castle we recommend visiting today. Discover its history-steeped features before continuing your self-guided tour.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in The Municipal District of Trim. This drive usually takes around 47 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Trim Castle, an often recommended castle in The Municipal District of Trim. Explore its historic features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Kilkenny. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

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 Kilkenny, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Experience a symphony of flavors at Campagne in Kilkenny by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its 1-star Michelin distinction, Campagne delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious modern cuisine. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Langtons Hotel Kilkenny? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, The Dylan Whisky Bar offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Biddy Early´s is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Tynans Bridge House Bar is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

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

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Day5

Day 5

  • Kilkenny
  • Dublin
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Drive 167 km, 3 hours 10 min

  • Kilkenny Castle
  • Kilkenny Castle Park
  • Wicklow Mountains National Park
  • Powerscourt Waterfall
  • More

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Ireland. Today you'll explore 4 destinations, including Kilkenny, Wicklow, The Municipal District of Bray, and Enniskerry. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Dublin, where you'll spend 1 night.

To truly experience Kilkenny, make sure to drop by Kilkenny Castle. This locally renowned castle is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Kilkenny Castle, one of the city’s best highlights.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Kilkenny and set your GPS to Wicklow. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 1 hour 32 min. Upon reaching Wicklow, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Wicklow Mountains National Park is an increasingly popular national park we recommend visiting today. Discover its eye-catching features before continuing your self-guided tour.

When you’ve had your share of Wicklow, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of The Municipal District of Bray. Your travel time is around 26 min.

Our first attraction recommendation in The Municipal District of Bray is Powerscourt Waterfall, a worthwhile waterfall that draws attention for its romantic features.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Dublin, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Dublin's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Savor the flavors at SOLE Seafood & Grill, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Kehoes Pub beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider The Cobblestone. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Dublin tonight.

Continue your lively evening at John Fallon's "the Capstan Bar", a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Ireland!

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Day6

Day 6

  • Dublin - Departure day
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  • Molly Malone Statue
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Day 6 of your road trip in Ireland is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Dublin before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

If you're up for some more sightseeing, begin at Molly Malone Statue. This notable monument is a hotspot among locals.

Make the most of your final day in Ireland by visiting Dublin’s iconic markets and shopping establishments in the buzzing Temple Bar. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing vacation.

Before you conclude your road trip in Ireland, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Dublin.

Dine in style at The Stags Head, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Chapter One Restaurant boasts a menu that's sure to impress.

You’ll then say farewell to Dublin. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Ireland!

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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.

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

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