7-Day Ireland Road Trip from Dingle to Killarney, Dublin, and Kilkenny

Welcome to Dingle, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Ireland! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 1 night immersing yourself in Dingle's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Dingle is a beautiful town 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 Dingle Lighthouse (Teach Solais a Daingin) or taking a stroll in the town center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Find your way to your hotel in Dingle. 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 in Dingle. 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.

Raise a toast to the start of your 7-day road trip in Ireland!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 2 of your road trip in Ireland. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Killarney. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Killarney, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Set your GPS to Killarney and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 10 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Killarney beckons with new experiences!

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Ross Castle. This extraordinary castle has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,141 visitors.

Next, make your way to Muckross Abbey. This abbey is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 1,866 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Killarney. Killarney offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Killarney's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Have a fantastic dining experience at The Mad Monk by Quinlans, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Hannigans Bar, Restaurant & Rooftop Balcony offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, The Shire Bar & Cafe is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Killarney.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into John M. Reidy. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Courtney's Bar offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Jimmy Brien's, another top-rated bar in the area.

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

On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Ireland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Cahir and The Municipal District of Cahir — Cashel. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Dublin, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

When you’ve had your share of Killarney, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Cahir. Your travel time is around 1 hour 53 min.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Cahir Castle. Previous visitors have rated this castle an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 5,042 reviews.

After soaking in Cahir’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: The Municipal District of Cahir — Cashel. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 16 min. When you arrive in The Municipal District of Cahir — Cashel, it's time to take a break from the road.

Take the opportunity to see Brú Ború Heritage Centre. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 187 visitors.

Rock of Cashel is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This castle has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 13,510 travelers.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Dublin, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Dublin's best restaurants.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Bastible, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible modern menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Patrick Guilbaud is one of the best restaurants for modern french cuisine in Dublin. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen. As a top-rated it is an ideal choice for modern cuisine in the city.

Keep the evening going at Light House Cinema, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Ireland.

On day 4 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Dublin. You’ll stay in Dublin for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Drop by the renowned Phoenix Park. This popular park has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 37,298 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Dublin Zoo. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 25,663 visitors, this zoo deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

We also recommend a visit to Dublin Castle. This sightseeing destination has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 31,463 reviews.

Another favorite attraction in the area is Ha'penny Bridge. This footbridge and popular place of interest enjoys a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 13,278 local and international travelers.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to National Botanic Gardens. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 15,718 travelers, this botanical garden is an attraction many avid travelers highly recommend visiting while in Dublin.

One of the most unique ways of discovering what else Dublin has to offer is by going on a top-rated tour. Be sure to check out all the experiences Dublin offers and add your favorites to your Ireland travel package below.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Dublin's best restaurants.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Chapter One Restaurant, a top-rated dining destination in Dublin. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider The Bank on College Green, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Café en Seine. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Dublin this evening.

Say good night to Dublin and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Ireland!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your road trip in Ireland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Dublin. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Kilkenny. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Make Book of Kells your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this codex an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 13,299 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 12,321 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this national museum every year. In fact, this attraction welcomes 370,965 annual visitors.

St Stephen's Green is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 29,521 visitors.

When you’re finished at St Stephen's Green, the perfect next stop is St Patrick's Cathedral. This anglican or episcopal cathedral is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 21,169 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Guinness Storehouse. This tourist attraction is a top place to visit, with a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 19,154 reviews.

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 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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Billy Byrnes Gastro Bar & Venue, a top-rated dining destination in Kilkenny. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Langtons Hotel Kilkenny, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Italian Connection. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Kilkenny this evening.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by going to a bar or two. Biddy Early´s is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Tynans Bridge House Bar, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Ryans Bar. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Relax and reminisce about your day in Ireland and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

On day 6 of your road trip in Ireland, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Kilkenny and The Municipal District of Adare — Rathkeale. In the evening, you’ll end up in Dingle, where you will stay for 1 night.

Journey into the unknown at Kilkenny Castle, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable schloss country house museum has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 11,458 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Kilkenny Castle is a recommended place to visit. This schloss country house museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 10,743 reviews.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. The Municipal District of Adare — Rathkeale, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Kilkenny to The Municipal District of Adare — Rathkeale may take around 1 hour 45 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in The Municipal District of Adare — Rathkeale, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Drop by the renowned Adare Town Park. This popular park has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 185 visitors.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Dingle. Dingle offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Dingle. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Esteemed as a restaurant, it features an exceptional menu.

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

Day 7 of your road trip in Ireland is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Dingle before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Make the most of your final day in Ireland by visiting Dingle’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Your stay’s proximity to the town’s retail haven invites an unhurried and unforgettable exploration of its variety of stores and establishments. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Ireland. Take home a piece of Ireland with these souvenirs, keeping your adventures close.

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

This renowned restaurant holds , and offers an exceptional menu of cuisine.

You’ll then say farewell to Dingle. 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!