Relaxed 7-Day Ireland Road Trip Starting from Dublin to Kilkenny

Day 2 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Dublin, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Ireland are extraordinary.

Take the opportunity to see Phoenix Park. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 37,460 visitors.

Dublin Zoo is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This zoo has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 25,781 travelers. Up to 1,105,005 people visit Dublin Zoo every year.

Dublin is also the home of Dublin Castle. Around 31,657 people have rated this point of interest an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Another place you’ll want to visit is Book Of Kells. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from a total of 13,760 reviews, a visit to this codex is a great idea.

This day of your vacation in Dublin is also your chance to admire National Botanic Gardens. This must-visit botanical garden enjoys an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 15,941 reviews.

Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Ireland more special is by joining unique tours and activities. Dublin offers a wide selection of experiences for every traveler.

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.

Begin your culinary exploration in Dublin by securing a reservation at Bastible. This renowned restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of modern cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Patrick Guilbaud, celebrated for its delectable modern french menu. This acclaimed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen, a top local spot known for its tantalizing modern menu. With a 2-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

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

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.

Cherish every minute of your relaxed road trip vacation across Ireland.

On day 3 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Ireland, you’ll go deep into Dublin, where you'll stay for 2 nights, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Dublin, and meet locals along the way!

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Guinness Storehouse. This tourist attraction is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 19,378 visitors.

When you’re finished at Guinness Storehouse, head to St Patrick's Cathedral. This one-of-a-kind anglican or episcopal cathedral is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 21,374 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit St Stephen's Green. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 29,869 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, then consider a visit to National Museum Of Ireland – Archaeology. This national museum is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 12,538 visitors. Around 370,965 travelers visit National Museum Of Ireland – Archaeology every year.

To round off your sightseeing experience, make your way to National Gallery Of Ireland. This famous art gallery is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 14,801 travelers.

Ireland makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun exploration. 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.

Make sure to reserve a table at The Brazen Head, an iconic dining spot in Dublin. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Bewley's Grafton Street, a popular restaurant in Dublin. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of The Shack Restaurant Temple Bar, a hidden gem nestled in Dublin. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

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.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting The Bridge 1859, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, The Dame Tavern is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Mary's Bar & Hardware also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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

On day 5 of your laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure, you’ll have the chance to visit more than one remarkable area in Ireland. Since this self-drive tour offers freedom and flexibility, you can decide how much time you want to spend in each place to enjoy the memorable travel destinations in Ireland.

Swords’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Dublin behind. This drive usually takes around 28 min. Swords welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Journey into the unknown at Malahide Castle & Gardens, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 14,383 reviews.

Journey into the unknown at Santry Park, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,254 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, St. Catherine's Park (fingal) is a recommended place to visit. This townland is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,845 reviews.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Kilkenny.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Kilkenny Castle. This extraordinary schloss country house museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 10,966 visitors.

Next, make your way to Kilkenny Castle. This top attraction is a schloss country house museum with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 11,597 visitors.

You’ll be staying at the incredible town of Kilkenny in this laid-back road trip in Ireland. You'll stay here for 1 night.

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

Set out on a gastronomic journey in Kilkenny by reserving a table at Campagne. Renowned for its 1-star Michelin recognition, this restaurant presents an outstanding menu of modern cuisine. Looking for something different? Langtons Hotel Kilkenny offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Kilkenny.

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

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

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back, relaxed road trip adventure across Ireland.

Day 6 of your relaxed road trip across the beautiful country of 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!

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Wicklow, you’ll hit the road in the direction of The Municipal District of Bray. This drive usually takes around 26 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Wicklow Mountains National Park, a remarkable park where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 7,625 reviews.

Set your GPS to The Municipal District of Bray and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 26 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. The Municipal District of Bray beckons with new experiences!

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Powerscourt Waterfall. This waterfall is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 6,433 reviews.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Enniskerry, 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 The Municipal District of Bray to Enniskerry may take around 14 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Enniskerry, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Drop by the renowned Powerscourt House & Gardens. This popular park has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 9,555 visitors.

Continue your laid-back road trip exploration of the best attractions in Ireland at Dublin. Select from top hotels and accommodations in the city to recharge and rejuvenate.

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.

Enjoy a lovely meal at The Stags Head, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Chapter One Restaurant is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at The Bank on College Green. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Dublin tonight.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in Ireland.

Look back at an amazing day filled with adventure in Ireland. And don’t forget to get some rest so you can continue your relaxed holiday in Ireland tomorrow with new energy.