Relaxed 9-Day Ireland Road Trip Starting from Dublin to Kilkenny

Your relaxed road trip through Ireland starts when you reach the incredible city of Dublin, where you'll stay for 6 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Dublin and begin your adventure in Ireland.

Make Ha'penny Bridge one of your first sightseeing stops in Dublin. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 13,413 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

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.

When you're hungry and ready to take a break from your laid-back adventure, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in Dublin.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Peadar Kearney's Pub, a highly-rated dining destination in Dublin. If you're eager to try something different, consider The Lotts Cafe Bar, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Merchant's Arch. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Dublin this evening.

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

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Mulligan's, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, John Kavanagh The Gravediggers is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Cassidy's also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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

On day 2 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Ireland, you’ll go deep into Dublin, where you'll stay for 5 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!

Drop by the renowned Natural History Museum. This popular national museum has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,974 visitors. Based on recent data, this attraction is visited by more than 108,615 travelers every year.

Another unforgettable place to experience is National Gallery Of Ireland. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 14,801 visitors, this art gallery deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

We also recommend a visit to National Museum Of Ireland – Archaeology. Hosting around 370,965 visitors every year, the fascinating National Museum Of Ireland – Archaeology is one of the best places to visit in Dublin. This national museum has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 12,538 reviews.

Another favorite attraction in the area is St Stephen's Green. This park and popular place of interest enjoys a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 29,869 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 15,941 travelers, this botanical garden is an attraction many avid travelers highly recommend visiting while in Dublin.

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. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Dublin to find the best options for you!

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.

Start 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.

After dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Bruxelles, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Light House Cinema provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Bowe's Lounge Bar offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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

Day 3 of your relaxed road trip through Ireland means 24 hours of making the best memories in Dublin. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Dublin. In the evening, you will experience one of the most popular dining spots in the city. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by Dublin!

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Phoenix Park. This park is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Dublin, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 37,460 visitors.

Dublin Zoo is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 25,781 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction. It’s estimated that around 1,105,005 people visit this zoo every year.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Guinness Storehouse. Visitors have rated this tourist attraction an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 19,378 reviews.

St Patrick's Cathedral is another unique site you can experience today. This attraction is an anglican or episcopal cathedral rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 21,374 reviews.

Get a more in-depth understanding of Dublin by checking out the amazing selection of tours and excursions you can add to your relaxed road trip itinerary. Explore more of the city’s wonders, create memorable experiences, and join laid-back to challenging activities.

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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at The Brazen Head, a highly-rated dining destination in Dublin. If you're eager to try something different, consider Bewley's Grafton Street, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at The Shack Restaurant Temple Bar. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Dublin this evening.

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

Day 4 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Dublin, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Ireland are extraordinary.

Journey into the unknown at Book Of Kells, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable codex has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 13,760 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Irish Whiskey Museum is a recommended place to visit. This museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 6,247 reviews.

Another must-see attraction in Dublin is Molly Malone Statue. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 11,943 travelers, this popular tourist destination in Dublin offers an experience you will remember.

Dublin Castle is another popular stop on travelers' itineraries in Dublin. This point of interest promises memorable moments of exploring. Other travelers have rated this attraction 4.3 out of 5 stars in 31,657 reviews.

Lastly, don't miss out on Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 9,634 local and international travelers, it's a popular place to visit.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 4 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Ireland. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Dublin itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city.

Exploring the food culture in Dublin 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 city.

Make sure to book a table at SOLE Seafood & Grill, a popular restaurant in Dublin. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Dublin at Kehoes Pub, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is The Cobblestone. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Dublin tonight.

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

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.

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

Your laid-back and relaxed road trip in Ireland continues on day 5, allowing you to create more unforgettable memories. Today’s travel plan offers you the chance to have a more in-depth understanding of Ireland and its people by visiting the offerings and top attractions of Swords and beyond. With 2 nights left in Dublin, you’ll have enough time to eat and unwind at popular restaurants and bars in the town.

Set your GPS to Swords and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 28 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Swords beckons with new experiences!

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Malahide Castle & Gardens. Previous visitors have rated this point of interest an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 14,383 reviews.

After soaking in Swords’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Dún Laoghaire. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 46 min. When you arrive in Dún Laoghaire, it's time to take a break from the road.

Kick off the day at Dún Laoghaire Harbour Police, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 3,180 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit People's Park. People's Park is a park with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,465 reviews.

Killiney Hill Park is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This park is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 4,391 visitors.

When you’ve had your share of Dún Laoghaire, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Dundrum. Your travel time is around 21 min.

Make Marlay Park one of your first sightseeing stops in Dundrum. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 8,367 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

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

Exploring the food culture in Dublin 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 city.

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.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Dublin.

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

On day 6 of your relaxed road trip across Ireland, you’ll explore the area around The Municipal District of Laytown — Bettystown, where you’ll be staying for another 1 night. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of The Municipal District of Laytown — Bettystown will make you fall even more in love with the region and uniqueness of Ireland.

The Municipal District of Laytown — Bettystown’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Dublin behind. This drive usually takes around 50 min. The Municipal District of Laytown — Bettystown welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Make Newgrange your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this passage tombs in ireland an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,341 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Brú Na Bóinne. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,949 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this archaeological site every year.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Curragha. This car ride takes around 31 min.

When you're ready to see some sights, Tayto Park is a great place to start. This amusement park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 14,403 visitors.

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

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.

Dine in style at Quays, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Keoghs Cafe boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Café en Seine. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Dublin.

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.

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

On day 7 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.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. The Municipal District of Kildare — Newbridge, 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 Dublin to The Municipal District of Kildare — Newbridge may take around 55 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in The Municipal District of Kildare — Newbridge, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Irish National Stud & Gardens. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 4,275 reviews.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Kilkenny. This drive usually takes around 1 hour, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

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

Kilkenny Castle is another popular attraction you could visit today. This schloss country house museum has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 11,597 visitors.

St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum is also highly recommended by travelers. This museum has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 802 visitors.

When you’re not exploring beautiful places, you’ll have a relaxed time at Kilkenny. Here, you can choose from the best selection of hotels and places to stay as you get to know more about this spectacular town.

Exploring the food culture in Kilkenny 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.

Discover the culinary delights of Kilkenny by securing a reservation at Campagne. Esteemed for its 1-star Guide Michelin recognition, this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of modern cuisine. Alternatively, Langtons Hotel Kilkenny beckons with its unique menu offerings.

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.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at The Dylan Whisky Bar. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Biddy Early´s, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Tynans Bridge House Bar provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

A leisurely self-drive holiday in The Municipal District of Kildare — Newbridge can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in Ireland!

Day 8 of your self-drive tour in Ireland is your opportunity to see and experience the diversity of the country. You’ll start your day in the village of Glendalough and end it in the village of Enniskerry. You’ll stay in Dublin for 1 night. Along the route of your relaxed road trip, you can get a glimpse of the locals’ way of life and visit some of the most amazing locations in Ireland.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Glendalough, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Wicklow may take around 31 min. Upon your arrival in Wicklow, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Kick off the day at Glendalough Cathedral, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This church building is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 5,115 reviews.

After soaking in Glendalough’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Wicklow. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 31 min. When you arrive in Wicklow, it's time to take a break from the road.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Wicklow Mountains National Park. This park is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 7,625 visitors.

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!

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Powerscourt Waterfall. This waterfall is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 6,433 reviews.

After a day of exploration, relax at one of the top hotels or accommodations in Dublin. Staying in the city enhances your laid-back road trip experience in Ireland by offering a comfortable and welcoming environment to recharge in this charming destination.

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.

Make sure to reserve a table at FX Buckley Steakhouse Temple Bar, 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 The Winding Stair, 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 Mayfield Restaurant, a hidden gem nestled in Dublin. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

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.

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

Day 9 of your relaxed road trip in Ireland is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Dublin.

As your final day in Ireland unfolds, enjoy a last-minute shopping spree in Dublin's best shopping area. Enjoy finding the perfect gift or keepsake to remind you of your wonderful trip to Ireland.

If you'd rather pass the time visiting some attractions, this is your chance to go to places you may not have had the chance to explore yet.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Dublin is the remarkable James Joyce Statue. This sightseeing destination and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 547 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 9 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Dublin or just grab something light to keep you going.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Bar Italia ristorante, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Slattery's is another top choice with a popular menu.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Dublin and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 9-day relaxed road trip in Ireland is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.