Cheap 4-Day Ireland Road Trip from Dublin to Carlingford

Your exciting road trip through Ireland starts when you reach the incredible city of Dublin, where you'll stay for 1 night. You'll pick up your rental car in Dublin and begin your adventure in Ireland.

Dublin is a popular cheap holiday destination in Ireland with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in Ireland, Dublin is also a great place to find top-rated budget accommodations. You'll find many of these accommodations close to bustling markets and cultural attractions.

Savor the culinary delights of Dublin, where affordability meets excellence in dining and drinking. From inviting bars crafting signature cocktails to cozy eateries serving up local favorites, the city offers an unforgettable experience for every taste bud.

After a long day of exploring, we recommend you try FX Buckley Steakhouse Temple Bar, one of the top-rated restaurants in the city. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,660 customers and is a great place to relax and enjoy a comforting meal.

Locals also recommend Shouk, so you'll want to drop by this place. Shouk serves delicious meals in hearty portions and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,608 customers.

Another must-try in the city of Dublin is PHX Bistro. This restaurant boasts an exciting menu and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,038 customers.

The Temple Bar Pub is an excellent example of a great bar in Dublin offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 25,491 customers.

You can also hang out at The Brazen Head, another of locals’ go-to bars in Dublin. The Brazen Head is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 11,980 customers having rated it an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

The Church Café, Late Bar & Restaurant is for you if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Dublin. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from more than 10,779 bar-goers.

Enjoy toasting the start of a terrific road trip vacation and a cheap holiday experience in Ireland!

On day 2 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Ireland, you’ll experience 2 charming destinations — Dublin and Carlingford. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the region of Carlingford.

Kick off the day at Guinness Storehouse, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This tourist attraction is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 19,154 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Phoenix Park. Phoenix Park is a park with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 37,298 reviews.

Dublin Zoo is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This zoo is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 25,663 visitors. In a single year, this zoo hosts approximately 1,105,005 visitors.

Beyond the attractions mentioned above, you also have the opportunity to visit National Botanic Gardens. This botanical garden is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 15,718 visitors.

Lastly, don’t miss out on Bull Island, a famous island in Dublin. This attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,957 travelers.

Carlingford’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Dublin behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 24 min. Carlingford welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

While exploring Ireland is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Carlingford has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Carlingford on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the region.

As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the region's best restaurants and bars. Many restaurants in Carlingford offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Ireland.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Carlingford is Atami Japanese Cuisine. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 722 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Carlingford, Fitzpatrick's Bar & Restaurant is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,845 diners.

When you’ve finished your meal and an after-dinner drink sounds enticing, visit Windsor Bar and Restaurant, one of the best bars in the region. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 979 customers, and is the perfect complement to your refreshing weekend getaway experience in Ireland.

If you would like to try another place, McGeough's Bar & Restaurant is another great option that serves a variety of drinks. Considered one of the most popular bars in Carlingford, this bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 861 customers.

The Rum House is also a great bar where you can have nice chats with locals and fellow travelers in the area. The Rum House has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 774 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Ireland!

Day 3 of your road trip across Ireland is another proof that cheap holidays in Ireland can indeed provide you an extraordinary travel experience. Today's agenda includes exploring 2 wonderful destinations — Dublin and Dublin.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Dublin. This car ride takes around 1 hour 26 min.

While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Dublin offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Ireland. Whether you're in need of a quick break from your activities or seeking a comfortable place to rest, rest assured you'll find a welcoming and affordable option in the city.

Savor the culinary delights of Dublin, where affordability meets excellence in dining and drinking. From inviting bars crafting signature cocktails to cozy eateries serving up local favorites, the city offers an unforgettable experience for every taste bud.

Visit the popular The Vintage Kitchen. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 911 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in Ireland is Chapter One Restaurant. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 849 customers, this famous restaurant is one of the area's most recommended places to eat.

If you wish to dine at a restaurant locals love, go to the wonderful Mr Fox. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 690 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

Porterhouse Temple Bar is an excellent example. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,884 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like Light House Cinema. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 3,744 customers.

The Old Storehouse Bar and Restaurant is another of the best bars in the city of Dublin that serves various drinks. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,719 customers.

Cheers for an adventure-filled road trip vacation in Ireland! Celebrate this incredible opportunity for an affordable travel experience in the city of Dublin!

Your budget road trip vacation in Ireland is about to end. Day 4 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Dublin.

Make the most of your final day in Ireland by visiting Dublin’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Your stay’s proximity to the city’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.

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

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Dublin, consider a top-rated restaurant like The Stags Head. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,691 customers.

The Celt is an excellent alternative if you feel like eating something else. This restaurant serves a variety of savory and budget-friendly dishes and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,507 customers.

Another popular restaurant you could check out is O'Donoghues Bar. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,110 customers, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of Ireland and your fun memories in Dublin.

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!