Cheap 5-Day Ireland Road Trip from Dublin to Galway

Your exciting road trip through Ireland starts when you reach the incredible city of Dublin, where you'll stay for 2 nights. 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.

Journey into the unknown at Ha'penny Bridge, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable footbridge has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 13,278 reviews.

Don't let a tight budget stop you from enjoying delicious meals and refreshing drinks in Dublin. Here are a few top-rated restaurants and bars you may want to check out tonight.

After a day of fun adventures, treat yourself to the best dining experience at Merchant's Arch, where affordable mouthwatering dishes await. Another gem to discover during your memorable getaway is The Brazen Head, highly regarded as one of the area's top dining spots. If you're eager to dine at a local-favorite spot, don't miss The Stags Head, an excellent choice to fulfill your cravings for delicious food and great service.

Light House Cinema is an excellent example of a great bar in Dublin offering drinks at reasonable prices.

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

On day 2 of your budget-friendly road trip adventure in Ireland, you’ll go deep into Dublin and see some of the destination’s most unforgettable attractions. Enjoy a feast at the end of the day, making the most of the time you have in the city of Dublin — 1 night.

Make National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology one of your first sightseeing stops in Dublin. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 12,321 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area. This national museum attracts 370,965 visitors every year.

Dublin Castle is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This sightseeing destination is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 31,463 reviews.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by St Patrick's Cathedral. This anglican or episcopal cathedral has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 21,169 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, head to Guinness Storehouse. A trip to this popular tourist attraction is also your opportunity to see if it lives up to the reputable 4.4 out of 5-star rating as given by 19,154 previous visitors.

Another top place to visit is National Botanic Gardens. This botanical garden enjoys an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 15,718 local and international travelers.

Take the opportunity to embark on a unique experience in Dublin. You’ll be excited to learn that there are plenty of easy to challenging tour options you can choose from and add to this cheap vacation package.

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Dublin, where exceptional dining and drinking experiences await at unbeatable prices. Explore the city's diverse venues, ensuring a memorable culinary journey for every visitor.

Recharge and refresh your energy with a visit to Chapter One Restaurant, known for its delectable cuisine and inviting ambiance. While immersing yourself in the local culture during your budget-friendly getaway, make sure to stop by The Bank on College Green - a hidden culinary gem loved by locals and travelers alike. For those craving exquisite flavors, Café en Seine promises to deliver a feast for the senses.

Toast to another unforgettable road trip adventure during your cheap holiday in Ireland!

On day 3 of your cheap holiday travels in Ireland, you’ll tour 1: Dublin. You'll stay in Galway for 1 night, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new experiences.

After soaking in Dublin’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Galway. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 2 hours 15 min. When you arrive in Galway, it's time to take a break from the road.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Book of Kells, a remarkable codex where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 13,299 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at St Stephen's Green. This park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 29,521 travelers.

Iveagh Gardens is another must-visit attraction. This renowned urban park offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,956 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

Beyond the above-mentioned sites, you also have the opportunity to visit Dublin Zoo. This well-loved zoo boasts a 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 25,663 reviews. In a single year, approximately 1,105,005 visitors add this sightseeing spot to their travel itineraries.

When there’s still energy left for exploring, Phoenix Park awaits. If you’ve been interested in experiencing a park, this is a top pick rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 37,298 previous visitors.

Galway 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.

Discovering the culinary wonders of Galway is a must-do on your budget-friendly vacation! When hunger strikes, make your way to one of the city's top dining spots.

After a day filled with excitement, indulge in a satisfying meal at The Front Door Pub, offering a menu full of delicious options at reasonable prices. Featuring an enticing array of mouthwatering delights, O'Connell's Bar Galway is another must-visit dining spot. For an authentic dining experience favored by locals, make your way to Zappis Restaurant, where you can also enjoy great food and warm hospitality.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Tigh Neachtain stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, The Crane Bar offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. O'Connor's Famous Pub is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

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

Day 4 of your road trip across Ireland offers you the chance to visit 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Galway and Kinvarra. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Dublin, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Kinvarra. This car ride takes around 34 min.

Make Eyre Square your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this square an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 13,114 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Great Escape Rooms. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,162 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this point of interest every year.

Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas, Galway is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This catholic cathedral has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,556 visitors.

When you’re finished at Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas, Galway, the perfect next stop is Spanish Arch. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars in 5,753 reviews.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Galway and set your GPS to Kinvarra. 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 34 min. Upon reaching Kinvarra, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Dunguaire Castle. This point of interest is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Kinvarra, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,855 visitors.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the city of Dublin. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Dublin, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

Going on cheap, budget vacations in Ireland shouldn’t stop anyone from dining at top-rated restaurants and bars. More than just an affordable travel destination, Dublin is also home to a variety of excellent dining and drinking spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the city's best places to eat and enjoy refreshing drinks.

Discover the heart of Dublin through its culinary scene, starting with FX Buckley Steakhouse Temple Bar. Not only will you discover mouthwatering dishes, but you'll also be pleasantly surprised by their budget-friendly offerings. For a taste of tradition, try Mr Fox, where time-honored recipes are served. Or, explore Porterhouse Temple Bar, renowned for its delicious offerings and cozy ambiance.

A road trip vacation in Galway can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in this cheap holiday destination in Ireland!

Your budget road trip vacation in Ireland is about to end. Day 5 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Dublin.

As your final day in Ireland unfolds, don’t miss the chance for a last-minute shopping spree in Dublin’s shopping district. Your accommodation’s convenient location near the city’s shopping area offers the luxury of time, so you don’t have to limit yourself from leisurely strolling its streets amidst a collection of establishments.

Look for the perfect gift for your loved ones back home, or buy yourself a little keepsake to remind you of Ireland. Keep the spirit of your trip to Ireland alive with these special souvenirs.

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 Old Storehouse Bar and Restaurant, offering a menu of appetizing and affordable meals. PHX Bistro is an excellent alternative if you feel like trying something different. Another popular restaurant you could check out is The Vintage Kitchen, which is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of 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!