Cheap 7-Day Ireland Road Trip from Dublin to Carlingford and surrounding area

Your exciting road trip through Ireland starts when you reach the incredible city of Dublin, where you'll stay for 4 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.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Ha'penny Bridge. This footbridge is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Dublin, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 13,413 visitors.

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.

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

Mulligan's is a great spot where you can enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day. Alternatively, John Kavanagh The Gravediggers is another excellent place to relax and have a drink or two after a busy day. You might also want to cap the night off at Cassidy's, a fascinating bar that offers a unique ambiance and a wide selection of cocktails.

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

Day 2 means another chance to make the best memories in Dublin. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Dublin and check out the most popular dining spots. You still have 3 nights left to stay in the city. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away!

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Phoenix Park, a remarkable park where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 37,460 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Dublin Zoo. This zoo has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 25,781 travelers. Given the site's popularity, it’s easy to understand why more than 1,105,005 people visit it every year.

Dublin Castle is another must-visit attraction. This renowned sightseeing destination offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 31,657 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 Book Of Kells. This well-loved codex boasts a 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 13,760 reviews.

When there’s still energy left for exploring, National Botanic Gardens awaits. If you’ve been interested in experiencing a botanical garden, this is a top pick rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 15,941 previous visitors.

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.

Make the most of your budget vacation in Ireland by treating yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in Dublin that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

If you’re not ready to call it a day, pop into Bruxelles, considered one of the best bars in Dublin. You can also enjoy drinks at Light House Cinema, known for its fun atmosphere. Alternatively, go to Bowe's Lounge Bar, a favorite spot for both tourists and residents of Dublin.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Ireland with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Ireland!

On day 3 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 — 2 nights.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at National Gallery Of Ireland. This art gallery is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 14,801 visitors.

When you’re finished at National Gallery Of Ireland, head to National Museum Of Ireland – Archaeology. This one-of-a-kind national museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 12,538 reviews. Every year, approximately 370,965 travelers come here to experience the national museum for themselves.

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 St Patrick's Cathedral. This anglican or episcopal cathedral is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 21,374 visitors.

To round off your sightseeing experience, make your way to Guinness Storehouse. This famous tourist attraction is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 19,378 travelers.

Keen to do something new and one-of-a-kind today? There are many experiences you can add to your cheap vacation package. Check out all the budget-friendly activities and tours below and bag a cheap holiday deal.

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

Discover the heart of Dublin through its culinary scene, starting with The Brazen Head. 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 Bewley's Grafton Street, where time-honored recipes are served. Or, explore The Shack Restaurant Temple Bar, renowned for its delicious offerings and cozy ambiance.

Cap off your night in this cheap holiday destination at The Bridge 1859 and try some of its cocktails and snacks. The Dame Tavern is another great place to hang out and unwind. If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit Mary's Bar & Hardware, offering the perfect setting to unwind and savor the evening.

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

Ready for day 4 of your road trip vacation in Ireland? Discover more of Dublin and beyond on this leg of your journey. Explore more top attractions, dive into new cultures, and enjoy unique experiences. Today is all about maximizing your 1 night in this vibrant destination!

After soaking in Dublin’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Swords. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 28 min. When you arrive in Swords, it's time to take a break from the road.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Malahide Castle & Gardens. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 14,383 reviews.

Malahide’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Swords behind. This drive usually takes around 5 min. Malahide welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Take the opportunity to see Malahide. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,889 visitors.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Santry Park. This park is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Swords, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,254 visitors.

St. Catherine's Park (fingal) is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,845 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

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

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

After a day of fun adventures, treat yourself to the best dining experience at SOLE Seafood & Grill, where affordable mouthwatering dishes await. Another gem to discover during your memorable getaway is Kehoes Pub, 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 Cobblestone, an excellent choice to fulfill your cravings for delicious food and great service.

If you’re not ready to call it a day, pop into John Fallon's "the Capstan Bar", considered one of the best bars in Dublin.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Ireland with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Ireland!

On day 5 of your cheap holiday travels in Ireland, you’ll tour 3 destinations: Curragha, The Municipal District of Trim, and The Municipal District of Laytown — Bettystown. You'll stay in Carlingford for 1 night, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new experiences.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Curragha, 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 Curragha may take around 34 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Curragha, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Make Tayto Park your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this amusement park an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 14,403 reviews.

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

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Trim Castle. This much-appreciated castle is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 6,224 reviews.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in The Municipal District of Laytown — Bettystown. This drive usually takes around 40 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Newgrange. This extraordinary passage tombs in ireland has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,341 visitors.

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

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

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Ireland with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Ireland!

Day 6 of your self-drive vacation in Ireland will take you to the city of Dublin, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Dublin, you'll explore 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in Ireland, including Dún Laoghaire, and Dundrum.

Set your GPS to Dún Laoghaire and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 36 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Dún Laoghaire beckons with new experiences!

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Dún Laoghaire Harbour Police. This much-appreciated sightseeing destination is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 3,180 reviews.

Next up is People's Park. This park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,465 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Forty Foot. This promontory has been rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 3,373 reviews.

Killiney Hill Park is another attraction you have the opportunity to visit today. This park has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 4,391 reviews.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Dundrum. This car ride takes around 21 min.

Take the opportunity to see Marlay Park. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 8,367 visitors.

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

After a day of fun adventures, treat yourself to the best dining experience at The Stags Head, where affordable mouthwatering dishes await. Another gem to discover during your memorable getaway is Chapter One Restaurant, 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 Bank on College Green, an excellent choice to fulfill your cravings for delicious food and great service.

Raise your glass to celebrate your fun and affordable travel experience in the city of Dublin!

Your budget road trip vacation in Ireland is about to end. Day 7 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Dublin.

Explore local shops for souvenirs to remember your trip or find unique gifts for loved ones.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Dublin is the remarkable Molly Malone Statue. This point of interest and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 11,943 visitors.

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 Quays, offering a menu of appetizing and affordable meals. Keoghs Cafe is an excellent alternative if you feel like trying something different. Another popular restaurant you could check out is Café en Seine, 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!