Affordable 7-Day Relaxed Ireland Road Trip Vacation from Dublin to Galway

Your slow-paced and relaxed road trip through Ireland begins when you reach Dublin, where you’ll stay for a total of 3 nights.

Dublin is an outstanding hub for culture, comfort, and exploration. The city offers travelers plenty of experiences to look forward to, including the magnificent Ha'penny Bridge. Around 13,192 visitors have rated this fascinating footbridge and travel destination an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Take your pick and make it your home during your leisurely tour of the 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.

An excellent example is FX Buckley Steakhouse Temple Bar. This restaurant offers a menu of comforting meals and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,660 customers.

PHX Bistro serves great food and is a favorite among hungry travelers and locals. This popular restaurant in Dublin has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,038 reviews.

The Vintage Kitchen is another one of the city’s best restaurants. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 911 customers, The Vintage Kitchen is sure to provide you with an unforgettable dining experience.

If you’re curious about what Dublin looks like at night, a trip to some of the best bars near your accommodation is what you need next. Experience the local nightlife at Shouk, our top recommendation in the city. Customers have rated this bar an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,608 reviews.

The Temple Bar Pub offers a variety of refreshing drinks and is one of the best places to relax in Dublin. This well-known city bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 25,491 customers.

Locals like unwinding at The Brazen Head. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 11,980 customers and is a perfect place for socializing.

Free your mind of worries and enjoy your first taste of relaxation in Ireland! Expect more to come as you continue this laid-back and relaxed road trip in Ireland!

On day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Ireland, you'll explore the best attractions in Dublin at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Dublin, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 2 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Phoenix Park. This incredible park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 37,056 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Ireland by seeing another popular site in Dublin, the wonderful Guinness Storehouse. This tourist attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 37,056 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible St Patrick's Cathedral. This anglican or episcopal cathedral has received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 20,815 visitors.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 2 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. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Ireland extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Dublin. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Chapter One Restaurant. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 849 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Mr Fox, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Mr Fox is rated 4.7 stars out of 5 by 690 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended The Old Storehouse Bar and Restaurant. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,719 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Dublin and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular The Church Café, Late Bar & Restaurant. This vibrant bar is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 10,779 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Porterhouse Temple Bar. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,884 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is Light House Cinema. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. Light House Cinema has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 3,744 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Ireland, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 3 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Ireland gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Dublin. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Galway, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 3 nights.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Book of Kells is waiting for you. This codex has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 13,007 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology. This unique national museum is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 12,172 visitors. Approximately 370,965 travelers come to experience this attraction each year.

Don’t forget to make a stop at the incredible St Stephen's Green. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 29,325 visitors, this park is one of the top sights to visit in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination is the outstanding Dublin Castle. This popular must-see tourist destination and attraction has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 31,135 people.

If you’re keen to continue your discovery, make your way to National Botanic Gardens. This attraction is a valued botanical garden in the area that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 15,536 visitors.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Dublin has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Ireland. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Galway. In Galway, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Ireland.

With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,099 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing Ard Bia at Nimmos.

Locals also recommend The Quay Street Kitchen as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at The Quay Street Kitchen as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,029 customers.

If you feel like having something else, you could also book a table at Esquires - The Organic Coffee Co (Eyre Square). This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,000 customers.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like O'Connor's Famous Pub. O'Connor's Famous Pub is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,806 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is Tigh Chóilí. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,662 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

Alternatively, head to O'Connell's Bar Galway. This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night. O'Connell's Bar Galway is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,659 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through Ireland!

On day 4 of your relaxed road trip across Ireland, you’ll explore the area around Galway, where you’ll be staying for another 2 nights. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Galway will make you fall even more in love with the city and uniqueness of Ireland.

One of the city’s best travel destinations is a fascinating catholic cathedral, the stunning Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas, Galway. Around 4,467 visitors rated their experience at this well-known attraction an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Travelers also come to the city to visit the spectacular Great Escape Rooms, a popular best-rated sightseeing destination and another top-rated attraction in Galway.

You might discover a new thing or two about the city at the incredible Eyre Square. This local attraction is an amazing square that has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 13,014 visitors.

A stop at the outstanding Galway City Museum will make your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in Ireland more memorable. This remarkable city museum and travel destination inspires over 161,558 curious travelers each year. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,211 visitors, a stop at this local attraction during your leisurely self-drive through Ireland is a chance to gain another experience worth sharing.

If you’re feeling a little eager to wander around the city a bit more, we recommend you visit the fantastic Spanish Arch. Spanish Arch is a well-loved top-tier point of interest by locals and tourists alike, and is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 5,733 visitors.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Ireland by joining a traveler-approved tour in Galway. Tours offer an opportunity to get to know more about Galway and the unique culture of the country.

There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Galway that will make your self-drive tour in Ireland more memorable. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Galway to find the best options for you!

After satisfying your wanderlust, you’ll head to your accommodation in the city of Galway for some rest and relaxation. Immerse yourself in the local food culture of Ireland by eating at one of the best restaurants in Galway.

With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 616 customers, the dining experience Scotty's Burgers & Wings, Galway, Ireland. Offers is the perfect complement to your relaxed road trip in Ireland.

OSTERIA da Simone : Italian restaurant & pizzeria is another pleasant place to eat in Galway. This restaurant offers a menu of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 588 customers.

If you’re looking for a restaurant that locals enjoy, check out Zappis Restaurant and try their flavorful menu. This local favorite has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 505 customers.

When you’re in the mood for an after-dinner drink, visit one of the best bars in the city. At Caribou, you can relax or make friends with locals and fellow travelers. This bar in Galway is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 979 customers.

You can also unwind and enjoy a few drinks at A Púcán, another well-known bar in Galway. Customers have rated this city bar an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 3,188 reviews.

Another top-rated bar with a unique vibe is The Front Door Pub. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,692 customers, The Front Door Pub is one of the best places to end a laid-back tour of Galway.

Get cozy and have fun because this is what your relaxed road trip in Ireland is all about!

Today is also another excellent opportunity to dine at some of the top-rated restaurants and bars in Ireland.

From your accommodation, or your home for another 1 night, you’ll leisurely drive to your first stop of the day, the remarkable Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden. This amazing attraction is one of the best travel destinations in the city of Ballinasloe. The famous Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 13,480 visitors.

Another popular attraction worthy of a visit while you’re leisurely touring Ballinasloe, is the stunning Walled Victorian Garden. As one of the most well-known attractions in the area, Walled Victorian Garden has earned an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,302 travelers' reviews.

Take your time exploring Ballinasloe and visit another attraction that we highly recommend, the amazing Connemara National Park. The amazing Connemara National Park has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 5,608 visitors.

There’s still a lot of things to see and experience in Ireland.

Your relaxed road trip across Ireland continues as you discover more popular sites and explore to your heart’s content.

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

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you can drive back to your accommodation in the city of Galway to rest and refresh yourself after your long adventure.

After relaxing at your hotel, you might want to grab a bite at one of the best restaurants in the city, like the The Kings Head Bistro. This restaurant is a favorite among locals and is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,233 customers.

After your meal, it’s time to loosen up and experience the nightlife in Galway. Unwind at the amazing The Skeff Bar and get a few glasses of their bestselling liquor. The Skeff Bar is rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,056 customers.

Hop on to another top-rated bar in the city and have an amazing night. Visit the The Quays Bar and Restaurant bar and try its wide selection of beverages and liquor. This bar is a favorite among locals and has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,514 customers.

Make the most of your Galway nightlife experience and get a few shots of your favorite drink at the The Dáil Bar Galway. This bar is highly recommended, having an outstanding 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,040 customers.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day in Ireland with this fun but relaxed road trip escapade!

Day 6 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Ireland gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Ballinasloe Municipal District. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Dublin, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 1 night.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Rinville Park is waiting for you. This parking has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 592 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is Dunguaire Castle. This unique best-rated sightseeing destination is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,844 visitors.

Don’t forget to make a stop at the incredible Coole Park. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,356 visitors, this park is one of the top sights to visit in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination is the outstanding Coole Park Nature Reserve. This popular park and attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 555 people.

If you’re keen to continue your discovery, make your way to The Long Point. This attraction is a valued best-rated sightseeing destination in the area that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 485 visitors.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Ballinasloe Municipal District has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Ireland. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Dublin. In Dublin, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Ireland.

With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,110 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing O'Donoghues Bar.

Locals also recommend Lemon Jelly Cafe as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at Lemon Jelly Cafe as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,104 customers.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like The Old Storehouse Bar and Restaurant. The Old Storehouse Bar and Restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,719 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is The Stags Head. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,691 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

Alternatively, head to The Celt. This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night. The Celt is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,507 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through Ireland!

Day 7 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.

Depending on when you need to leave, you might be able to fit in some sightseeing or shopping. Embrace the beauty of Dublin once more and find some souvenirs to help you remember your time in the city. To end your relaxing road trip in Ireland on top, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Molly Malone Statue is an extraordinary attraction that is perfect for your last day in Dublin. This top sight is a popular best-rated sightseeing destination, rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 11,653 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 7 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.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Dublin and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 7-day relaxed road trip in Ireland is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.