11-Day Ireland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Dublin to Kilkenny and surrounding area

On day 2 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Dublin. You’ll stay in Dublin for 6 nights and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Dublin today. One of the most locally renowned attractions included on the itinerary is Phoenix Park. This mesmerizing park will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Dublin Zoo and learn what makes this awe-inspiring zoo unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the curiosity-inducing National Museum Of Ireland – Decorative Arts And History. After exploring the museum, head to National Botanic Gardens. This locally renowned botanical garden is a highlight in Dublin.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Ireland is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Dublin. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

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.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Bruxelles is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Light House Cinema, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Bowe's Lounge Bar. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Ireland!

Day 3 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Dublin for 5 nights more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Dublin is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a brewery, a church, a castle, a park and much more! Begin your sightseeing adventure at the captivating Guinness Storehouse and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, St Patrick's Cathedral, a picture-perfect church that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, one of the city’s most often recommended spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the locally renowned Dublin Castle. When you're finished at the castle, St Stephen's Green awaits your visit. This park is a standout highlight on today's itinerary.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Ireland is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

As you explore more of Dublin, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at The Brazen Head, a top-rated dining spot in Dublin. If you're in the mood for something new, try Bewley's Grafton Street, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at The Shack Restaurant Temple Bar. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Dublin.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, The Bridge 1859 stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, The Dame Tavern offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Mary's Bar & Hardware is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Say good night to Dublin and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Ireland!

Day 4 of your road trip across Ireland promises a magnificent time exploring Dublin. You have 4 nights left in Dublin. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Dublin allows for both. Start by heading to Natural History Museum. This intriguing museum provides an insightful glimpse into the city's identity. Next, discover National Gallery Of Ireland, an eye-catching art gallery, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to National Museum Of Ireland – Archaeology, a locally renowned museum. When you’re done, don’t forget to make a stop at the captivating Book Of Kells. Round off your day at Trinity College Dublin, another gem in Dublin with history-steeped features to discover.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Ireland is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Dublin. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Enjoy a lovely meal at SOLE Seafood & Grill, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Kehoes Pub is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at The Cobblestone. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Dublin tonight.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like John Fallon's "the Capstan Bar", known for its lively atmosphere.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Ireland!

On day 6 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Dublin, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. On today's itinerary, you'll find attractions in Malahide. You still have 2 nights left in Dublin.

Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Dublin allows for both. Start by heading to Malahide. This beloved beach provides an insightful glimpse into the town's identity. Next, discover Malahide Castle & Gardens, a romantic castle, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Santry Park, a worthwhile park. When you’re done, don’t forget to make a stop at the intriguing St. Catherine's Park (fingal).

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

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Dublin. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Quays, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Keoghs Cafe offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Café en Seine is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Dublin.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Ireland!

On day 7 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Dublin, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

Prepare for a day full of family-friendly attractions, natural wonders, and breathtaking views. When you’re ready, kick off your sightseeing adventure at Marlay Park. This often recommended park is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Killiney Hill Park, one of the town’s best highlights.

Next, check out Forty Foot, one of the most worthwhile places to see in Dublin. This beach is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Enjoy some downtime and refreshments before continuing to your next stop, People's Park. Wander around and soak in the enchanting atmosphere this park offers. Then, head to Dún Laoghaire Harbour Police, a top-rated marina that adds another dimension to your day.

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

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Dublin. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Don’t miss out on dining at FX Buckley Steakhouse Temple Bar, a top-rated dining destination in Dublin. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider The Winding Stair, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Mayfield Restaurant. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Dublin this evening.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Ireland!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 8 of your road trip in Ireland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 5 vibrant destinations - Tallaght, Clondalkin, Lucan, The Municipal District of Celbridge — Leixlip, and The Municipal District of Kildare — Newbridge. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Kilkenny. You will spend 2 nights here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Dublin is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a park, a castle, and a botanical garden. Begin your sightseeing adventure at the locally appreciated Tymon Park and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Corkagh Park, a visually striking park that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Griffeen Valley Park, one of the town’s most underrated spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the worthwhile Castletown House. When you're finished at the castle, Irish National Stud & Gardens awaits your visit. This botanical garden is an idyllic highlight on today's itinerary.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Kilkenny. Kilkenny offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Kilkenny. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Have a memorable dining experience in Kilkenny by booking a table at Campagne, renowned as a 1-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional modern menu. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Langtons Hotel Kilkenny, a popular restaurant in Kilkenny. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary.

Continue your lively evening at The Dylan Whisky Bar, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Biddy Early´s is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Tynans Bridge House Bar ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Ireland!

Day 9 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Kilkenny has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Kilkenny by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

Today’s route brings fun adventures, romantic experiences, and scenic views. The first attraction of today is Kilkenny Castle. This popular park is an enchanting place to see in Kilkenny. Continue your discovery at Kilkenny Castle, a visually striking castle with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Kilkenny, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny. This up-and-coming brewery offers a visually striking encounter with Kilkenny. Next, make your way to St Canice's Cathedral to add another highlight to your day. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Kilkenny.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Ireland is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Kilkenny. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Savor the flavors at Italian Connection, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Syd Harkin's Pub beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Butcher Restaurant. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Kilkenny tonight.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Blue Bar offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Ryans Bar is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Christy's Bar is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Ireland.

Dive into day 10 of your remarkable road trip in Ireland. Today you will explore Wicklow, The Municipal District of Bray, and Enniskerry, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Dublin. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

A blend of family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and natural wonders await you in Kilkenny on today’s itinerary. First up is the intriguing national park, Wicklow Mountains National Park. Afterward, continue to Powerscourt Waterfall, a waterfall every traveler should visit.

As you explore Kilkenny’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the region. Next, make your way to Powerscourt House & Gardens. This locally appreciated botanical garden is an essential stop. Following that, head to Bray Head Cross, another must-visit site that will enhance your experience. Don’t forget to stop by Bray Seafront, an increasingly popular beach in the region.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Dublin, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Dublin's best restaurants.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Bar Italia ristorante, a top-rated dining destination in Dublin. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Slattery's, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Darkey Kelly's. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Dublin this evening.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Ireland!