6-Day Ireland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Dublin to Kilkenny and surrounding area
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Description
Experience the freedom of the open road in Ireland as you embark on an unforgettable 6-day road trip! This experience caters to every traveler, featuring destinations like Dublin, Malahide, The Municipal District of Trim, Kilkenny, and Enniskerry.
This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in Ireland takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 4 nights in Dublin and 1 night in Kilkenny. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!
With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in Ireland. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have got you covered.
Upon arriving in Dublin, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover Ireland on your own terms.
An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in Ireland. Phoenix Park and St Stephen's Green are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable Dublin Castle, learn more about the unique Dublin Zoo, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of St Patrick's Cathedral.
As you hit the open road and drive through Dublin, Malahide, The Municipal District of Trim, Kilkenny, and Enniskerry, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Ireland. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in Ireland.
Throughout your road trip in Ireland, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Ireland.
This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodation, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.
The best services in Ireland fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in Ireland today!
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Day 1
- Dublin - Arrival day
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- Ha'penny Bridge
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Say hello to Dublin! Your exciting road trip through Ireland is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the city. You will stay in Dublin for 3 nights before you continue your adventure!
Dublin is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Ha'penny Bridge, or just taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
Find your way to your hotel in Dublin. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Ireland. Settle in and make plans for the evening.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Dublin, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Make sure to reserve a table at Peadar Kearney's Pub, an iconic dining spot in Dublin. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of The Lotts Cafe Bar, a popular restaurant in Dublin. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Merchant's Arch, a hidden gem nestled in Dublin. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.
Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Mulligan's, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out John Kavanagh The Gravediggers, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Cassidy's provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.
Raise a toast to the start of your 6-day road trip in Ireland!
Day 2
- Dublin
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Drive 23 km, 1 hour 32 min
- Phoenix Park
- Dublin Zoo
- Guinness Storehouse
- Dublin Castle
- National Botanic Gardens
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Day 2 of your road trip across Ireland promises a magnificent time exploring Dublin. You have 2 nights left in Dublin. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.
Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Dublin. Some of the city’s most loved attractions await! Phoenix Park is the perfect place to start. This park is one of the most popular places to visit in Dublin. Next, head to Dublin Zoo, a well-known zoo, known for its breathtaking features.
In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to Guinness Storehouse. This instagrammable brewery is a highly recommended experience. Nearby, you'll also find Dublin Castle and National Botanic Gardens. Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey.
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.
Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Dublin's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Experience a symphony of flavors at Bastible in Dublin by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its 1-star Michelin distinction, Bastible delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious modern cuisine. For a palate-pleasing alternative, make sure to dine at Patrick Guilbaud, acclaimed for its delectable modern french specialties. This local 2-star Michelin establishment consistently satisfies guests, ensuring an unforgettable holiday experience. Want to go on another culinary journey? Delight your senses at Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen, a top-rated restaurant known for its outstanding menu. Known as a top-rated 2-star Michelin establishment, it's a top choice for modern cuisine in the city.
Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Bruxelles stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Light House Cinema offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Bowe's Lounge Bar is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.
Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Ireland!
Day 3
- Dublin
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Drive 5 km, 55 min
- The Book of Kells Experience
- National Gallery of Ireland
- National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology
- St Stephen's Green
- St. Patrick's Cathedral Park
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Day 3 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Dublin has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Dublin by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.
Start by visiting Book Of Kells, a prime spot to begin your journey. This heritage-rich museum is sure to impress. Next on your list is National Gallery Of Ireland, another must-visit landmark and popular art gallery renowned for its heritage-rich features.
While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the culture of Dublin by sampling some local delicacies. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to National Museum Of Ireland – Archaeology. This photogenic museum is an essential place to visit for anyone looking for the full Dublin experience. We also recommend visiting St Stephen's Green, a notable park. Nearby, you'll also find St Patrick's Cathedral, ready to add charm to your journey.
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.
Experience shopping bliss at Dublin as you explore Temple Bar. Take a leisurely stroll through unique and shops, where local treasures are waiting to be found. Beyond shopping, Temple Bar offers more options, including unique attractions, key services, and vibrant events.
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 The Brazen Head, a top-rated dining destination in Dublin. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Bewley's Grafton Street, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at The Shack Restaurant Temple Bar. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Dublin this evening.
Keep the evening going at The Bridge 1859, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to The Dame Tavern, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Mary's Bar & Hardware, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.
Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Ireland!
Day 4
- Dublin
- Kilkenny
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Drive 206 km, 2 hours 56 min
- Malahide Castle & Gardens
- Trim Castle
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Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in Ireland. Today you will explore Malahide and The Municipal District of Trim, 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 Kilkenny. You’ll stay here for 1 night.
Start by visiting Malahide Castle & Gardens, a prime spot to begin your journey. This romantic castle is sure to impress. Next on your list is Trim Castle, another must-visit landmark and locally appreciated castle renowned for its breathtaking features.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Kilkenny. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.
After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Kilkenny. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
Begin your culinary exploration in Kilkenny by securing a reservation at Campagne. This renowned restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of modern cuisine. Or, for a change of pace, Langtons Hotel Kilkenny boasts a menu that's sure to impress.
Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, The Dylan Whisky Bar stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Biddy Early´s offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Tynans Bridge House Bar is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.
Head back to your accommodation in Kilkenny and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Ireland!
Day 5
- Kilkenny
- Dublin
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Drive 167 km, 3 hours 10 min
- Kilkenny Castle
- Kilkenny Castle Park
- Wicklow Mountains National Park
- Powerscourt Waterfall
- Powerscourt House & Gardens
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 5 of your road trip in Ireland. Today, you will make 4 stops and experience some of the highlights of Kilkenny, Wicklow, The Municipal District of Bray, and Enniskerry. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Dublin, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.
Today's adventure in Kilkenny promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences! Begin at Kilkenny Castle. This romantic castle is a highlight of any visit in the city. Then, enjoy Kilkenny Castle, another visually striking attraction that never fails to captivate visitors. Next, head over to Wicklow Mountains National Park, one of the city’s most locally appreciated attractions, known for its romantic features.
If you’re looking for more, spend time soaking in the atmosphere of Powerscourt Waterfall. This peaceful waterfall is frequented by locals and tourists alike. To complete your memorable day, make sure to visit Powerscourt House & Gardens, a beloved botanical garden, and take a stroll around the area.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Dublin. Dublin offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.
Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Dublin's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Enjoy a delicious meal at SOLE Seafood & Grill, a top-rated dining destination in Dublin. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Kehoes Pub, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at The Cobblestone. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Dublin this evening.
Keep the evening going at John Fallon's "the Capstan Bar", a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink.
Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Ireland!
Day 6
- Dublin - Departure day
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- Molly Malone Statue
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Day 6 of your road trip in Ireland is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Dublin before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
If you're up for some more sightseeing, begin at Molly Malone Statue. This popular monument is a popular place to see in the city.
On your last day in Ireland, take time to indulge in shopping at Dublin’s popular marketplace, Grafton Street. Look for keepsakes or souvenirs to remind you of your trip. Browse boutiques to find unique and stylish fashion pieces. Wrap up your shopping with a drink and some pastries at a cozy cafe.
Before you conclude your road trip in Ireland, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience 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!
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