9-Day Ireland road trip from Dublin to Kilkenny, Cork, and Galway

Your road trip adventure in Ireland begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Dublin. You’ll stay in Dublin for 4 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Dublin has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Ha'penny Bridge. This attraction is a footbridge and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 13,192 visitors.

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. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Dublin, FX Buckley Steakhouse Temple Bar. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,660 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Dublin is PHX Bistro. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,038 customers.

Locals recommend The Vintage Kitchen as one of the best restaurants in the city of Dublin. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 911 customers.

Dublin also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Dublin is Shouk. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,608 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Dublin is The Temple Bar Pub. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 25,491 customers.

Locals also enjoy The Brazen Head. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 11,980 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 9-day vacation in Ireland!

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Dublin has to offer. Cherish the 3 nights you have left in Dublin by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Dublin. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.

You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the city of Dublin, like the extraordinary Phoenix Park. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 37,056 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Dublin, which gets around 1,105,005 annual visits, is the spectacular Dublin Zoo. This attraction is a zoo and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 25,522 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Guinness Storehouse. This tourist attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 18,823 visitors.

National Botanic Gardens is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This botanical garden is a popular destination among visitors in Dublin. Rated at an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 15,536 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.

If you’re interested in seeing something outstanding today, then consider Bull Island. Bull Island is an island and popular attraction in Dublin. More than 3,937 visitors have rated this place an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Your discovery of Dublin does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Dublin on this day of your trip.

After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Ireland, be sure to eat at Chapter One Restaurant, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Dublin. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 849 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Dublin is the popular Mr Fox. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 690 customers.

Another great restaurant we recommend in the city of Dublin is The Old Storehouse Bar and Restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,719 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, The Church Café, Late Bar & Restaurant is one of the best bars in the city of Dublin for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 10,779 customers.

Porterhouse Temple Bar is another of the most popular bars in the city of Dublin. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,884 customers.

Alternatively, a great bar that locals enjoy in the city of Dublin is Light House Cinema. Light House Cinema has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 3,744 customers.

Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Dublin!

Day 3 of your road trip across Ireland is another day in the magnificent Dublin. You now have 2 nights left in Dublin. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Dublin offers plenty for you to see and do, and your hotel will be conveniently located near several of the area's best attractions.

One of the best travel destinations you can travel to in the city of Dublin is the stunning St Stephen's Green. This has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 29,325 visitors.

You could also spend some time visiting the spectacular National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology in the city of Dublin. This attraction is a national museum and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 12,172 visitors. Usually, around 370,965 people visit National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology every year.

Another attraction you could visit in the city of Dublin is the incredible Book of Kells. This attraction is a codex and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 13,007 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the fantastic Dublin Castle. This best-rated sightseeing destination and travel destination is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 31,135 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the outstanding 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 20,815 visitors.

Today you’ll also have the opportunity to take part in a popular tour. You’ll be excited to learn that there are plenty of options for top-rated tours and activities in Dublin you could sign up for on this day of your vacation. Choose among the best tours before or after booking.

When it’s time to eat, the city of Dublin has restaurants and bars to fit all budgets.

We recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Dublin, O'Donoghues Bar. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,110 customers.

Alternatively, if you’re hungry to try a top restaurant in the city of Dublin that locals enjoy, eat at Lemon Jelly Cafe. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,104 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city of Dublin, The Old Storehouse Bar and Restaurant. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,719 customers.

For one of the best bar experiences that locals enjoy in the city of Dublin, we recommend the cocktails at The Stags Head. This bar has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,691 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Dublin is The Celt. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,507 customers.

Toast to another amazing day in the city of Dublin!

Day 4 of your road trip through Ireland is your chance to discover two places in one day, the city of Kilkenny and the city of Enniskerry. Get ready to experience some of the most famous attractions in the area!

One of the best places to visit in the town of Kilkenny is the amazing Kilkenny Castle. This attraction is a schloss country house museum and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 10,609 visitors.

You could also go sightseeing at the incredible Kilkenny Castle. This schloss country house museum and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 11,284 visitors.

Joining a top-rated tour in Kilkenny is another excellent way to spend your new day in Ireland. The best tours in this travel destination will take you on an exploration to some of Ireland’s most well-known attractions and best-kept secrets.

With this tour, you’ll set out on a journey to Ireland’s most interesting sights. As you go along this remarkable tour, you’ll also have the unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of Ireland’s scenic spots.

You could then travel to the amazing Powerscourt House & Gardens in the city of Enniskerry for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is a park and has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 9,337 visitors.

You’ll also have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Kilkenny.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Petronella Restaurant, one of the best restaurants in the city of Kilkenny. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 640 customers.

Locals also recommend Butcher Restaurant as one of the best restaurants in the city of Kilkenny. Butcher Restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 563 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Kilkenny is Paris Texas Bar and Restaurant. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,225 customers.

After dinner, visit Tynans Bridge House Bar, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Kilkenny. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 509 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Matt The Millers Bar & Restaurant. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,409 customers.

Alternatively, Kytelers Inn is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Kilkenny. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,411 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Ireland!

Rise and shine on day 5 of your road trip in Ireland. Today, you'll wake up in Kilkenny and embark on a scenic drive to Cork, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 2 nights. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Kilkenny before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Kilkenny. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Rock of Cashel. This attraction is a castle that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 13,334 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Cahir Castle. This attraction is a castle that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,990 visitors.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Liberty Grill. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,609 customers.

Locals also recommend Elbow Lane Brew and Smoke House, another of the best restaurants in Cork. Elbow Lane Brew and Smoke House is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 792 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Izz Cafe. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 731 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Sin é to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Cork, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,654 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like The Oliver Plunkett. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. The Oliver Plunkett has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 5,192 customers.

Muskerry Arms Bar and B&B Blarney is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,575 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Ireland, and look forward to more great days to come!

On day 6 of your road trip across Ireland, you’ll have the perfect day exploring the wonderful city of Blarney. You’ll stay in Blarney for 1 night, meaning you have plenty of time to discover the best things to see and do in the area.

We recommend you stay at the The Metropole Hotel, one of the best 4-star hotels in the city of Blarney. This hotel has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 3,361 guests.

The best luxury hotel option in the city of Blarney is the 4-star Maldron Hotel Cork South Mall. The hotel is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 5,007 guests.

One of the best hotels we recommend in the city of Blarney is the 4-star Cork's Vienna Woods Hotel & Villas. This 4-star hotel has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,240 guests.

Our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best alternatives if these hotels are not available.

You'll have easy access to popular travel destinations in the town of Blarney, like the outstanding Blarney Castle & Gardens. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 10,638 visitors.

Blarney Stone is another popular attraction you could visit in the town of Blarney. This incredible attraction is a stone and has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,651 visitors.

Come to Blarney prepared by adding some tours and tickets to your vacation package. Book a popular and budget-friendly activity you can do on this day in Blarney.

After a day of exploring, try one of the best restaurants in the city of Blarney.

We recommend you eat at a delicious restaurant that locals enjoy, like Market Lane, after your day of exploring the city of Blarney. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,609 customers.

The SpitJack Cork is another of the best restaurants in the city of Blarney. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,934 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Blarney is Luigi Malones Cork. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,073 customers.

Locals recommend The Old Town Whiskey Bar at Bodega, one of the best bars in the city of Blarney, for a refreshing evening drink to finish your day. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,534 customers.

Alternatively, you could choose another of the most popular bars in the city of Blarney, Cornstore Cork. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,516 customers.

An Bróg Bar + Kitchen is also one of the best bars in the city of Blarney. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,592 customers.

It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy another amazing evening in Ireland.

Day 7 of your road trip will take you to the region of West Clare Municipal District and the city of Bunratty. You’ll stay in Galway for 1 night.

One of the best places to explore today is Cliffs of Moher. This excellent attraction is a cliff that has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 32,619 visitors.

To experience the local culture, see more of Ireland, and meet new people at the same time, we highly recommend you go on a tour. On this tour, you can go on an epic adventure to some of the best places to visit in Ireland. You also get to admire popular places of interest.

You could then travel to Bunratty Castle & Folk Park for some unforgettable sightseeing experience in the city of Bunratty. This popular attraction is a park and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 12,299 visitors.

You’ll have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Galway.

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Galway, Hooked. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,796 customers.

Locals recommend Kai Restaurant as one of the best restaurants in the city of Galway. Kai Restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,177 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Galway is Ard Bia at Nimmos. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,099 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the top bars in the city of Galway, O'Connor's Famous Pub. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,806 customers.

You could also relax with a drink at a popular bar like Tigh Chóilí. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,662 customers.

O'Connell's Bar Galway is a popular bar that locals recommend in the city of Galway. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,659 customers.

Be sure to celebrate another day of your incredible road trip adventure through Ireland with a toast!

Day 8 of your road trip through Ireland gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Galway and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Dublin. You will stay in Dublin for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Galway is the amazing Eyre Square. This attraction is a square that is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 13,014 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible city museum, Galway City Museum. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,211 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area. In fact, Galway City Museum welcomes around 161,558 yearly visitors.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Galway is the outstanding Spanish Arch. This popular must-see tourist destination and travel destination has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 5,733 visitors.

The spectacular Great Escape Rooms is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating must-see tourist destination and attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,150 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas, Galway. This attraction is a popular catholic cathedral that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,467 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Galway by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Ireland. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Dublin, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After dinner, visit O'Donoghues Bar, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Dublin. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,110 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like The Bank on College Green. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,043 customers.

Alternatively, Café en Seine is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Dublin. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,282 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Ireland!

Day 9 of your road trip in Ireland is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Dublin before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Molly Malone Statue is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Dublin. This top-tier point of interest and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 11,653 visitors.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Dublin and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Ireland.

You’ll then say farewell to Dublin. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Ireland!