Cheap One-Week Ireland Road Trip from Dublin to Kilkenny and Cork

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. When you're ready to explore the city, stop at some of the best places to visit in Dublin and get this road trip adventure rolling.

A trip to the amazing Ha'penny Bridge will make your cheap holiday in Ireland truly special. This attraction is a fascinating footbridge that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 13,278 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best budget-friendly hotels or places to stay in the city.

When you're hungry and ready to take a break from your adventure, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in Dublin. An excellent example is the popular FX Buckley Steakhouse Temple Bar. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,660 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in Ireland is Shouk. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,608 customers, this famous restaurant is one of the city's most recommended places to eat.

If you wish to dine at a restaurant locals love, go to the wonderful PHX Bistro. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,038 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

The Temple Bar Pub is a great bar to relax after a busy day. About 25,491 customers have given this spot an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, making it one of the most popular bars in the area.

Another bar in Dublin we recommend is The Brazen Head, an excellent place to meet new friends. This bar offers customers plenty of snack and drink options and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 11,980 customers.

The Church Café, Late Bar & Restaurant is also one of the best places to go to unwind and chat with locals. Over 10,779 bar-goers have rated it an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

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

Day 2’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Dublin, proving that cheap holidays in Ireland can be extraordinary.

You'll begin sightseeing at the extraordinary Phoenix Park. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 37,298 travelers.

Another of the best travel destinations you can explore in this fun and cheap holiday destination is the spectacular Dublin Zoo. This popular place of interest is a stunning zoo that boasts an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 25,663 visitors. With around 1,105,005 people visiting this attraction each year, it’s clear that the unforgettable Dublin Zoo is one of the most famous sights in the area.

To make your trip to Dublin more memorable, spend time at the fascinating Dublin Castle. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 31,463 traveler reviews, it’s not surprising that the fantastic Dublin Castle is often mentioned in Ireland road trip itineraries.

The magnificent Molly Malone Statue is another stop you might want to add to your sightseeing plans. This must-see tourist destination and popular travel destination is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 11,774 reviews.

If you’re interested in seeing something else, make your way to the amazing Book of Kells. More than 13,299 visitors have rated this codex and tourist destination an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Your discovery of Dublin does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about Dublin on a personal level. Check out the fantastic selection of affordable tours and tickets offered on this leg of your journey across this top cheap holiday destination in Europe, Ireland.

After exploring some of the most remarkable sights in Ireland, you also have the chance to experience the country’s food culture. Eat at The Vintage Kitchen, one of the best restaurants in Dublin. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 911 reviews.

You can also check out Chapter One Restaurant. Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers in the city. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 849 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your road trip activities is Mr Fox. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 690 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you a memorable dining experience in Dublin.

When you’ve finished your meal, head to some of the most popular bars in Dublin for an after-dinner drink. Cap off your night in this cheap holiday destination at Porterhouse Temple Bar and try some of its cocktails and snacks. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,884 customers.

Light House Cinema is another great place to hang out in and relax after a busy day in the city. This bar offers various drinks at affordable prices and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 3,744 customers.

If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit The Old Storehouse Bar and Restaurant. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,719 customers, this bar is one of the best places to unwind and socialize in Dublin.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible road trip adventure in the magical Dublin!

Day 3 means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Ireland, Dublin. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the city of Dublin!

One of the best destinations you can travel to today is the stunning National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology. Each year, this national museum and attraction welcomes around 370,965 visitors from all over the world. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in over 12,321 reviews, it’s clear that this remarkable national museum is truly worth a spot in your road trip plans.

You can also spend some time at the spectacular St Stephen's Green. This attraction is a park that is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 29,521 travelers.

Another place you’ll also want to make time for today is the incredible St Patrick's Cathedral. This popular anglican or episcopal cathedral in Dublin has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 21,169 travelers.

You also have the opportunity to visit the fantastic Guinness Storehouse. This tourist attraction and travel hotspot is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 19,154 visitors.

Excited to see another tourist destination in Dublin? Then make your way to the outstanding botanical garden, National Botanic Gardens. This local attraction enjoys an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 15,718 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned locations, today is the perfect opportunity to join a popular activity in Dublin. Plenty of budget-friendly tours in Dublin offer enriching experiences that will make your cheap holiday in Ireland worth remembering for a lifetime.

When it’s time to eat, treat yourself to a lovely meal without paying more than necessary. Dublin has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday goers!

One of the best restaurants worth visiting in Dublin is The Stags Head. This restaurant offers good food at reasonable prices and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,691 customers.

The Celt is an excellent alternative with an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 4,507 reviews. The Celt is known for its delicious meals that will surely satisfy your hunger.

Another of the best places to eat in Dublin is O'Donoghues Bar. This restaurant has an impressive average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,110 customers because of their good food, service, and ambiance.

It’s natural to feel curious about what happens around Dublin as the night unfolds. To see what the nightlife looks like in Dublin, consider an after-dinner drink at one of the best bars in the area.

We recommend you visit The Bank on College Green, an excellent place to enjoy a couple of drinks. This bar is one of locals’ favorite hangout spots and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,043 customers.

Café en Seine serves various snacks and drinks at affordable prices, making it another great bar option for budget travelers in Dublin. Customers have rated Café en Seine an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 4,282 reviews.

You could also relax and have drinks at Murray’s Pub. This bar is popular in Dublin for its great selection of drinks and unique atmosphere. Proof of this claim is clear in its average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 3,882 bar goers.

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!

Day 4 of your road trip across Ireland offers you the chance to visit the wonderful Kilkenny and the enchanting Enniskerry, two of the most popular cheap holiday destinations in the country. You'll begin sightseeing in Kilkenny and end the day in Enniskerry, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Buckle up because day 4 of your affordable vacation in Ireland will take you to some of locals’ and travelers’ most recommended travel spots!

One place travelers keep coming back to in Kilkenny is the magnificent Kilkenny Castle. Around 10,743 visitors have rated this excellent schloss country house museum and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Kilkenny Castle on this leg of your self-drive tour in Ireland. This attraction is a well-known schloss country house museum that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from around 11,458 travelers.

After capturing the beauty and rich culture of Kilkenny, you’ll get back behind the wheels and continue your road trip to the fantastic city of Enniskerry.

Start your sightseeing in this cheap holiday destination with a visit to the unforgettable Powerscourt House & Gardens. This popular site is a valued park in Enniskerry and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 9,458 visitors.

Exploring one unique site after another provides you the much-needed variety during your self-drive tour across Ireland. But to satisfy your curiosity or need for adventure, we recommend you add excursions in today’s agenda. You have a great selection of popular and low-cost activities to choose from in Ireland. Make your cheap holiday experience in Ireland more memorable by doing something new, bold, or inspiring.

Kilkenny offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Ireland. So anytime you need a break from your activities, you’re guaranteed a comfortable and affordable place to rest and stay in the city.

As this adventurous day progresses, satisfy your hunger at one of the best restaurants in the city. Many restaurants in Kilkenny offer good food at even better prices, the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Ireland.

Petronella Restaurant is a must try. This restaurant serves a mouthwatering selection of meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 640 diners.

Another popular eating spot in Kilkenny is Butcher Restaurant, a local favorite. Serving diners fresh, delicious, and affordable meals, this restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 563 customers.

Matt The Millers Bar & Restaurant offers customers flavorful food and good ambiance, making it one of the best places to eat in Kilkenny. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,409 customers, this restaurant can get packed very quickly. Make sure you get to the restaurant early to save yourself a seat.

When night has fallen and you feel like enjoying a drink, head to some of Kilkenny’s best bars. There are plenty of bars in the city where you can order a few drinks without compromising your budget.

Tynans Bridge House Bar is an excellent example of a great bar in Kilkenny offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 509 customers.

You can also hang out and have a drink at Kytelers Inn, another of locals’ go-to bars in Kilkenny. Kytelers Inn is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 2,411 customers having rated it an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Paris Texas Bar and Restaurant is for you if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Kilkenny. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from more than 2,225 bar-goers.

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 road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Ireland, you’ll experience two places in one day. You’ll start your day in Cobh and end your day in the city of Cork, where you'll stay for 2 nights. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

One of the best places to visit in Cobh is the amazing Titanic Experience Cobh. This travel destination is a museum that has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,120 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible Spike Island Tours. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,463 travelers, a visit to this well-known park and sightseeing spot in Cobh is likely to make your vacation in Ireland even more memorable.

Cheap, budget vacations are nothing but incredible, especially when you’re in Ireland. To have the best affordable travel experience in Ireland, make time for some unique, challenging, or inspiring activities. Adding a tour to your travel plan promises a one-of-a kind adventure that will make your cheap vacation in Ireland unforgettable. Fortunately, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly tours and cheap holiday deals in Ireland.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Cork. Cork is another cheap travel destination in Ireland where you have access to hotels, restaurants, bars, and other conveniences.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best attractions a budget vacation in Ireland can afford, treat yourself to a hearty meal. You’ll find many great restaurants in Cork that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Cork is Sin é. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,654 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Cork, Liberty Grill is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,609 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is Elbow Lane Brew and Smoke House. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Cork enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 792 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Cork’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Ireland. For example, you can visit The Oliver Plunkett. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 5,192 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is The Old Town Whiskey Bar at Bodega. This popular bar in Cork has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,534 bar-goers.

You can also go to Cornstore Cork as an alternative. More than a bar, the popular Cornstore Cork is also a place for fun or relaxation. Around 1,516 customers have given this city bar an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Ireland!

Day 6’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Killarney, proving that cheap holidays in Ireland can be extraordinary.

You'll begin sightseeing at the extraordinary Ross Castle. This attraction is a castle that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,141 travelers.

Another of the best travel destinations you can explore in this fun and cheap holiday destination is the spectacular Muckross Abbey. This popular place of interest is a stunning abbey that boasts an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,866 visitors.

To make your trip to Killarney more memorable, spend time at the fascinating Muckross House. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 9,388 traveler reviews, it’s not surprising that the fantastic Muckross House is often mentioned in Ireland road trip itineraries.

The magnificent Killarney National Park is another stop you might want to add to your sightseeing plans. This park and popular travel destination is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 10,587 reviews.

If you’re interested in seeing something else, make your way to the amazing Torc Mountain. More than 6,640 visitors have rated this mountain and tourist destination an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Your discovery of Killarney does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about Killarney on a personal level. Check out the fantastic selection of affordable tours and tickets offered on this leg of your journey across this top cheap holiday destination in Europe, Ireland.

After exploring some of the most remarkable sights in Ireland, you also have the chance to experience the country’s food culture. Eat at Izz Cafe, one of the best restaurants in Cork. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 731 reviews.

You can also check out Market Lane. Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers in the city. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,609 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your road trip activities is The SpitJack Cork. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,934 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you a memorable dining experience in Cork.

When you’ve finished your meal, head to some of the most popular bars in Cork for an after-dinner drink. Cap off your night in this cheap holiday destination at A Bróg Bar + Kitchen and try some of its cocktails and snacks. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,592 customers.

The Thomond Bar is another great place to hang out in and relax after a busy day in the city. This bar offers various drinks at affordable prices and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,430 customers.

If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit The Woodford. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,261 customers, this bar is one of the best places to unwind and socialize in Cork.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible road trip adventure in the magical Cork!

Day 7 of your self-drive vacation in Ireland gives you the opportunity to explore two popular cheap holiday destinations in one day. You’ll start your day in the city of Blarney and end your day in the city of Cork.

Today's agenda features plenty of popular stops and allows you to stay in Dublin for 1 night. How much time you want to spend in each area or attraction is up to you. This way, you’ll have all the time you want to take in the unique atmosphere of each location and make the most of your affordable vacation in Ireland.

While you’re in Blarney, it’s a good idea to visit the amazing Blarney Stone. The fantastic Blarney Stone is a popular stone and a sightseeing hotspot. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,710 travelers.

Travelers usually have a splendid time at the incredible Blarney Castle & Gardens, a well-known park in the area. Currently, this spectacular destination enjoys a 4.7 out of a 5 star-rating from 10,764 travelers.

Once you’ve satisfied your wanderlust in Blarney, you’ll continue to your next road trip destination of the day, the city of Cork.

Make Fitzgerald's Park your first stop. This popular park among locals and travelers alike has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,170 visitors.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Ireland. Check out all of the affordable tours you can join this day of your cheap holiday in Ireland and ensure the road trip experience of a lifetime.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget accommodations in the city of Dublin. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Dublin, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Lemon Jelly Cafe, one of the best restaurants in Dublin. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,104 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in Dublin, The Palace Bar. This famous bar offers snacks and drinks at different price points and is a popular hangout spot among locals. In addition, this bar has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,824 bar goers.

Merchant's Arch is a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. This bar is considered one of the best drinking spots in Dublin, with its average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,988 customers.

Cherish every minute of your road trip vacation across Ireland. Celebrate this opportunity to enjoy a cheap holiday in Ireland!

It’s soon time to say goodbye to Ireland as your road trip vacation is about to end. Day 8 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Dublin.

Depending on how much time you have before your flight back home, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing to make the most of your cheap holiday experience in Ireland.

If you'd rather pass time visiting some attractions, this is your chance to go to places you may not have had the chance to explore yet.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Dublin is the remarkable James Joyce Statue. This must-see tourist destination and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 542 visitors.

You’ll then say farewell to Dublin and begin your journey home. You’ll leave filled with unforgettable memories from your terrific and affordable travel experiences in Ireland!