Cheap 9-Day Ireland Road Trip from Dublin to Kilkenny, Cork, and Galway

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 Guinness Storehouse. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 19,154 traveler reviews, it’s not surprising that the fantastic Guinness Storehouse is often mentioned in Ireland road trip itineraries.

The magnificent Dublin Castle 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 4.3 out of 5 stars in 31,463 reviews.

If you’re interested in seeing something else, make your way to the amazing National Botanic Gardens. More than 15,718 visitors have rated this botanical garden and tourist destination an average of 4.8 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 Trinity College Dublin. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in over 4,032 reviews, it’s clear that this remarkable university is truly worth a spot in your road trip plans.

You can also spend some time at the spectacular Book of Kells. This attraction is a codex that is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 13,299 travelers.

Another place you’ll also want to make time for today is the incredible National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology. Hosting around 370,965 visitors each year, it’s clear that this national museum is one of the most visited sites in the area. This popular national museum in Dublin has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 12,321 travelers.

You also have the opportunity to visit the fantastic St Stephen's Green. This park and travel hotspot is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 29,521 visitors.

Excited to see another tourist destination in Dublin? Then make your way to the outstanding anglican or episcopal cathedral, St Patrick's Cathedral. This local attraction enjoys an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 21,169 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!

Day 5 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 The Municipal District of Cahir — Cashel and end your day in the city of Cahir.

Today's agenda features plenty of popular stops and allows you to stay in Cork for 2 nights. 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 The Municipal District of Cahir — Cashel, it’s a good idea to visit the amazing Rock of Cashel. The fantastic Rock of Cashel is a popular castle and a sightseeing hotspot. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 13,510 travelers.

Once you’ve satisfied your wanderlust in The Municipal District of Cahir — Cashel, you’ll continue to your next road trip destination of the day, the city of Cahir.

Make Cahir Castle your first stop. This popular castle among locals and travelers alike has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,042 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 Cork. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Cork, 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 Sin é, one of the best restaurants in Cork. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,654 customers.

Liberty Grill is yet another of the top places to eat in the city. Liberty Grill is known for serving a variety of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,609 diners.

Locals and travelers enjoy dining at Elbow Lane Brew and Smoke House, another well-loved restaurant in Cork. Rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 792 guests, this restaurant is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a memorable dining experience in Ireland.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in Cork, The Oliver Plunkett. 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 4.4 out of 5 stars by 5,192 bar goers.

The Old Town Whiskey Bar at Bodega is a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. This bar is considered one of the best drinking spots in Cork, with its average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,534 customers.

Alternatively, you can drop by Cornstore Cork, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,516 customers.

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

On day 6 of your road trip adventures in Ireland, you’ll go deep into Blarney, where you'll stay for 1 night, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Blarney, and meet locals along the way!

Blarney offers an incredible variety of budget hotels and places to stay you can choose from and spend the night in.

We recommend you stay at the charming Hayfield Manor Hotel to ensure a pleasant and affordable vacation in Blarney. This 5-star hotel offers guests comfort and convenience and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 181 guest reviews.

Another budget-friendly stay option you can check into is the cozy 4-star Maldron Hotel Cork South Mall. This cheap hotel provides a ton of handy amenities perfect for travelers in Blarney. Maldron Hotel Cork South Mall has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 5,007 former guests.

Travelers looking forward to enjoying a cheap vacation in Blarney should also consider Clayton Hotel Cork City. This 4-star hotel offers great value-for-money and is one of the best budget accommodations in the city. Clayton Hotel Cork City has been rated by 4,488 guests with an average of 4 out of 5 stars.

Popular hotels and places to stay in Blarney offering low-cost accommodations get fully-booked fast. If any of these stay options are not available during your visit in the city, our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best budget alternatives.

One thing that makes Blarney the perfect cheap holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular attractions. For example, the outstanding park, Blarney Castle & Gardens. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 10,764 visitors.

The famous Blarney Stone is another remarkable sightseeing hotspot in the area. This incredible stone and travel destination has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,710 visitors.

This fascinating attraction is a must-visit.

Come to Blarney prepared by adding a tour to your budget vacation package to Ireland. If you’re up for a challenging, fun, or inspiring activity, check out the fantastic selection of tours and cheap holiday deals in Blarney.

After a day of exploring, reward yourself by dining at one of the best restaurants in Blarney, Izz Cafe. Locals enjoy eating at Izz Cafe for its good food and ambiance. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 731 diners.

Market Lane serves various affordable and delicious dishes perfect for cheap holiday goers. On top of that, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,609 food lovers.

If you want more options, The SpitJack Cork is another great spot. Browse through its exciting menu and you'll see why The SpitJack Cork has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1,934 reviews.

Curious about the nightlife in Blarney? Consider visiting some of the best bars in Blarney after dinner. Locals recommend A Bróg Bar + Kitchen, and it's a great spot to enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,592 customers.

The Thomond Bar is another excellent place to relax and have a drink or two after a busy road trip in Ireland. The Thomond Bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,430 bar-goers, proving it's one of the most popular bars in Blarney.

You might also want to cap the night off at The Woodford, a fascinating bar that 1,261 customers have rated 4.4 out of 5 stars in their reviews.

Raise a toast and enjoy celebrating this terrific day of your affordable vacation in Ireland!

Day 7 of your road trip across Ireland offers you the chance to visit the wonderful West Clare Municipal District and the enchanting Bunratty, two of the most popular cheap holiday destinations in the country. You'll begin sightseeing in West Clare Municipal District and end the day in Bunratty, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Buckle up because day 7 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 West Clare Municipal District is the magnificent Cliffs of Moher. Around 32,664 visitors have rated this excellent cliff and travel destination an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

After capturing the beauty and rich culture of West Clare Municipal District, you’ll get back behind the wheels and continue your road trip to the fantastic city of Bunratty.

Start your sightseeing in this cheap holiday destination with a visit to the unforgettable Bunratty Castle & Folk Park. This popular site is a valued park in Bunratty and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 12,442 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.

Galway 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 Galway offer good food at even better prices, the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Ireland.

Hooked 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 1,796 diners.

Another popular eating spot in Galway is O'Connell's Bar Galway, 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 1,659 customers.

Kai Restaurant offers customers flavorful food and good ambiance, making it one of the best places to eat in Galway. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,177 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 Galway’s best bars. There are plenty of bars in the city where you can order a few drinks without compromising your budget.

Tigh Chóilí is an excellent example of a great bar in Galway offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,662 customers.

You can also hang out and have a drink at Caribou, another of locals’ go-to bars in Galway. Caribou is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 979 customers having rated it an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

An Púcán is for you if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Galway. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from more than 3,188 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 8 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 Galway and end your day in the city of Dublin, where you'll stay for 1 night. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

One of the best places to visit in Galway is the amazing Eyre Square. This travel destination is a square that has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 13,114 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible Galway City Museum. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,232 travelers, a visit to this well-known city museum and sightseeing spot in Galway is likely to make your vacation in Ireland even more memorable. This travel destination welcomes around 161,558 yearly visitors.

Another unforgettable sight in Galway is the outstanding Spanish Arch. This must-see tourist destination has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 5,753 visitors.

To make the most of your day in this cheap holiday destination in Ireland, drop by the popular Great Escape Rooms. This attraction, an amazing best-rated sightseeing destination, has been rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,162 travelers.

If you’re keen to explore more, you’ll enjoy the fantastic Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas, Galway. This catholic cathedral is a popular attraction rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,556 visitors from all over the globe.

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 Dublin. Dublin 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 Dublin that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Dublin is Lemon Jelly Cafe. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,104 customers.

Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Dublin enjoy dining at this restaurant.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Dublin’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Ireland. For example, you can visit The Palace Bar. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,824 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is Merchant's Arch. This popular bar in Dublin has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,988 bar-goers.

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

It’s soon time to say goodbye to Ireland as your road trip vacation is about to end. Day 9 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 Molly Malone Statue. This must-see tourist destination and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 11,774 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!