One-Week Ireland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Dublin traveling south to Limerick, Kilkenny, Cork, and Waterford City Metropolitan District

On day 2 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to discover what to see in Dublin. You’ll stay in Dublin for 1 night.

Let National Botanic Gardens set the tone for the day. Spend some time admiring this eye-catching botanical garden before continuing your journey. National Gallery Of Ireland is your next stop. This popular art gallery is one of the best-rated sights in Dublin.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit St Stephen's Green. This romantic park is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Dublin Zoo and Phoenix Park.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Ireland. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Dublin's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Experience a harmony of flavors at Bastible in Dublin by securing a reservation in advance. Known for its 1-star Michelin status, Bastible offers a delightful variety of dishes highlighting its delicious modern menu. If you're seeking an alternative culinary experience, be sure to explore Patrick Guilbaud, a highly recommended restaurant known for its enticing modern french cuisine. This popular 2-star Michelin-awarded venue consistently exceeds expectations, ensuring a memorable holiday experience. Ready for another culinary adventure? Indulge your senses at Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen, a highly acclaimed restaurant celebrated for its exceptional modern menu.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Bruxelles, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Light House Cinema offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Bowe's Lounge Bar provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Ireland!

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Ireland. Today you'll explore 1 destination, including Dublin. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Limerick, where you'll spend 1 night.

Awaiting your discovery is the captivating Book Of Kells, an instagrammable museum in Dublin. Next, go to Molly Malone Statue.

After visiting Book Of Kells and Molly Malone Statue, have a stroll along Dublin's streets and take in the local charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Dublin Castle. This historic castle offers a unique experience. St Patrick's Cathedral is another noteworthy attraction worthwhile a visit. End your self-guided sightseeing tour on top with a visit to Guinness Storehouse, one of the most stunning places to visit in Dublin.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Limerick, 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 Limerick's best restaurants.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Collins Bar Dooradoyle, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Freddy’s Restaurant is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Bobby Byrne's. As an establishment that consistently gains high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Limerick tonight.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Charlie Chaplin's Pub after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to South's Pub, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, The Glen Tavern also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Ireland!

On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Ireland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, including Bunratty and Kilkenny. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Kilkenny, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Bunratty. This car ride takes around 18 min.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, a popular castle that everyone visiting Bunratty should see.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Bunratty, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Kilkenny. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 45 min.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the village's best attractions, visit St Canice's Cathedral, a beloved church that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey. Next, head to Kilkenny Castle and admire its respected features.

When you’re ready, continue to Kilkenny Castle, a notable park beloved by locals and tourists alike.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Kilkenny. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

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.

Experience a harmony of flavors at Campagne in Kilkenny by securing a reservation in advance. Known for its 1-star Michelin status, Campagne offers a delightful variety of dishes highlighting its delicious modern menu. If you're looking to mix things up, Langtons Hotel Kilkenny offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at The Dylan Whisky Bar after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Biddy Early´s for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Tynans Bridge House Bar is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Head back to your accommodation in Kilkenny and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in Ireland.

Your itinerary for day 5 of your road trip in Ireland includes 4 stops and features some of the highlights of The Municipal District of Cahir — Cashel, Cahir, Midleton, and Carrigtwohill. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Cork, where you'll spend 1 night.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Cahir may take around 17 min. Upon your arrival in Cahir, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Rock Of Cashel, a popular castle in The Municipal District of Cahir — Cashel. Explore its picture-perfect features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Cahir. This car ride takes around 17 min.

Spend your afternoon discovering Cahir Castle, an up-and-coming castle known for its instagrammable features.

Set your GPS to Midleton and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 56 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Midleton beckons with new experiences!

Midleton Distillery Experience is a curiosity-inducing distillery we recommend visiting today. Discover its standout features before continuing your self-guided tour.

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

Cork is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Cork.

Prepare for an extraordinary culinary adventure in Cork by booking a table at Goldie, a Bib Gourmand restaurant that boasts an exceptional seafood menu. For a different flavor experience, head to Ichigo Ichie Bistro & Natural Wine, renowned for its delectable japanese dishes. This Bib Gourmand restaurant consistently wows guests, making it a memorable stop during your holiday.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Impala, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, The Shelbourne Bar provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, The Oval offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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

On day 6 of your road trip in Ireland, your travel plans include 2 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Cork and Blarney are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Waterford City Metropolitan District, where you will stay for 1 night.

Enjoy all that Cork Opera House has to offer. This is an increasingly popular opera house you should not miss. Another must-see is Fitzgerald's Park, an increasingly popular park in Cork.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Cork City Gaol.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Blarney may take around 11 min. Upon your arrival in Blarney, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Our first attraction recommendation in Blarney is Blarney Castle & Gardens, a well-known castle that draws attention for its romantic features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Blarney Stone, a historic monument that stands out in the city.

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

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

Experience a symphony of flavors at Everett's in Waterford City Metropolitan District by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its Bib Gourmand distinction, Everett's delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious modern cuisine. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Bodega? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Geoff's Cafe Bar, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to The Gingerman. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at An Uisce Beatha, another top-rated place in the area.

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 7 of your road trip in Ireland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 places, which are Enniskerry and Malahide. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Dublin, where will spend 1 night.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Enniskerry. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 49 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Powerscourt House & Gardens is a locally appreciated botanical garden we recommend visiting today. Discover its romantic features before continuing your self-guided tour.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Enniskerry and set your GPS to Malahide. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 45 min. Upon reaching Malahide, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Malahide Castle & Gardens, a captivating castle in Malahide. Explore its romantic features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Dublin. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

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.

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.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, The Bridge 1859 offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, The Dame Tavern is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Mary's Bar & Hardware is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

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