Where to Stop Between Kilkenny and Dublin

The drive from Kilkenny to Dublin will take you just over an hour and a half (125 km) without traffic and without stops. It follows the M9 motorway for most of the way – and so, I’d rate it as an easy drive, that is if you don’t get stuck in traffic on your approach to Dublin.

As always, I highly recommend making a few stops to break up the journey. Places like Carlow Town and Newbridge are well worth stopping in, and if you were to follow the itinerary I’ve laid out below, you’ll need to allow at least half a day for this drive.

Of course, you can also do this drive in reverse – so, from Dublin to Kilkenny.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny City, often referred to as the “Marble City,” is renowned for its medieval architecture and vibrant arts scene.

My first stop in this charming city would be the Medieval Mile, a mile-long route that stretches through the heart of the city. It links most of Kilkenny’s iconic landmarks, like the majestic Kilkenny Castle and the stunning St. Canice’s Cathedral. And as you stroll along, you will pass by medieval buildings, narrow alleyways, and charming cobblestone streets that transport you back in time.

Later, take a short stroll to the iconic Kilkenny Castle. This majestic structure, dating back to 1195, is a testament to the city’s rich history. You can wander the inside on your own (like we did) or join a guided tour to learn more about the history of the castle and the Butler family, who resided there for centuries. All the rooms are beautifully restored, and the artwork and furniture are phenomenal. We spent around an hour here and a further hour wandering through the castle gardens.

Entry to the castle cost us around 8 euros per adult (it’s more if you want to book a guided tour).

And if you’re visiting with kids, I highly recommend making the 5-minute drive out to Jurassic Newpark – a Jurassic-Park-themed park that’s so much fun! We were surprised by how much there is to do here. Our daughters loved seeing the life-size moving dinosaurs, bouncing around in Jurassic Bounce, and the flying Pterosaurus ride. There are also two playgrounds here and a mini petting zoo.

Where to Stay in Kilkenny:

We stayed at the Newpark Hotel about 5 minutes drive from the center of the city. We paid 200 euros for a family room with free breakfast and free entry to the park. There’s also a swimming pool on-site, which we were able to use twice. In my opinion, it’s one of the most family-friendly hotels in Ireland.

But other hotels we considered were the River Court Hotel – a large riverside hotel in the city center and the Pembroke Hotel, which is known for its stylish decor and personalized service.

Carlow Town

Your first stop could be Carlow Town, only around 30 minutes from Kilkenny City. It’s a large town with a city vibe – as there are lots of shops, restaurants, Cafes, etc. here.

If you’re into history, you’ve got to check out the Carlow County Museum – it’s packed with cool artifacts and stories from the past. And speaking of sights, the Carlow Cathedral and the massive Brownshill Dolmen are just stunning. If you’re keen to stretch your legs for a bit, the pathway next to the River Barrow is perfect for a relaxing stroll.

Around 15 minutes away from the town is a personal favorite spot of mine in this part of Ireland – Duckett’s Grove (pictured above). I adore visiting Duckett’s Grove for a stroll and a coffee; it’s always so tranquil here. The walled garden is a delightful spot to sit and read. And depending on when you visit you can do a free guided tour of the grounds.

Newbridge

Your next stop is home to the famed Newbridge Silverware Visitor Centre – one of the top attractions in this part of the country. Here, you can explore the fascinating history of this renowned brand and learn more about the art of silverware making.

The centre is also home to the Museum of Style Icons, which showcases a remarkable collection of fashion and film memorabilia, including garments worn by legends like Audrey Hepburn and Princess Diana. You can also do a factory tour to see the skilled artisans at work.

Naas

About 40 minutes (36 km) before you reach Dublin City, you’ll come to my final suggested stop, Naas, the biggest town in County Kildare. Known for its rich equestrian heritage, the town is a hub for horse racing enthusiasts, with the renowned Naas Racecourse hosting numerous events throughout the year.

While here, you should explore the ancient Moat Theatre and the 13th-century St. David’s Church.

There are also plenty of great Cafes here (like PS Coffee Roasters in Poplar Square) if you’re craving a caffeine hit.

Dublin

Yay! You’ve reached your final stop (well, of this particular road trip, anyway!) And be sure to spend a few days (or at least a day) in Dublin. As Ireland’s capital and largest city, Dublin boasts a variety of attractions that cater to all interests.

History enthusiasts can explore the medieval Dublin Castle or the iconic Trinity College, home to the world-famous Book of Kells. And if you’re interested in literature, a visit to the Dublin Writers Museum is a must-do. Don’t miss the Guinness Storehouse for a taste of Ireland’s most famous export, or take a scenic walk along the River Liffey.

It’s known as a very fun city, and Dublin’s lively atmosphere is palpable in Temple Bar, where you can dance (or tap your foot) to traditional Irish music, drink local beers, and taste some delicious food.

✅ My favorite guided tours of Dublin:

Where to stay in Dublin:

• If your budget allows, a standout hotel in Dublin is The Westbury, a luxurious five-star hotel, just a stone’s throw from Grafton Street. It’s renowned for its opulent decor and exceptional service.

• The Dean Dublin is another cool option, it combines modern design with a lively atmosphere and boasts a trendy rooftop bar and stylish rooms.

Renting a Car in Ireland

When it comes to driving in Ireland, choose a vehicle that suits your travel needs. If you’re planning to explore rural areas or rugged landscapes, consider renting a compact or four-wheel-drive vehicle, which will handle narrow, winding roads more efficiently. Be sure to book your rental car well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure the best rates and availability.

The cost of renting a car in Ireland can be expensive. However, there are some ways you can save money. We tend to always book our rental car through Discover Cars. This is a search engine for rental cars and allows you to filter by price if you’re on a budget or by vehicle type if there’s a specific car you’re after.

• Generally speaking, you can expect to pay around €300 per week for a manual (stick shift) economy car; this will rise to around €350 during the peak months of June, July and August.
• Try to rent your vehicle from major cities such as Dublin, Cork, Galway, Belfast, and Limerick. That’s because car hire companies in smaller cities tend to have fewer and more expensive options.
• Book as small a car as you can manage!
• We highly recommend selecting fully comprehensive car insurance. The roads and car parking spaces in Ireland are narrow, so it will quell your fears of getting a bump or scratch. Check if your credit card insurance covers this (some do!)

Thanks for Reading!

Now, while you’re here, you may also like to read my guide to the Best Things to Do in Kinsale and where to stop on the drive from Cork to Dublin.