Best Dublin RV Itinerary for weekend rv rental - Overview
A comprehensive RV adventure around Dublin and its surrounding regions typically spans at least 7 days, allowing for exploration beyond just the city. For live availability and current prices, start with our RV Rental Dublin - Complete Guide 2026 guide. While a weekend RV rental in Dublin is perfect for a quick escape to nearby natural beauty like Wicklow or the Boyne Valley, a full itinerary can extend for 7 to 14 days, covering approximately 700-1400 km. The best season for an RV trip in Dublin and Ireland generally is late spring through early autumn (May to September), offering milder weather and longer daylight hours. This guide outlines how to leverage a rented RV for both short weekend trips and extended explorations from Dublin, navigating specific RV challenges like city parking and tolls.
7-Day Classic Route in Dublin
This 7-day RV itinerary from Dublin focuses on scenic routes and cultural sites within a manageable driving distance, averaging under 150 km per day. Imagine yourself on the route, waking up to the fresh Irish air each morning.**Day 1: Dublin City Exploration (Arrival & Setup)**. Pick up your motorhome in Dublin. Utilize a park-and-ride facility suitable for RVs (e.g., Red Cow Luas stop) and take public transport into the city center. Explore the iconic Guinness Storehouse or Trinity College. Overnight at a nearby RV-friendly campsite, such as Camac Valley Tourist Caravan & Camping Park, located about 15km from Dublin city center.
**Day 2: Wicklow Mountains National Park (approx. 50 km)**. Drive south to the 'Garden of Ireland' with your rented camper. Visit the ancient Glendalough monastic site and enjoy scenic walks among its historic ruins. RV parking is available at the Glendalough visitor center. Overnight at Roundwood Caravan & Camping Park, an excellent spot for tranquility.
**Day 3: Powerscourt Estate & Gardens (approx. 30 km)**. Explore the stunning Powerscourt House, its magnificent Gardens, and the majestic Waterfall with your mobile home. Dedicated parking areas are suitable for RVs. Enjoy the craftsmanship at Avoca Handweavers nearby. Overnight near Enniskerry, soaking in the charming village atmosphere.
**Day 4: Boyne Valley & Ancient East (approx. 90 km)**. Head north to explore historical sites like Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth (Brú na Bóinne World Heritage Site). RV parking is available at the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, which manages access to these ancient wonders. Overnight at a caravan park in Drogheda or Slane.
**Day 5: Irish Heritage Town of Trim (approx. 40 km)**. Visit Trim Castle, Ireland's largest Anglo-Norman castle, a truly impressive fortress. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Boyne River. RV parking is available in town. Overnight near Trim, perhaps enjoying a meal at a local eatery. If you enjoy cooking in your RV, check out our RV-friendly recipes playlist for inspiration.
**Day 6: Dublin Coastline & Malahide (approx. 60 km)**. Explore the charming coastal town of Malahide, and visit Malahide Castle & Gardens. Enjoy a refreshing walk along the seafront. Some larger car parks in Malahide can accommodate RVs. Overnight back at Camac Valley or a similar park on the outskirts of Dublin.
**Day 7: Departure from Dublin (approx. 15 km)**. Return your RV to the rental station. Allow ample time for traffic and refueling. Consider an early start to avoid Dublin city congestion. Ensure all M50 barrier-free tolls are paid online to avoid any surprises. For budgeting and tracking your trip expenses, remember that RV PLANET routes allow you to itemize every cost along the way.
14-Day Extended Journey in Dublin
An extended 14-day RV journey from Dublin allows for a deeper exploration of Ireland's Ancient East and parts of the midlands, maintaining a relaxed pace with daily drives typically under 150 km. This longer adventure truly lets you connect with the rich culture and stunning scenery.**Days 1-3: Dublin & Wicklow Mountains**. This segment mirrors the start of the 7-Day Itinerary, focusing on Dublin city sights, Glendalough, and Powerscourt Estate. You'll have plenty of time to explore the city's historic streets and then escape to the natural beauty of the Wicklow Mountains.
**Days 4-6: Boyne Valley & Louth**. Explore Newgrange, Trim Castle, and the historic town of Drogheda. Venture further north to visit Carlingford Lough for scenic views and outdoor activities like sailing or kayaking. Overnight in caravan parks near Drogheda or Carlingford, experiencing the tranquility of Ireland's Ancient East.
**Days 7-8: Kilkenny & Ancient Monasteries**. Head southwest to Kilkenny (approx. 120 km), known for its medieval mile, impressive castle, and St. Canice's Cathedral. Continue to Jerpoint Abbey, a beautiful Cistercian abbey. RV parking is available at city outskirts or designated visitor centers, providing easy access to these historical treasures. Overnight near Kilkenny.
**Days 9-10: Waterford & the Copper Coast**. Drive to Waterford (approx. 50 km), Ireland's oldest city, famous for Waterford Crystal. Explore the Copper Coast Geopark, a UNESCO-recognized stretch of coastline offering dramatic cliffs and coves. RV-friendly sites are available along the coast, perfect for enjoying the sea breeze. Overnight near Dungarvan.
**Days 11-12: Cashel & Midlands Charm**. Journey north to Cashel (approx. 90 km) to see the iconic Rock of Cashel, an impressive collection of medieval buildings. Explore the quiet beauty of the Irish midlands, perhaps visiting Lough Boora Discovery Park for some unique outdoor art installations and cycling paths. Overnight at a campsite near Cashel or Tullamore.
**Days 13-14: Return to Dublin via Kildare (approx. 100 km)**. On the way back to Dublin, stop at the Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens in Kildare for a relaxing final day of unique sights. This offers a tranquil conclusion before returning the rented campervan in Dublin, allowing time for fuel and check-out procedures. Remember to account for M50 tolls when driving through the motorway sections around Dublin. Our full transparency means no hidden fees, just clear guidance on tolls and other costs.
Recommended RVPlan Trip for Dublin
For those seeking a comprehensive RV adventure from Dublin that extends beyond a weekend, the '
Dublin Roundtrip - Wild Atlantic Way
Dublin Roundtrip - Ring of Kerry
Must-See Stops Along the Way (Avi Bandana Picks)
Avi Bandana recommends incorporating unique local experiences into any RV journey from Dublin, drawing inspiration from diverse attractions found along comprehensive routes like the Wild Atlantic Way. We're true RV specialists, and our team genuinely knows these roads.**Traditional Visits:** Seek out authentic Irish experiences such as a tour of Powerscourt House & Gardens near Dublin or exploring Bunratty Castle & Folk Park further afield, offering insights into Ireland's rich heritage and architecture. Consider adding a visit to Malahide Castle & Gardens to your itinerary with your rented camper.
**Local Industry:** Discover Ireland's craft and culinary traditions by visiting a 'Local Industry' spot like the Connemara Smokehouse, where you can learn about traditional smoking methods and sample delicious seafood. This offers a true taste of local life.
**Traditional Market:** Immerse yourself in local culture by exploring a 'Traditional Market', where you can find artisan crafts, fresh produce, and interact with local vendors, providing a genuine taste of Irish life and a chance to stock your RV kitchen.
**Traditional Restaurant / Fine Dining:** Savor authentic Irish cuisine at a 'Traditional Restaurant' or 'Fine Dining' establishment, enjoying local ingredients and classic dishes that showcase the country's gastronomic heritage.
Daily Driving Distances & Drive Times in Dublin
Avi Bandana recommends a maximum of 100 miles or 150 km per day on average when driving a rented RV in Ireland, encouraging travelers to embrace a slower pace and truly enjoy the scenery. This recommendation is rooted in over 25 years of experience helping tens of thousands of travelers explore the world by RV.This daily limit ensures sufficient time for sightseeing, relaxation, and comfortable driving without rushing, which is particularly important on Ireland's sometimes narrow and winding roads. You'll want to take your time and connect to the culture, the food, and the scenery.
Example drive times include: Dublin to Glendalough in Wicklow Mountains National Park is approximately 50 km (30 miles) and takes about 1 hour 15 minutes without heavy traffic, offering a manageable day trip. Another example is the drive from Dublin to the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre in the Boyne Valley, which is roughly 60 km (37 miles) and takes about 45-60 minutes, making it an ideal destination for an RV day trip or short excursion. Remember, slow travel is key to a rewarding experience.
Best RV Class for This Itinerary - Couple & Family Picks
Choosing the right RV class significantly enhances your week-long or extended trip from Dublin, balancing comfort, maneuverability, and space. We offer bookings in 30+ currencies with full price transparency, ensuring no hidden fees on your rental.For couples, the Class B - Camper Van is highly recommended due to its compact size and agility. Bandana's fleet typically features Class B vans with an average length of 5.8 meters, 3.2 sleeping places, and suitability for 2.7 adults, making them easy to navigate through smaller towns and find parking, while offering excellent fuel efficiency (around 10 Liters/100 Km). Models like the "Category Van" or "luxury rv rentals example Carthago Malibu 600" (5.99m length, 2.05m width, 2 sleeping places) are ideal choices.
For families, the Class C - Alcove offers a superior balance of space and comfort. These RVs in Bandana's global fleet average 7.5 meters in length, providing 5.8 sleeping places and accommodating 4.4 adults, ensuring ample room for everyone with separate sleeping areas and storage, despite being slightly larger and consuming around 10-12 Liters/100 km. The "cruise america rv rental example Explorer" (7.1m length, 2.78m width, 4 sleeping places) is a popular family option. To simplify your planning, consider Bandana's 'Rent&Plan' service, which combines RV rental with a pre-designed itinerary crafted by travel experts and full access to advanced trip-planning software, eliminating the hassle of organizing your adventure. You can even enjoy a 25% planning discount when using rvplan.net for these routes!
