10-Day Ireland Road Trip from Cork traveling east to Galway, Dublin, and Kilkenny
Description
Summary
Description
Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 10-day road trip through Ireland.
This incredible self-drive vacation package will take you through the best destinations in Ireland. With this perfectly planned travel package, you will stay 4 nights in Cork, 1 night in Galway, 3 nights in Dublin, and 1 night in Kilkenny, experiencing the ultimate road trip in Ireland. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Cork, Ennis, Galway, Dublin, Blanchardstown, and Kilkenny. We'll help you experience the best 10 days in Ireland you can imagine so you can leave happy and inspired.
Upon arriving in Cork, you'll collect the rental vehicle of your choice. From there, you'll be off to discover some of the most popular attractions in Ireland, including the stunning Phoenix Park and Guinness Storehouse.
You'll have an extensive selection of accommodations to choose from throughout your road trip. We've handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, catering to all budgets. Whether you're in the mood for luxurious five-star hotels or cozy, budget-friendly accommodations, we've got you covered.
Your road trip will bring you close to the best attractions and most incredible sights in Ireland. Your discovery doesn't end there. As you hit the open road and drive through Cork, Ennis, Galway, Dublin, Blanchardstown, and Kilkenny, you'll also have plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Ireland. Whether you're exploring enchanting small towns, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there's always something new and exciting to experience in Ireland.
Add tours and tickets to each day of your trip to make the most of your time in Ireland. You'll have the opportunity to choose from the best tours and activities that your travel destinations have to offer, meaning you'll never have a boring moment on your road trip through Ireland.
Your travel plan itinerary also gives you multiple opportunities to look for souvenirs to memorialize your road trip in Ireland.
You'll return home having experienced the very best of everything Ireland has to offer. Each twist and turn of the journey adds a unique charm to your travel tales.
You can customize each day of your road trip vacation itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking. Enjoy the benefits of exploring all these great attractions at your own speed.
Your travel plan includes everything you need to experience the best of Ireland. You'll be booked at the best hotels for 9 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 9 days during your self-drive road trip, including CDW insurance.
You'll have access to 24/7 travel support, a personal travel agent, and a step-by-step guide via our flexible mobile app. All taxes are included in your vacation package price. You can choose and add your flight preferences as needed. Make your vacation in Ireland extra special by adding tours and tickets to each day of your itinerary.
The best services in Ireland fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your self-drive road trip in Ireland today!
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Day 1 – Cork - arrival day
Day 1 – Cork - arrival day
- Cork - Arrival day
- More
- St Patrick's Bridge
- More
Your road trip adventure in Ireland begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Cork. You’ll stay in Cork for 4 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.
Cork has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible St Patrick's Bridge. This attraction is a bridge and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 608 visitors.
When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.
When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Cork, Sin é. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,654 customers.
Another of the best restaurants in the city of Cork is Liberty Grill. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,609 customers.
Locals recommend Elbow Lane Brew and Smoke House as one of the best restaurants in the city of Cork. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 792 customers.
Cork also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Cork is The Oliver Plunkett. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 5,192 customers.
Enjoy toasting the start of your 10-day vacation in Ireland!
Experiences
Day 2 – Cork
Day 2 – Cork
- Cork
- More
Drive 23 km, 51 min
- Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral
- Fitzgerald's Park
- Cork City Gaol
- Blarney Castle & Gardens
- Blarney Stone
- More
Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Cork has to offer. Cherish the 3 nights you have left in Cork by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.
There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Cork. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.
You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the city of Cork, like the extraordinary Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral. This attraction is an anglican or episcopal cathedral and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,211 visitors.
Another of the best travel destinations in Cork is the spectacular Fitzgerald's Park. This attraction is a park and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,045 visitors.
You could then travel to the amazing Cork City Gaol. This prison has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,733 visitors.
Blarney Castle & Gardens is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This park is a popular destination among visitors in Cork. Rated at an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 10,247 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.
Your discovery of Cork does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Cork on this day of your trip.
After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Ireland, be sure to eat at The Oliver Plunkett, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Cork. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 5,192 customers.
Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Cork is the popular Market Lane. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,609 customers.
Another great restaurant we recommend in the city of Cork is The SpitJack Cork. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,934 customers.
When you’ve finished your meal, The Old Town Whiskey Bar at Bodega is one of the best bars in the city of Cork for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,534 customers.
Cornstore Cork is another of the most popular bars in the city of Cork. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,516 customers.
Alternatively, a great bar that locals enjoy in the city of Cork is Silver Key Bar and Restaurant. Silver Key Bar and Restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,491 customers.
Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Cork!
Experiences
Day 3 – Cork
Day 3 – Cork
- Cobh
- Cork
- More
Drive 98 km, 1 hour 58 min
- Ballycotton Cliff Walk
- Fota Wildlife Park
- Titanic Experience Cobh
- Spike Island Tours
- More
You still have 2 nights left in Cork.
One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Ballycotton Cliff Walk. This incredible attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,326 visitors.
Titanic Experience Cobh is another popular attraction you'll visit. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,830 visitors.
Another of the best travel destinations you can visit is Spike Island Tours. This amazing attraction is a park and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,427 visitors.
To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Ireland to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Cork.
We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Cork, like Quinlans Seafood Bar Cork. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,527 customers.
The Old Town Whiskey Bar at Bodega is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Cork. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,534 customers.
After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Cork, The Shelbourne Bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,024 customers.
You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like Barry's of Douglas Restaurant & Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,290 customers.
Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Ireland!
Experiences
Day 4 – Ennis and Galway
Day 4 – Ennis and Galway
- Galway
- More
Drive 257 km, 4 hours 16 min
- Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
- Cliffs of Moher
- Eyre Square
- Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas, Galway
- More
Day 4 of your road trip will take you to the city of Ennis and the city of Galway. You’ll stay in Galway for 1 night.
One of the best places to explore in the city of Ennis today is Bunratty Castle & Folk Park. This excellent attraction is a park that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 11,834 visitors.
We also recommend you visit the amazing Cliffs of Moher, an outstanding cliff, in the city of Ennis. Around 32,506 travelers rated this attraction with 4.8 out of 5 stars.
To experience the local culture, see more of Ireland, and meet new people at the same time, we highly recommend you go on a tour. You’ll find many top-rated and popular tours in the city, offering unique experiences that will inspire you. On this tour, you can go on an epic adventure to some of the best places to visit in Ireland. You also get to admire popular places of interest.
You could then travel to Eyre Square for some unforgettable sightseeing experience in the city of Galway. This popular attraction is a square and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 12,420 visitors.
This outstanding catholic cathedral has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,189 travelers.
You’ll have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Galway.
After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Galway, O'Connell's Bar Galway. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,659 customers.
Locals recommend Ard Bia at Nimmos as one of the best restaurants in the city of Galway. Ard Bia at Nimmos is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,099 customers.
Another of the best restaurants in the city of Galway is The Quay Street Kitchen. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,029 customers.
After dinner, visit one of the top bars in the city of Galway, O'Connor's Famous Pub. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,806 customers.
You could also relax with a drink at a popular bar like Tigh Chóilí. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,662 customers.
Be sure to celebrate another day of your incredible road trip adventure through Ireland with a toast!
Experiences
Day 5 – Dublin
Day 5 – Dublin
- Dublin
- More
Drive 286 km, 3 hours 50 min
- Hill of Tara
- Slane Castle
- Brú na Bóinne
- Newgrange
- More
Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Dublin. You’ll stay in Dublin for 3 nights.
This much-appreciated castle and attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,823 visitors.
You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Hill of Tara. This archaeological site and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,144 visitors.
We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Slane Castle to make the most of your road trip across Ireland. The spectacular Slane Castle is a castle that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,399 visitors.
The lovely Newgrange is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 4,136 visitors have left this passage tombs in ireland average ratings of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
Dublin offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.
After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular FX Buckley Steakhouse Temple Bar. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,660 reviews.
The remarkable Shouk is another top restaurant in Dublin we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,608 customers.
If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous The Vintage Kitchen is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 911 customers.
After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Dublin, the fantastic The Temple Bar Pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 25,491 customers.
To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful The Brazen Head. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 11,980 customers.
Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Ireland!
Experiences
Day 6 – Dublin
Day 6 – Dublin
- Dublin
- More
Drive 23 km, 1 hour 17 min
- Phoenix Park
- Dublin Zoo
- Guinness Storehouse
- Ha'penny Bridge
- National Botanic Gardens
- More
On day 6 of your road trip across Ireland, you’ll have the perfect day exploring the wonderful city of Dublin. You’ll stay in Dublin for 2 nights, meaning you have plenty of time to discover the best things to see and do in the area.
We recommend you stay at the Staycity Aparthotels Tivoli, one of the best 4-star hotels in the city of Dublin. This apartment has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,569 guests.
The best luxury hotel option in the city of Dublin is the 5-star Conrad Dublin. The hotel is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 743 guests.
One of the best hotels we recommend in the city of Dublin is the 3-star The West County Hotel. This 3-star hotel has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars by 1,343 guests.
Our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best alternatives if these hotels are not available.
You'll have easy access to popular travel destinations in the city of Dublin, like the outstanding Phoenix Park. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 36,146 visitors.
Guinness Storehouse is another popular attraction you could visit in the city of Dublin. This incredible attraction is a tourist attraction and has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 17,395 visitors.
One of the best attractions you could visit in the city of Dublin is the extraordinary Ha'penny Bridge. This footbridge is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 12,687 reviews.
As the day moves along, one attraction you’ll probably want to visit is the incredible National Botanic Gardens. Around 15,026 visitors have given this botanical garden an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.
Come to Dublin prepared by adding some tours and tickets to your vacation package. Book a popular and budget-friendly activity you can do on this day in Dublin.
After a day of exploring, try one of the best restaurants in the city of Dublin.
We recommend you eat at a delicious restaurant that locals enjoy, like Chapter One Restaurant, after your day of exploring the city of Dublin. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 849 customers.
Mr Fox is another of the best restaurants in the city of Dublin. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 690 customers.
Another of the best restaurants in the city of Dublin is The Temple Bar Pub. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 25,491 customers.
Locals recommend The Church Café, Late Bar & Restaurant, one of the best bars in the city of Dublin, for a refreshing evening drink to finish your day. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 10,779 customers.
Alternatively, you could choose another of the most popular bars in the city of Dublin, Porterhouse Temple Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,884 customers.
The Old Storehouse Bar and Restaurant is also one of the best bars in the city of Dublin. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,719 customers.
It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy another amazing evening in Ireland.
Experiences
Day 7 – Dublin
Day 7 – Dublin
- Dublin
- More
Drive 15 km, 1 hour 5 min
- Book of Kells
- National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology
- St Stephen's Green
- Dublin Castle
- St Patrick's Cathedral
- More
Day 7 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Dublin has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Dublin by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.
There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Dublin. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.
You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the city of Dublin, like the extraordinary Book of Kells. This attraction is a codex and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 12,217 visitors.
Another of the best travel destinations in Dublin, which gets around 370,965 annual visits, is the spectacular National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology. This attraction is a national museum and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 11,507 visitors.
You could then travel to the amazing St Patrick's Cathedral. This anglican or episcopal cathedral has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 19,550 visitors.
This is a popular destination among visitors in Dublin.
Your discovery of Dublin does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Dublin on this day of your trip.
After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Ireland, be sure to eat at The Brazen Head, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Dublin. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 11,980 customers.
Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Dublin is the popular The Church Café, Late Bar & Restaurant. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 10,779 customers.
Another great restaurant we recommend in the city of Dublin is Porterhouse Temple Bar. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,884 customers.
When you’ve finished your meal, The Stags Head is one of the best bars in the city of Dublin for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,691 customers.
The Celt is another of the most popular bars in the city of Dublin. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,507 customers.
Alternatively, a great bar that locals enjoy in the city of Dublin is O'Donoghues Bar. O'Donoghues Bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,110 customers.
Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Dublin!
Experiences
Day 8 – Blanchardstown, Wicklow, and Kilkenny
Day 8 – Blanchardstown, Wicklow, and Kilkenny
- Swords
- Kilkenny
- More
Drive 212 km, 3 hours 40 min
- Malahide Castle & Gardens
- Powerscourt House & Gardens
- Powerscourt Waterfall
- Wicklow Mountains National Park
- Russborough House & Park
- More
Rise and shine on day 8 of your road trip in Ireland. Today, you'll wake up in Dublin and embark on a scenic drive to Kilkenny, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Dublin before you reach your end destination for the day.
It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Dublin. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Malahide Castle & Gardens. This attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 13,488 visitors.
One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Powerscourt House & Gardens. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 9,030 visitors.
If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Powerscourt Waterfall. This waterfall and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,009 reviews.
Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Wicklow Mountains National Park. This park and travel destination is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 7,470 visitors.
The lovely Russborough House & Park is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 2,502 visitors have left this park an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Petronella Restaurant. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 640 customers.
Locals also recommend Butcher Restaurant, another of the best restaurants in Kilkenny. Butcher Restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 563 customers.
If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Matt The Millers Bar & Restaurant. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,409 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.
After dinner, visit Tynans Bridge House Bar to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Kilkenny, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 509 customers.
You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Kytelers Inn. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Kytelers Inn has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,411 customers.
End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Ireland, and look forward to more great days to come!
Experiences
Day 9 – Munster and Cork
Day 9 – Munster and Cork
- Kilkenny
- Cork
- More
Drive 159 km, 2 hours 15 min
- Kilkenny Castle
- Kilkenny Castle Park
- Cathedral Church of St Canice & Round Tower
- Rock of Cashel
- Cahir Castle
- More
Get ready to experience some of the most famous attractions in the area!
One of the best places to visit is the amazing Kilkenny Castle. This attraction is a schloss country house museum and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 10,742 visitors.
You could also go sightseeing at the incredible Kilkenny Castle. This schloss country house museum and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 10,256 visitors.
St Canice's Cathedral is another popular attraction you can explore. This well-known attraction, a spectacular church, has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 1,943 reviews.
The best tours in this travel destination will take you on an exploration to some of Ireland’s most well-known attractions and best-kept secrets.
With this tour, you’ll set out on a journey to Ireland’s most interesting sights. As you go along this remarkable tour, you’ll also have the unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of Ireland’s scenic spots.
You could then travel to the amazing Rock of Cashel for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is a castle and has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 12,876 visitors.
Another unforgettable travel destination is the outstanding Cahir Castle. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,801 visitors, this castle deserves a spot on travelers' bucket lists.
You’ll also have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Cork.
After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Cornstore Cork, one of the best restaurants in the city of Cork. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,516 customers.
After dinner, visit The Roundy, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Cork. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 974 customers.
You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like The Oval. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 799 customers.
Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Ireland!
Experiences
Day 10 – Cork - departure day
Day 10 – Cork - departure day
- Cork - Departure day
- More
- National Monument
- More
Day 10 of your road trip in Ireland is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Cork before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.
National Monument is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Cork. This monument and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 445 visitors.
Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Cork and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Ireland.
You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Cork at The Roundy before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 974 customers.
You’ll then say farewell to Cork. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Ireland!
Experiences
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