11-Day Ireland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Cork traveling north to Killarney, Galway, Dublin, and Kilkenny

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 2 of your road trip in Ireland. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Cork, Blarney, and Ballincollig. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Killarney, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Today's adventure in Cork promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences! Begin at Fitzgerald's Park. This eye-catching park is a highlight of any visit in the city. Then, enjoy Cork City Gaol, another heritage-rich attraction that never fails to captivate visitors.

After soaking in Cork’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Blarney. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 11 min. When you arrive in Blarney, it's time to take a break from the road.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Blarney Castle & Gardens. Spend some time admiring the enchanting features of the castle before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Blarney Stone. This locally appreciated monument is a traveler-favorite in the city.

After soaking in Blarney’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Ballincollig. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 15 min. When you arrive in Ballincollig, it's time to take a break from the road.

Regional Park Ballincollig is an intriguing park we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its idyllic features before continuing your self-guided tour.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Killarney. Killarney offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Killarney's best restaurants.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Malarkey, a top-rated dining spot in Killarney. If you're in the mood for something new, try The Mad Monk by Quinlans, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Vendricks Restaurant. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Killarney.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, John M. Reidy stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Courtney's Bar offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Jimmy Brien's is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Ireland.

On day 4 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Galway, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. On today's itinerary, you'll find attractions in Kinvarra and Galway. You still have 2 nights left in Galway.

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Galway, featuring exciting experiences. Start at Great Escape Rooms, an underrated escape room in the village.

Take your self-guided tour to Connemara National Park, an increasingly popular national park that everyone visiting Kinvarra should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Next, head to Walled Victorian Garden. This eye-catching botanical garden is one of the most increasingly popular attractions in the region. Don’t miss out on Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden, an inviting monastery, popular among locals as well as travelers.

Set your GPS to Galway and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 31 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Galway beckons with new experiences!

Savor the rest of your day by heading to Dunguaire Castle, an up-and-coming castle that draws visitors from near and far.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Galway.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Galway. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Apoema Bistro, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Finnegans? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Gemelle's as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Galway.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at The Crane Bar, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, O'connor's Famous Pub offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Sally Longs Rock Bar provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Ireland.

Day 5 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Galway for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Today, you'll explore some of the most beautiful places in Galway, including a public square, a museum, a historical landmark, a church and much more! Start your day with a visit to Eyre Square. This captivating public square is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Galway City Museum, which may be one of the most standout places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Galway on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Spanish Arch, one of the city’s most often recommended historical landmark. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Cathedral Of Our Lady Assumed Into Heaven And St Nicholas, Galway.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Ireland is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Galway's best restaurants.

Enjoy a delicious meal at The Galleon Restaurant, a highly-rated dining destination in Galway. If you're eager to try something different, consider John Keogh's Gastropub, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at RÉ NAO. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Galway this evening.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Garavan's Bar, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Caribou is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Tonerys Bar also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Ireland!

Day 7 of your road trip across Ireland promises a magnificent time exploring Dublin. You have 2 nights left in Dublin. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Dublin. Some of the city’s most loved attractions await. Phoenix Park is the perfect place to start. This park is one of the most popular places to visit in Dublin. Next, head to Dublin Zoo, a well-known zoo, known for its breathtaking features.

In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to Guinness Storehouse. This standout brewery offers a unique experience that is highly recommended. Meanwhile, Dublin Castle adds its own distinct charm to your journey. Finish your day with a visit to National Botanic Gardens, a romantic botanical garden in Dublin.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Ireland is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Dublin. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Taste Food Company, a top-rated dining spot in Dublin. If you're in the mood for something new, try Sophie's Restaurant, Bar & Terrace, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at The Confession Box. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Dublin.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Bruxelles is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Light House Cinema, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Bowe's Lounge Bar. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

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

On day 8 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Dublin. You’ll stay in Dublin for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Dublin, featuring a charming, a peaceful, a gorgeous, an instagrammable, a historic, a monumental, a majestic, and a noteworthy. Start at St Stephen's Green, a well-known park in the city. Then, head to St Patrick's Cathedral and soak in the ambiance of this breathtaking church.

There are many interesting places to see in Dublin and when you are ready for more, go to Molly Malone Statue. This is one of the city’s most well-known spots. After exploring the monument, visit the popular Book Of Kells. Before wrapping up your self-guided sightseeing tour, head to the popular National Museum Of Ireland – Archaeology, a popular museum in the city.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Ireland is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at The Brazen Head, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Bewley's Grafton Street offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss The Shack Restaurant Temple Bar. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Dublin.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at The Bridge 1859, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to The Dame Tavern. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Mary's Bar & Hardware, another top-rated place in the area.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Ireland.

Dive into day 9 of your remarkable road trip in Ireland. Today you will explore Dublin and Kilkenny, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Kilkenny. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Discover a day packed with a charming, an awe-inspiring, a picture-perfect, a historic, a symbolic, and a monumental in Dublin. Begin your sightseeing with Ha'penny Bridge. This captivating monument is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Dublinia, another must-visit attraction that enhances the city’s allure.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Dublin, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin. This beloved church is a traveler-favorite.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Dublin, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Kilkenny may take around 1 hour 28 min. Upon your arrival in Kilkenny, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Take your self-guided tour to Kilkenny Castle, a well-known park that everyone visiting Kilkenny should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Next, head to Kilkenny Castle. This awe-inspiring castle is one of the most interesting attractions in the region.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Kilkenny. Kilkenny offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Kilkenny's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at Campagne, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an exceptional modern menu. Alternatively, experience a taste of Kilkenny at Langtons Hotel Kilkenny, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at The Dylan Whisky Bar, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Biddy Early´s, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Tynans Bridge House Bar provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 10 of your road trip in Ireland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 4 vibrant destinations - The Municipal District of Cahir — Cashel, Cahir, Carrigtwohill, and Midleton. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Cork. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Cahir. This car ride takes around 16 min.

Your self-guided tour starts at Rock Of Cashel, a captivating castle that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey. Next, head to Cashel Folk Village and admire its heritage-rich features.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Cahir. This drive usually takes around 16 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Savor the rest of your day by heading to Cahir Castle, a curiosity-inducing castle that draws visitors from near and far.

When you’ve had your share of Cahir, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Carrigtwohill. Your travel time is around 54 min.

Spend your afternoon discovering Fota Wildlife Park, an interesting wildlife reserve known for its idyllic features.

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

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Cork. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

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.

Relax and reminisce about your day in Ireland and look forward to more memorable moments to come!