Relaxed 12-Day Ireland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Cork to Galway and Dublin

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photo of view of Row home and cathedral in Cobh, Ireland.
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Discover stunning scenery and hidden gems on this 12-day relaxed road trip in Ireland! Cork, Ballincollig, Blarney, Galway, Dublin, Curragha, Laragh, Enniskerry, The Municipal District of Bray, Malahide, Dundrum, Dún Laoghaire, Kilkenny, The Municipal District of Cahir — Cashel, and Cahir await with vibrant culture and lasting memories as you unwind on this self-drive vacation.

Travel freely with this relaxed self-drive package in Ireland, designed for comfort and exploration. Spend 2 nights in Cork, 1 night in Galway, and 8 nights in Dublin, staying at top-rated hotels near the heart of each city. Between drives, indulge in local cuisine, sip refreshing drinks, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at popular restaurants and bars along your road trip route in Ireland.

Your journey starts in Cork, where your rental car with CDW insurance will be ready for pickup. Choose a vehicle that suits your style, then set off on your 12-day relaxed road trip in Ireland to explore its rich culture, fascinating history, and stunning landscapes.

Every stop on this leisurely self-drive holiday comes with handpicked accommodations that make relaxation effortless. Choose from elegant 5-star hotels with breathtaking views or comfortable 3-star stays that offer excellent value, all providing a welcoming retreat after a day on the road.

With your self-drive itinerary in Ireland already planned, you’ll enjoy the country’s most celebrated sights without the rush. Marvel at the stunning Phoenix Park and soak in the atmosphere of the magnificent St Stephen's Green.

Enjoy each stop as you explore the history, architecture, and character of each destination on this Ireland road trip itinerary for 12 days.

As you travel between destinations, you’ll have plenty of time to explore local markets and boutique shops. These stops give you the chance to find unique souvenirs, taste regional specialties, and experience everyday life in Ireland.

If you want to make your 12-day relaxed self-drive tour in Ireland even more memorable, add optional tours or activities. Join a guided excursion, discover hidden neighborhoods, or spend an afternoon in your favorite market. Each choice deepens your connection to the places you visit.

Alongside these experiences, your laid-back self-drive package in Ireland includes 11 nights in comfortable hotels, a rental car for 12 days, and convenient access to nearby dining options. You can also add flights and entry tickets to shape the trip exactly how you want it. With 24/7 travel support and a mobile app keeping your itinerary and documents organized, you can enjoy a relaxed drive and savor every mile of the road ahead.

Turn your travel plans into reality. Book your 12-day relaxed self-drive road trip in Ireland today and enjoy a journey filled with discovery, freedom, and unforgettable moments!

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Driver’s age is 30 - 65
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Pick-up: 10:00
Drop-off: 10:00

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Day 1

Day 1

  • Cork - Arrival day
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  • St Patrick's Bridge
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Your relaxed road trip through Ireland starts when you reach the incredible city of Cork, where you'll stay for 1 night. You'll pick up your rental car in Cork and begin your adventure in Ireland.

Cork is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. Taking a stroll in the city center is a great alternative. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Find your way to your hotel in Cork. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Ireland. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

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 Cork, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Cork and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

Raise a toast as you look back on the highlights of today’s relaxed road trip in Ireland. Enjoy your first taste of Cork as you soak in the city’s unique vibe.

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Day 2

Day 2

  • Cork
  • Galway
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Drive 224 km, 3 hours 17 min

  • Fitzgerald's Park
  • Cork City Gaol
  • Regional Park Ballincollig
  • Blarney Castle & Gardens
  • Blarney Stone
  • More

Day 2 of your relaxed road trip in Ireland will take you on a self-paced journey to more than one incredible place in one day. See some of the best attractions in Ireland, taste the most delectable foods and exquisite drinks, and make incredible memories as you go!

After a day of exploration, relax at one of the top hotels or accommodations in Galway. Staying in the city gives you a comfortable, welcoming place to recharge during your laid-back road trip in Ireland.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Galway has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Galway.

Raise your glass to celebrate another day of your laid-back and relaxed road trip experience in Ireland!

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Day 3

Day 3

  • Galway
  • Dublin
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Drive 209 km, 2 hours 43 min

  • Eyre Square
  • Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas, Galway
  • Spanish Arch
  • More

Day 3 of your self-drive tour in Ireland offers a chance to experience the country’s diversity. You’ll stay in Dublin for 8 nights. Along the way, you’ll glimpse local life and explore some of the most remarkable places in Ireland.

When you’re not exploring beautiful places, you can relax in Dublin. Here, you can choose from the best hotels and other accommodations as you get to know more about the culture in the city.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Ireland. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Dublin, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Dublin and take the pulse of the city’s nightlife. Enjoy the night without rushing to fully appreciate it.

Grab yourself a drink and savor every moment of your relaxed road trip experience in Ireland!

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Dublin
  • More

Drive 123 km, 2 hours 1 min

  • Newgrange
  • Brú na Bóinne
  • Emerald Park
  • More

Your relaxed road trip in Ireland continues on day 4 with more unforgettable memories to make. Today, you’ll get to know Ireland better by exploring the top attractions of Dublin and beyond. With 7 nights left in Dublin, you’ll still have time to eat and unwind at popular restaurants and bars in the city.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Dublin and your accommodation.

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in Ireland, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Dublin.

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Dublin and take the pulse of the city’s nightlife. Enjoy the night without rushing to fully appreciate it.

Toast to another unforgettable and relaxing road trip adventure in Ireland!

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Day 5

Day 5

  • Dublin
  • More

Drive 148 km, 3 hours 25 min

  • Glendalough Cathedral
  • Wicklow Mountains National Park
  • Powerscourt Waterfall
  • Powerscourt House & Gardens
  • Bray Seafront
  • More

On day 5 of your relaxed road trip across Ireland, you’ll explore the area around Dublin, where you’ll be staying for another 6 nights. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Dublin will make you fall even more in love with the city and uniqueness of Ireland.

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

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Dublin has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

Experience the amazing nightlife in Dublin and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

Raise your glass in celebration of your freedom and relaxed road trip adventure in Ireland!

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Day 6

Day 6

  • Dublin
  • More

Drive 37 km, 1 hour 28 min

  • Malahide Castle & Gardens
  • Dublinia
  • Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin
  • Dublin Castle
  • Ha'penny Bridge
  • More

On day 6 of your relaxed road trip in Ireland, you’ll start your self-paced adventure in Dublin and visit amazing attractions in Malahide and Dublin, just outside the city. You still have 5 nights left in Dublin, so today is another excellent opportunity to dine at some of the top-rated restaurants and bars in the area.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Dublin and your accommodation.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Ireland. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Dublin, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in Ireland.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Ireland!

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Day 7

Day 7

  • Dublin
  • More

Drive 6 km, 1 hour 6 min

  • Iveagh Gardens
  • St Stephen's Green
  • National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology
  • National Gallery of Ireland
  • National Museum of Ireland – Natural History
  • More

Ireland makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun road trip experience. Aside from amazing sights, Ireland also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in Ireland, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Dublin.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Dublin and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

Raise your glass to celebrate another day of your laid-back and relaxed road trip experience in Ireland!

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Day 8

Day 8

  • Dublin
  • More

Drive 4 km, 46 min

  • Trinity College Dublin
  • The Book of Kells Experience
  • Irish Whiskey Museum
  • Molly Malone Statue
  • St. Patrick's Cathedral Park
  • More

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Ireland by joining a traveler-approved tour in Cork. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Cork that will make your slow-paced self-drive tour in Ireland more memorable.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Dublin, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

After dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.

Look back at an amazing day filled with adventure in Ireland. And don’t forget to get some rest so you can continue your relaxed holiday in Ireland tomorrow with new energy.

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Day 9

Day 9

  • Dublin
  • More

Drive 38 km, 1 hour 42 min

  • Phoenix Park
  • Dublin Zoo
  • Guinness Storehouse
  • National Botanic Gardens
  • Bull Island
  • More

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Ireland. Check out all of the tours you can join this day of your leisurely self-drive holiday in Ireland and ensure the experience of a lifetime.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Dublin and take the pulse of the city’s nightlife. Enjoy the night without rushing to fully appreciate it.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible, relaxed road trip adventure in the magical Dublin!

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Day 10

Day 10

  • Dublin
  • More

Drive 41 km, 1 hour 35 min

  • Marlay Park
  • Killiney Hill Park
  • Grafton Street
  • O'Connell Street
  • Temple Bar
  • More

Your relaxed road trip in Ireland continues on day 10 with more unforgettable memories to make. Today, you’ll get to know Ireland better by exploring the top attractions of Dublin and beyond. With 1 night left in Dublin, you’ll still have time to eat and unwind at popular restaurants and bars in the city.

Set aside time today to explore Grafton Street, a standout street that reflects the essence of the city. While you're there, you'll also be within reach of some of the city's top landmarks, making it easy to maximize your day.

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

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

Look back at an amazing day filled with adventure in Ireland. And don’t forget to get some rest so you can continue your relaxed holiday in Ireland tomorrow with new energy.

Read more
Day 11

Day 11

  • Dublin
  • Cork
  • More

Drive 288 km, 3 hours 47 min

  • Kilkenny Castle Park
  • Kilkenny Castle
  • Rock of Cashel
  • Cahir Castle
  • More

Day 11 of your leisurely self-drive tour in Ireland offers another chance for an in-depth travel experience. You’ll stay in Cork for 1 night.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.

Continue your laid-back road trip in Ireland as you make your way to Cork. Here, you’ll find top hotels and accommodations in the city, perfect for relaxing and recharging.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Cork, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Cork. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

Look back at an amazing day filled with adventure in Ireland. And don’t forget to get some rest so you can continue your relaxed holiday in Ireland tomorrow with new energy.

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Day 12

Day 12

  • Cork - Departure day
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  • National Monument - Cork
  • More

Day 12 of your relaxed road trip in Ireland is your departure day. If you’re flying home, return your rental car with time to spare.

Over a good meal, take a moment to unwind and reflect on the past 12 days of your relaxed road trip.

The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 12-day relaxed road trip in Ireland is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.

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How it works

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Secure your spot
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Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.
Secure your spot
Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.
Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

We guarantee

Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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