5-Day Ireland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Cork traveling east to Dublin

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photo of view of Row home and cathedral in Cobh, Ireland.

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Experience the freedom of the open road on an unforgettable 5-day road trip in Ireland! Embark on a self-drive tour that caters to every traveler, featuring destinations like Cork, Blarney, Glanmire, and Dublin.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Ireland. You will spend 2 nights in Cork and 2 nights in Dublin. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!

With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in Ireland. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have you covered.

Upon arriving in Cork, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover Ireland on your own terms.

An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in Ireland. Phoenix Park and St Stephen's Green are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Cork, Blarney, Glanmire, and Dublin, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Ireland. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in Ireland.

Throughout your road trip in Ireland, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Ireland.

This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodations, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.

The best services in Ireland fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in Ireland today!

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Flights

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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

Cork - Arrival day
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Shandon
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Your road trip adventure in Ireland begins as soon as you reach Cork and pick up your car. You’ll stay here for 1 night and explore what to see in Cork, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.

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.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Cork. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Ireland. We recommend staying at a central location for easy access to key areas in the city.

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.

Raise a toast to the start of your 5-day road trip in Ireland!

Day 2

Cork
Dublin
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Drive 287 km, 3 hours 52 min

Cork Opera House
Blarney Castle & Gardens
Blarney Stone
Fitzgerald's Park
Blackrock Castle Observatory
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Dive into day 2 of your remarkable road trip in Ireland. Today you'll explore 3 destinations, including Cork, Blarney, and Glanmire. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Dublin, where you'll spend 2 nights.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Dublin. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

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

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Day 3

Dublin
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Drive 26 km, 1 hour 25 min

Phoenix Park
Dublin Zoo
Guinness Storehouse
St Stephen's Green
National Botanic Gardens
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Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Ireland. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

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

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Ireland!

Day 4

Dublin
Cork
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Drive 253 km, 3 hours 13 min

Dublin Castle
St. Patrick's Cathedral Park
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On day 4 of your road trip in Ireland, your travel plans include 1 stop at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Dublin are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Cork, where you will stay for 1 night.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Cork. Cork offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

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.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Ireland!

Day 5

Cork - Departure day
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Triskel Arts Centre
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Day 5 of your road trip in Ireland is your departure day. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing vacation.

Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Ireland!

How it works

Book your journey with Europe’s biggest travel platform—expert itineraries, instant confirmation, and full flexibility with 24/7 support.

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.

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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