5-Day Ireland Road Trip from Dingle to Cork and Kilkenny
Description
Included
Description
Experience the freedom of the open road in Ireland as you embark on an unforgettable 5-day road trip! This experience caters to every traveler, featuring destinations like Dingle, Killarney, Cork, Glanmire, Blarney, Kilkenny, The Municipal District of Adare — Rathkeale, and The Municipal District of Newcastle West. Set off on the ultimate European adventure and create memories that will last a lifetime.
This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in Ireland takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 2 nights in Dingle, 1 night in Cork, and 1 night in Kilkenny. 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 got you covered.
Upon arriving in Dingle, 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. Kilkenny Castle and Killarney National Park are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.
As you hit the open road and drive through Dingle, Killarney, Cork, Glanmire, Blarney, Kilkenny, The Municipal District of Adare — Rathkeale, and The Municipal District of Newcastle West, 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, accommodation, 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!
Itinerary summary
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Day 1
- Dingle - Arrival day
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- Dingle Lighthouse (Teach Solais an Daingin)
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Your road trip adventure in Ireland begins as soon as you reach Dingle and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Dingle for 1 night and explore the best things to see and do, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the town.
Dingle is a beautiful town with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Dingle Lighthouse (Teach Solais a Daingin) or taking a stroll in the town center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Dingle. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Ireland. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the town.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Dingle. 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.
Raise a toast to the start of your 5-day road trip in Ireland!
Day 2
- Cork
- Killarney
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Drive 182 km, 4 hours 6 min
- Ross Castle
- Muckross Abbey
- Muckross House
- Killarney National Park
- Torc Mountain
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 2 of your road trip in Ireland. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Killarney. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Cork, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.
Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Killarney, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Kenmare to Killarney may take around 1 hour 10 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Killarney, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.
Make Ross Castle your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this castle an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 7,141 reviews.
Next up, make a stop at Muckross Abbey. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,866 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this abbey every year.
Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Killarney, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Kenmare to Killarney may take around 1 hour 10 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Killarney, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.
When you're ready to see some sights, Muckross House is a great place to start. This house is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 9,388 visitors.
Another popular attraction you can visit today is Killarney National Park. This park has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 10,587 travelers.
We also recommend a stop at Torc Mountain. The mountain has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,640 visitors.
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.
Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Goldie, a Bib Gourmand restaurant offering an incredible seafood menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Ichigo Ichie Bistro & Natural Wine is one of the best restaurants for japanese cuisine in Cork. This Bib Gourmand-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. As a top-rated it is an ideal choice in the city. You could also check for a table at Liberty Grill. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Cork tonight.
After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like The Shelbourne Bar, known for its lively atmosphere. The Oval is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance.
Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Ireland.
Day 3
- Kilkenny
- Glanmire
- Cork
- Blarney
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Drive 178 km, 2 hours 52 min
- Blackrock Castle Observatory
- Fitzgerald's Park
- Cork City Gaol
- Blarney Castle & Gardens
- Blarney Stone
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On day 3 of your road trip in Ireland, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Glanmire, Cork, and Blarney. In the evening, you’ll end up in Kilkenny, where you will stay for 1 night.
Make Fitzgerald's Park one of your first sightseeing stops in Cork. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,170 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.
Cork City Gaol is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This prison is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,919 reviews.
Upon reaching Glanmire, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Munster Technological University. This technological university is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Glanmire, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,397 visitors.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Kilkenny. Kilkenny offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.
As you explore more of Kilkenny, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.
Have a fantastic dining experience at Billy Byrnes Gastro Bar & Venue, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Langtons Hotel Kilkenny offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Italian Connection is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Kilkenny.
Cap off your dinner by heading to Biddy Early´s, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Tynans Bridge House Bar is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Ryans Bar is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.
As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Ireland.
Day 4
- Dingle
- Kilkenny
- Adare
- Newcastle West
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Drive 279 km, 3 hours 55 min
- Kilkenny Castle
- Kilkenny Castle Park
- Adare Town Park
- Castle Desmond
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your road trip in Ireland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 vibrant destinations - Kilkenny, The Municipal District of Adare — Rathkeale, and The Municipal District of Newcastle West. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Dingle. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.
Make Kilkenny Castle your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this schloss country house museum an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 11,458 reviews.
Next up, make a stop at Kilkenny Castle. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 10,743 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this schloss country house museum every year.
As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Kilkenny, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to The Municipal District of Adare — Rathkeale may take around 1 hour 45 min. Upon your arrival in The Municipal District of Adare — Rathkeale, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.
Be one of the day’s first visitors at Adare Town Park. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 185 visitors.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Dingle, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the town.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Dingle. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the town, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
This renowned restaurant holds , and offers an exceptional menu of cuisine.
Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Ireland!
Day 5
- Dingle - Departure day
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- Conor Pass
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Day 5 of your road trip in Ireland is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Dingle before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
As your final day in Ireland unfolds, don’t miss the chance for a last-minute shopping spree in Dingle’s best shopping location. Your accommodation’s convenient location near the town’s shopping area offers the luxury of time, so you don’t have to limit yourself from leisurely strolling its streets amidst a collection of establishments.
Look for the perfect gift for your loved ones back home, or buy yourself a little keepsake to remind you of Ireland. Keep the spirit of your trip to Ireland alive with these special souvenirs.
Before you conclude your road trip in Ireland, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Dingle.
You’ll then say farewell to Dingle. 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!
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