6-Day Ireland Road Trip from Cork traveling north to Waterford City Metropolitan District and Kilkenny

Your road trip adventure in Ireland begins as soon as you reach Cork and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Cork 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 city.

Cork is a beautiful city 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 St Patrick's Bridge or taking a stroll in the city center. 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 in Cork. 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.

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Cork by booking a table at Goldie. This popular restaurant holds a Bib Gourmand award, and offers an exceptional menu of seafood cuisine. For another culinary dining option, venture to Ichigo Ichie Bistro & Natural Wine, celebrated for its delectable japanese menu. This acclaimed Bib Gourmand-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, ensuring an essential addition to your holiday itinerary. You might also want to secure a reservation at Liberty Grill. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Cork this evening.

Keep the evening going at The Shelbourne Bar, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to The Oval, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks.

Raise a toast to the start of your 6-day road trip in Ireland!

On day 2 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Ireland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, Glanmire, Cork, and Blarney. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Waterford City Metropolitan District, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Fitzgerald's Park. This extraordinary park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 5,170 visitors.

Next, make your way to Cork City Gaol. This prison is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,919 reviews.

Upon your arrival in Glanmire, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Munster Technological University. This technological university is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 3,397 visitors.

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

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Waterford City Metropolitan District.

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in Waterford City Metropolitan District by reserving a table at Everett's. Renowned as a Bib Gourmand restaurant, it offers an exceptional modern menu. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Revolution Craft Beer & Whiskey Bar, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Emiliano's. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Waterford City Metropolitan District this evening.

Continue your lively evening at Geoff's Cafe Bar, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. The Gingerman is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, An Uisce Beatha ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Ireland!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your road trip in Ireland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Kilkenny. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Kilkenny. You will spend 2 nights here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Kilkenny, 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 Waterford City Metropolitan District to Kilkenny may take around 39 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Kilkenny, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like The National Reptile Zoo. This extraordinary zoo has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,558 visitors.

Next, make your way to Kilkenny Castle. This schloss country house museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 10,743 reviews.

While in Kilkenny, we also recommend a visit to Kilkenny Castle. This schloss country house museum has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 11,458 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 792 travelers, this museum is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing around Kilkenny.

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 dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Kilkenny. 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.

Make sure to reserve a table at Billy Byrnes Gastro Bar & Venue, an iconic dining spot in Kilkenny. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Langtons Hotel Kilkenny, a popular restaurant in Kilkenny. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Italian Connection, a hidden gem nestled in Kilkenny. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Biddy Early´s, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Tynans Bridge House Bar offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Kilkenny. Ryans Bar is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

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

Greet day 4 of your road trip in Ireland with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You will return to Kilkenny for your remaining 1 night in the town later today, but first, it’s time for some exploring! On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in The Municipal District of Castlecomer and Kilkenny.

When you're ready to see some sights, St Canice's Cathedral is a great place to start. This church is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,044 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny. This tourist attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,148 travelers.

We also recommend a stop at St. Mary's Cathedral. The church has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 752 visitors.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in The Municipal District of Castlecomer. This drive usually takes around 23 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Make Castlecomer Discovery Park your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this museum an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,420 reviews.

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

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at Butcher Restaurant, a top-rated dining destination in Kilkenny. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider The Pumphouse, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Cleere's Bar & Theatre. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Kilkenny this evening.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Christy's Bar, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Ireland!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 5 of your road trip in Ireland. Today, you will make 4 stops and experience some of the highlights of The Municipal District of Cahir — Cashel, Cahir, Carrigtwohill, and Cobh. 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.

The Municipal District of Cahir — Cashel’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Kilkenny behind. This drive usually takes around 52 min. The Municipal District of Cahir — Cashel welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Rock of Cashel. Previous visitors have rated this castle an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 13,510 reviews.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Cahir. This car ride takes around 17 min.

Make Cahir Castle one of your first sightseeing stops in Cahir. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,042 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Cork, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

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

Esteemed as a restaurant, it features an exceptional menu. Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Luigi Malones Cork, a top-rated dining spot in Cork. If you're in the mood for something new, try Costigan's Pub, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Hayfield Manor Hotel. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Cork.

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

Day 6 of your road trip in Ireland is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Cork 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 Cork’s best shopping location. Your accommodation’s convenient location near the city’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.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Triskel Arts Centre. Previous visitors have rated this venue an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 506 reviews.

Before you conclude your road trip in Ireland, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Cork.

As a top-rated it is an ideal choice in the city. Enjoy a lovely meal at White Rabbit Bar & BBQ, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, The SpitJack Cork is another top choice with a popular menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Cork. 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!