6-Day Ireland Road Trip from Cork traveling west to Killarney, Limerick, and Galway

Say hello to Cork! Your exciting road trip through Ireland is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the city. You will stay in Cork for 1 night before you continue your adventure!

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.

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 hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.

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.

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. You might also want to secure a reservation at Liberty Grill. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent 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, Cork, Glanmire, and Blarney. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Killarney, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Killarney. This car ride takes around 1 hour 18 min.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Fitzgerald's Park. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 5,170 visitors.

Cork City Gaol is another popular attraction you could visit today. This prison has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,919 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Glanmire.

Kick off the day at Munster Technological University, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This technological university is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 3,397 reviews.

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

As you explore more of Killarney, 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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at The Mad Monk by Quinlans, a top-rated dining destination in Killarney. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Hannigans Bar, Restaurant & Rooftop Balcony, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at The Shire Bar & Cafe. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Killarney this evening.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like John M. Reidy, known for its lively atmosphere. Courtney's Bar is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Jimmy Brien's offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night 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 - Killarney. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Limerick. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Set your GPS to Killarney and hit the road. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Killarney beckons with new experiences!

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Ross Castle. This castle is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 7,141 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Muckross Abbey. This abbey has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,866 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Limerick. Limerick 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.

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

As a top-rated it is an ideal choice in the city. Enjoy a lovely meal at Collins Bar Dooradoyle, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Bobby Byrne's is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at The Old Quarter GastroPub. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Limerick tonight.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to South's Pub, known for its inviting atmosphere. The Glen Tavern is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, The Red Hen provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

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

On day 4 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 Bunratty and Kinvarra. In the evening, you’ll end up in Galway, where you will stay for 1 night.

Journey into the unknown at Cliffs of Moher, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable cliff has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 32,664 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Poulnabrone dolmen is a recommended place to visit. This dolmen is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 2,978 reviews.

Another must-see attraction in Bunratty is Aillwee Cave. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,904 travelers, this popular tourist destination in Bunratty offers an experience you will remember.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Limerick, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Bunratty may take around 18 min. Upon your arrival in Bunratty, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Bunratty Castle & Folk Park. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 12,442 visitors.

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

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

Dine in style at The Front Door Pub, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, O'Connell's Bar Galway boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Zappis Restaurant. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Galway.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Tigh Neachtain. Alternatively, go to The Crane Bar, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, O'Connor's Famous Pub provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

Say good night to Galway and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Ireland!

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Ireland. Today you will explore Carrigtwohill, Galway, and Cobh, 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 Cork. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

After soaking in Galway’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Carrigtwohill. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 2 hours 44 min. When you arrive in Carrigtwohill, it's time to take a break from the road.

When you're ready to see some sights, Fota Wildlife Park is a great place to start. This zoo is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,379 visitors.

After soaking in Galway’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Carrigtwohill. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 2 hours 44 min. When you arrive in Carrigtwohill, it's time to take a break from the road.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Eyre Square. This much-appreciated square is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 13,114 reviews.

Next up is Spanish Arch. This point of interest has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 5,753 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.

Make sure to book a table at Luigi Malones Cork, a popular restaurant in Cork. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Cork at Costigan's Pub, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is Hayfield Manor Hotel. As a dining spot that gains consistently high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Cork tonight.

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

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

Savor the flavors at White Rabbit Bar & BBQ, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, The SpitJack Cork beckons with its unique menu offerings.

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!