6-Day Ireland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Dublin to Waterford City Metropolitan District and Cork

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Dublin has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in the city and use the provided itinerary to discover what to see in Dublin.

Grafton Street is one of the highlights of today. Take your time exploring this iconic street in Dublin, which offers a perfect blend of history and culture. Plus, it's close to many must-see landmarks in the city. Be sure to also visit Temple Bar, a neighborhood that showcases another side of Dublin.

Look forward to a unique sightseeing adventure at the popular St Stephen's Green and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Book Of Kells, a respected museum that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Dublin Castle, one of the city’s most interesting spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the interesting Phoenix Park.

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.

For an unforgettable shopping experience, visit Temple Bar, the top shopping destination in Dublin. Browse local shops and stores, each offering delightful surprises. Find unique souvenirs or items to take home. After shopping, explore what Temple Bar has to offer, including attractions, essential services, and vibrant community activities.

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 the flavors at Taste Food Company, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Sophie's Restaurant, Bar & Terrace beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider The Confession Box. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Dublin tonight.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Bruxelles. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Light House Cinema, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Bowe's Lounge Bar provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Ireland.

On day 3 of your road trip in Ireland, your travel plans include 2 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Kilkenny and Waterford City Metropolitan District are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Waterford City Metropolitan District, where you will stay for 1 night.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Dublin and set your GPS to Kilkenny. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 1 hour 35 min. Upon reaching Kilkenny, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Kilkenny Castle, a well-known castle in Kilkenny. Explore its romantic features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, St Canice's Cathedral. This beloved church is a top recommendation in the area.

After soaking in Kilkenny’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Waterford City Metropolitan District. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 41 min. When you arrive in Waterford City Metropolitan District, it's time to take a break from the road.

Savor the day by heading to House Of Waterford, an increasingly popular museum that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue to Reginald's Tower, where you can soak in the instagrammable surroundings.

Next, explore Cathedral Of The Most Holy Trinity, Waterford, yet another frequently visited place to see in the area.

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

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Waterford City Metropolitan District's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Don’t miss out on dining at Cafe Lucia, a top-rated dining destination in Waterford City Metropolitan District. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Bodega, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Revolution Craft Beer & Whiskey Bar. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Waterford City Metropolitan District this evening.

Keep the evening going at Geoff's Cafe Bar, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to The Gingerman, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is An Uisce Beatha, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Your itinerary for day 4 of your road trip in Ireland includes 3 stops and features some of the highlights of Carrigtwohill, Cork, and Blarney. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Cork, where you'll spend 1 night.

When you’ve had your share of Waterford City Metropolitan District, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Carrigtwohill. Your travel time is around 1 hour 34 min.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Fota Wildlife Park and explore the visually striking features.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Cork. This drive usually takes around 25 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Cork City Gaol. Spend some time admiring the instagrammable features of the museum before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to St Patrick's Bridge. This locally appreciated monument is a traveler-favorite in the town.

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

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Blarney Castle & Gardens. Spend some time admiring the enchanting features of the castle before you continue to your next stop.

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 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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at The Woodford, a highly-rated dining destination in Cork. If you're eager to try something different, consider Greenes Restaurant, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Izz Cafe. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Cork this evening.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Impala, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, The Shelbourne Bar offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, The Oval provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Head back to your accommodation in Cork and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in Ireland.

On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Ireland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, including Killarney and Kenmare. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Dublin, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Killarney. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 18 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Savor the day by heading to Muckross House, an up-and-coming museum that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue to Torc Mountain, where you can soak in the stunning surroundings.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Kenmare. This car ride takes around 1 hour 2 min.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Mountain Stage Viewpoint and explore the idyllic features.

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

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

Make sure to reserve a table at The Brazen Head, an iconic dining spot in Dublin. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Bewley's Grafton Street, a popular restaurant in Dublin. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of The Shack Restaurant Temple Bar, a hidden gem nestled in Dublin. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, The Bridge 1859 offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, The Dame Tavern is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Mary's Bar & Hardware is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

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