6-Day Ireland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Dublin traveling south to Cork

Day 2 offers an itinerary packed with the best things to see in Dublin. You’ll stay in Dublin for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Start your day at Phoenix Park. This mesmerizing park is a locally renowned place to see in Dublin. Then, wander over to Guinness Storehouse. If historic sites excite you, this brewery will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find St Patrick's Cathedral. This picture-perfect church is a favorite among visitors.

Dublin offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Dublin Castle is a well-known spot in the city that will captivate you with its unique charm. When you’re done at the castle, don’t forget to check out the mesmerizing National Botanic Gardens. Take a moment to appreciate the fascinating details of this locally renowned botanical garden.

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 Henry Street, 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 Henry Street has to offer, including attractions, essential services, and vibrant community activities.

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

Prepare for an extraordinary culinary adventure in Dublin by booking a table at Bastible, a 1-star Michelin restaurant that boasts an exceptional modern menu. For a different flavor experience, head to Patrick Guilbaud, renowned for its delectable modern french dishes. This 2-star Michelin restaurant consistently wows guests, making it a memorable stop during your holiday. Looking for another option? Visit Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen, a local gem known for its delightful modern cuisine in Dublin. Nestled in the city's heart, this 2-star Michelin restaurant is a perfect choice for discerning restaurant-goers seeking a new experience.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Bruxelles, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Light House Cinema offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Bowe's Lounge Bar provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

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

On day 3 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 2 nights.

Book Of Kells brings Dublin's character to life. This instagrammable museum is a highlight of any visit in the city. Then, enjoy National Museum Of Ireland – Archaeology, another visually striking attraction that never fails to captivate visitors. Next, head over to St Stephen's Green, one of the city’s most notable attractions, known for its eye-catching features.

If you’re looking for more, spend time soaking in the atmosphere of Dublin Zoo. This mesmerizing zoo is frequented by locals and tourists alike. To complete your memorable day, make sure to take a stroll around the area.

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.

Cork is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Cork.

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in Cork by reserving a table at Goldie. Renowned as a Bib Gourmand restaurant, it offers an exceptional seafood menu. For a different taste experience, head to Ichigo Ichie Bistro & Natural Wine, recognized for its delicious japanese dishes. This Bib Gourmand restaurant consistently impresses guests, ensuring a memorable addition to your holiday.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Impala after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to The Shelbourne Bar, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, The Oval also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Ireland!

On day 4 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to discover what to see in Glanmire. You’ll stay in Cork for 1 night.

Munster Technological University brings Cork's character to life. This stunning astronomical observatory is a highlight of any visit in the town. Then, enjoy Fitzgerald's Park, another instagrammable attraction that never fails to captivate visitors. Next, head over to Cork City Gaol, one of the town’s most beloved attractions, known for its photogenic features.

If you’re looking for more, spend time soaking in the atmosphere of Blarney Castle & Gardens. This respected castle is frequented by locals and tourists alike. To complete your memorable day, make sure to visit Blarney Stone, an often recommended monument, and take a stroll around the area.

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

Have a fantastic dining experience at South County Bar & Café, Douglas, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Liberty Grill offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Canty's Bar is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Cork.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Ireland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 4 destinations, including Carrigtwohill, Cobh, Cahir, and The Municipal District of Cahir — Cashel. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Dublin, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

One of the most captivating attractions included on the itinerary is Fota Wildlife Park. This instagrammable wildlife reserve will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Titanic Experience Cobh and learn what makes this photogenic museum unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the increasingly popular Cahir Castle. After exploring the castle, head to Rock Of Cashel. This captivating castle is a highlight in Cork.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Dublin. Dublin 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 Dublin, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Dine in style at The Brazen Head, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Bewley's Grafton Street boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out The Shack Restaurant Temple Bar. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Dublin.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at The Bridge 1859, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, The Dame Tavern offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Mary's Bar & Hardware provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

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