Relaxed 7-Day Ireland Road Trip Starting from Cork to Dublin

Your relaxed road trip through Ireland starts when you reach the incredible city of Cork, where you'll stay for 2 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Cork and begin your adventure in Ireland.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Tramore Valley Park. This much-appreciated park is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 761 reviews.

Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Cork. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.

When you're hungry and ready to take a break from your laid-back adventure, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in Cork.

Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in Cork by securing a table at Goldie. Esteemed as a much-enjoyed Bib Gourmand restaurant, it features an exceptional seafood menu. For an alternative taste experience, visit Ichigo Ichie Bistro & Natural Wine, famous for its scrumptious japanese dishes. This Bib Gourmand venue consistently impresses guests, making it a standout addition to your holiday plans. You might also want to book a table at Izz Cafe. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Cork.

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Cork and take the pulse of the city’s nightlife. Enjoy the night without rushing to fully appreciate it.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Impala, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of The Shelbourne Bar, a bar catering to every mood and preference. The Oval likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

Raise a toast as you look back into the highlights of today’s laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure in Ireland. Enjoy your first taste of Cork as you soak in the city’s unique vibe.

Day 2 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Glanmire, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Ireland are extraordinary.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Fitzgerald's Park. This park is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Cork, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,236 visitors.

Cork City Gaol is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,984 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Ireland more special is by joining unique tours and activities in Ireland. Glanmire offers a wide selection of experiences for every traveler.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Ireland. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Cork, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Enjoy a delicious meal at South County Bar & Café, Douglas, a highly-rated dining destination in Cork. If you're eager to try something different, consider Liberty Grill, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Canty's Bar. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Cork this evening.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

Raise your glass to celebrate another day of your laid-back and relaxed road trip experience in Ireland!

Day 3 of your relaxed road trip across the beautiful country of Ireland will take you on a self-paced journey to more than one incredible place in one day. See some of the best attractions in Ireland, taste the most delectable foods and exquisite drinks, and make incredible memories as you go!

Set your GPS to Cahir and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 54 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Cahir beckons with new experiences!

Drop by the renowned Cahir Castle. This popular castle has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,177 visitors.

The Municipal District of Cahir — Cashel’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Cahir behind. This drive usually takes around 17 min. The Municipal District of Cahir — Cashel welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

When you're ready to see some sights, Rock of Cashel is a great place to start. This castle is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 13,650 visitors.

Set your GPS to The Municipal District of Kildare — Newbridge and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 5 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. The Municipal District of Kildare — Newbridge beckons with new experiences!

Make Irish National Stud & Gardens your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 4,275 reviews.

After a day of exploration, relax at one of the top hotels or accommodations in Dublin. Staying in the city enhances your laid-back road trip experience in Ireland by offering a comfortable and welcoming environment to recharge in this charming destination.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Dublin has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

Set out on a gastronomic journey in Dublin by reserving a table at Bastible. Known for its 1-star Michelin reputation, Bastible captivates its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious modern cuisine. For a different taste, head over to Patrick Guilbaud, renowned for its delectable modern french dishes. This distinguished 2-star Michelin-recipient is a favorite among guests, making it a worthy addition to your holiday plans. Craving more culinary excitement? Explore Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen, a highly rated local gem known for its exquisite modern menu. With a 2-star Michelin acclaim, it promises a dining experience you won't want to miss. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Dublin.

After dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Mulligan's, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to John Kavanagh The Gravediggers. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Cassidy's, another top-rated place in the area.

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back, relaxed road trip adventure across Ireland.

Day 4 of your relaxed road trip through Ireland means 24 hours of making the best memories in Dublin. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the city of Dublin!

Make National Botanic Gardens your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this botanical garden an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 15,941 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Natural History Museum. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,974 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this national museum every year. In fact, this attraction welcomes 108,615 annual visitors.

National Gallery of Ireland is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This art gallery has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 14,801 visitors.

When you’re finished at National Gallery of Ireland, the perfect next stop is National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology. This national museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 12,538 reviews. National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology attracts approximately 370,965 visitors annually.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to St Stephen's Green. This park is a top place to visit, with a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 29,869 reviews.

Tours often allow you to see beyond what books and social media feature about Dublin, its culture, and people. So for a more meaningful travel experience in the city, we recommend you join one of the most popular tours available for your relaxed road trip across Ireland.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Dublin has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Taste Food Company, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Sophie's Restaurant, Bar & Terrace offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, The Confession Box is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Dublin.

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Dublin and take the pulse of the city’s nightlife. Enjoy the night without rushing to fully appreciate it.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Bruxelles stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Light House Cinema offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Bowe's Lounge Bar is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Ireland!

On day 5 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Ireland, you’ll go deep into Dublin, where you'll stay for 1 night, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Dublin, and meet locals along the way!

Kick off the day at Phoenix Park, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 37,460 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Dublin Zoo. Dublin Zoo is a zoo with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 25,781 reviews. Attracting more than 1,105,005 yearly visitors, this place of interest is an attraction you don’t want to miss out on.

Guinness Storehouse is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This tourist attraction is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 19,378 visitors.

Beyond the attractions mentioned above, you also have the opportunity to visit Molly Malone Statue. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 11,943 visitors.

Lastly, don’t miss out on Book of Kells, a famous codex in Dublin. This attraction is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 13,760 travelers.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 5 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Ireland. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Dublin itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at The Brazen Head, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Bewley's Grafton Street offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss The Shack Restaurant Temple Bar. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Dublin.

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Dublin.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting The Bridge 1859, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, The Dame Tavern is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Mary's Bar & Hardware also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Raise your glass in celebration of your freedom and relaxed road trip adventure in Ireland!

On day 6 of your laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure, you’ll have the chance to visit more than one remarkable area in Ireland. Since this self-drive tour offers freedom and flexibility, you can decide how much time you want to spend in each place to enjoy the memorable travel destinations in Ireland.

Journey into the unknown at Ha'penny Bridge, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable footbridge has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 13,413 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Dublin Castle is a recommended place to visit. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 31,657 reviews.

Another must-see attraction in Dublin is Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 9,634 travelers, this popular tourist destination in Dublin offers an experience you will remember.

St Patrick's Cathedral is another popular stop on travelers' itineraries in Dublin. This anglican or episcopal cathedral promises memorable moments of exploring. Other travelers have rated this attraction 4.5 out of 5 stars in 21,374 reviews.

In the city of Cork, you’ll find plenty of stay options that will accommodate your need for rest and relaxation after spending your day on the road. Our top recommendations perfectly complement your relaxed road trip vacation in Ireland.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Cork, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Dan Lowrey's Tavern, a highly-rated dining destination in Cork. If you're eager to try something different, consider Ziggys Bar, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Luigi Malones Cork. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Cork this evening.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Cork.

Look back at an amazing day filled with adventure in Ireland. And don’t forget to get some rest so you can continue your relaxed holiday in Ireland tomorrow with new energy.

Day 7 of your relaxed road trip in Ireland is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Cork.

Make the most of your final day in Ireland by visiting Cork’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Ireland.

If you'd rather pass the time visiting some attractions, this is your chance to go to places you may not have had the chance to explore yet.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Cork is the remarkable St Patrick's Bridge. This bridge and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 608 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 7 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Cork or just grab something light to keep you going.

Esteemed as a much-enjoyed restaurant, it features an exceptional menu. If you're in the mood for something new, try Tony's Bistro, another premier location with a delectable menu.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Cork and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 7-day relaxed road trip in Ireland is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.