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

Day 2 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Ireland gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience more than one place in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Cork. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Dublin, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 4 nights.

Make Cork Opera House your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this opera house an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,872 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Fitzgerald's Park. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,236 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this park every year.

Blarney welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Blarney Castle & Gardens. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 10,871 reviews.

Blarney Stone is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This stone is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,888 reviews.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Glanmire. This car ride takes around 19 min.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Munster Technological University, a remarkable technological university where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 3,437 reviews.

You’ll be staying at the incredible city of Dublin in this laid-back road trip in Ireland. You'll stay here for 4 nights.

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 Dublin, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Dublin by booking a table at Bastible. This popular restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of modern cuisine. For another culinary dining option, venture to Patrick Guilbaud, celebrated for its delectable modern french menu. This acclaimed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, ensuring an essential addition to your holiday itinerary. Seeking an alternative? Discover Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen, a top local restaurant known for its tantalizing modern menu. With a 2-star Michelin recognition, it promises an exceptional dining experience not to be missed.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Dublin and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Mulligan's. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to John Kavanagh The Gravediggers, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Cassidy's provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

Toast to another unforgettable and relaxing road trip adventure in Ireland!

On day 3 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Ireland, you’ll go deep into Dublin, where you'll stay for 3 nights, 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!

When you're ready to see some sights, St Patrick's Cathedral is a great place to start. This anglican or episcopal cathedral is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 21,374 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin. This anglican or episcopal cathedral has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 9,634 travelers.

We also recommend a stop at Dublin Castle. The point of interest has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 31,657 visitors.

If you're keen to explore more, consider visiting Ha'penny Bridge. This footbridge is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 13,413 reviews.

Molly Malone Statue is another easily accessible place to visit on this day of your trip. Stop by this sightseeing destination, rated 4.4 out of 5 stars in 11,943 reviews, to discover more of what makes it unique.

Ireland makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun exploration. Aside from amazing sights, Ireland also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

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.

Make sure to book a table at Taste Food Company, a popular restaurant in Dublin. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Dublin at Sophie's Restaurant, Bar & Terrace, 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 The Confession Box. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Dublin tonight.

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

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Bruxelles, known for its lively atmosphere. Light House Cinema is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Bowe's Lounge Bar offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Grab yourself a drink and savor every moment of your relaxed road trip experience in Ireland!

Day 4 of your relaxed road trip through Ireland means 24 hours of making the best memories in Dublin. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Dublin. In the evening, you will experience one of the most popular dining spots in the city. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by Dublin!

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to National Gallery Of Ireland. This art gallery is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 14,801 reviews.

Next up, make your way to National Museum Of Ireland – Archaeology. This national museum has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 12,538 reviews. Usually, around 370,965 people visit National Museum Of Ireland – Archaeology every year.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Little Museum Of Dublin. This art museum has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,413 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit St Stephen's Green. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 29,869 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Book Of Kells. This codex is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 13,760 visitors.

Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Ireland more special is by joining unique tours and activities. Dublin 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 Dublin, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

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.

Experience the amazing nightlife in Dublin and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at The Bridge 1859. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to The Dame Tavern, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Mary's Bar & Hardware provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

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

Make Phoenix Park one of your first sightseeing stops in Dublin. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 37,460 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Dublin Zoo is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This zoo is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 25,781 reviews. Up to 1,105,005 travelers visit this site every year to make their time in Dublin special.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by Guinness Storehouse. This tourist attraction has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 19,378 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, head to National Botanic Gardens. A trip to this popular botanical garden is also your opportunity to see if it lives up to the reputable 4.8 out of 5-star rating as given by 15,941 previous visitors.

Another top place to visit is Bull Island. This island enjoys an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,983 local and international 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.

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in Ireland, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Dublin.

Have a fantastic dining experience at SOLE Seafood & Grill, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Kehoes Pub offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, The Cobblestone is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Dublin.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Dublin and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, John Fallon's "the Capstan Bar" offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink.

Soak in the unique atmosphere of Dublin as you commemorate this day of your relaxed road trip through Ireland with a toast. Cheers to a memorable leisurely self-drive holiday 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.

Set your GPS to Kilkenny and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 34 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Kilkenny beckons with new experiences!

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Kilkenny Castle. This schloss country house museum is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Kilkenny, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 10,966 visitors.

Kilkenny Castle is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 11,597 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

After soaking in Kilkenny’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: The Municipal District of Cahir — Cashel. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 53 min. When you arrive in The Municipal District of Cahir — Cashel, it's time to take a break from the road.

Take the opportunity to see Brú Ború Heritage Centre. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 189 visitors.

Rock Of Cashel is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This castle has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 13,650 travelers.

After soaking in The Municipal District of Cahir — Cashel’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Cahir. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 17 min. When you arrive in Cahir, it's time to take a break from the road.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Cahir Castle. This extraordinary castle is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,177 visitors.

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.

Exploring the food culture in Cork offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

Experience a harmony of flavors at Goldie in Cork by securing a reservation in advance. Known for its Bib Gourmand status, Goldie offers a delightful variety of dishes highlighting its delicious seafood menu. If you're seeking an alternative culinary experience, be sure to explore Ichigo Ichie Bistro & Natural Wine, a highly recommended restaurant known for its enticing japanese cuisine. This popular Bib Gourmand-awarded venue consistently exceeds expectations, ensuring a memorable holiday experience.

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