7-Day Ireland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Cork traveling east to Galway and Dublin

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photo of view of Row home and cathedral in Cobh, Ireland.

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Description

Explore the best of Ireland on a remarkable 7-day road trip! Combine exploration with relaxation on a self-drive tour featuring Cork, Blarney, Galway, The Municipal District of Trim, and Dublin.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Ireland. You will spend 2 nights in Cork, 1 night in Galway, and 3 nights in Dublin. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!

With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in Ireland. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have you covered.

Upon arriving in Cork, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover Ireland on your own terms.

An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in Ireland. Phoenix Park and St Stephen's Green are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Cork, Blarney, Galway, The Municipal District of Trim, and Dublin, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Ireland. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in Ireland.

Throughout your road trip in Ireland, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Ireland.

This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodations, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.

The best services in Ireland fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in Ireland today!

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Driver’s age is 30 - 65

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Pick-up: 10:00

Drop-off: 10:00

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Day 1

Cork - Arrival day
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Shandon
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Your road trip adventure in Ireland begins as soon as you reach Cork and pick up your car. You’ll stay here for 1 night and explore what to see in Cork, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.

Cork is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. Taking a stroll in the city center is a great alternative. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Find your way to your hotel in Cork. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Ireland. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

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.

Raise a toast to the start of your 7-day road trip in Ireland!

Day 2

Cork
Galway
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Drive 209 km, 3 hours 7 min

Cork Opera House
Fitzgerald's Park
Cork City Gaol
Blarney Castle & Gardens
Blarney Stone
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On day 2 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Ireland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, including Cork and Blarney. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Galway, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Galway. Galway offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Galway. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

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

Day 3

Galway
Dublin
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Drive 224 km, 3 hours 15 min

Eyre Square
Spanish Arch
Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas, Galway
Trim Castle
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Your itinerary for day 3 of your road trip in Ireland includes 2 stops and features some of the highlights of Galway and The Municipal District of Trim. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Dublin, where you'll spend 3 nights.

Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Galway.

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

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Dublin. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

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

Day 4

Dublin
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Drive 16 km, 1 hour 5 min

Phoenix Park
Dublin Zoo
Guinness Storehouse
Molly Malone Statue
The Book of Kells Experience
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Day 4 offers an itinerary packed with the best things to see in Cork. You’ll stay in Dublin for 2 nights more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

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

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Ireland!

Day 5

Dublin
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Drive 12 km, 1 hour 7 min

St Stephen's Green
National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology
National Gallery of Ireland
National Botanic Gardens
Grafton Street
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One of the most iconic spots you can visit today is Grafton Street. Allow yourself some time to explore this street and discover its unique quirks. You'll also find many of the best sightseeing spots nearby.

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.

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

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Ireland.

Day 6

Dublin
Cork
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Drive 253 km, 3 hours 12 min

Ha'penny Bridge
Dublin Castle
St. Patrick's Cathedral Park
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On day 6 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 1 night.

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 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.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in Ireland.

Day 7

Cork - Departure day
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Triskel Arts Centre
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Day 7 of your road trip in Ireland is your departure day. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing vacation.

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!

How it works

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Secure your spot

Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.

Get instant confirmation

Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.

Personalize your itinerary

Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.

Easily make changes

Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.

Enjoy seamless planning

With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.

Explore with confidence

From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

Secure your spot

Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.

Get instant confirmation

Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.

Personalize your itinerary

Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.

Easily make changes

Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.

Enjoy seamless planning

With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.

Explore with confidence

From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

We guarantee

Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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