7-Day Ireland Road Trip from Dublin traveling south to Waterford City Metropolitan District and Cork

Say hello to Dublin! Your exciting road trip through Ireland is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the city. You will stay in Dublin for 2 nights before you continue your adventure!

Dublin is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

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

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Dublin. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Indulge in an exquisite dining experience at Bastible. Renowned for its prestigious 1 Michelin-star rating and an array of mouthwatering dishes, Bastible consistently impresses foreign and local diners, garnering praise for its exceptional modern cuisine.

The Temple Bar Pub is one of the best bars in Dublin and the perfect place for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 25,491 customers.

You may also want to check out The Brazen Head. Equally popular, this bar offers a great drink list and a nice atmosphere for your celebrations. The Brazen Head is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 11,980 customers.

Alternatively, head out to The Church Café, Late Bar & Restaurant. The Church Café, Late Bar & Restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 10,779 customers and is a top choice among travelers as well as locals.

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

Day 2 of your road trip across Ireland promises a magnificent time exploring Dublin. You have 1 night left in Dublin. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Your discoveries in Dublin do not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Dublin on this day of your trip. You can select your tours below.

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

Reserve a table at The Vintage Kitchen, a renowned restaurant in Dublin. This culinary gem and its flavorful dishes have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 911 guests.

Ensure you experience culinary excellence at Chapter One Restaurant while in Dublin. This dining establishment presents an exquisite menu that has received a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, acclaimed by 849 discerning diners.

Experience a taste of Dublin at Mr Fox, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 690 customers.

If you're in the mood for an after-dinner drink, Porterhouse Temple Bar is our number one recommendation. Around 7,884 customers have rated this bar 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Light House Cinema also has a great drinks menu. This bar is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 3,744 reviews.

The Old Storehouse Bar and Restaurant is another popular place to spend the evening in Dublin. This bar is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,719 customers.

Relax and reminisce about your day in Ireland and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Ireland. Today you will explore Dublin and Waterford City Metropolitan District, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Waterford City Metropolitan District. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination.

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

As you explore more of Waterford City Metropolitan District, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Book a table at Emiliano's, a famous dining establishment in Waterford City Metropolitan District. This culinary hotspot and its appetizing cuisine have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts. Its reputation for food excellence is reflected in its 4.8 out of 5-star rating from 945 satisfied diners.

Another dining place you should visit in Waterford City Metropolitan District is Momo Restaurant, which boasts a variety of tasteful dishes that cater to different palates. It has earned a commendable 4.7 out of 5 stars, demonstrating the positive feedback from 854 satisfied customers.

Locals and visitors alike recommend Waterford City Metropolitan District’s McLeary's Restaurant for the delightful dining experience it gives. The establishment has garnered positive reviews for its tasty dishes, holding an admirable score of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 620 satisfied diners.

If you feel like having a drink or two after your meal, an awesome bar you can go to is Geoff's Cafe Bar. This place has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,480 customers.

To enjoy a great atmosphere, continue your evening at The Reg. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,344 customers.

The Gingerman is another great place where you can celebrate your adventures in Waterford City Metropolitan District. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 937 customers.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Ireland!

On day 4 of your road trip in Ireland, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Cobh, Midleton, Carrigtwohill, and Cork. In the evening, you’ll end up in Cork, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Jameson Distillery Midleton. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,546 reviews.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Midleton, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Carrigtwohill may take around 14 min. Upon your arrival in Carrigtwohill, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Take the opportunity to see Fota Wildlife Park. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12,379 visitors.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Carrigtwohill and set your GPS to Cobh. 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 10 min. Upon reaching Cobh, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Cork. Cork offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Cork. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Goldie, one of the top upscale restaurants in Cork. Offering a diverse menu focusing on seafood cuisine, Goldie has earned praise from numerous satisfied guests.

A local favorite is Ichigo Ichie Bistro & Natural Wine. Featuring japanese cuisine, this popular luxury restaurant is a top choice for both locals and tourists.

Experience a taste of Cork at Elbow Lane Brew and Smoke House, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.8 out of 5-star rating from 792 customers.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a day, pop into The Oliver Plunkett. This bar is considered one of the best in Cork and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 5,192 customers.

You may also want to check out The Old Town Whiskey Bar at Bodega. Equally popular, this bar offers a great drink list and a nice atmosphere for your evening endeavors. The Old Town Whiskey Bar at Bodega is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,534 customers.

Alternatively, head out to Cornstore Cork. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,516 customers and is a top choice among travelers as well as locals.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Ireland!

At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Cork, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Cork, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Killarney. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 13 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Cork and your accommodation.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Cork's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Reserve a table at Izz Cafe, a renowned restaurant in Cork. This culinary gem and its flavorful dishes have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.8 out of 5-star rating from 731 guests.

Ensure you experience culinary excellence at Market Lane while in Cork. This dining establishment presents an exquisite menu that has received a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, acclaimed by 2,609 discerning diners.

Experience a taste of Cork at The SpitJack Cork, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 1,934 customers.

If you're looking for a bar to end the evening at, many locals recommend A Bróg Bar + Kitchen, claiming it's one of the best in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,592 customers.

Another popular place to go for a drink is The Thomond Bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,430 customers.

The Woodford is another top-rated bar where you can spend an hour or two. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,261 customers.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Ireland!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 6 of your road trip in Ireland. Today, you will make 5 stops and experience some of the highlights of Cork, The Municipal District of Cahir — Cashel, Cahir, and Dublin. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Dublin, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

When you're ready to see some sights, Fitzgerald's Park is a great place to start with. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,170 visitors.

Set your GPS to Cahir and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 4 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Cahir beckons with new experiences!

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Cahir Castle. This castle is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 5,042 reviews.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. The Municipal District of Cahir — Cashel, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Cahir to The Municipal District of Cahir — Cashel may take around 17 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Kick off the day at Rock of Cashel, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This castle is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 13,510 reviews.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Dublin, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

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

Make a reservation at The Stags Head, a popular dining spot in Dublin. Its reputation for being a popular dining spot shines through its 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 4,691 satisfied diners.

Make a reservation at The Celt while indulging in the charm of Dublin. This restaurant offers a delicious menu reflected with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, cherished by 4,507 discerning connoisseurs.

Indulge in the flavors of O'Donoghues Bar, a treasured establishment in Dublin. Its diverse menu promises to tantalize your palate and elevate your dining experience. Known for its exceptional service, it has earned a 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 4,110 satisfied guests.

If you’re looking for a bar to end the evening at, many locals recommend The Bank on College Green, claiming it’s one of the best in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,043 customers.

Another popular place to go for a drink is Café en Seine. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,282 customers.

Murray’s Pub is another top-rated bar where you can spend an hour or two. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,882 customers.

Relax and reminisce about your day in Ireland and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Day 7 of your road trip in Ireland is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Dublin before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

On your last day in Ireland, take time to indulge in shopping at Dublin’s popular marketplace. Thanks to your accommodation’s strategic location, the city’s bustling commercial district is only a stone’s throw away, giving you ample time to leisurely explore the area, filled with local shops.

Take time to find the perfect present, reminding you of the charms of Ireland. Each store here is brimming with unique finds. These souvenirs will help you treasure your memories of Ireland forever.

Before you conclude your road trip in Ireland, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Dublin.

You’ll then say farewell to Dublin. 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!