9-Day Ireland Road Trip from Cork traveling north to Galway and Dublin
Description
Summary
Description
Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 9-day road trip through Ireland.
This incredible self-drive vacation package will take you through the best destinations in Ireland. With this perfectly planned travel package, you will stay 3 nights in Cork, 2 nights in Galway, and 3 nights in Dublin, experiencing the ultimate road trip in Ireland. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Cork, Ennis, Galway, and Dublin. We'll help you experience the best 9 days in Ireland you can imagine so you can leave happy and inspired.
Upon arriving in Cork, you'll collect the rental vehicle of your choice. From there, you'll be off to discover some of the most popular attractions in Ireland, including the stunning Phoenix Park and Guinness Storehouse.
You'll have an extensive selection of accommodations to choose from throughout your road trip. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, catering to all budgets. Whether you're in the mood for luxurious five-star hotels or cozy, budget-friendly accommodations, we've got you covered.
Your road trip will bring you close to the best attractions and most incredible sights in Ireland. From the magnificent Dublin Castle to the breathtaking St Stephen's Green and St Patrick's Cathedral, your journey will take you on a thrilling adventure through some of the most iconic travel destinations in the country. Your discovery doesn't end there. As you hit the open road and drive through Cork, Ennis, Galway, and Dublin, you'll also have plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Ireland. Whether you're exploring enchanting small towns, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there's always something new and exciting to experience in Ireland.
Add tours and tickets to each day of your trip to make the most of your time in Ireland. You'll have the opportunity to choose from the best tours and activities that your travel destinations have to offer, meaning you'll never have a boring moment on your road trip through Ireland.
Your travel plan itinerary also gives you multiple opportunities to look for souvenirs to memorialize your road trip in Ireland.
You'll return home having experienced the very best of everything Ireland has to offer. Each twist and turn of the journey adds a unique charm to your travel tales.
You can customize each day of your road trip vacation itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking. Enjoy the benefits of exploring all these great attractions at your own speed.
Your travel plan includes everything you need to experience the best of Ireland. You'll be booked at the best hotels for 8 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 8 days during your self-drive road trip, including CDW insurance.
You'll have access to 24/7 travel support, a personal travel agent, and a step-by-step guide via our flexible mobile app. You can choose and add your flight preferences as needed. Make your vacation in Ireland extra special by adding tours and tickets to each day of your itinerary.
The best services in Ireland fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your self-drive road trip in Ireland today!
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Day 1 – Cork - arrival day
Day 1 – Cork - arrival day
- Cork - Arrival day
- More
- St Patrick's Bridge
- More
Your road trip adventure in Ireland begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Cork. You’ll stay in Cork for 3 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.
Cork has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible St Patrick's Bridge. This attraction is a bridge and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 609 visitors.
When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.
When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Cork, Liberty Grill. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,609 customers.
Another of the best restaurants in the city of Cork is Elbow Lane Brew and Smoke House. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 792 customers.
Locals recommend Izz Cafe as one of the best restaurants in the city of Cork. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 731 customers.
Cork also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Cork is Sin é. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,654 customers.
Another of the best bars in the city of Cork is The Oliver Plunkett. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 5,192 customers.
Enjoy toasting the start of your 9-day vacation in Ireland!
Experiences
Day 2 – Cork
Day 2 – Cork
- Cork
- More
Drive 30 km, 1 hour 14 min
- Munster Technological University
- Fitzgerald's Park
- Cork City Gaol
- Blarney Castle & Gardens
- Blarney Stone
- More
Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Cork has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in Cork by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.
There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Cork. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.
You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the city of Cork, like the extraordinary Munster Technological University. This attraction is a technological university and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,360 visitors.
Another of the best travel destinations in Cork is the spectacular Fitzgerald's Park. This attraction is a park and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,130 visitors.
You could then travel to the amazing Cork City Gaol. This prison has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,875 visitors.
Blarney Castle & Gardens is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This park is a popular destination among visitors in Cork. Rated at an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 10,638 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.
Your discovery of Cork does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Cork on this day of your trip.
After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Ireland, be sure to eat at Market Lane, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Cork. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,609 customers.
Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Cork is the popular The SpitJack Cork. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,934 customers.
Another great restaurant we recommend in the city of Cork is Luigi Malones Cork. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,073 customers.
When you’ve finished your meal, The Old Town Whiskey Bar at Bodega is one of the best bars in the city of Cork for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,534 customers.
Cornstore Cork is another of the most popular bars in the city of Cork. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,516 customers.
Alternatively, a great bar that locals enjoy in the city of Cork is A Bróg Bar + Kitchen. A Bróg Bar + Kitchen has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,592 customers.
Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Cork!
Experiences
Day 3 – Ennis and Galway
Day 3 – Ennis and Galway
- Galway
- More
Drive 259 km, 4 hours 10 min
- Shannon Heritage
- Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
- Cliffs of Moher
- Flaggy Shore
- More
As you rise to greet the dawn on day 3 of your epic road trip in Ireland, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Ennis. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Galway. You’ll stay in Galway for 2 nights. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Ennis’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.
If you’re curious to see more of Ennis, start your day with a visit to the amazing Bunratty Castle & Folk Park. This much-appreciated park and attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 12,299 visitors.
You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Cliffs of Moher. This cliff and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 32,619 visitors.
We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Flaggy Shore to make the most of your road trip across Ireland. The spectacular Flaggy Shore is a best-rated sightseeing destination that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 236 visitors.
After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Ennis has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Galway. Galway offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.
After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Ard Bia at Nimmos. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,099 reviews.
The remarkable The Quay Street Kitchen is another top restaurant in Galway we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,029 customers.
If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Esquires - The Organic Coffee Co (Eyre Square) is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,000 customers.
After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Galway, the fantastic O'Connor's Famous Pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,806 customers.
To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Tigh Chóilí. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,662 customers.
Another bar with a great atmosphere is O'Connell's Bar Galway. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,659 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!
Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Ireland!
Experiences
Day 4 – Galway
Day 4 – Galway
- Galway
- More
Drive 12 km, 49 min
- Galway City Museum
- Spanish Arch
- The Latin Quarter
- Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas, Galway
- Menlo Castle
- More
On day 4 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Galway, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. You still have 1 night left in Galway.
Today you'll explore the city of Galway. One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Galway City Museum. As one of the top sights in the area, around 161,558 people visit this attraction every year. This incredible attraction is a city museum and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,211 visitors.
Spanish Arch is another popular attraction you'll visit in the city of Galway. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.2 out of 5 stars by 5,733 visitors.
Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Galway is The Latin Quarter. This amazing attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,073 visitors.
Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas, Galway. This catholic cathedral and place of interest is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,467 visitors.
If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Menlo Castle. This castle is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 577 visitors.
To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Ireland to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Galway.
We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Galway, like Scotty's Burgers & Wings, Galway, Ireland. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 616 customers.
OSTERIA da Simone : Italian restaurant & pizzeria is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Galway. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 588 customers.
Locals enjoy Zappis Restaurant, one of the most popular restaurants in the city of Galway. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 505 customers.
After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Galway, Caribou. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 979 customers.
You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like A Púcán. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,188 customers.
The Front Door Pub is another of the best bars in the city of Galway. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,692 customers.
Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Ireland!
Experiences
Day 5 – Galway and Dublin
Day 5 – Galway and Dublin
- Galway
- Dublin
- More
Drive 221 km, 2 hours 56 min
- Eyre Square
- Great Escape Rooms
- Barna Woods
- Galway Atlantaquaria, National Aquarium of Ireland
- Port of Galway
- More
Day 5 of your road trip through Ireland gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Galway and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Dublin. You will stay in Dublin for 3 nights. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!
One of the best places to visit today in Galway is the amazing Eyre Square. This attraction is a square that is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 13,014 visitors.
You could also stop at the incredible best-rated sightseeing destination, Great Escape Rooms. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,150 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.
Another unforgettable travel destination in the Galway is the outstanding Barna Woods. This popular park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,081 visitors.
The spectacular Port of Galway is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating top-tier point of interest and attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,058 visitors.
You can make the most of your new day in Galway by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Ireland. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.
At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Dublin, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.
After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try FX Buckley Steakhouse Temple Bar, one of the best restaurants in the city of Dublin. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,660 customers.
Locals also recommend PHX Bistro as one of the best restaurants in the city of Dublin. PHX Bistro is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,038 customers.
Another of the best restaurants in the city of Dublin is The Vintage Kitchen. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 911 customers.
After dinner, visit Shouk, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Dublin. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,608 customers.
You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like The Temple Bar Pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 25,491 customers.
Alternatively, The Brazen Head is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Dublin. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 11,980 customers.
Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Ireland!
Experiences
Day 6 – Dublin
Day 6 – Dublin
- Dublin
- More
Drive 23 km, 1 hour 32 min
- Phoenix Park
- Dublin Zoo
- Guinness Storehouse
- Dublin Castle
- National Botanic Gardens
- More
On day 6 of your road trip across Ireland, you’ll have the perfect day exploring the wonderful city of Dublin. You’ll stay in Dublin for 2 nights, meaning you have plenty of time to discover the best things to see and do in the area.
We recommend you stay at the Marlin Hotel Dublin, one of the best 4-star hotels in the city of Dublin. This hotel has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 10,854 guests.
The best luxury hotel option in the city of Dublin is the 5-star Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel. The hotel is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,989 guests.
One of the best hotels we recommend in the city of Dublin is the 3-star Holiday Inn Express Dublin City Centre. This 3-star hotel has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 6,645 guests.
Our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best alternatives if these hotels are not available.
You'll have easy access to popular travel destinations in the city of Dublin, like the outstanding Phoenix Park. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 37,056 visitors.
Guinness Storehouse is another popular attraction you could visit in the city of Dublin. This incredible attraction is a tourist attraction and has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 18,823 visitors.
One of the best attractions you could visit in the city of Dublin is the extraordinary Dublin Castle. This top-tier point of interest is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 31,135 reviews.
As the day moves along, one attraction you’ll probably want to visit is the incredible National Botanic Gardens. Around 15,536 visitors have given this botanical garden an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.
Come to Dublin prepared by adding some tours and tickets to your vacation package. Book a popular and budget-friendly activity you can do on this day in Dublin.
After a day of exploring, try one of the best restaurants in the city of Dublin.
We recommend you eat at a delicious restaurant that locals enjoy, like Chapter One Restaurant, after your day of exploring the city of Dublin. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 849 customers.
Mr Fox is another of the best restaurants in the city of Dublin. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 690 customers.
Another of the best restaurants in the city of Dublin is The Old Storehouse Bar and Restaurant. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,719 customers.
Locals recommend The Church Café, Late Bar & Restaurant, one of the best bars in the city of Dublin, for a refreshing evening drink to finish your day. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 10,779 customers.
Alternatively, you could choose another of the most popular bars in the city of Dublin, Porterhouse Temple Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,884 customers.
Light House Cinema is also one of the best bars in the city of Dublin. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 3,744 customers.
It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy another amazing evening in Ireland.
Experiences
Day 7 – Dublin
Day 7 – Dublin
- Dublin
- More
Drive 4 km, 42 min
- Molly Malone Statue
- Irish Whiskey Museum
- Book of Kells
- National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology
- St Stephen's Green
- More
Day 7 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Dublin has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Dublin by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.
There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Dublin. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.
You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the city of Dublin, like the extraordinary Molly Malone Statue. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 11,653 visitors.
Another of the best travel destinations in Dublin is the spectacular Irish Whiskey Museum. This attraction is a museum and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,946 visitors.
You could then travel to the amazing Book of Kells. This codex has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 13,007 visitors.
National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This national museum is a popular destination among visitors in Dublin. Rated at an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 12,172 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit. In one single year, this attraction usually gets more than 370,965 visitors.
If you’re interested in seeing something outstanding today, then consider St Stephen's Green. St Stephen's Green is a park and popular attraction in Dublin. More than 29,325 visitors have rated this place an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Your discovery of Dublin does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Dublin on this day of your trip.
After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Ireland, be sure to eat at O'Donoghues Bar, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Dublin. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,110 customers.
Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Dublin is the popular Lemon Jelly Cafe. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,104 customers.
When you’ve finished your meal, The Old Storehouse Bar and Restaurant is one of the best bars in the city of Dublin for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,719 customers.
The Stags Head is another of the most popular bars in the city of Dublin. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,691 customers.
Alternatively, a great bar that locals enjoy in the city of Dublin is The Celt. The Celt has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,507 customers.
Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Dublin!
Experiences
Day 8 – Dublin and Cork
Day 8 – Dublin and Cork
- Dublin
- Cork
- More
Drive 253 km, 3 hours 8 min
- Ha'penny Bridge
- Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin
- Dublinia
- St Patrick's Cathedral
- More
As you rise to greet the dawn on day 8 of your epic road trip in Ireland, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Dublin. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Cork. You’ll stay in Cork for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Dublin’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.
If you’re curious to see more of Dublin, start your day with a visit to the amazing Ha'penny Bridge. This much-appreciated footbridge and attraction is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 13,192 visitors.
You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin. This anglican or episcopal cathedral and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 9,428 visitors.
We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Dublinia to make the most of your road trip across Ireland. The spectacular Dublinia is a museum that has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,717 visitors.
The lovely St Patrick's Cathedral is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 20,815 visitors have left this anglican or episcopal cathedral average ratings of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Dublin has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Cork. Cork offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.
After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Hayfield Manor Hotel. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,427 reviews.
The remarkable Quinlans Seafood Bar Cork is another top restaurant in Cork we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,527 customers.
After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Cork, the fantastic The Thomond Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,430 customers.
To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful The Woodford. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,261 customers.
Another bar with a great atmosphere is The Shelbourne Bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,024 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!
Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Ireland!
Experiences
Day 9 – Cork - departure day
Day 9 – Cork - departure day
- Cork - Departure day
- More
- National Monument
- More
Day 9 of your road trip in Ireland is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Cork before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.
National Monument is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Cork. This monument and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 455 visitors.
Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Cork and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Ireland.
You’ll then say farewell to Cork. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Ireland!
Experiences
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