9-Day Ireland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Cork traveling west to Galway, Limerick, and Killarney

On day 2 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 Cork and Blarney. In the evening, you’ll end up in Galway, where you will stay for 3 nights.

Today’s route brings family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and photo-friendly spots. The first attraction of today is Cork Opera House. This underrated opera house is an instagrammable place to see in Cork. Continue your discovery at Fitzgerald's Park, a mesmerizing park with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Cork, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Cork City Gaol. This beloved museum offers an instagrammable encounter with Cork. Next, make your way to Blarney Castle & Gardens to add another highlight to your day. After that, visit Blarney Stone, an often recommended monument that’s sure to impress. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Cork.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Galway, 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 Galway, 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.

Set out on a gastronomic journey in Galway by reserving a table at Éan. Renowned for its Bib Gourmand award, this restaurant presents an outstanding menu of modern cuisine. For a different taste, head over to Aniar, renowned for its delectable modern and irish dishes. This distinguished 1-star Michelin-recipient is a favorite among guests, making it a worthy addition to your holiday plans. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Galway.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at The Dew Drop Inn after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Freeney's Bar for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Tigh Neachtain is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

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

Wake up to day 3 of your extraordinary road trip in Ireland. With 2 nights left in Galway, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Prepare for a day full of family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and natural wonders. When you’re ready, kick off your sightseeing adventure at Cliffs Of Moher. This captivating cliff is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Aillwee Cave, one of the village’s best highlights.

Next, check out Poulnabrone Dolmen, one of the most often recommended places to see in Galway. This archeological site is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Enjoy some downtime and refreshments before continuing to your next stop, Bunratty Castle & Folk Park. Wander around and soak in the historic atmosphere this castle offers.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Galway.

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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Apoema Bistro, a highly-rated dining destination in Galway. If you're eager to try something different, consider Finnegans, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Gemelle's. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Galway this evening.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, The Crane Bar stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, O'connor's Famous Pub offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Sally Longs Rock Bar is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Ireland!

On day 4 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Galway, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

Get ready for a day filled with family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and natural wonders in the charming village of Galway. Your adventure starts at Walled Victorian Garden, a beloved local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden. This interesting monastery is known for its eye-catching appeal.

After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Galway's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to Connemara National Park. This idyllic national park offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable. Dunguaire Castle is also worth visiting.

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

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

Savor the flavors at The Galleon Restaurant, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, John Keogh's Gastropub beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider RÉ NAO. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Galway tonight.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Garavan's Bar, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Caribou offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Galway. Tonerys Bar is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Ireland!

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Ireland. Today you will explore Galway, 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 Limerick. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

Today’s agenda in Galway includes a public square, a church, and a historical landmark. Eyre Square is must-visit public square and a great starting point for the day. Next, continue your journey to Cathedral Of Our Lady Assumed Into Heaven And St Nicholas, Galway, an often recommended church, located just a leisurely stroll away. Next, head to Spanish Arch, a breathtaking historical landmark, also available for your discovery today.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Limerick. Check in and spend some time relaxing 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 Limerick. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Collins Bar Dooradoyle, a top-rated dining destination in Limerick. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Freddy’s Restaurant, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Bobby Byrne's. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Limerick this evening.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Charlie Chaplin's Pub offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, South's Pub is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. The Glen Tavern is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Ireland!

On day 6 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Limerick. You’ll stay in Limerick for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Start by visiting Treaty Stone, a prime spot to begin your journey. This instagrammable monument is sure to impress. Next on your list is King John's Castle, another must-visit landmark and worthwhile castle renowned for its stunning features.

While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the culture of Limerick by sampling some local delicacies. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to Saint Mary's Cathedral. This historic church is an essential place to visit for anyone looking for the full Limerick experience. We also recommend visiting Hunt Museum, a worthwhile museum. Nearby, you'll also find Arthur's Quay Park, ready to add charm to your journey.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Ireland is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Limerick. 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.

Have a fantastic dining experience at The Old Quarter GastroPub, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Cornstore Limerick offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Taikichi is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Limerick.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Fitzgerald's Bar, known for its inviting atmosphere. Ma Hogans Bar is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Portley's Bar provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

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

On day 7 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Ireland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Killarney. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Killarney, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Limerick is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a castle, a monument, a museum, a national park, a waterfall and much more! Begin your sightseeing adventure at the curiosity-inducing Ross Castle and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Muckross Abbey, a breathtaking monument that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Muckross House, one of the town’s most intriguing spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the notable Killarney National Park. When you're finished at the national park, Torc Mountain awaits your visit. This waterfall is a mesmerizing highlight on today's itinerary.

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

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

Don’t miss out on dining at Malarkey, a top-rated dining destination in Killarney. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider The Mad Monk by Quinlans, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Vendricks Restaurant. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Killarney this evening.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like John M. Reidy, known for its lively atmosphere. Courtney's Bar is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Jimmy Brien's offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Ireland!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 8 of your road trip in Ireland. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Kinsale, Carrigtwohill, and Cobh. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Cork, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Start by visiting Charles Fort, a prime spot to begin your journey. This picture-perfect castle is sure to impress. Next on your list is Fota Wildlife Park, another must-visit landmark and interesting wildlife reserve renowned for its visually striking features.

While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the culture of Killarney by sampling some local delicacies. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to Titanic Experience Cobh. This respected museum is an essential place to visit for anyone looking for the full Killarney experience. We also recommend visiting Spike Island Tours Cobh, an underrated castle.

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 in Cork. 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.

Begin your culinary exploration in Cork by securing a reservation at Goldie. This renowned restaurant holds a Bib Gourmand award and offers an exceptional menu of seafood cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Ichigo Ichie Bistro & Natural Wine, celebrated for its delectable japanese menu. This acclaimed Bib Gourmand-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday.

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