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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 2 of your road trip in Ireland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 places, which are Cork and Blarney. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Galway, where will spend 3 nights.

Make a stop at Cork Opera House. This intriguing opera house is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Fitzgerald's Park located in Cork for another exciting encounter.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Cork City Gaol. Its photogenic features will captivate you. After the museum, continue your tour of the city with a visit to Blarney Castle & Gardens. Visitors usually appreciate the enchanting features of this castle. Next up is Blarney Stone, a highly recommended monument.

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

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. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Galway.

Cap off your dinner by heading to The Dew Drop Inn, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Freeney's Bar is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Tigh Neachtain is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

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

On day 3 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Galway, where you have 2 nights left to stay.

Start your day at Cliffs Of Moher. This serene cliff is a popular place to see in Galway. Then, wander over to Aillwee Cave. If peaceful sites excite you, this cave will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Poulnabrone Dolmen. This historic archeological site is a favorite among visitors.

Galway offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Bunratty Castle & Folk Park is a well-known spot in the village that will captivate you with its unique charm.

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

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.

Savor the flavors at Apoema Bistro, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Finnegans beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Gemelle's. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Galway tonight.

Cap off your dinner by heading to The Crane Bar, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. O'connor's Famous Pub is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Sally Longs Rock Bar is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

On day 4 of your road trip in Ireland, you’ll start and end your day in Galway, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you still have 1 night to spend in Galway, there’s no need to rush. Experience Kinvarra to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary.

Catch Walled Victorian Garden before the crowds roll in. This idyllic botanical garden is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the respected features of Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden, a must-visit monastery in the village.

In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to Connemara National Park, an intriguing national park. For a change of scene, check out Dunguaire Castle, known for its history-steeped features.

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

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

Have a fantastic dining experience at The Galleon Restaurant, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, John Keogh's Gastropub offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, RÉ NAO is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Galway.

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

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

On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Ireland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, including Galway. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Limerick, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

Visiting Eyre Square is always a good idea. This locally renowned public square is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the symbolic wonders of Cathedral Of Our Lady Assumed Into Heaven And St Nicholas, Galway, a must-see church in the city.

Consider stopping for a small bite to eat or a drink at a local eatery to keep your energy going. When you’re ready, continue your discovery with a visit to Spanish Arch. This underrated historical landmark offers an enriching experience. These sights offer a fulfilling end to a perfect day.

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

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

Dine in style at Collins Bar Dooradoyle, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Freddy’s Restaurant boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Bobby Byrne's. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Limerick.

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

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

On day 6 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to discover what to see in Limerick. You’ll stay in Limerick for 1 night.

One of the most curiosity-inducing attractions included on the itinerary is Treaty Stone. This heritage-rich monument will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to King John's Castle and learn what makes this culturally significant castle unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the up-and-coming Saint Mary's Cathedral. After exploring the church, head to Hunt Museum. This intriguing museum is a highlight in Limerick. As your day continues, stop by Arthur's Quay Park, known for its picture-perfect features.

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.

Limerick is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Limerick.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at The Old Quarter GastroPub, a popular restaurant in Limerick. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Limerick at Cornstore Limerick, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Taikichi. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Limerick tonight.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Fitzgerald's Bar after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Ma Hogans Bar, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Portley's Bar also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

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

Your itinerary for day 7 of your road trip in Ireland includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Killarney. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Killarney, where you'll spend 1 night.

Start your day at Ross Castle. This picture-perfect castle is a frequently visited place to see in Limerick. Then, wander over to Muckross Abbey. If awe-inspiring sites excite you, this monument will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Muckross House. This gorgeous museum is a favorite among visitors.

Limerick offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Killarney National Park is a locally renowned spot in the town that will captivate you with its unique charm. When you’re done at the national park, don’t forget to check out the eye-catching Torc Mountain. Take a moment to appreciate the fascinating details of this underrated waterfall.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to 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 a true cultural experience.

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.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at John M. Reidy, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Courtney's Bar provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Jimmy Brien's offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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.

Dive into day 8 of your remarkable road trip in Ireland. Today you'll explore 3 destinations, including Kinsale, Carrigtwohill, and Cobh. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Cork, where you'll spend 1 night.

No visit to Killarney is complete without Charles Fort. This up-and-coming castle is one of the top attractions in the town. Proceed to Fota Wildlife Park, another must-visit attraction.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Killarney, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Titanic Experience Cobh. This beloved museum is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Spike Island Tours Cobh, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary.

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 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.

Prepare for an extraordinary culinary adventure in Cork by booking a table at Goldie, a Bib Gourmand restaurant that boasts an exceptional seafood menu. For a different flavor experience, head to Ichigo Ichie Bistro & Natural Wine, renowned for its delectable japanese dishes. This Bib Gourmand restaurant consistently wows guests, making it a memorable stop during your holiday.

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