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

Your itinerary for day 2 of your road trip in Ireland includes 2 stops and features some of the highlights of Cork and Blarney. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Galway, where you'll spend 3 nights.

Check out the frequently visited opera house, Cork Opera House. Afterward, continue to Fitzgerald's Park, a park every traveler should visit. As you explore Cork’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the city.

Next, make your way to Cork City Gaol. This locally appreciated museum is an essential stop.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Cork, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Blarney. This drive usually takes around 11 min.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Blarney Castle & Gardens and explore the visually striking features. Next, make your way to Blarney Stone, another highlight in Blarney.

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

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

Prepare for an extraordinary culinary adventure in Galway by booking a table at Éan, a Bib Gourmand restaurant that boasts an exceptional modern menu. For a different flavor experience, head to Aniar, renowned for its delectable modern and irish dishes. This 1-star Michelin restaurant consistently wows guests, making it a memorable stop during your holiday.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at The Dew Drop Inn, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Freeney's Bar. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Tigh Neachtain, another top-rated place in the area.

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

On day 3 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 2 nights to spend in Galway, there’s no need to rush. Experience Bunratty to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Cliffs Of Moher and explore the romantic features. Next, make your way to Aillwee Cave, another highlight in Bunratty. When you’re done exploring the cave, continue to Poulnabrone Dolmen, a culturally significant archeological site.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Galway. This car ride takes around 1 hour 1 min.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the village's best attractions, visit Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, an interesting castle that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

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

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

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Apoema Bistro, a top-rated dining spot in Galway. If you're in the mood for something new, try Finnegans, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Gemelle's. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Galway.

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

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

On day 4 of your road trip, you'll get the chance to experience Kinvarra. At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Galway, where you still have 1 night left to stay.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Walled Victorian Garden, a curiosity-inducing botanical garden in Kinvarra. Explore its mesmerizing features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden. This interesting monastery is a top recommendation in the area.

When you’re ready to explore more, Connemara National Park is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most instagrammable national park in the region.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Galway may take around 31 min. Upon your arrival in Galway, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Spend your afternoon discovering Dunguaire Castle, an underrated castle known for its romantic features.

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

Galway 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 Galway.

Don’t miss out on dining at The Galleon Restaurant, a top-rated dining destination in Galway. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider John Keogh's Gastropub, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at RÉ NAO. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Galway this evening.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Garavan's Bar is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Caribou, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Tonerys Bar. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your road trip in Ireland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 place, which are Galway. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Limerick, where will spend 2 nights.

Eyre Square is perfect for a self-paced visit during the day. This symbolic public square is sure to impress. Next on your list is Cathedral Of Our Lady Assumed Into Heaven And St Nicholas, Galway, another must-visit landmark and increasingly popular church renowned for its stunning features.

While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the culture of Galway by sampling some local delicacies. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to Spanish Arch. This culturally significant historical landmark is an essential place to visit for anyone looking for the full Galway experience.

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

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.

Don’t miss out on dining 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.

Keep the evening going at Charlie Chaplin's Pub, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to South's Pub, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is The Glen Tavern, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

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

Day 6 offers an itinerary packed with the best things to see in Cork. You’ll stay in Limerick for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Treaty Stone brings Limerick's character to life. This heritage-rich monument is a highlight of any visit in the city. Then, enjoy King John's Castle, another culturally significant attraction that never fails to captivate visitors. Next, head over to Saint Mary's Cathedral, one of the city’s most underrated attractions, known for its picture-perfect features.

If you’re looking for more, spend time soaking in the atmosphere of Hunt Museum. This respected museum is frequented by locals and tourists alike. To complete your memorable day, make sure to visit Arthur's Quay Park, an intriguing park, and take a stroll around the area.

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 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.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at The Old Quarter GastroPub, a top-rated dining spot in Limerick. If you're in the mood for something new, try Cornstore Limerick, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Taikichi. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Limerick.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Fitzgerald's Bar, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Ma Hogans Bar, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Portley's Bar provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Ireland!

On day 8 of your road trip in Ireland, your travel plans include 3 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Kinsale, Carrigtwohill, and Cobh are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Cork, where you will stay for 1 night.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Kinsale. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 34 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Spend your afternoon discovering Charles Fort, an intriguing castle known for its culturally significant features.

Set your GPS to Carrigtwohill and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 43 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Carrigtwohill beckons with new experiences!

Spend your afternoon discovering Fota Wildlife Park, a notable wildlife reserve known for its eye-catching features.

Set your GPS to Cobh and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 10 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Cobh beckons with new experiences!

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Titanic Experience Cobh and explore the photogenic features. Next, make your way to Spike Island Tours Cobh, another highlight in Cobh.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Cork. 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 Cork. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in Cork by securing a table at Goldie. An esteemed Bib Gourmand restaurant, it features an exceptional seafood menu. For an alternative taste experience, visit Ichigo Ichie Bistro & Natural Wine, famous for its scrumptious japanese dishes. This Bib Gourmand venue consistently impresses guests, making it a standout addition to your holiday plans.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Ireland!