Cheap 12-Day Ireland Road Trip from Cork traveling east to Galway, Dublin, and Kilkenny

Your exciting road trip through Ireland starts when you reach the incredible city of Cork, where you'll stay for 2 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Cork and begin your adventure in Ireland.

Cork is a popular cheap holiday destination in Ireland with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in Ireland, Cork is also a great place to find top-rated budget accommodations. You'll find many of these accommodations close to bustling markets and cultural attractions.

After a long day of exploring and making the most of your budget vacation in Ireland, treat yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in Cork that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

For the best dining experience in this affordable destination, eat at the highly recommended Sin é. This restaurant is sure to satisfy your hunger as it has an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,654 customers.

Liberty Grill is another local-favorite restaurant in Cork. Liberty Grill serves delicious and affordable meals, and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,609 reviews.

Known for its good food and service, Elbow Lane Brew and Smoke House is also popular among locals and cheap holiday goers in Cork. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 of 5 stars from around 792 customers.

The Oliver Plunkett offers many snacks and liquors at different price points and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 5,192 customers.

If you’d like to interact with locals and fellow travelers in Cork, check out The Old Town Whiskey Bar at Bodega. This bar is an excellent place to hang out and relax after a busy day, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,534 customers.

To ensure a good time in this cheap holiday destination, visit Cornstore Cork. Cornstore Cork offers affordable drinks and snacks and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 1,516 reviews.

Enjoy toasting the start of a terrific road trip vacation and a cheap holiday experience in Ireland!

Day 2 means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Ireland, Blarney. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the town of Blarney!

Touring the best attractions in Ireland offers you a glimpse of the country’s history and culture. But, you’ll be surprised to know that there’s more to Ireland you are yet to discover. Take part in an eye-opening experience to make the best of your affordable vacation in Ireland. Choose from all of the popular and budget-friendly tickets and activities available on this day of your cheap holiday in Ireland.

As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the city's best restaurants and bars. Many restaurants in Cork offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Ireland.

One place locals and cheap holiday-goers recommend is Izz Cafe. This restaurant is known for its delicious and comforting foods and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 731 customers.

Market Lane is another popular restaurant you can eat at to ensure an affordable and pleasant vacation. This restaurant serves good food at low prices and has an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,609 customers.

The SpitJack Cork has a menu of appetizing and reasonably priced meals, so you might want to check it out too. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1,934 reviews.

Enjoy a drink or two at A Bróg Bar + Kitchen. Around 1,592 customers have given this incredible bar an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Locals also enjoy the cocktails at The Thomond Bar, where you can relax and have some fun. The Thomond Bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,430 customers.

Another top-rated bar option is The Woodford, averaging 4.4 out of 5 stars in 1,261 reviews. This bar is known for offering a variety of snacks and drinks at affordable prices.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Ireland!

Day 3 of your road trip across Ireland offers you the chance to visit 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Limerick and Galway. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Galway.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Cork and set your GPS to Limerick. 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 1 hour 34 min. Upon reaching Limerick, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Galway. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 15 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the city of Galway. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Galway, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the city's best restaurants and bars. Many restaurants in Galway offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Ireland.

After a long day of exploring, we recommend you try Hooked, one of the top-rated restaurants in the city. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,796 customers and is a great place to relax and enjoy a comforting meal.

Locals also recommend O'Connell's Bar Galway, so you'll want to drop by this place. O'Connell's Bar Galway serves delicious meals in hearty portions and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,659 customers.

Another must-try in the city of Galway is Kai Restaurant. This restaurant boasts an exciting menu and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,177 customers.

Tigh Chóilí is an excellent example. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,662 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like Caribou. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 979 customers.

An Púcán is another of the best bars in the city of Galway that serves various drinks. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,188 customers.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Ireland with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Ireland!

Day 4 of your road trip adventure means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Ireland. Prepare to be blown away by the city of Galway!

Take the opportunity to embark on a unique experience in Galway. You’ll be excited to learn that there are plenty of easy to challenging tour options you can choose from and add to this cheap vacation package.

After a long day of exploring and making the most of your budget vacation in Ireland, treat yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in Galway that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

For the best dining experience in this affordable destination, eat at the highly recommended Ard Bia at Nimmos. This restaurant is sure to satisfy your hunger as it has an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,099 customers.

The Quay Street Kitchen is another local-favorite restaurant in Galway. The Quay Street Kitchen serves delicious and affordable meals, and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,029 reviews.

Known for its good food and service, Esquires - The Organic Coffee Co (Eyre Square) is also popular among locals and cheap holiday goers in Galway. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 of 5 stars from around 1,000 customers.

The Front Door Pub is an excellent example of a great bar in Galway offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,692 customers.

You can also hang out at The Skeff Bar, another of locals’ go-to bars in Galway. The Skeff Bar is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 3,056 customers having rated it an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

The Quays Bar and Restaurant is for you if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Galway. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from more than 2,514 bar-goers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Ireland!

Day 5’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Galway, proving that cheap holidays in Ireland can be extraordinary.

Keen to do something new and one-of-a-kind today? There are many experiences you can add to your cheap vacation package. Check out all the budget-friendly activities and tours below and bag a cheap holiday deal.

When it’s time to eat, treat yourself to a lovely meal without paying more than necessary. Galway has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.

An excellent option with an exciting menu is Scotty's Burgers & Wings, Galway, Ireland. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 616 customers.

Another dining option is OSTERIA da Simone : Italian restaurant & pizzeria. This restaurant is popular among locals and cheap holiday-goers for its delicious food and reasonable prices. OSTERIA da Simone : Italian restaurant & pizzeria has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 588 reviews.

Make sure to stop by Zappis Restaurant for a great dining experience. A favorite place to eat among many, around 505 customers have rated the irresistible Zappis Restaurant an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Complement this refreshing day with an equally refreshing drink at one of the best bars in the city of Galway, O'Connor's Famous Pub. This bar offers a variety of liquors at different price points and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,806 customers.

The Dáil Bar Galway is another popular bar in the area, perfect for people looking for a place to unwind and enjoy local drinks alone or with company. This bar has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,040 customers.

Toast to another unforgettable road trip adventure during your cheap holiday in Ireland!

Day 6 of your road trip across Ireland is another proof that cheap holidays in Ireland can indeed provide you an extraordinary travel experience. Today's agenda includes exploring 2 wonderful destinations — Galway and Dublin.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Eyre Square. This square is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 13,114 reviews.

Continue your journey at Port of Galway. This point of interest is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,067 travelers from near and far.

Galway is also the home of Statue of Oscar Wilde and Eduard Vilde. This sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 133 visitors.

You can continue your self-guided sightseeing tour at Great Escape Rooms. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,162 visitors, a visit to this top sight is time well spent.

Lastly, don't miss out on Quadrangle. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 175 reviews, it’s hard to refuse the opportunity to see this sightseeing destination.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Dublin. This car ride takes around 2 hours 21 min.

When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

While exploring Ireland is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Dublin has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Dublin on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the city.

Going on cheap, budget vacations in Ireland shouldn’t stop anyone from dining at top-rated restaurants and bars. More than just an affordable travel destination, Dublin is also home to a variety of excellent dining spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the city's best places to eat and drink.

Eat at FX Buckley Steakhouse Temple Bar. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,660 reviews.

You can also check out Shouk. Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,608 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your activities is PHX Bistro. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,038 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you with a memorable dining experience.

To get a drink at one of the best bars in the city, go to The Temple Bar Pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 25,491 customers.

If you’d like to continue your evening somewhere else, we recommend heading to The Brazen Head. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 11,980 customers.

A third bar where you could have a great time tonight is The Church Café, Late Bar & Restaurant. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 10,779 customers.

A road trip vacation in Galway can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in this cheap holiday destination in Ireland!

Day 7 of your road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Dublin, proving that cheap holidays in Ireland can be extraordinary.

For a truly remarkable cheap holiday experience in Dublin, join budget-friendly activities on this day of your vacation. Tours offer you a chance to take a closer look into Dublin and the culture of past or present-day Ireland.

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Dublin, where exceptional dining and drinking experiences await at unbeatable prices. Explore the city's diverse venues, ensuring a memorable culinary journey for every visitor.

Eat at The Vintage Kitchen. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 911 reviews.

You can also check out Chapter One Restaurant. Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 849 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your activities is Mr Fox. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 690 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you with a memorable dining experience.

If you’re not ready to call it a day, pop into the top-rated Porterhouse Temple Bar. This bar is considered one of the best in Dublin and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,884 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Light House Cinema, rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 3,744 customers. Alternatively, go to The Old Storehouse Bar and Restaurant. This is one of the most frequently recommended bars in Dublin and boasts an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 4,719 reviews.

A road trip vacation in Dublin can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in this cheap holiday destination in Ireland!

On day 8 of your budget-friendly road trip adventures in Ireland, you’ll go deep into Dublin, making the most of your 1 night in the city. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Dublin, and meet locals along the way!

Visiting the most popular travel destinations in Ireland sometimes leaves you longing for more. Fortunately, there are plenty of unique and cheap tours to try out in Ireland. Ireland has something for everyone, and you can easily pick an activity you can add to your affordable vacation package. Check out all of the budget-friendly tours in Ireland that will fill you with new inspiration.

Savor the culinary delights of Dublin, where affordability meets excellence in dining and drinking. From inviting bars crafting signature cocktails to cozy eateries serving up local favorites, the city offers an unforgettable experience for every taste bud.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Dublin is The Stags Head. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,691 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Dublin, The Celt is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,507 diners.

The Bank on College Green is a great spot where you can enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,043 customers.

Café en Seine is another excellent place to relax and have a drink or two after a busy day. Café en Seine has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 4,282 bar-goers, proving it's one of the most popular bars in Dublin.

You might also want to cap the night off at Murray’s Pub, a fascinating bar that 3,882 customers have rated 4.4 out of 5 stars in their reviews.

Raise your glass to celebrate your fun and affordable travel experience in the city of Dublin!

On day 9 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Ireland, you’ll experience 2 charming destinations — Dublin and Kilkenny. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the region of Kilkenny.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Kilkenny offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Ireland. Whether you're in need of a quick break from your activities or seeking a comfortable place to rest, rest assured you'll find a welcoming and affordable option in the region.

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Kilkenny, where exceptional dining and drinking experiences await at unbeatable prices. Explore the region's diverse venues, ensuring a memorable culinary journey for every visitor.

We recommend a local favorite like Petronella Restaurant. This restaurant serves delicious dishes at surprisingly cheap prices and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 640 customers.

Butcher Restaurant is another excellent restaurant we recommend for budget travelers in Kilkenny. This restaurant offers good food at even better prices and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 563 customers.

Another popular restaurant in Kilkenny you might want to check out is Matt The Millers Bar & Restaurant. Matt The Millers Bar & Restaurant is a local favorite with a variety of value-for-money dishes on their menu. Customers have rated this fantastic restaurant an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 2,409 reviews.

When you’ve finished your meal, Tynans Bridge House Bar is one of the best bars in Kilkenny for an after-dinner drink. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 509 customers.

Kytelers Inn is another of the most popular bars in the region. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,411 customers.

Alternatively, check out Paris Texas Bar and Restaurant. This popular place has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, as rated by 2,225 customers.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Ireland with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Ireland!

On day 10 of your affordable vacation in Ireland, you’ll start and end your day in Kilkenny, but spend some time exploring destinations outside the region.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Kilkenny. This drive usually takes around 21 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like St Canice's Cathedral. This extraordinary church has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,044 visitors.

Next, make your way to Kilkenny Castle. This schloss country house museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 11,458 reviews.

While in Kilkenny, we also recommend a visit to Kilkenny Castle. This schloss country house museum has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 10,743 reviews.

When you’ve had your share of Kilkenny, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Inistioge. Your travel time is around 33 min.

While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

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

After a long day of exploring and making the most of your budget vacation in Ireland, treat yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in Kilkenny that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

Eat at Left Bank. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,944 reviews.

You can also check out Ristorante Rinuccini. Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,010 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your activities is Billy Byrnes Gastro Bar & Venue. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 843 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you with a memorable dining experience.

Visit Zuni Restaurant, Bar & Boutique Hotel, an excellent place to enjoy a couple of drinks. This bar is one of the locals’ favorite hangout spots and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 653 customers.

The Field Bar & Restaurant serves various snacks and drinks at affordable prices, making it another great bar option for budget travelers in Kilkenny. Customers have rated The Field Bar & Restaurant an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 709 reviews.

A road trip vacation in Kilkenny can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in this cheap holiday destination in Ireland!

Day 11 of your self-drive vacation in Ireland will take you to the city of Cork, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Cork, you'll explore 4 popular cheap holiday destinations in Ireland, including The Municipal District of Cahir — Cashel, Cahir, The Municipal District of Cahir — Cashel, and Cork.

Journey into the unknown at Brú Ború Heritage Centre, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable point of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 187 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Rock of Cashel is a recommended place to visit. This castle is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 13,510 reviews.

When you’ve had your share of The Municipal District of Cahir — Cashel, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Cahir. Your travel time is around 17 min.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the city of Cork. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Cork, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

After a long day of exploring and making the most of your budget vacation in Ireland, treat yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in Cork that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

Visit the popular Luigi Malones Cork. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,073 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in Ireland is Hayfield Manor Hotel. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,427 customers, this famous restaurant is one of the area's most recommended places to eat.

If you wish to dine at a restaurant locals love, go to the wonderful Quinlans Seafood Bar Cork. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,527 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

After your meal, consider going for a drink to celebrate this wonderful night in Ireland. One of the best bars in the city is The Shelbourne Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,024 customers.

To gain one of the best bar experiences in Cork, we recommend the cocktails at Cask. This bar has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 974 customers and is an excellent place to make local friends.

Another of the best spots to experience the nightlife scene in Cork is White Rabbit Bar & BBQ. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 991 customers.

Toast to another unforgettable road trip adventure during your cheap holiday in Ireland!

Your budget road trip vacation in Ireland is about to end. Day 12 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Cork.

As your final day in Ireland unfolds, don’t miss the chance for a last-minute shopping spree in Cork’s shopping district. Your accommodation’s convenient location near the city’s shopping area offers the luxury of time, so you don’t have to limit yourself from leisurely strolling its streets amidst a collection of establishments.

Look for the perfect gift for your loved ones back home, or buy yourself a little keepsake to remind you of Ireland.

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

You’ll then say farewell to Cork. 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!