Cheap 4-Day Ireland Road Trip from Cork traveling east to Kilkenny

Your exciting road trip through Ireland starts when you reach the incredible city of Cork, where you'll stay for 1 night. 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.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like St Patrick's Bridge. This extraordinary bridge has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 607 visitors.

A cheap, budget vacation in Cork should not stop you from enjoying incredible food and refreshing drinks. When you're ready for the best dining and bar experiences in Cork, try some of our top recommendations.

After a day of fun adventures, treat yourself to the best dining experience at The Woodford, where affordable mouthwatering dishes await. Another gem to discover during your memorable getaway is Izz Cafe, highly regarded as one of the area's top dining spots. If you're eager to dine at a local-favorite spot, don't miss Liberty Grill, an excellent choice to fulfill your cravings for delicious food and great service.

After your evening meal, enjoy a drink or two at The Shelbourne Bar, a must-visit destination for a great night out. Locals also enjoy the cocktails at The Oval, where you can relax and have some fun in a welcoming environment.

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

Day 2 of your road trip across Ireland offers you the chance to visit 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Blarney, Cork, and Glanmire. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Kilkenny, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Cork City Gaol. This prison is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,919 visitors.

When you’re finished at Cork City Gaol, head to Fitzgerald's Park. This one-of-a-kind park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 5,170 reviews.

Upon reaching Blarney, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Blarney Castle & Gardens. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 10,764 visitors.

Blarney Stone is another popular attraction you could visit today. This stone has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,710 visitors.

When you arrive in Glanmire, it's time to take a break from the road.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Munster Technological University. This technological university is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,397 visitors.

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

Make the most of your budget vacation in Ireland by treating 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.

Start your flavor-filled journey at Billy Byrnes Gastro Bar & Venue, featuring local favorites at reasonable prices. Looking for a taste of the unexpected? Langtons Hotel Kilkenny offers delightful dishes and desserts. If you’re seeking a cozy setting and satisfying meal, Italian Connection is the perfect spot for you!

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Biddy Early´s. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Tynans Bridge House Bar offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Ryans Bar, another top-rated bar in the area.

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

Day 3 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 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in Ireland, including Kilkenny, The Municipal District of Castlecomer, and The Municipal District of Kildare — Newbridge.

When you're ready to see some sights, Kilkenny Castle is a great place to start. This schloss country house museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 11,458 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Kilkenny Castle. This schloss country house museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 10,743 travelers.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Kilkenny and set your GPS to The Municipal District of Castlecomer. 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 24 min. Upon reaching The Municipal District of Castlecomer, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Castlecomer Discovery Park. This much-appreciated museum is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,420 reviews.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to The Municipal District of Castlecomer and set your GPS to The Municipal District of Kildare — Newbridge. 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 47 min. Upon reaching The Municipal District of Kildare — Newbridge, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Drop by the renowned Irish National Stud & Gardens. This popular park has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,166 visitors.

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

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

After a day of exploring, unwind at the popular Luigi Malones Cork, serving up a tempting array of dishes that are well-loved by budget-savvy travelers. Costigan's Pub is another great hotspot for culinary gems. If you’re into something unique but crafted with care and creativity, then head to Hayfield Manor Hotel.

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

Your budget road trip vacation in Ireland is about to end. Day 4 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Cork.

Make the most of your final day in Ireland by visiting Cork’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Your stay’s proximity to the city’s retail haven invites an unhurried and unforgettable exploration of its variety of stores and establishments. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Ireland. Take home a piece of Ireland with these souvenirs, keeping your adventures close.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Cork is the remarkable Triskel Arts Centre. This venue and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 506 visitors.

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

As you prepare to bid farewell to Cork, why not indulge in one last culinary delight at White Rabbit Bar & BBQ, where you can enjoy a satisfying and budget-friendly meal? Alternatively, The SpitJack Cork features a variety of signature dishes to suit every taste, budget, and occasion. For those seeking a taste of flavorful delights, The Raven Bar is a highly recommended spot.

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!