Cheap 4-Day Ireland Road Trip from Cork traveling west to Killarney

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.

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

Sin é is an excellent example. Here, you can enjoy good food and service at affordable prices. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,654 customers.

Liberty Grill is another great restaurant option for budget travelers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and savory meals at low prices and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,609 customers.

Locals enjoy dining at Elbow Lane Brew and Smoke House, and you might want to check it out too. This restaurant has an exciting menu and an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 792 reviews.

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 of your self-drive vacation in Ireland will take you to the region of Killarney, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Killarney, you'll explore 4 popular cheap holiday destinations in Ireland, including Blarney, Cork, Glanmire, and Killarney.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Fitzgerald's Park. This park is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Cork, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,170 visitors.

Cork City Gaol is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,919 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Cork, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Killarney may take around 1 hour 18 min. Upon your arrival in Killarney, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

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

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

Eat at Cronins Restaurant. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 950 reviews.

You can also check out Celtic Whiskey Bar & Larder. 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 766 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your activities is Bricín Restaurant and Boxty House. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 626 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you with a memorable dining experience.

After dinner, visit one of the top bars in Killarney. John M. Reidy is a popular option, rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,292 customers.

Continue your evening at Murphys Bar, Restaurant & Townhouse Killarney. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,665 customers.

The Laurels Pub & Restaurant is another place you could check out tonight. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,544 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 3 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Ireland, you’ll experience 3 charming destinations — Bunratty, Limerick, and Cork. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Cork.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Killarney and set your GPS to Bunratty. 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 42 min. Upon reaching Bunratty, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Make Bunratty Castle & Folk Park your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 12,442 reviews.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Bunratty 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 15 min. Upon reaching Limerick, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Cork. This car ride takes around 1 hour 32 min.

Cork 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 city.

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

After a long day of exploring, we recommend you try Izz Cafe, one of the top-rated restaurants in the city. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 731 customers and is a great place to relax and enjoy a comforting meal.

Locals also recommend Market Lane, so you'll want to drop by this place. Market Lane serves delicious meals in hearty portions and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,609 customers.

Another must-try in the city of Cork is The SpitJack Cork. This restaurant boasts an exciting menu and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,934 customers.

A Bróg Bar + Kitchen is one of the best bars in Cork and the perfect place for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,592 customers.

You may also want to check out The Thomond Bar. Equally popular, this bar offers a great drink list and a nice atmosphere for your celebrations. The Thomond Bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,430 customers.

Alternatively, head out to The Woodford. The Woodford has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,261 customers and is a top choice among travelers as well as locals.

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.

As you approach the end of your journey in Ireland, take a moment for some retail therapy in Cork’s celebrated shopping district. Thanks to your stay’s premier location, you can easily visit the city’s commercial hubs and wander through its diverse range of local shops without rushing.

Whether you’re on a hunt for an ideal present to give to your friends or family, or looking for a personal memento to remind you of Ireland, a variety of items are waiting for you.

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

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Cork, consider a top-rated restaurant like Luigi Malones Cork. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,073 customers.

Hayfield Manor Hotel is an excellent alternative if you feel like eating something else. This restaurant serves a variety of savory and budget-friendly dishes and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,427 customers.

Another popular restaurant you could check out is Quinlans Seafood Bar Cork. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,527 customers, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of Ireland and your fun memories 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!