Cheap 7-Day Ireland Road Trip from Cork to Dublin and Galway

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.

Kick off the day at Triskel Arts Centre, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This venue is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 506 reviews.

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.

Start your foodie adventure at The Woodford, where you'll find affordable mouthwatering meals and desserts. If you’re craving a taste of local favorites, head over to Izz Cafe, a go-to spot for both budget-savvy travelers and locals alike. For an unforgettable dining experience, don't miss Liberty Grill, where exquisite dishes and cozy ambiance await to make your culinary adventure truly memorable!

The Shelbourne Bar is an excellent example of a great bar in Cork offering drinks at reasonable prices. You can also hang out at The Oval, another of locals’ go-to bars in Cork.

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

Day 2 of your road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Glanmire, proving that cheap holidays in Ireland can be extraordinary. Have fun exploring the best places to visit in the town. At the end of the day, enjoy wining and dining at Glanmire, with 1 night to stay in the area.

Make Fitzgerald's Park one of your first sightseeing stops in Cork. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,170 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Cork City Gaol is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This prison is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,919 reviews.

Your discovery of Glanmire does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about Glanmire on a personal level. Check out the fantastic selection of affordable tours and tickets offered on this leg of your journey across this top cheap holiday destination in Europe, Ireland.

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.

Luigi Malones Cork offers delicious bites without straining your wallet. For a taste of local cuisine with a twist, venture to Costigan's Pub. Or, try Hayfield Manor Hotel, where reasonable prices and warm hospitality create a welcoming atmosphere for diners seeking a memorable dining experience.

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

Day 3 of your road trip across Ireland offers you the chance to visit 4 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Cahir, The Municipal District of Cahir — Cashel, The Municipal District of Kildare — Newbridge, and Leixlip. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Dublin, where you'll stay for 2 nights.

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 Cahir may take around 54 min. Upon your arrival in Cahir, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Drop by the renowned Cahir Castle. This popular castle has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,042 visitors.

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

Make Rock of Cashel one of your first sightseeing stops in The Municipal District of Cahir — Cashel. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 13,510 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. The Municipal District of Kildare — Newbridge, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from The Municipal District of Cahir — Cashel to The Municipal District of Kildare — Newbridge may take around 1 hour 5 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in The Municipal District of Kildare — Newbridge, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Kick off the day at Irish National Stud & Gardens, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 4,166 reviews.

Dublin 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.

Don't let a tight budget stop you from enjoying delicious meals and refreshing drinks in Dublin. Here are a few top-rated restaurants and bars you may want to check out tonight.

Treat yourself to a delicious meal at Merchant's Arch, where every bite is a flavor-packed adventure! With an enticing menu of affordable delights, this spot is a must-visit for foodies on a budget. Another hotspot worth exploring during your cheap getaway is The Brazen Head - a local favorite and a top pick for mouthwatering delights. If you're eager to dine where the locals love, don't miss out on The Stags Head, where fantastic food and friendly service await!

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Light House Cinema, known for its inviting atmosphere.

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 on your cheap holiday in Ireland. Prepare to be blown away by the city of Dublin! You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Dublin and conclude your journey with a lovely dinner, enjoying your remaining 1 night in the area.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Phoenix Park. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 37,298 visitors.

Guinness Storehouse is another popular attraction you could visit today. This tourist attraction has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 19,154 visitors.

St Patrick's Cathedral is also highly recommended by travelers. This anglican or episcopal cathedral has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 21,169 visitors.

Dublin Castle is an attraction you won’t want to miss. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 31,463 reviews.

Another attraction you have the opportunity to visit today is National Botanic Gardens. This botanical garden has received an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 15,718 travelers.

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.

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 and drinking spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the city's best places to eat and enjoy refreshing drinks.

Recharge and refresh your energy with a visit to Chapter One Restaurant, known for its delectable cuisine and inviting ambiance. While immersing yourself in the local culture during your budget-friendly getaway, make sure to stop by The Bank on College Green - a hidden culinary gem loved by locals and travelers alike. For those craving exquisite flavors, Café en Seine promises to deliver a feast for the senses.

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

On day 5 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Ireland, you’ll experience 1 charming destinations — Dublin. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Galway, where you'll stay for 1 night.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Ha'penny Bridge. This much-appreciated footbridge is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 13,278 reviews.

Next up is Molly Malone Statue. This sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 11,774 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Book of Kells. This codex has been rated 4.4 out of 5 stars in 13,299 reviews.

St Stephen's Green is another attraction you have the opportunity to visit today. This park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 29,521 reviews.

To continue your sightseeing, head over to Dublin Zoo. This zoo is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 25,663 reviews. Approximately 1,105,005 people come to see this attraction every year.

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

When it's time to eat or savor a refreshing drink, treat yourself to a delightful dining and drinking experience without paying more than necessary. Galway has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.

Recharge and refresh your energy with a visit to The Front Door Pub, known for its delectable cuisine and inviting ambiance. While immersing yourself in the local culture during your budget-friendly getaway, make sure to stop by O'Connell's Bar Galway - a hidden culinary gem loved by locals and travelers alike. For those craving exquisite flavors, Zappis Restaurant promises to deliver a feast for the senses.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Tigh Neachtain, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of The Crane Bar, a bar catering to every mood and preference. O'Connor's Famous Pub likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

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

On day 6 of your cheap holiday travels in Ireland, you’ll tour 2: Galway and Bunratty. You'll stay in Cork for 1 night, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new experiences.

Make Eyre Square one of your first sightseeing stops in Galway. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 13,114 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Great Escape Rooms is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This point of interest is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,162 reviews.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Cliffs of Moher. This cliff is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Galway, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 32,664 visitors.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Bunratty, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Cork may take around 1 hour 33 min. Upon your arrival in Cork, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

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.

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.

Discovering the culinary wonders of Cork is a must-do on your budget-friendly vacation! When hunger strikes, make your way to one of the city's top dining spots.

After a day of exploring, unwind at the popular White Rabbit Bar & BBQ, serving up a tempting array of dishes that are well-loved by budget-savvy travelers. The SpitJack Cork is another great hotspot for culinary gems. If you’re into something unique but crafted with care and creativity, then head to The Raven Bar.

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 7 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 St Patrick's Bridge. This bridge and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 607 visitors.

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 A Bróg Bar + Kitchen, offering a menu of appetizing and affordable meals. Silver Key Bar and Restaurant is an excellent alternative if you feel like trying something different. Another popular restaurant you could check out is Cornstore Cork, which is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of 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!