Cheap 7-Day Ireland Road Trip from Cork traveling north to Waterford City Metropolitan District, Dublin, and Galway

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.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Red Abbey Tower. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 141 visitors.

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 The Woodford, serving up a tempting array of dishes that are well-loved by budget-savvy travelers. Izz Cafe is another great hotspot for culinary gems. If you’re into something unique but crafted with care and creativity, then head to Liberty Grill.

Cap off your night in this cheap holiday destination at The Shelbourne Bar and try some of its cocktails and snacks. The Oval is another great place to hang out and unwind.

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

On day 2 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Ireland, you’ll experience 2 charming destinations — Cork and Blarney. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Waterford City Metropolitan District, where you'll stay for 1 night.

When you’ve had your share of Cork, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Waterford City Metropolitan District. Your travel time is around 1 hour 57 min.

Make Cork Opera House one of your first sightseeing stops in Cork. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,841 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Fitzgerald's Park is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This park is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 5,170 reviews.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by Cork City Gaol. This prison has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,919 visitors.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Blarney Stone. This extraordinary stone has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,710 visitors.

Next, make your way to Blarney Castle & Gardens. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 10,764 reviews.

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

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

Bodega stands out as a haven for budget-conscious travelers seeking exceptional flavors. Indulge in a delightful array of mouthwatering options. For those craving a casual dining experience, Revolution Craft Beer & Whiskey Bar offers mouthwatering dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate. Don't miss out on the charming ambiance and diverse menu at Emiliano's, where every bite promises a delightful dining experience.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Geoff's Cafe Bar, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, The Gingerman offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Waterford City Metropolitan District. An Uisce Beatha is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

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 4 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Kilkenny, Wicklow, The Municipal District of Bray, and Enniskerry. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Dublin, where you'll stay for 2 nights.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Waterford City Metropolitan District, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Kilkenny may take around 38 min. Upon your arrival in Kilkenny, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Kilkenny Castle. This much-appreciated schloss country house museum is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 10,743 reviews.

Next up is Kilkenny Castle. This schloss country house museum has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 11,458 visitors.

Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Wicklow.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Wicklow Mountains National Park. This park is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 7,575 visitors.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Powerscourt Waterfall, a remarkable waterfall where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 6,309 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.

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

Merchant's Arch offers delicious bites without straining your wallet. For a taste of local cuisine with a twist, venture to The Brazen Head. Or, try The Stags Head, where reasonable prices and warm hospitality create a welcoming atmosphere for diners seeking a memorable dining experience.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Light House Cinema, known for its lively atmosphere.

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 4’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Dublin, proving that cheap holidays in Ireland can be extraordinary. You have ample time, or 1 night, to stay in Dublin. So make the most of today by going to the best places to visit, eat, and drink in the city.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Phoenix Park. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 37,298 visitors.

When you’re finished at Phoenix Park, head to St Patrick's Cathedral. This one-of-a-kind anglican or episcopal cathedral is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 21,169 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Guinness Storehouse. This tourist attraction is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 19,154 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, then consider a visit to National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology. This national museum is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 12,321 visitors. Around 370,965 travelers visit National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology every year.

To round off your sightseeing experience, make your way to Book of Kells. This famous codex is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 13,299 travelers.

Ireland is a wonderful destination with so much to show and so many stories to tell. To have the most extraordinary time on your low-cost holiday in Ireland, consider adding tours to your affordable tour package to Ireland. Choose from many thrilling to laid back and budget-friendly excursions in Ireland that will add color and uniqueness to your adventure.

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

Discover the heart of Dublin through its culinary scene, starting with Chapter One Restaurant. Not only will you discover mouthwatering dishes, but you'll also be pleasantly surprised by their budget-friendly offerings. For a taste of tradition, try The Bank on College Green, where time-honored recipes are served. Or, explore Café en Seine, renowned for its delicious offerings and cozy ambiance.

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

Day 5 of your self-drive vacation in Ireland will take you to the city of Galway, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Galway, you'll explore 1 popular cheap holiday destinations in Ireland, including Dublin.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Galway, 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 Dublin to Galway may take around 2 hours 16 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Galway, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

When you're ready to see some sights, Ha'penny Bridge is a great place to start. This footbridge is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 13,278 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Dublin Castle. This point of interest has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 31,463 travelers.

We also recommend a stop at St Stephen's Green. The park has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 29,521 visitors.

If you're keen to explore more, consider visiting Dublin Zoo. This zoo is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 25,663 reviews. As a top-rated attraction, it's no surprise that 1,105,005 people visit Dublin Zoo every year.

National Botanic Gardens is another easily accessible place to visit on this day of your trip. Stop by this botanical garden, rated 4.8 out of 5 stars in 15,718 reviews, to discover more of what makes it unique.

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.

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

After a day of fun adventures, treat yourself to the best dining experience at The Front Door Pub, where affordable mouthwatering dishes await. Another gem to discover during your memorable getaway is O'Connell's Bar Galway, 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 Zappis Restaurant, an excellent choice to fulfill your cravings for delicious food and great service.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Tigh Neachtain, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, The Crane Bar offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, O'Connor's Famous Pub provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience 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 touring 2 wonderful destinations — Galway and Bunratty. You’ll explore along your route leading to the city of Cork, where you'll be spending 1 night.

The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Cliffs of Moher. This cliff is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 32,664 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Galway.

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 Great Escape Rooms. This point of interest is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,162 travelers from near and far.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Cork. This car ride takes around 1 hour 33 min.

When you're ready to see some sights, Bunratty Castle & Folk Park is a great place to start. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 12,442 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.

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, Cork 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.

Start your foodie adventure at Luigi Malones Cork, where you'll find affordable mouthwatering meals and desserts. If you’re craving a taste of local favorites, head over to Costigan's Pub, a go-to spot for both budget-savvy travelers and locals alike. For an unforgettable dining experience, don't miss Hayfield Manor Hotel, where exquisite dishes and cozy ambiance await to make your culinary adventure truly memorable!

Cheers for an adventure-filled road trip vacation in Ireland! Celebrate this incredible opportunity for an affordable travel experience in the city of Cork!

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.

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. Hold onto the magic of Ireland with these wonderful souvenirs, ensuring your memories never fade.

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 White Rabbit Bar & BBQ, offering a menu of appetizing and affordable meals. The SpitJack Cork is an excellent alternative if you feel like trying something different. Another popular restaurant you could check out is The Raven Bar, 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!