Luxury One-Week Relaxed Ireland Road Trip Vacation from Cork to Galway

Your slow-paced and relaxed road trip through Ireland begins when you reach Cork, where you’ll stay for a total of 3 nights.

Cork is an outstanding hub for culture, comfort, and exploration. The city offers travelers plenty of experiences to look forward to, including the magnificent Triskel Arts Centre. Around 506 visitors have rated this fascinating venue and travel destination an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Take your pick and make it your home during your leisurely tour of the city.

Exploring the food culture in Cork offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

An excellent example is The Woodford. This restaurant offers a menu of comforting meals and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,261 customers.

Izz Cafe serves great food and is a favorite among hungry travelers and locals. This popular restaurant in Cork has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 731 reviews.

Liberty Grill is another one of the city’s best restaurants. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,609 customers, Liberty Grill is sure to provide you with an unforgettable dining experience.

If you’re curious about what Cork looks like at night, a trip to some of the best bars near your accommodation is what you need next. Experience the local nightlife at The Shelbourne Bar, our top recommendation in the city. Customers have rated this bar an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1,024 reviews.

The Oval offers a variety of refreshing drinks and is one of the best places to relax in Cork. This well-known city bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 799 customers.

Free your mind of worries and enjoy your first taste of relaxation in Ireland! Expect more to come as you continue this laid-back and relaxed road trip in Ireland!

On day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Ireland, you'll explore the best attractions in Glanmire at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Glanmire, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 2 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Munster Technological University. This incredible technological university has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 3,397 travelers.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 2 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Ireland. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Glanmire itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Ireland extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Glanmire. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Luigi Malones Cork. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,073 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Costigan's Pub, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Costigan's Pub is rated 4.5 stars out of 5 by 818 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Hayfield Manor Hotel. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,427 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Glanmire and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks.

Enjoy the rest of day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Ireland, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 3 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Ireland gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the region of The Municipal District of Birr. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Galway, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 4 nights.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Mount St Joseph Abbey is waiting for you. This place of worship has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 153 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is Leap Castle, Ireland. This unique top-tier point of interest is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 445 visitors.

Don’t forget to make a stop at the incredible Birr Castle Demesne. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,484 visitors, this park is one of the top sights to visit in the area.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else The Municipal District of Birr has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Ireland. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Galway. In Galway, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Ireland.

After a long day of driving and exploring along your relaxed road trip route, sitting down for a well-cooked restaurant meal in Birr is an excellent idea.

A popular restaurant we recommend you try is The Front Door Pub, one of the best restaurants in Birr. With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,692 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing The Front Door Pub.

Locals also recommend O'Connell's Bar Galway as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at O'Connell's Bar Galway as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,659 customers.

If you feel like having something else, you could also book a table at Zappis Restaurant. Zappis Restaurant is another of the most popular places to eat in Birr. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 505 customers.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like Tigh Neachtain. Tigh Neachtain is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,561 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is The Crane Bar. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,098 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

Alternatively, head to O'Connor's Famous Pub. This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night. O'Connor's Famous Pub is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,806 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through Ireland!

On day 4 of your relaxed road trip across Ireland, you’ll explore the area around Menlo, where you’ll be staying for another 3 nights. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Menlo will make you fall even more in love with the city and uniqueness of Ireland.

One of the city’s best travel destinations is a fascinating castle, the stunning Menlo Castle. Around 579 visitors rated their experience at this well-known attraction an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Ireland by joining a traveler-approved tour in Menlo. Tours offer an opportunity to get to know more about Menlo and the unique culture of the country.

There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Menlo that will make your self-drive tour in Ireland more memorable. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Menlo to find the best options for you!

After satisfying your wanderlust, you’ll head to your accommodation in the city of Galway for some rest and relaxation. Immerse yourself in the local food culture of Ireland by eating at one of the best restaurants in Galway.

With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,188 customers, the dining experience A Púcán offers is the perfect complement to your relaxed road trip in Ireland.

The Skeff Bar is another pleasant place to eat in Galway. This restaurant offers a menu of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,056 customers.

If you’re looking for a restaurant that locals enjoy, check out Kai Restaurant and try their flavorful menu. This local favorite has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,177 customers.

When you’re in the mood for an after-dinner drink, visit one of the best bars in the city. At Caribou, you can relax or make friends with locals and fellow travelers. This bar in Galway is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 979 customers.

You can also unwind and enjoy a few drinks at Taaffes Bar, another well-known bar in Galway. Customers have rated this city bar an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,455 reviews.

Another top-rated bar with a unique vibe is Monroe's Tavern. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,993 customers, Monroe's Tavern is one of the best places to end a laid-back tour of Galway.

Get cozy and have fun because this is what your relaxed road trip in Ireland is all about!

On day 5 of your relaxed road trip across Ireland, you'll explore the best attractions in Galway at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Galway, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 2 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Great Escape Rooms. This incredible best-rated sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,162 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Ireland by seeing another popular site in Galway, the wonderful The Latin Quarter. This best-rated sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,162 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Spanish Arch. This best-rated sightseeing destination has received an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 5,753 visitors.

Another stop you might want to add to your self-drive itinerary is the remarkable Galway City Museum. This city museum is sought after by many travelers from around the world, or more than 161,558 people annually. The popular attraction has received 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,232 visitors.

If you want to discover more, consider stopping by the famous Quadrangle. This amazing site is a wonderful best-rated sightseeing destination with more than 175 wanderlust-filled travelers rating it an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 5 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Ireland. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Galway itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Ireland extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Galway. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, The Dáil Bar Galway. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,040 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Scotty's Burgers & Wings, Galway, Ireland. , which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Scotty's Burgers & Wings, Galway, Ireland. Is rated 4.8 stars out of 5 by 616 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended The Quays Bar and Restaurant. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,514 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Galway and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular Tigh Chóilí. This vibrant bar is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,662 customers.

Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks.

Enjoy the rest of day 5 of your relaxed road trip across Ireland, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

On day 6 of your relaxed road trip across Ireland, you'll explore the best attractions in Galway at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Galway, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 1 night will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Port of Galway. This incredible must-see tourist destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,067 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Ireland by seeing another popular site in Galway, the wonderful Ladies Beach. This must-see tourist destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,067 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Barna Woods. This park has received an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,089 visitors.

Another stop you might want to add to your self-drive itinerary is the remarkable Cappagh Park. This park is sought after by many travelers from around the world. The popular attraction has received 4.6 out of 5 stars from 465 visitors.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 6 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Ireland. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Galway itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Ireland extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Galway. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, 1520 Bar. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,375 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Esquires - The Organic Coffee Co (Eyre Square), which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Esquires - The Organic Coffee Co (Eyre Square) is rated 4.7 stars out of 5 by 1,000 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Hooked. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,796 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Galway and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks.

Enjoy the rest of day 6 of your relaxed road trip across Ireland, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 7 of your relaxed road trip across the beautiful country of Ireland will take you on a self-paced journey to two incredible places in one day. See some of the best attractions in Ireland, taste the most delectable foods and exquisite drinks, and make incredible memories as you go!

The charming Cork is where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

This famous cliff has an impressive 4.8 out of 5-star rating from 32,664 people.

Put your relaxed road trip to a halt in favor of an in-depth exploration of the region’s best sights and hidden gems while connecting with locals and fellow travelers.

In Bunratty, you’ll find the magnificent Bunratty Castle & Folk Park. This popular park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 12,442 visitors.

After exploring all these beautiful places, drive leisurely to the beautiful city of Cork for some much-needed rest and relaxation. Here you can choose from the best selection of hotels and places to stay as you get to know more about this spectacular city.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best places to visit in Ireland, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Cork.

We highly recommend going to White Rabbit Bar & BBQ. This place is a popular restaurant with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 991 customers.

Another great restaurant option is The SpitJack Cork. This food place is often recommended by travelers and has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,934 customers.

You can also eat at the top-rated The Raven Bar. Offering great food and amazing service, this restaurant has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 675 customers.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Cork and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

Let’s toast to day 7 of your laid-back self-drive in Bunratty! Celebrate this unique opportunity to enjoy a memorable road trip adventure across Ireland!

Day 8 of your relaxed road trip in Ireland is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Cork.

Depending on when you need to leave, you might be able to fit in some sightseeing or shopping. Embrace the beauty of Cork once more and find some souvenirs to help you remember your time in the city. To end your relaxing road trip in Ireland on top, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

St Patrick's Bridge is an extraordinary attraction that is perfect for your last day in Cork. This top sight is a popular bridge, rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 607 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 8 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Cork or just grab something light to keep you going.

Check out the menu at A Bróg Bar + Kitchen. Dining at A Bróg Bar + Kitchen is one of the best food experiences you can have in Cork. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,592 customers.

Another top recommendation in Cork is Silver Key Bar and Restaurant. If you go to Silver Key Bar and Restaurant, you can expect delicious food, a nice ambiance, and great service. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,491 customers.

Alternatively, you could also go to a place like Cornstore Cork. If you haven’t yet, a trip to Cornstore Cork is your opportunity to have a lovely meal before leaving the city. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,516 customers.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Cork and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 8-day relaxed road trip in Ireland is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.