6-Day Ireland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Cork traveling east to Dublin
Description
Included
Description
Escape the ordinary with this exciting 6-day road trip through Ireland. Explore the diverse landscapes, lively cities, and beyond. Pack your bags, hit the road, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!
This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in Ireland takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 2 nights in Cork and 3 nights in Dublin. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!
With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in Ireland. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have got you covered.
Upon arriving in Cork, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover Ireland on your own terms.
An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in Ireland. Phoenix Park and St Stephen's Green are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable Dublin Castle, learn more about the unique Dublin Zoo, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of St Patrick's Cathedral.
As you hit the open road and drive through Cork, Blarney, Glanmire, and Dublin, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Ireland. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in Ireland.
Throughout your road trip in Ireland, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Ireland.
This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodation, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.
The best services in Ireland fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in Ireland today!
Travel details
Set your travel details to find the best price
Flights
Compare and choose from the best flights to Cork
Car
Choose from the best car rental deals or see all options
Itinerary summary
See a summary of the itinerary that you can fully customize
Personalize your itinerary
Customize tours under each day and destination
Day 1
- Cork - Arrival day
- More
- Tramore Valley Park
- More
Say hello to Cork! Your exciting road trip through Ireland is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the city. You will stay in Cork for 1 night before you continue your adventure!
Cork is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Tramore Valley Park, or just taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Cork. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Ireland. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Cork, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at The Woodford, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Greenes Restaurant offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Izz Cafe. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Cork.
Round off your dining experience by visiting Impala, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of The Shelbourne Bar, a bar catering to every mood and preference. The Oval likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.
Raise a toast to the start of your 6-day road trip in Ireland!
Day 2
- Cork
- Dublin
- More
Drive 287 km, 3 hours 53 min
- Cork Opera House
- Blarney Stone
- Blarney Castle & Gardens
- Fitzgerald's Park
- Blackrock Castle Observatory
- More
On day 2 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Ireland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, Cork, Blarney, and Glanmire. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Dublin, where you’ll be staying for 3 nights.
Start by visiting Cork Opera House, a prime spot to begin your journey. This eye-catching opera house is sure to impress. Next on your list is Blarney Stone, another must-visit landmark and often recommended monument renowned for its historic features.
While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the culture of Cork by sampling some local delicacies. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to Blarney Castle & Gardens. This enchanting castle is an essential place to visit for anyone looking for the full Cork experience. We also recommend visiting Fitzgerald's Park, an increasingly popular park. Nearby, you'll also find Munster Technological University, ready to add charm to your journey.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Dublin. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.
As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Dublin. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
Prepare for an extraordinary culinary adventure in Dublin by booking a table at Bastible, a 1-star Michelin restaurant that boasts an exceptional modern menu. For a different flavor experience, head to Patrick Guilbaud, renowned for its delectable modern french dishes. This 2-star Michelin restaurant consistently wows guests, making it a memorable stop during your holiday. Looking for another option? Visit Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen, a local gem known for its delightful modern cuisine in Dublin. Nestled in the city's heart, this 2-star Michelin restaurant is a perfect choice for discerning restaurant-goers seeking a new experience.
To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Mulligan's after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to John Kavanagh The Gravediggers, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Cassidy's also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.
Say good night to Dublin and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Ireland!
Day 3
- Dublin
- More
Drive 5 km, 53 min
- National Gallery of Ireland
- National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology
- The Book of Kells Experience
- St Stephen's Green
- Grafton Street
- More
Day 3 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Dublin for 2 nights more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.
Make sure to visit Grafton Street, a popular street in Dublin. Spend some time wandering around the area and soak in its distinctive charm. You’ll also discover that several of the city’s must-see attractions are just around the corner.
Prepare for a day full of family-friendly attractions, photo-friendly spots, and history-rich sites. When you’re ready, kick off your sightseeing adventure at National Gallery Of Ireland. This captivating art gallery is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is National Museum Of Ireland – Archaeology, one of the city’s best highlights.
Next, check out Book Of Kells, one of the most locally renowned places to see in Dublin. This museum is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Enjoy some downtime and refreshments before continuing to your next stop, St Stephen's Green. Wander around and soak in the eye-catching atmosphere this park offers.
Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Ireland is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.
As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Dublin. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
Don’t miss out on dining at Taste Food Company, a top-rated dining destination in Dublin. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Sophie's Restaurant, Bar & Terrace, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at The Confession Box. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Dublin this evening.
Round off your dining experience by visiting Bruxelles, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Light House Cinema, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Bowe's Lounge Bar likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.
As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Ireland.
Day 4
- Dublin
- More
Drive 22 km, 1 hour 34 min
- Phoenix Park
- Guinness Storehouse
- St. Patrick's Cathedral Park
- Dublin Castle
- National Botanic Gardens
- More
Day 4 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Dublin has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Dublin by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.
Dublin is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a park, a brewery, a church, a castle, a botanical garden and much more! Begin your sightseeing adventure at the notable Phoenix Park and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Guinness Storehouse, a breathtaking brewery that draws visitors from far and near.
Continue your journey to St Patrick's Cathedral, one of the city’s most interesting spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the popular Dublin Castle. When you're finished at the castle, National Botanic Gardens awaits your visit. This botanical garden is a romantic highlight on today's itinerary.
Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Ireland is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Dublin's best restaurants.
Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at The Brazen Head, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Bewley's Grafton Street? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at The Shack Restaurant Temple Bar as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Dublin.
To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting The Bridge 1859 after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to The Dame Tavern, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Mary's Bar & Hardware also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.
As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Ireland.
Day 5
- Dublin
- Cork
- More
Drive 258 km, 3 hours 17 min
- Ha'penny Bridge
- Molly Malone Statue
- Dublin Zoo
- More
Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your road trip in Ireland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Dublin. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Cork. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.
Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Dublin. Some of the city’s most loved attractions await! Ha'penny Bridge is the perfect place to start. This monument is one of the most locally renowned places to visit in Dublin. Next, head to Molly Malone Statue, a notable monument, known for its noteworthy features.
In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to Dublin Zoo. This breathtaking zoo is a highly recommended experience. Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Cork, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Cork. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Experience a symphony of flavors at Goldie in Cork by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its Bib Gourmand distinction, Goldie delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious seafood cuisine. For a palate-pleasing alternative, make sure to dine at Ichigo Ichie Bistro & Natural Wine, acclaimed for its delectable japanese specialties. This local Bib Gourmand establishment consistently satisfies guests, ensuring an unforgettable holiday experience.
Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Ireland!
Day 6
- Cork - Departure day
- More
- Shandon
- More
Day 6 of your road trip in Ireland is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Cork before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
One of the best things to do on your last day is to explore Shandon, a neighborhood that captures the true essence of Cork. Take your time to uncover its best sides and enjoy its proximity to many of the area’s best attractions.
On your last day in Ireland, take time to indulge in shopping at Cork’s popular marketplace, Douglas Farmers' Market. Look for keepsakes or souvenirs to remind you of your trip.
Before you conclude your road trip in Ireland, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Cork.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Dan Lowrey's Tavern, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Ziggys Bar offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Luigi Malones 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!
Similar travel packages
Discover other popular vacations in Ireland
Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place
Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.