7-Day Relaxed Ireland Road Trip from Cork to Dublin

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 St Patrick's Bridge. Around 609 visitors have rated this fascinating bridge and travel destination an average of 4.5 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 Liberty Grill. This restaurant offers a menu of comforting meals and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,609 customers.

Elbow Lane Brew and Smoke House 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 792 reviews.

Izz Cafe is another one of the city’s best restaurants. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 731 customers, Izz Cafe 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 Sin é, our top recommendation in the city. Customers have rated this bar an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,654 reviews.

The Oliver Plunkett 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 4.4 out of 5 stars by 5,192 customers.

Locals like unwinding at Muskerry Arms Bar and B&B Blarney. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,575 customers and is a perfect place for socializing.

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 Blarney 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 Blarney, 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 Blarney Castle & Gardens. This incredible park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 10,638 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Ireland by seeing another popular site in Blarney, the wonderful Blarney Stone. This stone is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 10,638 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 Blarney 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 Blarney. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Market Lane. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,609 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at The SpitJack Cork, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. The SpitJack Cork is rated 4.6 stars out of 5 by 1,934 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Luigi Malones Cork. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,073 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Blarney 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 The Old Town Whiskey Bar at Bodega. This vibrant bar is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,534 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Cornstore Cork. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,516 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is A Bróg Bar + Kitchen. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. A Bróg Bar + Kitchen has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,592 bar goers.

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 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!

You’ll begin your day and sightseeing in Cobh, and continue your explorations in the city of Carrigtwohill. The charming Dublin is where you’ll be staying for 3 nights.

Your first stop is the great city of Cobh, where you will see the amazing Titanic Experience Cobh. This famous museum has an impressive 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 4,040 people.

Give yourself the opportunity to see more of Cobh than meets the eye by joining a top-rated tour. Put your relaxed road trip to a halt in favor of an in-depth exploration of the city’s best sights and hidden gems while connecting with locals and fellow travelers.

After exploring the city of Cobh, it’s time to hit the road again and continue your relaxed road trip to another city in Ireland, the lovely Carrigtwohill!

In Carrigtwohill, you’ll find the magnificent Rock of Cashel. This popular castle has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 13,334 visitors.

After exploring all these beautiful places, drive leisurely to the beautiful city of Dublin 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 Dublin.

We highly recommend going to FX Buckley Steakhouse Temple Bar. This place is a popular restaurant with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,660 customers.

Another great restaurant option is PHX Bistro. This food place is often recommended by travelers and has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,038 customers.

You can also eat at the top-rated The Vintage Kitchen. Offering great food and amazing service, this restaurant has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 911 customers.

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

Check out Shouk for a great selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. This incredible bar is highly recommended and has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,608 customers.

Another amazing bar that serves many kinds of beverages and cocktails is The Temple Bar Pub. This bar has a wonderful rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 25,491 customers.

You may also try The Brazen Head, another top-rated bar in the city. About 11,980 bargoers have given this place a thumb up, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Let’s toast to day 3 of your laid-back self-drive in Carrigtwohill! Celebrate this unique opportunity to enjoy a memorable road trip adventure across Ireland!

Day 4 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip through Ireland serves as your introduction to Dublin. This is your chance to experience the very best of the city and appreciate Ireland and its distinct culture and people.

Upon arriving in Dublin, you can check in at the accommodation of your choice for a quick break. This 4-star hotel has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 11,184 former guests.

You’ll enjoy restful days and nights at the 5-star Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 3,089 guests, Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel is the best luxury hotel option we recommend while in the city.

The 3-star Holiday Inn Express Dublin City Centre offers comfort at an affordable price, perfect for practical travelers. Holiday Inn Express Dublin City Centre is a top-rated budget hotel in Dublin with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 6,645 guests.

These recommendations are among the most popular places to stay in Dublin. If any of these options are not available during your stay in the city, we’ll provide you with the best alternatives. Our flexible booking system will automatically offer you a selection of accommodations that fit your budget and needs.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Dublin, allowing you to explore the city at a relaxed pace. For example, you can take in the unique atmosphere of the city from the outstanding Phoenix Park. This park and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in Dublin. The fascinating Phoenix Park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 37,056 travelers.

Dublin is also home to the captivating Dublin Zoo, a local zoo and another popular attraction in the city. About 25,522 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.6 out of 5 stars. Each year, up to 1,105,005 people include this sightseeing spot in their travel plans.

The extraordinary Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin is another unforgettable place you can visit on your easy and relaxed road trip across Ireland. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 9,428 travelers, Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin proves to be one of the top sights in the area.

You’ll enjoy the time you’ll spend at the incredible Dublin Castle. A trip to this wonderful site will inspire you. Visitors have rated their experience at this amazing top-tier point of interest and attraction an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 31,135 reviews.

Every year, travelers gather around this fascinating sightseeing spot to appreciate its unique features.

Tours often allow you to see beyond what books and social media feature about Dublin, its culture, and people. So for a more meaningful travel experience in the city, we recommend you join one of the most popular tours available on this day of your relaxed road trip across Ireland.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Ireland. After a day of appreciating the best places to visit in Dublin, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Ranking high on our list of the best restaurants in Dublin is Chapter One Restaurant. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 849 customers, you really have to try the savory dishes of this excellent restaurant.

Locals love Mr Fox for its delicious meals, and we recommend you visit the restaurant at least once during your stay in Dublin. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 690 customers.

Another alternative is The Old Storehouse Bar and Restaurant. This restaurant serves a variety of comforting food and drinks and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,719 customers.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Dublin. At The Church Café, Late Bar & Restaurant, you can enjoy a mix of fun and relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 10,779 customers.

Alternatively, unwind and relive your best memories of this day of your relaxed road trip at Porterhouse Temple Bar, another popular bar in the city. Customers have rated this fantastic bar an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 7,884 reviews.

Light House Cinema is also one of the best places in Dublin where you can let loose and enjoy some celebratory drinks. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 3,744 customers.

Sleep comfortably and prepare for another day of your laid-back adventure in Ireland!

On day 5 of your relaxed road trip across Ireland, you'll explore the best attractions in Dublin 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 Dublin, 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 National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology. This incredible national museum has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 12,172 travelers, and is visited by 370,965 people every year.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Ireland by seeing another popular site in Dublin, the wonderful St Stephen's Green. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 12,172 travelers and gets around 370,965 annual visits.

You can then move on to the incredible St Patrick's Cathedral. This anglican or episcopal cathedral has received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 20,815 visitors.

Another stop you might want to add to your self-drive itinerary is the remarkable Guinness Storehouse. This tourist attraction is sought after by many travelers from around the world. The popular attraction has received 4.4 out of 5 stars from 18,823 visitors.

If you want to discover more, consider stopping by the famous National Botanic Gardens. This amazing site is a wonderful botanical garden with more than 15,536 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 Dublin 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 Dublin. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, O'Donoghues Bar. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,110 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Lemon Jelly Cafe, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Lemon Jelly Cafe is rated 4.5 stars out of 5 by 4,104 customers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Dublin 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 The Old Storehouse Bar and Restaurant. This vibrant bar is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,719 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular The Stags Head. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,691 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is The Celt. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. The Celt has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,507 bar goers.

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 laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure, you’ll have the chance to visit two remarkable areas in Ireland. Since this self-drive tour offers freedom and flexibility, you can decide how much time you want to spend in each place to enjoy the memorable travel destinations in Ireland.

Your first destination is the beautiful city of Dublin. As the day progresses, you’ll continue your in-depth tour of the country in the city of Kilkenny. You’ll spend 1 night in Cork.

Take the opportunity to relax while admiring what the city has to offer. While on a relaxed road trip, one of the best places to explore in the city is the remarkable Ha'penny Bridge. This footbridge and popular sightseeing spot has an average rating of 4.5 over 5 stars from 13,192 visitors.

Another top sight worth checking out is the amazing Molly Malone Statue. This best-rated sightseeing destination and go-to attraction has an average rating of 4.4 over 5 stars from 11,653 travelers.

If you’re looking for another unforgettable attraction to explore during your laid-back trip, the wonderful Book of Kells is the perfect place for you. This codex and travel location has received a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 13,007 reviewers.

While exploring the city of Dublin, we highly recommend you join one of its top-rated tours. Joining a tour will allow you to better understand the local culture in Ireland, meet new people, and create memorable experiences, while you comfortably enjoy.

After a fun experience in Dublin, buckle up and enjoy a relaxing drive to your next stop, the incredible city of Kilkenny. This is your opportunity to create more unforgettable memories in Ireland and discover the wonderful Kilkenny.

While in Kilkenny, take a break at one of its best attractions, the great Kilkenny Castle. This schloss country house museum and popular site has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 10,609 reviews.

Another top location in the city is the fascinating Kilkenny Castle. Most travelers find that this schloss country house museum and travel destination lives up to its rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 11,284 reviews.

This travel spotis a go-to place in Kilkenny.

As this day of your laid-back exploration of the best attractions in Ireland comes to a close, continue your relaxed road trip adventure in Cork. Drive leisurely, enjoy the views, and listen to some good music. In Cork, you’ll choose from the best hotels and places to stay in the city and restore your energy.

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, take it easy and have a wonderful dinner at one of the best restaurants in Cork. Check out Hayfield Manor Hotel, a top choice in Ireland due to its excellent meals and service.

Another Cork restaurant to try is a local favorite, Quinlans Seafood Bar Cork.

If you’re looking for another must-visit option, Silver Key Bar and Restaurant is a perfect choice. This popular restaurant in Cork has a score of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,491 people.

After dinner, many travelers enjoy hanging out and unwinding at some of the top bars in Cork. The popular The Thomond Bar has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,430 customers and is the perfect place to fully appreciate your unhurried and relaxed road trip vacation in Ireland.

You could also relax with a drink at another popular bar like The Woodford. This hang-out has an average rating of 4.4 from 1,261 individuals.

If you want to visit another place, the locals of Cork recommend The Shelbourne Bar. Due to its local reputation, this bar boasts an average rating of 4.6 over 5 stars from 1,024 individuals.

Celebrate another day of your relaxing road trip through Ireland with a toast at a top-rated bar in Cork!

Day 7 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.

Triskel Arts Centre is an extraordinary attraction that is perfect for your last day in Cork. This top sight is a popular venue, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 502 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 7 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.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Cork and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 7-day relaxed road trip in Ireland is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.