7-Day Ireland Road Trip from Dublin traveling south to Waterford City Metropolitan District and Cork

View of Mellows Bridge in Dublin - Ireland.
Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

Duration
7 days & 6 nights
Available
Jan. - Dec.
Hotel
6 nights included
Car rental
7 days included
Flights
Optional
Travel app
All vouchers, itinerary, & map

Description

Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 7-day road trip through Ireland.

This incredible self-drive vacation package will take you through the best destinations in Ireland. With this perfectly planned travel package, you will stay 3 nights in Dublin, 1 night in Waterford, and 2 nights in Cork, experiencing the ultimate road trip in Ireland. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Dublin, Waterford, and Cork. We'll help you experience the best 7 days in Ireland you can imagine so you can leave happy and inspired.

Upon arriving in Dublin, you'll collect the rental vehicle of your choice. From there, you'll be off to discover some of the most popular attractions in Ireland, including the stunning Phoenix Park and St Stephen's Green.

You'll have an extensive selection of accommodations to choose from throughout your road trip. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, catering to all budgets. Whether you're in the mood for luxurious five-star hotels or cozy, budget-friendly accommodations, we've got you covered.

Your road trip will bring you close to the best attractions and most incredible sights in Ireland. From the magnificent Dublin Castle to the breathtaking St Patrick's Cathedral and National Botanic Gardens, your journey will take you on a thrilling adventure through some of the most iconic travel destinations in the country. Your discovery doesn't end there. Make sure to marvel at the remarkable Guinness Storehouse and learn more about the unique Dublin Zoo to truly immerse yourself in the local culture. As you hit the open road and drive through Dublin, Waterford, and Cork, you'll also have plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Ireland. Whether you're exploring enchanting small towns, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there's always something new and exciting to experience in Ireland.

Add tours and tickets to each day of your trip to make the most of your time in Ireland. You'll have the opportunity to choose from the best tours and activities that your travel destinations have to offer, meaning you'll never have a boring moment on your road trip through Ireland.

Your travel plan itinerary also gives you multiple opportunities to look for souvenirs to memorialize your road trip in Ireland.

You'll return home having experienced the very best of everything Ireland has to offer. Each twist and turn of the journey adds a unique charm to your travel tales.

You can customize each day of your road trip vacation itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking. Enjoy the benefits of exploring all these great attractions at your own speed.

Your travel plan includes everything you need to experience the best of Ireland. You'll be booked at the best hotels for 6 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 6 days during your self-drive road trip, including CDW insurance.

You'll have access to 24/7 travel support, a personal travel agent, and a step-by-step guide via our flexible mobile app. You can choose and add your flight preferences as needed. Make your vacation in Ireland extra special by adding tours and tickets to each day of your itinerary.

The best services in Ireland fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your self-drive road trip in Ireland today!

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Included

Hotel, 6 nights
Rental car, 7 days
CDW Insurance
Step-by-step guide
Personal travel agent
24/7 travel support

Destinations

 Cork, Ireland. Fishing boats inside the port of Cobh. A city with colorful houses in Ireland.Cork / 2 nights
Photo of the waterfront at Waterford in Ireland.Waterford / 1 night
Aerial view of Dublin city center at sunset with River Liffey and Samuel Beckett bridge in the middle. Bridge designed by Santiago Calatrava.Dublin / 3 nights
Photo of Colorful row houses with towering cathedral in background in the port town of Cobh, County Cork, Ireland.Cobh

Map

Attractions

Photo of Phoenix park with a beautiful view, Dublin, Ireland.Phoenix Park
St Stephen's GreenSt Stephen's Green
Dublin CastleDublin Castle
Photo of the entrance to Dublin Zoo in the Phoenix park, Dublin. Opened in 1831 it covers an area of 28 hectares in the heart of Dublin City.Dublin Zoo
Photo of the St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland.St Patrick's Cathedral
Photo of Guinness Storehouse, Popular Tourist Attraction in Dublin, Ireland.Guinness Storehouse
Photo of Greenhouse in The National Botanic Garden in Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland.National Botanic Gardens
Photo of Ruins of the medieval old huge cathedral among tombstones on Rock of Cashel, Ireland.Rock of Cashel
Photo of view of famous illuminated Ha Penny Bridge in Dublin, Ireland at sunset.Ha'penny Bridge
Photo of Fota Wildlife Park: giraffe being fed leaves, Ireland.Fota Wildlife Park
Photo of the Book of Kells exhibition at the library of Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.Book of Kells
Photo of exterior view of the National Museum of Ireland .National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology
Killarney National Park, Glenna, Muckross ED, Killarney Municipal District, County Kerry, Munster, IrelandKillarney National Park
Molly Malone StatueMolly Malone Statue
Blarney Castle & Gardens, Blarney, Blarney ED, Blarney - Macroom, Cork, County Cork, Munster, IrelandBlarney Castle & Gardens
Photo of Muckross House and gardens in National Park Killarney, Ireland.Muckross House
photo of view ofRoss Castle is a 15th-century tower house in County Kerry, Ireland.Ross Castle
Photo of view from Torc Mountain, Ireland.Torc Mountain
Photo of Fitzgerald’s Park is on the Cork and was founded for the Cork Exhibition which was attended by Queen Victoria.Fitzgerald's Park
photo of Cahir castle in county Tipperary, Ireland .Cahir Castle
photo of Blarney Castle, Co.Cork, Ireland, home of world famous Blarney Stone .Blarney Stone
Titanic Experience Cobh, Ballyvoloon, Cobh Urban ED, Cobh Municipal District, County Cork, Munster, IrelandTitanic Experience Cobh
Jameson Distillery Midleton
Spike Island Tours, Kilgarvan, Cobh Urban ED, Cobh Municipal District, County Cork, Munster, IrelandSpike Island Tours
PHOTO OF Irish National War Memorial Gardens .Irish National War Memorial Gardens
photo of Muckross Abbey in county kerry, Ireland .Muckross Abbey

Flights
Yes
No

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

Travel details

Flights

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy
Travel dates

Include flights?

Yes
No

Travelers

Rooms

Flights

Car
Yes
No

Car

Small car

Small car

Category
small car
Transmission
People
Large bags
Medium car

Medium car

Category
Medium
Transmission
People
Large bags
Premium car

Premium car

Category
premium car
Transmission
People
Large bags

Hotels

Personalize your itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Dublin - arrival day

  • Dublin - Arrival day
  • More
  • Ha'penny Bridge
  • More

Your road trip adventure in Ireland begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Dublin. You’ll stay in Dublin for 3 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Dublin has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Ha'penny Bridge. This attraction is a footbridge and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 13,278 visitors.

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. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Dublin, FX Buckley Steakhouse Temple Bar. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,660 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Dublin is Shouk. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,608 customers.

Locals recommend PHX Bistro as one of the best restaurants in the city of Dublin. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,038 customers.

Dublin also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Dublin is The Temple Bar Pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 25,491 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Dublin is The Brazen Head. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 11,980 customers.

Locals also enjoy The Church Café, Late Bar & Restaurant. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 10,779 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 7-day vacation in Ireland!

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Experiences

Day 2

Day 2 – Dublin

  • Dublin
  • More

Drive 13 km, 1 hour 30 min

  • National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology
  • St Stephen's Green
  • St Patrick's Cathedral
  • Guinness Storehouse
  • National Botanic Gardens
  • More

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Dublin has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in Dublin by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Dublin. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.

You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the city of Dublin, like the extraordinary National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology. This attraction is a national museum and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 12,321 visitors. National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology gets around 370,965 visitors every year.

Another of the best travel destinations in Dublin is the spectacular St Stephen's Green. This attraction is a park and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 29,521 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing St Patrick's Cathedral. This anglican or episcopal cathedral has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 21,169 visitors.

Guinness Storehouse is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This tourist attraction is a popular destination among visitors in Dublin. Rated at an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 19,154 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.

If you’re interested in seeing something outstanding today, then consider National Botanic Gardens. National Botanic Gardens is a botanical garden and popular attraction in Dublin. More than 15,718 visitors have rated this place an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Your discovery of Dublin does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Dublin on this day of your trip.

After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Ireland, be sure to eat at The Vintage Kitchen, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Dublin. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 911 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Dublin is the popular Chapter One Restaurant. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 849 customers.

Another great restaurant we recommend in the city of Dublin is Mr Fox. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 690 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, Porterhouse Temple Bar is one of the best bars in the city of Dublin for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,884 customers.

Light House Cinema is another of the most popular bars in the city of Dublin. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 3,744 customers.

Alternatively, a great bar that locals enjoy in the city of Dublin is The Old Storehouse Bar and Restaurant. The Old Storehouse Bar and Restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,719 customers.

Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Dublin!

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Experiences

Day 3

Day 3 – Waterford City Metropolitan District

  • Dublin
  • Waterford
  • More

Drive 178 km, 2 hours 39 min

  • Book of Kells
  • Dublin Castle
  • Phoenix Park
  • Dublin Zoo
  • Irish National War Memorial Gardens
  • More

Day 3 of your road trip through Ireland gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Dublin and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Waterford City Metropolitan District. You will stay in Waterford City Metropolitan District for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Dublin is the amazing Book of Kells. This attraction is a codex that is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 13,299 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible best-rated sightseeing destination, Dublin Castle. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 31,463 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Dublin is the outstanding Phoenix Park. This popular park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 37,298 visitors.

The spectacular Dublin Zoo is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating zoo and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 25,663 visitors. In addition, approximately 1,105,005 travelers visit this popular site annually.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Irish National War Memorial Gardens. This attraction is a popular war memorial that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 2,260 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Dublin by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Ireland. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Waterford City Metropolitan District, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Emiliano's, one of the best restaurants in the city of Waterford City Metropolitan District. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 945 customers.

Locals also recommend Momo Restaurant as one of the best restaurants in the city of Waterford City Metropolitan District. Momo Restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 854 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Waterford City Metropolitan District is McLeary's Restaurant. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 620 customers.

After dinner, visit Geoff's Cafe Bar, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Waterford City Metropolitan District. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,480 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like The Reg. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,344 customers.

Alternatively, The Gingerman is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Waterford City Metropolitan District. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 937 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Ireland!

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Experiences

Day 4

Day 4 – Cobh, Midleton, Carrigtwohill, and Cork

  • Cobh
  • Cork
  • More

Drive 142 km, 2 hours 22 min

  • Jameson Distillery Midleton
  • Fota Wildlife Park
  • Titanic Experience Cobh
  • Spike Island Tours
  • More

Rise and shine on day 4 of your road trip in Ireland. Today, you'll wake up in Waterford and embark on a scenic drive to Cork, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 2 nights. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Waterford and Midleton before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Waterford. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Titanic Experience Cobh. This attraction is a museum that has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 4,120 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Spike Island Tours. This attraction, a beloved park, has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,463 visitors.

Wave goodbye to Cobh and continue your journey by car. If you want to break up today’s drive into two, take the opportunity to stop and discover what the city of Midleton has to offer.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Jameson Distillery Midleton. This attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,546 visitors.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Midleton, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Cork. When you arrive in Cork you’ll check in at one of the best hotels in the area.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Sin é. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,654 customers.

Locals also recommend Liberty Grill, another of the best restaurants in Cork. Liberty Grill is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,609 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Elbow Lane Brew and Smoke House. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 792 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit The Oliver Plunkett to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Cork, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 5,192 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like The Old Town Whiskey Bar at Bodega. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. The Old Town Whiskey Bar at Bodega has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,534 customers.

Cornstore Cork is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,516 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Ireland, and look forward to more great days to come!

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Experiences

Day 5

Day 5 – Killarney and Cork

  • Cork
  • More

Drive 205 km, 4 hours 8 min

  • Ross Castle
  • Muckross Abbey
  • Muckross House
  • Killarney National Park
  • Torc Mountain
  • More

Day 5 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Killarney has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Killarney by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the region.

There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the region of Killarney. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.

You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations like the extraordinary Ross Castle. This attraction is a castle and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,141 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Killarney is the spectacular Muckross Abbey. This attraction is an abbey and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,866 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Muckross House. This house has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 9,388 visitors.

Killarney National Park is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This park is a popular destination among visitors in Killarney. Rated at an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 10,587 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.

If you’re interested in seeing something outstanding today, then consider Torc Mountain. Torc Mountain is a mountain and popular attraction in Killarney. More than 6,640 visitors have rated this place an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Your discovery of Killarney does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Killarney on this day of your trip.

After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Ireland, be sure to eat at Izz Cafe, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Cork. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 731 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Cork is the popular Market Lane. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,609 customers.

Another great restaurant we recommend in the city of Cork is The SpitJack Cork. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,934 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, A Bróg Bar + Kitchen is one of the best bars in the city of Cork for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,592 customers.

The Thomond Bar is another of the most popular bars in the city of Cork. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,430 customers.

Alternatively, a great bar that locals enjoy in the city of Cork is The Woodford. The Woodford has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,261 customers.

Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Cork!

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Experiences

Day 6

Day 6 – Blarney, The Municipal District of Cahir — Cashel, Cahir, and Dublin

  • Cork
  • Dublin
  • More

Drive 281 km, 3 hours 43 min

  • Fitzgerald's Park
  • Blarney Stone
  • Blarney Castle & Gardens
  • Cahir Castle
  • Rock of Cashel
  • More

Day 6 of your road trip through Ireland is your chance to discover two places in one day, the city of Blarney and the city of Cork. Get ready to experience some of the most famous attractions in the area!

One of the best places to visit in the town of Blarney is the amazing Blarney Stone. This attraction is a stone and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,710 visitors.

You could also go sightseeing at the incredible Blarney Castle & Gardens. This park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 10,764 visitors.

Joining a top-rated tour in Blarney is another excellent way to spend your new day in Ireland. The best tours in this travel destination will take you on an exploration to some of Ireland’s most well-known attractions and best-kept secrets.

With this tour, you’ll set out on a journey to Ireland’s most interesting sights. As you go along this remarkable tour, you’ll also have the unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of Ireland’s scenic spots.

You could then travel to the amazing Fitzgerald's Park in the city of Cork for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is a park and has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,170 visitors.

You’ll also have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Dublin.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try The Stags Head, one of the best restaurants in the city of Dublin. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,691 customers.

Locals also recommend The Celt as one of the best restaurants in the city of Dublin. The Celt is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,507 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Dublin is O'Donoghues Bar. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,110 customers.

After dinner, visit The Bank on College Green, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Dublin. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,043 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Café en Seine. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,282 customers.

Alternatively, Murray’s Pub is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Dublin. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,882 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Ireland!

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Experiences

Day 7

Day 7 – Dublin - departure day

  • Dublin - Departure day
  • More
  • Molly Malone Statue
  • More

Day 7 of your road trip in Ireland is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Dublin before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Molly Malone Statue is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Dublin. This top-tier point of interest and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 11,774 visitors.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Dublin and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Ireland.

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Dublin at Lemon Jelly Cafe before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,104 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Dublin. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Ireland!

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Experiences

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