7-Day Ireland Road Trip from Dublin traveling west 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 St Stephen's Green and St Patrick's Cathedral.

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 Guinness Storehouse to the breathtaking National Botanic Gardens and Dublin Castle, 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. 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

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
 Cork, Ireland. Fishing boats inside the port of Cobh. A city with colorful houses in Ireland.Cork / 2 nights
Photo of Colorful row houses with towering cathedral in background in the port town of Cobh, County Cork, Ireland.Cobh
Photo of the waterfront at Waterford in Ireland.Waterford / 1 night

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 Muckross Abbey in county kerry, Ireland .Muckross Abbey
James Joyce Statue

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 – Dublin - arrival day

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 13,192 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 PHX Bistro. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,038 customers.

Locals recommend The Vintage Kitchen 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 911 customers.

Dublin also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Dublin is Shouk. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,608 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Dublin is The Temple Bar Pub. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 25,491 customers.

Locals also enjoy The Brazen Head. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 11,980 customers.

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

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Experiences

Day 2 – Dublin

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 12,172 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 29,325 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 20,815 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 18,823 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 15,536 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 Chapter One Restaurant, 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 849 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Dublin is the popular Mr Fox. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 690 customers.

Another great restaurant we recommend in the city of Dublin is The Old Storehouse Bar and Restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,719 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, The Church Café, Late Bar & Restaurant is one of the best bars in the city of Dublin for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 10,779 customers.

Porterhouse Temple Bar is another of the most popular bars in the city of Dublin. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,884 customers.

Alternatively, a great bar that locals enjoy in the city of Dublin is Light House Cinema. Light House Cinema has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 3,744 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 – Dublin and Waterford City Metropolitan District

Day 3

Day 3 – Dublin and Waterford City Metropolitan District

  • Dublin
  • Waterford
  • More

Drive 177 km, 2 hours 37 min

  • Book of Kells
  • Molly Malone Statue
  • Dublin Castle
  • Dublin Zoo
  • Phoenix Park
  • More

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 3 of your epic road trip in Ireland, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Dublin. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Waterford City Metropolitan District. You’ll stay in Waterford City Metropolitan District for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Dublin’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Dublin, start your day with a visit to the amazing Book of Kells. This much-appreciated codex and attraction is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 13,007 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Molly Malone Statue. This best-rated sightseeing destination and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 11,653 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Dublin Castle to make the most of your road trip across Ireland. The spectacular Dublin Castle is a best-rated sightseeing destination that has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 31,135 visitors.

The lovely Phoenix Park is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 37,056 visitors have left this park average ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Dublin has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Waterford City Metropolitan District. Waterford City Metropolitan District offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Emiliano's. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 945 reviews.

The remarkable Momo Restaurant is another top restaurant in Waterford City Metropolitan District we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 854 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous McLeary's Restaurant is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 620 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Waterford City Metropolitan District, the fantastic Geoff's Cafe Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,480 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful The Reg. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,344 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Uluru Bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,037 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Ireland!

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Experiences

Day 4 – Cork

Day 4

Day 4 – 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 County Cork 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 House of Waterford Crystal. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,065 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Seasonal Tramore Amusement Park. This attraction, a beloved amusement park, has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,714 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Waterford is the stunning Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens. This park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,141 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Jameson Distillery Midleton. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,523 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Titanic Experience Cobh. This museum and attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 4,040 reviews.

Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Spike Island Tours. This park and travel destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,456 visitors.

When you're done with your sightseeing in County Cork, 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 Liberty Grill. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,609 customers.

Locals also recommend Elbow Lane Brew and Smoke House, another of the best restaurants in Cork. Elbow Lane Brew and Smoke House is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 792 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Izz Cafe. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 731 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Sin é to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Cork, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,654 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like The Oliver Plunkett. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. The Oliver Plunkett has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 5,192 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 – Cork

Day 5

Day 5 – Cork

  • Cork
  • More

Drive 205 km, 4 hours 8 min

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

You still have 1 night left in Cork.

One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Ross Castle. This incredible attraction is a castle and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,044 visitors.

Muckross Abbey is another popular attraction you'll visit. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,835 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit is Muckross House. This amazing attraction is a house and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 9,269 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Killarney National Park. This park and place of interest is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 10,542 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Torc Mountain. This mountain is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,583 visitors.

To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Ireland to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Cork.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Cork, like Market Lane. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,609 customers.

The SpitJack Cork is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Cork. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,934 customers.

Locals enjoy Luigi Malones Cork, one of the most popular restaurants in the city of Cork. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,073 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Cork, The Old Town Whiskey Bar at Bodega. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,534 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like Cornstore Cork. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,516 customers.

An Bróg Bar + Kitchen is another of the best bars in the city of Cork. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,592 customers.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Ireland!

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Experiences

Day 6 – Cork, Muenster, and Dublin

Day 6

Day 6 – Cork, Muenster, and Dublin

  • Cork
  • Dublin
  • More

Drive 281 km, 3 hours 44 min

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

You’ll stay in Dublin for 1 night.

One of the best places to explore in the city of Cork today is Fitzgerald's Park. This excellent attraction is a park that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,130 visitors.

We also recommend you visit the amazing Blarney Castle & Gardens, an outstanding park, in the city of Cork. Around 10,638 travelers rated this attraction with 4.7 out of 5 stars.

To experience the local culture, see more of Ireland, and meet new people at the same time, we highly recommend you go on a tour. You’ll find many top-rated and popular tours in the city, offering unique experiences that will inspire you. On this tour, you can go on an epic adventure to some of the best places to visit in Ireland. You also get to admire popular places of interest.

You could then travel to Fitzgerald's Park for some unforgettable sightseeing experience. This popular attraction is a park and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,130 visitors.

This outstanding park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 10,638 travelers.

You can also stop at the popular Cahir Castle. This attraction, a stunning castle, has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,990 visitors.

If you’re interested in exploring even more, visit the fantastic Rock of Cashel. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 13,334 travelers, the magnificent Rock of Cashel is clearly one of the top sights in the area.

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

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Dublin, O'Donoghues Bar. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,110 customers.

Locals recommend Lemon Jelly Cafe as one of the best restaurants in the city of Dublin. Lemon Jelly Cafe is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,104 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the top bars in the city of Dublin, The Old Storehouse Bar and Restaurant. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,719 customers.

You could also relax with a drink at a popular bar like The Stags Head. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,691 customers.

The Celt is a popular bar that locals recommend in the city of Dublin. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,507 customers.

Be sure to celebrate another day of your incredible road trip adventure through Ireland with a toast!

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Experiences

Day 7 – Dublin - departure day

Day 7

Day 7 – Dublin - departure day

  • Dublin - Departure day
  • More
  • James Joyce 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.

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

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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