Cheap 5-Day Ireland Road Trip from Cork traveling west to Galway and Killarney

Your exciting road trip through Ireland starts when you reach the incredible city of Cork, where you'll stay for 1 night. You'll pick up your rental car in Cork and begin your adventure in Ireland.

Cork is a popular cheap holiday destination in Ireland with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in Ireland, Cork is also a great place to find top-rated budget accommodations. You'll find many of these accommodations close to bustling markets and cultural attractions.

A cheap, budget vacation in Cork should not stop you from enjoying incredible food. When you’re ready to have the best dining experience in Cork, try some of our top recommendations.

One musty-try restaurant is Sin é. This restaurant offers good food at reasonable prices and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,654 customers.

Liberty Grill is an excellent alternative with an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,609 reviews. Liberty Grill is known for its delicious meals that will surely satisfy your hunger.

Another of the best places to eat in the area is Elbow Lane Brew and Smoke House. This restaurant has an impressive average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 792 customers because of their good food, service, and ambiance.

After dinner, look back into the highlights of today’s adventure and visit one of the best bars in Cork, The Oliver Plunkett. This famous bar offers snacks and drinks at different price points and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 5,192 bar-goers.

The Old Town Whiskey Bar at Bodega is a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. This bar is considered one of the best drinking spots in Cork, with its average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,534 customers.

Alternatively, you can drop by Cornstore Cork, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,516 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of a terrific road trip vacation and a cheap holiday experience in Ireland!

On day 2 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Ireland, you’ll experience 4 charming destinations — Blarney, Cork, Glanmire, and Galway. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Galway.

Start your day with a visit to Fitzgerald's Park. This extraordinary park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,170 visitors.

Next, make your way to Cork City Gaol. This top attraction is a prison with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,919 visitors.

When you’ve had your share of Cork, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Galway. Your travel time is around 2 hours 22 min.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

While exploring Ireland is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Galway has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Galway on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the city.

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Galway, where exceptional dining and drinking experiences await at unbeatable prices. Explore the city's diverse venues, ensuring a memorable culinary journey for every visitor.

You could check out Hooked, one of locals’ top restaurant options in the area. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,796 customers, and is a great place to enjoy a satisfying meal after a busy day of exploring.

O'Connell's Bar Galway is another excellent choice for cheap holiday-goers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and comforting foods and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,659 diners.

If you feel like having something different, check out the menu at Kai Restaurant. This restaurant is known to offer good food at reasonable prices. Kai Restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,177 customer reviews.

If you're looking for a bar to end the evening at, many locals recommend Tigh Chóilí, claiming it's one of the best in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,662 customers.

Another popular place to go for a drink is Caribou. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 979 customers.

An Púcán is another top-rated bar where you can spend an hour or two. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,188 customers.

Raise your glass to celebrate your fun and affordable travel experience in the city of Galway!

Day 3 of your road trip across Ireland is another proof that cheap holidays in Ireland can indeed provide you an extraordinary travel experience. Today's agenda includes exploring 3 wonderful destinations — Galway, West Clare Municipal District, and Killarney.

Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination.

When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the region of Killarney. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Killarney, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

When it’s time to eat, treat yourself to a lovely meal without paying more than necessary. Killarney has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.

One place locals and cheap holiday-goers recommend is Cronins Restaurant. This restaurant is known for its delicious and comforting foods and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 950 customers.

Celtic Whiskey Bar & Larder is another popular restaurant you can eat at to ensure an affordable and pleasant vacation. This restaurant serves good food at low prices and has an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 766 customers.

Bricín Restaurant and Boxty House has a menu of appetizing and reasonably priced meals, so you might want to check it out too. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 626 reviews.

Make your way to John M. Reidy. This bar promises a great atmosphere for your celebrations and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,292 customers.

Or, why not continue your evening at Murphys Bar, Restaurant & Townhouse Killarney? This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars among 1,665 guests.

Another bar where you can have a great time tonight is The Laurels Pub & Restaurant. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,544 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Ireland!

Day 4 of your self-drive vacation in Ireland will take you to the city of Cork, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Cork, you'll explore 4 popular cheap holiday destinations in Ireland, including Killarney, Kinsale, Carrigtwohill, and Cork.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Fota Wildlife Park. Previous visitors have rated this zoo an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 12,379 reviews.

After soaking in Carrigtwohill’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Kinsale. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 42 min. When you arrive in Kinsale, it's time to take a break from the road.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Charles Fort. This fort is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Kinsale, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,418 visitors.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Kinsale and set your GPS to Cork. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 31 min. Upon reaching Cork, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Cork offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Ireland. Whether you're in need of a quick break from your activities or seeking a comfortable place to rest, rest assured you'll find a welcoming and affordable option in the city.

Going on cheap, budget vacations in Ireland shouldn’t stop anyone from dining at top-rated restaurants and bars. More than just an affordable travel destination, Cork is also home to a variety of excellent dining spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the city's best places to eat and drink.

An excellent option with an exciting menu is Izz Cafe. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 731 customers.

Another dining option is Market Lane. This restaurant is popular among locals and cheap holiday-goers for its delicious food and reasonable prices. Market Lane has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,609 reviews.

Make sure to stop by The SpitJack Cork for a great dining experience. A favorite place to eat among many, around 1,934 customers have rated the irresistible The SpitJack Cork an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

A Bróg Bar + Kitchen is a must-visit. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,592 customers.

You can also enjoy having some snacks and drinks at The Thomond Bar. This bar is a popular hangout spot among locals and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,430 customers.

The Woodford is another top-rated city bar we recommend in Cork. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,261 customers, this bar is a great place to cap off the night.

Toast to another unforgettable road trip adventure during your cheap holiday in Ireland!

Your budget road trip vacation in Ireland is about to end. Day 5 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Cork.

Optimize your last day in Ireland and go on a shopping spree in Cork’s shopping center. This bustling commercial district is conveniently located near your lodging, granting you leisure time to roam and explore its assortment of establishments.

If you love the adrenaline rush of hunting for the best offers and deals in Ireland, you’re in for a treat. A variety of goods and gifts await your discovery.

Before you conclude your road trip in Ireland, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Cork.

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Cork, consider a top-rated restaurant like Luigi Malones Cork. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,073 customers.

Hayfield Manor Hotel is an excellent alternative if you feel like eating something else. This restaurant serves a variety of savory and budget-friendly dishes and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,427 customers.

Another popular restaurant you could check out is Quinlans Seafood Bar Cork. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,527 customers, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of Ireland and your fun memories in 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!