Luxury 7-Day Relaxed Ireland Road Trip Vacation 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 National Monument. Around 457 visitors have rated this fascinating monument 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 Sin é. This restaurant offers a menu of comforting meals and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,654 customers.

Liberty Grill serves great food and is a favorite among hungry travelers and locals. This popular restaurant in Cork has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,609 reviews.

Elbow Lane Brew and Smoke House is another one of the city’s best restaurants. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 792 customers, Elbow Lane Brew and Smoke House 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 The Oliver Plunkett, our top recommendation in the city. Customers have rated this bar an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 5,192 reviews.

The Old Town Whiskey Bar at Bodega 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 1,534 customers.

Locals like unwinding at Cornstore Cork. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,516 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 10,764 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 10,764 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, Izz Cafe. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 731 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Market Lane, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Market Lane is rated 4.6 stars out of 5 by 2,609 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended The SpitJack Cork. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,934 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 A Bróg Bar + Kitchen. This vibrant bar is rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,592 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular The Thomond Bar. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,430 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is The Woodford. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. The Woodford has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,261 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 Cork, and continue your explorations in the city of Cashel. The charming Dublin is where you’ll be staying for 3 nights.

Your first stop is the great city of Cork, where you will see the amazing St Patrick's Bridge. This famous bridge has an impressive 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 607 people.

While leisurely driving around the city, you can also spend some of your precious time at the incredible Cork Opera House. The amazing Cork Opera House is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,841 travelers.

You can also go sightseeing at the popular Crawford Art Gallery. This art museum that receives 4.5 visitors every year is a spectacular travel destination rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,468 travelers.

Give yourself the opportunity to see more of Cork 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 Cork, it’s time to hit the road again and continue your relaxed road trip to another city in Ireland, the lovely Cashel!

In Cashel, you’ll find the magnificent Rock of Cashel. This popular castle has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 13,510 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 Shouk. This food place is often recommended by travelers and has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,608 customers.

You can also eat at the top-rated PHX Bistro. Offering great food and amazing service, this restaurant has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,038 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 The Temple Bar Pub for a great selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. This incredible bar is highly recommended and has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 25,491 customers.

Another amazing bar that serves many kinds of beverages and cocktails is The Brazen Head. This bar has a wonderful rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 11,980 customers.

You may also try The Church Café, Late Bar & Restaurant, another top-rated bar in the city. About 10,779 bargoers have given this place a thumb up, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Let’s toast to day 3 of your laid-back self-drive in Cashel! 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 4.2 out of 5 stars from 9,020 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 Harding offers comfort at an affordable price, perfect for practical travelers. Harding is a top-rated budget hotel in Dublin with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 3,417 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 37,298 travelers.

Dublin is also home to the captivating Dublin Zoo, a local zoo and another popular attraction in the city. About 25,663 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 Dublinia 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 5,800 travelers, Dublinia proves to be one of the top sights in the area.

You’ll enjoy the time you’ll spend at the incredible Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin. A trip to this wonderful site will inspire you. Visitors have rated their experience at this amazing anglican or episcopal cathedral and attraction an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 9,563 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 The Vintage Kitchen. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 911 customers, you really have to try the savory dishes of this excellent restaurant.

Locals love Chapter One Restaurant 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 849 customers.

Another alternative is Mr Fox. This restaurant serves a variety of comforting food and drinks and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 690 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 Porterhouse Temple Bar, you can enjoy a mix of fun and relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,884 customers.

Alternatively, unwind and relive your best memories of this day of your relaxed road trip at Light House Cinema, another popular bar in the city. Customers have rated this fantastic bar an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 3,744 reviews.

The Old Storehouse Bar and Restaurant 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 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,719 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 12,321 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 12,321 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 21,169 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 19,154 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 15,718 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, The Stags Head. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,691 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at The Celt, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. The Celt is rated 4.5 stars out of 5 by 4,507 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended O'Donoghues Bar. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,110 food lovers.

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 Bank on College Green. This vibrant bar is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,043 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Café en Seine. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,282 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is Murray’s Pub. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. Murray’s Pub has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,882 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 5 of your relaxed road trip across Ireland, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 6 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Ireland gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Dublin. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Cork, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 1 night.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Ha'penny Bridge is waiting for you. This footbridge has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 13,278 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is Irish Whiskey Museum. This unique museum is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,081 visitors.

Don’t forget to make a stop at the incredible Book of Kells. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 13,299 visitors, this codex is one of the top sights to visit in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination is the outstanding Molly Malone Statue. This popular must-see tourist destination and attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 11,774 people.

If you’re keen to continue your discovery, make your way to Dublin Castle. This attraction is a valued best-rated sightseeing destination in the area that has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 31,463 visitors.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Dublin has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Ireland. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Cork. In Cork, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Ireland.

With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,073 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing Luigi Malones Cork.

Locals also recommend Hayfield Manor Hotel as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at Hayfield Manor Hotel as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,427 customers.

If you feel like having something else, you could also book a table at Quinlans Seafood Bar Cork. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,527 customers.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like The Shelbourne Bar. The Shelbourne Bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,024 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is Cask. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 974 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

Alternatively, head to White Rabbit Bar & BBQ. This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night. White Rabbit Bar & BBQ is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 991 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through Ireland!

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.

Red Abbey Tower is an extraordinary attraction that is perfect for your last day in Cork. This top sight is a popular top-tier point of interest, rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 141 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.