9-Day Ireland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Cork to Killarney, Dingle, and Galway

On day 2 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Cork, where you have 1 night left to stay.

Whatever your travel style is, Fitzgerald's Park is an essential stop in Cork. This beloved park provides an insightful glimpse into the city's identity. Next, discover Cork Public Museum, a standout museum, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral, an intriguing church. When you’re done, don’t forget to make a stop at the underrated Crawford Art Gallery.

After soaking in Cork’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Blarney. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 19 min. When you arrive in Blarney, it's time to take a break from the road.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Blarney Stone, an underrated monument in Blarney. Explore its instagrammable features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Blarney Castle & Gardens. This locally renowned castle is a top recommendation in the area.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Cork.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Cork. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Have a fantastic dining experience at South County Bar & Café, Douglas, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Liberty Grill offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Canty's Bar is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Cork.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in Ireland.

Your itinerary for day 3 of your road trip in Ireland includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Killarney. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Killarney, where you'll spend 2 nights.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Killarney, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Cork to Killarney may take around 1 hour 13 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Killarney, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Our first attraction recommendation in Killarney is Ross Castle, an increasingly popular castle that draws attention for its eye-catching features.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Cork and set your GPS to Killarney. 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 1 hour 13 min. Upon reaching Killarney, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Muckross House and explore the history-steeped features. Next, make your way to Killarney National Park, another highlight in Killarney. When you’re done exploring the national park, continue to Torc Mountain, a romantic waterfall.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Killarney. Killarney offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Killarney's best restaurants.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Malarkey, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, The Mad Monk by Quinlans is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Vendricks Restaurant. As an establishment that consistently gains high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Killarney tonight.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at John M. Reidy, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Courtney's Bar offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Jimmy Brien's provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Ireland!

On day 4 of your road trip, you'll get the chance to experience Kenmare. At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Killarney, where you still have 1 night left to stay.

Whether you decide to explore Kenmare on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss.

Kenmare’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Killarney behind. This drive usually takes around 30 min. Kenmare welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Head Of The Gap Of Dunloe and explore the mesmerizing features. Next, make your way to Gap Of Dunloe, another highlight in Kenmare.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Killarney and your accommodation.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Killarney. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Savor the flavors at Killarney Royal Hotel, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Hannigans Bar, Restaurant & Rooftop Balcony beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Curious Cat Café. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Killarney tonight.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Paddy Sheehan The Grand Bar & Niteclub, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Ireland!

On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Ireland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, including Dingle. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Dingle, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

When you arrive in Dingle, it's time to take a break from the road.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Kingdom Falconry. Spend some time admiring the scenic features of the bird watching area before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Dingle Distillery. This often recommended distillery is a traveler-favorite in the town.

If you're keen to see more, continue to Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the aquarium.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Dingle. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the town.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Dingle. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Ireland.

On day 6 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Dingle, where you still have 1 night left. You'll spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate town, including Kenmare and Dunquin.

As you explore Kenmare’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the region.

After soaking in Dingle’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Kenmare. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 35 min. When you arrive in Kenmare, it's time to take a break from the road.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the region's best attractions, visit Brandon Point, an underrated cliff that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey. Next, head to Conor Pass Waterfall and admire its mesmerizing features.

When you’re ready, continue to Conor Pass, a locally appreciated cliff beloved by locals and tourists alike. Don't miss out on Coumeenoole, another highlight of the area that promises a memorable visit.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Dunquin may take around 5 min. Upon your arrival in Dunquin, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Our first attraction recommendation in Dunquin is Cé Dhún Chaoin / Dunquin Pier, an intriguing pier that draws attention for its mesmerizing features.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Dingle.

Dingle is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Dingle.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Ireland!

On day 7 of your road trip in Ireland, your travel plans include 1 stop at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Galway are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Galway, where you will stay for 1 night.

When you’ve had your share of Dingle, 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 3 hours 19 min.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Galway City Museum, an often recommended museum that everyone visiting Galway should see. Next, head to The Latin Quarter. This romantic street is one of the most beloved attractions in the region.

If you're keen to see more, don’t miss out on Cathedral Of Our Lady Assumed Into Heaven And St Nicholas, Galway, a majestic church popular among locals as well as travelers. Eyre Square is an excellent attraction to visit next. Spend some time learning more about this well-known public square before you continue your journey.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Galway, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

Galway is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Galway.

Don’t miss out on dining at The Front Door Pub, a top-rated dining destination in Galway. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider The Creamery Cafe, Ice Cream, Bistro, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Busker Brownes. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Galway this evening.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at The Dew Drop Inn, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Freeney's Bar offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Galway. Tigh Neachtain is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Ireland!