Ireland: Dublin to Cork in 9 Days
Ireland
Overview
A loop around Ireland's south and west, best with a rental car: Dublin's literary pubs and Trinity College, west to bohemian Galway and the Cliffs of Moher, down to Killarney as a base for the Ring of Kerry's coastal drive, and finishing in Cork for its famous food market and Blarney Castle nearby.
- Duration
- 9 days
- Pace
- Balanced
- Transport
- Rental car
- Estimated budget (comfortable)
- €1,350–€1,750
Route
1. Dublin2. Galway3. Killarney4. Cork
Highlights
- The Cliffs of Moher, dramatic even in typical Irish weather
- Driving the Ring of Kerry's coastal loop
- Galway's live-music pub scene
- Cork's English Market and Blarney Castle
Worth knowing
- Weather is unpredictable year-round — pack layers and rain gear regardless of season
- Rural roads on the Ring of Kerry are narrow and slow, especially behind tour coaches
- A rental car is close to essential for this route — public transport between smaller towns is limited
Day by day
Day 1
DublinMain activities
- Arrive, settle in
- Trinity College and the Book of Kells
Overnight: Dublin
Day 2
DublinMain activities
- Guinness Storehouse
- Temple Bar evening
Overnight: Dublin
Day 3
Dublin → GalwayMain activities
- Drive (~2.5h)
- Galway city centre
~2.5 hoursOvernight: Galway
Day 4
GalwayMain activities
- Cliffs of Moher day trip
Optional additions
- Connemara day trip instead
Overnight: Galway
Day 5
Galway → KillarneyMain activities
- Drive (~3h)
- Killarney National Park
~3 hoursOvernight: Killarney
Day 6
KillarneyMain activities
- Ring of Kerry scenic drive
Overnight: Killarney
Day 7
Killarney → CorkMain activities
- Drive (~1.5h)
- English Market
~1.5 hoursOvernight: Cork
Day 8
CorkMain activities
- Blarney Castle & Stone
Optional additions
- St. Fin Barre's Cathedral
Overnight: Cork
Day 9
CorkMain activities
- Departure
Overnight: Cork
Alternatives
Shorter version · 6 days
Drop Galway and go directly Dublin → Killarney → Cork.
Longer extension · 12 days
Add Northern Ireland's Giant's Causeway and Belfast before returning south.