5 Days in Ireland: A Road Trip of Food, Folklore & Fantastic Views

Ireland’s charm lies in its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture — all waiting to be discovered on a 5 day Irish road trip. Thanks to Ireland’s compact size, you can cover a lot of ground in just five days, making it easy to experience everything from medieval cities and dramatic coastlines to colourful towns and traditional pubs — all starting and ending in Dublin. This 5 day Ireland Itinerary offers a lot to see with your short timeline.

There’s no better way to explore Ireland than behind the wheel. A self-drive journey gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace, stop when something catches your eye, and reach places the tour buses don’t go. With CARHIRE.ie, picking up your rental car is quick, easy, and convenient — with locations across Ireland, including Dublin Airport and city centre.

Day 1: Dublin to Kilkenny – Medieval Marvels

Morning:

• Start your journey in Dublin by picking up your rental car from CARHIRE.ie.

• Drive to Kilkenny (1.5 hours) and explore Kilkenny Castle and the Medieval Mile.

Afternoon:

• Visit St. Canice’s Cathedral and climb the round tower for panoramic views.

• Enjoy lunch at a local café or pub, sampling traditional Irish fare.

Evening:

• Stay overnight in Kilkenny and explore its lively pub scene.

Car hire highlight: Start your trip with ease — CARHIRE.ie offers convenient pick-up locations across Dublin, including Dublin Airport and Dublin City Centre. Whether you're landing in the capital or setting off from the heart of the city, we’ll get you on the road in no time.

Day 2: Kilkenny to Cork – Culinary and Cultural Delights

Morning:

• Drive to Cork (2 hours) and visit the English Market, a haven for food lovers.

Afternoon:

• Take a short drive to Blarney Castle to kiss the famous Blarney Stone.

• You can also visit the Blarney Woollen Mills which is famous for Irish knitwear and wool.

Evening:

• Stay overnight in Cork or nearby Kinsale, known for its seafood and charming harbor.

• Explore Cork City’s vibrant food scene and enjoy a local food tour.

• Alternatively, take a walking tour of the city, including St. Finn Barre's Cathedral

Day 3: Cork to Killarney – Gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way

Morning:

• Drive to Killarney (1.5 hours) and explore Killarney National Park.

• Visit Muckross House and Gardens or take a jaunting car ride through the park.

Afternoon:

• Begin your journey along the Ring of Kerry, stopping at scenic viewpoints like Ladies View.

Evening:

• Stay overnight in Killarney, enjoying the town’s warm hospitality.

Day 4: Killarney to Galway – Coastal Beauty and Culture

Morning:

• Drive to Galway (3 hours), stopping at the Cliffs of Moher along the way.

• You can also park on a farm in Liscannor and do the Liscannor to Cliffs of Moher, otherwise known as the Cliffs of Moher trail. It is part of the Burren and you can take some beautiful photos along the way. Find parking under “Cliffs of Moher Walk Liscannor parking” in Google Maps. Parking your car for the day costs €3.

Afternoon:

• Explore Galway’s Latin Quarter, known for its colorful streets, live music, and artisan shops.

• If you love pizza, go to Dough Bros and enjoy one of the best pizzas in Europe.

Evening:

• Stay overnight in Galway and enjoy its vibrant nightlife.

Day 5: Galway to Dublin – A Scenic Return

Morning:

• Drive back to Dublin (2.5 hours), stopping at Athlone to visit Sean’s Bar, Ireland’s oldest pub.

Afternoon:

• Spend your final hours in Dublin exploring any missed attractions, such as the Guinness Storehouse or Phoenix Park.

• Visit EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum. Perfect for heritage explorers and family historians to Learn about Irish emigration and the impact of Irish-Americans.

Evening:

• Return your rental car to CARHIRE.ie and prepare for departure.

🚗 Why Renting a Car is Essential for this Itinerary

Convenience and Freedom:

Public transport is limited, especially in rural areas like the Cliffs of Moher.

A rental car gives you the flexibility to explore Ireland’s hidden gems and scenic routes without restrictions especially from Killarney to Galway.

Scenic Roads:

Ireland’s countryside and coastal roads are a major part of the experience, best enjoyed with the independence of driving.

Time-Saving:

Maximize your time by driving directly to key attractions instead of relying on bus schedules or tours.

CARHIRE.ie offers unbeatable value, hassle-free bookings, and free amendments. Whether you're going coastal, countryside, or castle-hopping - we've got the keys to your perfect trip. Book now and unlock your Irish adventure!.

Grab the keys from CARHIRE.ie and start your Irish adventure today.