The Best Places to Stop on the Drive from Dublin to Killarney
There are several routes you can take from Dublin to Killarney. The quickest way takes you on the M7 motorway through Limerick – without stopping and without traffic, you’re looking at 3 hours and 45 minutes (308 km). But, actually, I recommend taking the slightly longer route (348 km) past the Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle, and Blarney Castle, as there’s so much to see.
This route via the Rock of Cashel is the road trip I will describe in this blog post, and it will take you 4.5 hours without stopping, but I truly recommend allowing at least two days to complete it. That way, you can stop for the night in either Cashel or Cork City and really take your time along the way.
This drive I describe below is without a doubt one of the most popular tourist driving routes in Ireland because, as I explained, it contains a few big-hitter attractions (Blarney Castle and The Rock of Cashel) – so, leave early to ensure you have enough time at the sites and to avoid traffic, especially in and around Dublin and Cork City.
Where to Stop Between Dublin and Killarney
If you need to rent a car in Ireland, we highly recommend booking your rental car through Discover Cars, as that’s the website we always use. This is a search engine for rental cars and allows you to filter by price if you’re on a budget or by vehicle type if there’s a specific car you’re after.
Dublin
Before you head off on your drive to Killarney, be sure to spend a few days (or at least a day) in Dublin. As Ireland’s capital and largest city, Dublin boasts a variety of attractions that cater to all interests.
History enthusiasts can explore the medieval Dublin Castle or the iconic Trinity College, home to the world-famous Book of Kells. And if you’re interested in literature, a visit to the Dublin Writers Museum is a must-do. Don’t miss the Guinness Storehouse for a taste of Ireland’s most famous export, or take a scenic walk along the River Liffey.
It’s known as a very fun city, and Dublin’s lively atmosphere is palpable in Temple Bar, where you can dance (or tap your foot) to traditional Irish music, drink local beers, and taste some delicious food.
🛏️ Where to stay in Dublin:
- If your budget allows, a standout hotel in Dublin is The Westbury, a luxurious five-star hotel, just a stone’s throw from Grafton Street. It’s renowned for its opulent decor and exceptional service.
- The Dean Dublin is another cool option, it combines modern design with a lively atmosphere and boasts a trendy rooftop bar and stylish rooms.
Newbridge
My first suggested stop is the famed Newbridge Silverware Visitor Centre – one of the top attractions in this part of the country. Here, you can explore the fascinating history of this renowned brand and learn more about the art of silverware making.
The centre is also home to the Museum of Style Icons, which showcases a remarkable collection of fashion and film memorabilia, including garments worn by legends like Audrey Hepburn and Princess Diana. You can also do a factory tour to see the skilled artisans at work.
Rock of Dunamase
The Rock of Dunamase, an ancient hilltop fortress offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, will likely be a fairly quick stop for you (allow around 30 minutes here).
Originally settled in the 9th century, the Rock of Dunamase became a significant stronghold for the Normans in the 12th century, when it was gifted to Dermot MacMurrough, a king of Leinster. Over the centuries, it witnessed various battles and ownership changes, reflecting the turbulent history of Ireland. Today, its ruins, though weathered, still convey the grandeur of its past!
The Rock of Cashel
The Rock of Cashel, also known as St. Patrick’s Rock, is one of the most famous historic sites in Ireland. This striking limestone hill is crowned by an impressive collection of medieval buildings that include a round tower, a high cross, a Romanesque chapel, a Gothic cathedral, and a restored Hall of the Vicars Choral.
Steeped in legend and history, the Rock of Cashel is said to be the site where Saint Patrick converted the King of Munster to Christianity in the 5th century. It served as the traditional seat of the Kings of Munster before being gifted to the Church in 1101.
In Cashel town, you could spend an hour or so walking the main street and checking out the stores and Cafes as you go. We had lunch at the Cellar Bar (underneath the Baileys hotel), and we really enjoyed it. We also grabbed a takeaway coffee from SOS Beag for the onward drive to Cahir.
It costs 8 euros per adult to enter the Rock of Cashel; kids under 12 are free, and there are discounted rates available for students, seniors, and older children.
🛏️ Where to stay in Cashel: For a luxurious stay, consider the Cashel Palace Hotel, a beautifully restored Georgian mansion offering elegant rooms and a fine dining restaurant.
Cahir Castle
Constructed in the 13th century by the O’Brien family, it is one of Ireland’s largest and best-preserved castles. The strategic location on a rocky island in the River Suir made it an important defensive stronghold.
Over the centuries, Cahir Castle has witnessed various sieges and battles, including its capture by Oliver Cromwell’s forces in 1650. Today, the castle’s impressive keep, high walls, and beautifully restored interiors are amazing to see in-person.
Cahir Castle has also been the filming location for many movies and TV series over the years, like Excalibur (1981) and The Green Knight (2021), The Last Duel (2021), and The Tudors.
An adult ticket to the castle costs 5 euros, and kids under 12 go free.
Swiss Cottage, Cahir:
The Swiss Cottage nearby is also worth checking out while you’re in Cahir. It’s a charming example of a cottage orné – a whimsical embodiment of an idealized countryside retreat. It served as a picturesque venue for picnics, intimate gatherings, and fishing and hunting parties, while also providing a serene escape for residents of the nearby grand house.
Constructed in the early 1800s by Richard Butler, the 1st Earl of Glengall, it is believed that he successfully enlisted the renowned Regency architect John Nash to design it. Initially referred to simply as “The Cottage,” it later earned the name “Swiss Cottage” due to its resemblance to an Alpine chalet.
An adult ticket to view the outside of the house costs 5 euros.
Mitchelstown Caves
The Mitchelstown Caves are a breathtaking marvel near the border of Cork and Tipperary. Its distinctive formations and vibrant colors are so worth checking out.
Guided tours lead you through three vast caverns adorned with mesmerizing dripstone formations, stalactites, and stalagmites. Elegant calcite curtains drape the sloping ceilings, while calcite crystals sparkle in the distance. Among these wonders stands the towering Tower of Babel, one of Europe’s most remarkable calcite columns.
Cork City
As the second largest city in Ireland, Cork City features on many tourists’ Irish itinerary. And even though I love the city (I’m from here), Cork gets a bit of a bad rap among some visitors as it’s not as visually appealing as, say, Dublin or Galway. And that’s exactly why I always recommend Cork City to tourists – because it’s authentic, and a little gritty. It really gives you a true taste of an Irish city.
On any day here, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at city life because Cork knows who it is and doesn’t pretend to be something else, if that makes sense!
If you can, spend a few days in Cork City. Try to tick off the city’s top sights like the world-famous English Market and the Shandon Bells (a local favorite spot). And squeeze in a visit to St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, University College Cork, and Blackrock Castle. All of these are located within the city limits, so you can walk between them.
🛏️ Where to stay in Cork City:
- The River Lee Hotel – offering riverside rooms and stylish interiors. This is an excellent choice within walking distance of the city center.
- The Montenotte Hotel is another great choice. This super-cool and quirky hotel has been recently renovated. It has lovely gardens and a cinema!
Blarney Castle & Gardens
Blarney Castle is another one of the most-visited tourist sites in Ireland, attracting over half a million tourists every year. And so, it’s highly likely this gorgeous spot is on your Irish bucket list – and rightly so. However, I may be biased as I’m a local!
I grew up right here in Blarney! Yep, the village that’s home to the very famous Blarney Castle and Gardens is my hometown. And as a local, I’d like to tell you how much hard work has gone into beautifying the gardens over the years. And now today, walking through Blarney Castle and Gardens has become one of my favorite pastimes!
The Castle’s grounds sprawl across 60 acres, and I recommend allowing around 5 – 7 hours when visiting Blarney Castle. That way, you’ll have enough time to kiss the stone and explore the gorgeous gardens. As well as grab a coffee or snack at the on-site Cafe, which is located within an old stable.
Killarney
From Cork City to Killarney the drive is around an hour and 15 minutes, and along the way, you could make a stop-off in the large town of Macroom.
This lively, colorful town is one of the most-visited towns in all of Ireland and for good reason. It’s picture-perfect, has loads of great bars and restaurants, and heaps of great locally-run stores too. Being from neighboring Cork, we visit Killarney regularly, and honestly, I never get tired of it.
Many tourists come here to check out the wow-worthy Killarney National Park, and I recommend spending at least a day exploring it!
Killarney National Park:
We’ve visited this stunning park countless times over the years. And I’ll be completely honest, even though it’s insanely popular with tourists, it’s still one of my favorite places to visit in all of Ireland.
Killarney National Park, although huge (it’s a whopping 25,000 acres), is very easy to walk around, and there’s so much to do here, from visiting Muckross House to hiking to Torc Waterfall, that I recommend spending one full day here! That way, you’ll have enough time to go on a hike (we recommend the 3 km Knockreer circular walk) and visit the Park’s top attractions like Muckross House, Torc Waterfall, Muckross Abbey, and Ross Castle.
From Ross Castle, you can hop on a boat trip that passes Innisfallen Island, which is home to a 6th-century abbey. The boat is glass-covered so that you can take in the wow-worthy mountain views. If you’re lucky, you may even spot red deer and the elusive white-tailed eagle along the way.
Plus, if you’re up for a really cool, authentic experience, you can hop on the famed jaunting carts that take you around the park!
Where to Stay in Killarney
- The Lake Hotel – Around 5 km from the national park and just 2 km from town, this refined manor dates back to the year 1820. However, this 4-star hotel, which sits right on the lake, has been modernized inside and boasts regal room,s some of which have balconies. Rates start from €250 per night.
- Castlerosse Park Resort – Boasting stunning mountain and lake views, this 4-star property is located 6 km from the national park. The property features an indoor swimming pool, spa, tennis courts, and a fitness center. It’s reasonably priced at around €150 per night.
- Muckross Park Hotel & Spa – This amazing 5-star hotel is one of the closest hotels to the park entrance. And it’s easily one of the most luxurious hotels in Killarney. The rooms here are all individually designed and feature plush furnishings fit for royalty. Here, you’ll also find an award-winning spa and two restaurants. Expect to pay around €300 a night here.
- Killarney Oaks Hotel – Situated just over 5 km from the park entrance, this modern 4-star hotel is a budget-friendly option. With rates starting from €150 per night. The hotels looks out onto the Mangerton mountain and the national park. The rooms here are both luxurious and stylish.
Map your route:
Renting a Car in Ireland
When it comes to driving in Ireland, choose a vehicle that suits your travel needs. If you’re planning to explore rural areas or rugged landscapes, consider renting a compact or four-wheel-drive vehicle, which will handle narrow, winding roads more efficiently. Be sure to book your rental car well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure the best rates and availability.
The cost of renting a car in Ireland can be expensive. However, there are some ways you can save money. We tend to always book our rental car through Discover Cars. This is a search engine for rental cars and allows you to filter by price if you’re on a budget or by vehicle type if there’s a specific car you’re after.
- Generally speaking, you can expect to pay around €300 per week for a manual (stick shift) economy car; this will rise to around €350 during the peak months of June, July and August.
- Try to rent your vehicle from major cities such as Dublin, Cork, Galway, Belfast, and Limerick. That’s because car hire companies in smaller cities tend to have fewer and more expensive options.
- Book as small a car as you can manage!
- We highly recommend selecting fully comprehensive car insurance. The roads and car parking spaces in Ireland are narrow, so it will quell your fears of getting a bump or scratch. Check if your credit card insurance covers this (some do!)
Thanks for Reading!
You may also like to read my guide to packing for Ireland and my ratings for the best hotels in Ireland for families.
