Road Trip from Cork to Galway: My Suggested Stops

Cork and Galway are two of the most visited cities in Ireland – and as you can guess, the drive between these two cities is a super-popular route for visitors to Ireland. The drive itself is pretty unremarkable (it’s mostly motorway), but there are some lovely stops along the way – like Adare, a colorful village, and the famed Cliffs of Moher. I will add that most of the worthy stops are a detour off the motorway, which is why the road trip below will take longer than what maps suggest.

The drive is 205 km long and will take just under 2.5 hours, without traffic and without stops. It follows the N20 and M18 for a lot of the way, and so it’s considered a fairly easy drive – although the traffic can be bad leaving Cork, coming into Limerick City, and coming into Galway, too. So, be mindful of this and avoid peak traffic times (from 8 am – 9 am and from 5 pm – 6:30 pm).

We recommend allowing two full days to complete this drive, stopping to stay overnight in Adare, Limerick City or Doolin to break up the journey.

The Drive from Cork to Galway

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.

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 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 3 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.

Mallow Castle

Built in the 13th century by the Norman settlers, it has a rich history that reflects the tumultuous past of the region. The original castle was constructed by the de Barry family and underwent several transformations over the centuries. Today, you can explore the picturesque ruins and its surrounding gardens. The castle is also home to a unique herd of white fallow deer, adding to its enchanting atmosphere.

Adare

Known as one of Ireland’s prettiest villages, Adare is home to quaint, thatched-roof cottages that line its streets. The village is steeped in history, too, and features landmarks such as the majestic Adare Manor (now a super-luxurious hotel). It’s a stunning example of Victorian neo-Gothic architecture set amidst lush, manicured gardens. The 13th-century Desmond Castle and the ancient Trinitarian and Augustinian abbeys are also worthy visits here.

Interestingly, the tiny village of Adare, or more specifically, the golf course at Adare Manor, will play host to the 2027 Ryder Cup. It will be the centennial edition of the biennial match between the United States and Europe and will take place from September 13 to 19, 2027.

Limerick City

Limerick City, the Republic’s third biggest city, is the perfect place to spend the night if you’re keen to break up the journey. Limerick City is less visited, and it’s an underrated destination. But I have a bit of a soft spot for the place as I studied at the University of Limerick for four years.

Some of my favorite things to do in Limerick City include King John’s Castle and the beautiful St. Mary’s Cathedral. And strolling through the famous Milk Market – here you can find fresh local produce, artisan foods, and distinctive crafts.

The Limerick City Gallery of Art is also worth visiting; it’s the biggest contemporary art gallery in the Mid-Western Region. And the Hunt Museum is another famous museum here.

Overall, you’ll definitely be impressed by the city’s mix of medieval and contemporary architecture.

🛏️ Where to stay in Limerick City: The Savoy Hotel is easily one of the best hotels in the city, known for its luxurious amenities and prime location in the heart of the city. This five-star hotel offers elegant rooms with contemporary designs, exceptional dining experiences, and a relaxing spa.

Bunratty Castle

This 15th-century castle is one of the most complete and authentically restored castles in Ireland. Its majestic towers and regal halls are wow-worthy. And once inside, you can explore an impressive collection of art, furniture, and tapestries.

I will add that the castle is part of Bunratty Folk Park, where you can walk through a charming recreation of a 19th-century Irish village, complete with traditional cottages, shops, and even a pub. The park is a true immersive experience of rural Irish life from years ago. And when you visit, you can watch live demonstrations of crafts and more. If you can, the famous Bunratty Medieval Banquet (a cool dining experience) is so worth booking.

Ennis

Ennis, the largest town in County Clare, is our next suggested stop on this road trip.

Spend an hour or two here – strolling around its narrow, winding streets, and like me, you’ll be captivated by the medieval architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Ennis is perhaps most renowned for its rich musical heritage, making it the perfect stopover for traditional Irish music enthusiasts. And as you can guess, the town hosts lively music sessions in many of its cozy pubs (we rate Preachers), where you can experience authentic Irish hospitality

Cliffs of Moher

The iconic Cliffs of Moher are arguably Ireland’s poster child, and very few tourists come to Ireland without having ticked them off. Would you believe they are the second-most visited tourist attraction in Ireland (behind the Guinness Storehouse) – with over 1.5 million coming here every year!

Stretching for about 14 kilometers and rising over 200 meters above the Atlantic Ocean, these cliffs offer breathtaking panoramic views that are simply unparalleled. On a clear day, you can see the Aran Islands, the Maam Turk Mountains, and even the Twelve Bens in Connemara. The cliffs are home to a diverse range of wildlife, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills!

My top tips for visiting the Cliffs of Moher:

Check the weather forecast before you go, as conditions can change quickly, and bring appropriate clothing to stay comfortable in windy or rainy conditions. You may also be unlucky in that the cliffs may be covered by clouds/ mist – that’s why we always recommend staying nearby (Lahinch Coast Hotel is our choice) so that you can come back the next day.

Arrive early (as early as 7 am in the summer months) or get here for sunset (which can be as late as 10 om in the summer) to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.

Make time to visit the visitor center to learn about the geology, history, and wildlife of the area.

Stay on the designated paths for safety and to help preserve the natural environment; the cliffs can be dangerous if you venture too close to the edge.

Parking at the Cliffs of Moher:

The main car park is located directly across from the Visitor Centre. Parking is included in the cost of admission, which is roughly €10 per adult when booked online (children under 12 are free). You must ⁠pre-book your tickets to secure your entry and parking slot. Arriving here outside of normal operating hours (e.g., before 8:00 AM or after 7:00 PM in the summer) is often free, but the visitor centre will be closed.

There is a private car park nearby at Hag’s Head/ Guerin’s Path, but the farmer typically charges around €5 per car to park there. It’s typically much less chaotic than the car park at the visitor centre.

Doolin

This teeny-tiny colorful village is just a 10-minute drive from the Cliffs and is well worth a stop. It’s so photogenic (I’m sure the photo above looks familiar to you!) Like Ennis, Doolin is also renowned for its vibrant traditional Irish music scene, with cozy pubs like Gus O’Connor’s providing authentic, toe-tapping sessions.

Dunguaire Castle

Built in 1520 by the O’Hynes clan, this castle in Kinvara, County Galway served as a stronghold and symbol of Gaelic culture and heritage. It later became a hub for Irish literary revival, hosting luminaries like W.B. Yeats and George Bernard Shaw. Today, you can explore its restored interior, enjoy panoramic views from the battlements, and participate in medieval banquets that celebrate Irish history and folklore.

Galway

Galway, the vibrant city on the west coast of Ireland, is a mosaic of culture, history, and natural beauty. Known for its lively arts scene, historic sites, and the stunning landscapes of Connemara just a stone’s throw away, Galway is a must-visit destination.

I recommend you start your visit with a stroll through the Latin Quarter, where its cobblestone streets are lined with colorful shops, quaint cafés, and traditional pubs offering live Irish music. Don’t miss the iconic Galway Cathedral, with its stunning stained glass and impressive dome.

For a taste of Galway’s artistic spirit, visit the Galway Arts Centre or catch a show at the Town Hall Theatre. If you have time, you should also check out Lynch’s Castle and the Hall of the Red Earl, a fascinating archaeological site.

In the evening (or around sunset), head out to Salthill Promenade for a walk along the coast, and take in the lovely views of Galway Bay.

If you’re visiting in July, the Galway International Arts Festival is a must-see, showcasing performances and exhibitions from around the world.

And you can find some great Galway guided tours here –

Where to stay in Galway:

• Designed by renowned Irish milliner (hat maker) Philip Treacy, The G Hotel & Spa is the epitome of luxury and style. Located just a short walk from Galway city centre, this five-star Galway hotel is perfect if you want elegance and comfort.

• Centrally located in buzzing Eyre Square, The Hardiman is steeped in history and tradition. This iconic hotel has been a cornerstone of Galway hospitality since 1852.

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!)

Renting a Campervan in Ireland

Exploring Ireland by campervan is an adventure that offers an intimate glimpse into the island’s breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Renting a campervan allows you the freedom to explore at your own pace, uncovering hidden gems far from the usual tourist trails.

Renting a campervan in Ireland is relatively straightforward, with numerous rental companies offering a range of motorhomes tailored to different needs and budgets. So, no matter if you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, there’s a perfect campervan for you.

Options range from compact vans ideal for navigating narrow country roads to larger motorhomes with ample space. It’s crucial to consider factors like vehicle size, driving experience, and the level of comfort you desire before making your booking.

You will likely need to pick up your campervan in major cities like Dublin, Cork, or Belfast, or at the larger airports like Dublin Airport and Belfast Airport.

I will also add that campervan rentals tend to sell out quickly during the busy summer season (from June through to September).

🚙 Where to rent a campervan in Ireland

• West Coast Campervans – pick-up locations at Dublin Airport and Newry, Northern Ireland
• Motorhome Republic – a comparison and booking site for campervans
• Craic n Campers – pick-up locations in Roscommon and Greystones, Wicklow
• Bunk Campers – pick-up locations in Dublin and Belfast
• Indie Campers – pick up from Dublin
• Retro Camper Hire – pick up from Dublin
• South Coast Motorhome Hire – pick up from Bandon, Cork

Some or most companies can meet you at a different location for an extra fee, but make sure to ask them about this in advance.

Slainte!

Thanks for reading my guide on the drive from Cork to Galway. I hope you’ll get the chance to stop at most if not all of the stops listed above.