Where to Stop on the Drive from Shannon to Cork

The drive from Shannon to Cork City will take just under two hours (around an hour and 50 minutes). This 128 km road follows the N18 and the N20, and given how much there is to see along this relatively short drive, I recommend allowing at least a full day to do it. Or if you can, break it up into two full days – stopping for the night in Limerick City.

The reason this route is so popular is that Shannon Airport is the only other airport in the Republic of Ireland (besides Dublin Airport) to welcome direct flights from the U.S. Yes, Shannon Airport welcomes flights from Boston, New York, Chicago, and more. And so many tourists leave direct from their flight to head for underrated Cork City and stunning West Cork.

The places we suggest stopping on the drive from Shannon Airport to Cork City are some of my favorite sights in Ireland and include Bunratty Castle, Adare and Blarney Castle!

📌 FYI, there is a slightly quicker route you can take that avoids Limerick City via the M20 motorway and the N20, but there is a toll along this route and it means you won’t get to see Limerick City.

Where to Stop Between Shannon and Cork

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.

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.

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.

Charleville

This is likely to be a quick stop-off, but you could easily spend an hour or so here. You see, Charleville is steeped in history, dating back to its founding in 1661 by Roger Boyle, the 1st Earl of Orrery, who named it in honor of King Charles II. Worth seeing here is the Church of the Holy Cross and the remains of Charleville Castle. You could also grab a coffee for the road from The Forge Cafe & Deli.

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.

Blarney Castle & Gardens

Blarney Castle in County Cork 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.

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!

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!)

Slainte!