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5 Days In Ireland From Cork (Slow Trip For Those Using Public Transport With Good Fitness)

5 Days In Ireland From Cork (Slow Trip For Those Using Public Transport With Good Fitness)

Planning a 5-day Ireland itinerary can be a pain in the backside… So, we’ve done all of the hard work for you!

We’ve spent 25+ years travelling around Ireland and the itinerary below leans on that experience and the many mistakes we made along the way!

In a nutshell, this 5-day itinerary:

  • Starts and ends in Cork
  • Has been meticulously planned for those only using public transport
  • Has an hour-by-hour itinerary for each day to save you time/hassle
  • Follows logical routes that take you to hidden gems, tourist favourites and great pubs and restaurants

Who this itinerary will suit

Who this itinerary will suit

Now, before you scroll down, take 10 seconds to look at the graphic above – each of our road trip itineraries have been tailored to specific needs.

This road trip is specifically for those of you:

  • Starting in/near Cork
  • Using public transport and organised tours
  • Looking to explore at a slow pace
  • With a good level of fitness 
  • Remember, we have hundreds of different itineraries here if this one doesn’t suit you

An overview of this itinerary

map holder image

The map above gives you a very high-level overview of where this route will take you.

It uses several bases (e.g. Cork for 4 nights) and provides you with day-long road trips you can head off on, so you avoid having to change accommodation constantly.

Now, I’ll stop rambling on – here’s a day-by-day insight into each of the days below!

Day 1: Cork City

Cork City

Photos via Shutterstock

Welcome to Ireland! Today, you’ve touched down in Cork City, ready to start your 5-day adventure.

You’ll be spending two nights in Cork City, and we’re going to assume that you arrived in the afternoon, so get ready for an afternoon’s worth of activities on your first day. 

Recommended accommodation in Cork City

Stop 1: Getting from the airport to the city

bus from Cork Airport

Photos via Google Maps

We have outlined your two options for getting from the airport to the city below.

Option 1: Bus

If you want to take public transport, the 225, 226 and 236 will get you from the airport to the city centre. We’d recommend that you book your tickets in advance.

Option 2: Taxi

A taxi from the airport to the city centre costs around €20. There is a taxi rank right outside of the airport where you can hire a taxi, as well as information inside the airport if you need to call one.

Stop 2: Lunch

Myo Cafe

Photos via Myo Cafe on FB

Walk over to the Cornmarket for lunch. But be mindful that you’ll be heading to the English Market soon (another foodie destination), so don’t fill up too much!

We recommend popping into Bodega for delicious pub grub or the Cornstore if you’re after something a little more upmarket.

Stop 3: Shandon Bell Tower

Shandon Bell Tower

Photos courtesy Catherine Crowley via Tourism Ireland

Shandon Bell Tower is an iconic landmark in Cork City and a must-visit attraction about 10 minutes from the city centre. 

The tower is a part of the Church of St. Anne, which was built in 1722. The church was built to replace an old church on the same site that was destroyed during the Seige of Cork in 1690. 

You’ll need to pay a small fee to get to the top of the tower, but from the top, you’ll have wonderful views of the city, and you’ll be able to ring the bells!

Stop 4: The English Market

English Market 

Photos by Chris Hill via Tourism Ireland

The English Market is 11 minutes away from Shandon Bell Tower. It’s a beautiful covered market with impressive mid-19th-century architecture.

Its name, “English Market”, was to help distinguish it from the Cornmarket, formerly known as the “Irish Market”.

The market dates back to 1788, making it one of the oldest covered markets in Europe. Aside from its history and beautiful architecture, the English Market is known for its delicious food, and you can get everything from artisanal olives to homemade jams. 

Stop 5: Elizabeth Fort

YouTube video

Once you’re finished perusing the market, walk the 10 minutes over to Elizabeth Fort. The star-shaped fort dates back to the 17th century and currently sits off Barrack Street in Cork City.

The fort was originally on high ground, but over the years, the city has built up around it, although it still has fantastic views over Cork. 

General admission is free, but if you’d like to learn more about this historical fortification, guided tours are offered at 1pm every day (€5), and audio guides are available in multiple languages (€3).

Stop 6: Dinner, drinks and live music 

Sin E

Photos via Sin E on FB

You have endless food and pub options in Cork City, regardless of what it is that you fancy on the night.

Here’s a few recommendations to get you started, but feel free to follow your nose:

Our dinner recommendations

There are heaps of brilliant restaurants in Cork City, but our personal favourites are Market Lane, Old Town Whiskey Bar at Bodega, and Cornstore. 

Market Lane has a delicious-sounding menu featuring Irish favourites like pan-fried hake with braised leeks, smoked mussels, and baby potatoes, as well as international dishes like Sri Lankan vegetable curry with tempura aubergine and forbidden rice. 

Head to Old Town Whiskey Bar for burgers, salads, and traditional pub grub, and Cornstore for steaks and seafood. 

Live music and trad bars

There’s some might old-school pubs in Cork City, too. For drinks, check out Mutton Lane (a quirky traditional pub), The Oval (a historic pub named after its unique oval ceiling), and Castle Inn (a traditional family-run pub with a great atmosphere).

There are some great spots for hearing some trad music in Cork, our top choices are Sin E and The Corner House. 

Day 2: Blarney and Cobh

Cobh

Photos via Shutterstock

Today you’re heading to Blarney and Cobh which are both just outside of Cork City. Get ready to see castles and cathedrals and to visit the Titanic’s last stop before her tragic end. 

Grab a spot of breakfast in Cork before you head out for the day. We like Cafe Gusto and The Farmgate, but you could also wander around the English Market to pick up a fresh pastry or sandwich. 

We’d recommend this 8-hour day trip that takes you to Blarney Castle and then onto the charming town of Cobh.

We’ll take you through the stops below, but note that 1, you may not always physically stop at all of these sights and 2, these tours are subject to change, so always check with the provider in advance. 

Stop 1: Blarney Castle

Blarney Castle

Photos via Shutterstock

Blarney Castle is one of the most famous of the many castles in Ireland. The current castle dates back to 1446, but prior to that, there was another stone castle on the site that dated back to 1210. 

Blarney Castle has an interesting history and has changed hands several times.

It was besieged during the Irish Confederate Wars, seized by parliament in 1646, and confiscated in the 1690s during the Williamite War when its owner (the 4th Earl of Clancarty) was captured. 

Stop 2: The Blarney Stone

The Blarney Stone

Photos via Shutterstock

The Blarney Stone is a block of grey limestone built into Blarney Castle. According to folklore, anyone who kisses the stone will be given the “gift of the gab” or the gift of flattery and eloquence.

The stone has been set into the castle walls since it was built in 1446, and it’s believed that the practice of kissing the stone dates back to the late 18th century. 

Today, it’s a must-do activity in the castle, although it’s not easily achieved! To kiss the stone, you’ll need to be on your back and edge yourself closer to the stone to kiss it upside down.

There’s a large gap between the floor and the stone, but nowadays, thanks to health and safety regulations, there are metal bars to prevent you from falling if you slip through the gap. 

There are several origin stories of how kissing the stone came about, from tales involving goddesses to Queen Elizabeth I, to 15th-century lawsuits.

Stop 3: Cobh

Cobh

Photos via Shutterstock

Cobh is a historic coastal town in Cork City harbour that’s beautiful to stroll around regardless of the time of year.

It was the last stop of the Titanic before it departed for New York and home to St. Colman’s Cathedral.

Stop 4: St Colman’s Cathedral

Cobh Cathedral

Photos via Shutterstock

Cobh Cathedral, or St. Colman’s Cathedral, is one of Cobh’s iconic landmarks. It’s a gorgeous cathedral with large stained-glass windows, intricate carvings, and an impressive 90-metre spire that dominates the town’s skyline. 

It took 51 years from the first cornerstone being laid to the cathedral’s consecration. Building the cathedral was a mammoth project and cost well over the initial budget.

It’s just as beautiful on the inside as it is from the outside, with large stone arches, pillars, and red marble shrines. 

The cathedral is on top of a hill, so you’ll have great views over Cork Harbour. 

Stop 5: Titanic Experience

Titanic Experience

Photo left: Shutterstock. Others: Via Titanic Experience Cobh

The Titanic Experience gives visitors an immersive insight into what life was like aboard the Titanic.

It includes a 30-minute tour where you’ll experience an incredible cinematographic experience of the ship sinking. 

Aside from the tour, the experience has several exhibitions telling the personal stories of the passengers, the role of the RMS Carpathia in rescuing survivors, and much more. 

Stop 6: Back to Cork for the night

Sin E

Photos via Sin E on FB

After the day’s activities are finished, it’s time to head back to Cork. 

You’ve an endless supply of pubs and restaurants to choose from in Cork. Here’s a few of our favourites:

Our Cork food recommendations

There are heaps of brilliant restaurants in Cork City, but our personal favourites are Market Lane, Old Town Whiskey Bar at Bodega, and Cornstore. 

Market Lane has a delicious-sounding menu featuring Irish favourites like pan-fried hake with braised leeks, smoked mussels, and baby potatoes.

Head to Old Town Whiskey Bar for burgers, salads, and traditional pub grub, and Cornstore for steaks and seafood. 

Great Cork City pubs

There’s some glorious pubs in Cork, too. For drinks, check out Mutton Lane (a quirky traditional pub), The Oval (a historic pub named after its unique oval ceiling), and Castle Inn (a traditional family-run pub with a great atmosphere).

There are some great spots for hearing some trad music in Cork, our top choices are Sin E and The Corner House. 

Day 3: The trip to Killarney

Ross Castle

Photos via Shutterstock

It’s day 3 of your 5 days in Ireland itinerary, and today, you’ll be leaving Cork and heading to Killarney.

Grab some breakfast from your accommodation before you check out or from Cafe Spresso (a nine-minute walk to the train station). It’s a simple place, but the food is delicious, and they have big portions. 

You’ll be spending three nights in this peaceful town which sits on the outskirts of a beautiful national park. 

Recommended accommodation in Killarney

Here are a handful of places that we’d recommend staying in Killarney: 

Getting to Killarney from Cork City

Cork to Killarney

Photos via Google Maps

You have two options for getting from Cork to Killarney – the bus or train (we’ll give more details below).

Personally, we prefer the train as you’ll have more space to move around. 

Option 1: Bus

Bus Eireann operates a bus service to Killarney from the Bus Station (Parnell Place) in Cork. The trip takes around 1.5 hours and is fairly straightforward. The only issue is that it’s not always a guarantee that there’ll be toilets on the bus!

Option 2: Train

There are regular trains between Cork Kent and Killarney. There are also direct trains between the two. However, you should pay attention when you’re booking your tickets, as some trains require a transfer in Mallow. As always, if you’re unsure, don’t be afraid to ask for help at the station. The train takes around 1.5 hours (depending on if it’s direct or if you need to change).

Stop 1: Arrive in the town and try and check into your accommodation

Killarney Lakes

Photos via Shutterstock

Welcome to Killarney Town! If you can, try and check into your accommodation – this will likely depend on when you arrive, as some places won’t allow you to check-in until the afternoon.

When you’re ready, it’s time to explore the area and we’ve three different ways of exploring for you to choose from.

Personally, I think option 1 combined with option 3 is the way to go!

Option 1: The self-guided cycle

Muckross Abbey 

Photos via Shutterstock

Killarney National Park is big and, while it’s a joy to ramble around, it’s the perfect spot to explore by bike (we’re speaking base on personal experience here).

You can rent a bike online in advance and then pick it up from the collection point on the Muckross Road.

You then cross the road and head straight into the park. There’s very few inclines and it’s a wonderful way to get around to Torc Waterfall, Muckross House and the Lakes of Killarney.

Option 2: The jaunty

Killarney

Photos via Shutterstock

Another great, and very unique way to explore Killarney, is via one of the traditional jaunting cars (i.e. the horse and cart).

On this 1-hour guided jaunty tour you’ll:

  • See Ireland’s highest Mountain Range – the MacGillycuddys
  • Trot past the 15th-century Ross Castle
  • See the impressive St Mary’s Cathedral
  • Learn about Killarney from a traditional Jarvey guide

Option 3: The Lakes of Killarney boat Cruise

Killarney Lakes

Photos via Shutterstock

Arguably one of the most popular tours in Killarney is this 1-hour (and very reasonable) boat tour that takes you around Killarney’s lakes.

The tour takes place on a glass-covered boat with heating and it gives you a completely different perspective of the national park.

You’ll drift by the 6th-century Innisfallen Monastery, see the highest mountain in Ireland and, at times, see Red Deer and White Tailed Eagles.

Stop 2: Killarney for the night

The Laurels

Photos via The Laurels on FB

Killarney is a place that’s rarely too quiet, even during the off-season.

Our dinner recommendations

There are some exceptional restaurants in Killarney. Our favourites are the Mad Monk (they serve amazing seafood like sizzling crab claws and deep water prawn tagliatelle), Kitty O’Se (splash out on the Seafood Tower to share), and Murphy Browns (hearty Irish dishes like roasted duck and fish and chips).

Our pub recommendations

There’s some mighty old-school pubs in Killarney, too. For post-dinner drinks, head to JM Reidy’s, the Laurels Pub, or O’Connors.

They all have a traditional pub feel and are a great choice for a pint. JM Reidy’s has a lovely courtyard which is great in the summer, and O’Connors is perfect if you feel like cocktails. 

If you want to hear some live music, JM Reidy’s and O’Connors often have live music sessions. 

Day 4: Ring of Kerry

ring of kerry loop

Photos via Shutterstock

Today you’re heading off for an adventure on the stunning Ring of Kerry! Be prepared for some amazing views and lovely beaches.

Be prepared for some amazing views and lovely beaches (if you’re visiting in the summer, you may want to bring swimming clothes and towels). 

We’re going to recommend that you take this 7-hour Ring of Kerry day trip that’ll take you to all of the route’s highlights.

We’ll take you through the stops below, but note that 1, you may not always physically stop at all of these sights and 2, these tours are subject to change, so always check with the provider in advance. 

Stop 1: Killorglin

Killorglin

Photos via Shutterstock

Killorglin is a lovely little town on the Ring of Kerry. You’ll just be passing by, but keep an eye out of the window as it’s lovely.

The town is known for its annual Puck Fair, the country’s oldest street festival. It’s held every year in August, and following tradition, the fair starts with crowning the “king” goat

Stop 2: Dingle Bay and Inch Beach

Inch Beach

Photos via Shutterstock

As you pass through Killorglin, you’ll be driving alongside Dingle Bay and passing by Inch Beach, a long spit that juts out across the bay from the other side of the water. 

Inch is one of Kerry’s most popular surf spots and you should be able to see surfers attempting to tame the waves here from afar.

Stop 3: Skellig views

Skelligs View

Photos via Shutterstock

As you make your way to Waterville, you’ll be passing by Ballinskelligs Bay, where on clear days, you’ll be able to spot the Skellig Islands off in the distance.

There are two islands – Skellig Michael and Little Skellig. The former shot to fame in recent years when scenes from a Star Wars movie were filmed on the island.

Stop 4: Waterville

Waterville

Photos via Shutterstock

Keep an eye out of the window as you pass through Waterville and discover why it was Charlie Chaplin’s favourite village in Ireland.

Chaplin first visited the village in 1959 after a recommendation from his friend Walt Disney!

Stop 5: Sneem

Sneem

Photos via Shutterstock

You’ll be making a stop in Sneem, a colourful little village on the Sneem Estuary. The river flows right through the middle of the village and there’s a lovely stone bridge connecting both sides.

The bridge dates back to 1810, with five arches and a staircase down to the water. 

Stop 6: Kenmare Bay

Kenmare Bay

Photos via Shutterstock

As you drive out of Sneem on the Ring of Kerry road, you’ll be passing alongside Kenmare Bay, a long narrow bay that borders County Kerry and Cork. 

This stretch of road hugs the coast and, while much of it is engulfed by tall trees, offers gorgeous views at times.

Stop 7: Moll’s Gap

Molls Gap

Photos via Shutterstock

Moll’s Gap is also known as Céim an Daimh in Irish or ‘Gap of the Ox’, but it gets its nickname after Moll Kissane, owner of a local shebeen (unlicensed pub).

The pub was established in the 1820s when the road was being built, and Moll’s homemade poitin (a strong liquor sometimes made from potatoes) was a favourite with the construction workers!

Stop 8: Ladies View

Ladies View

Photos via Shutterstock

Ladies View is one of the most popular stops on the Ring of Kerry, with roadside parking directly facing the view.

The viewpoint was named in honour of Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting who were in awe when they visited in 1861 during a royal visit.

The view looks out over the Upper Lake, with mountains rising up on either side. From Molls Gap and Ladies View, you’ll have views over the Black Valley, an isolated valley which was the last place in Ireland to get electricity!

From the previous viewpoint, try to spot the wonderful lakes of Killarney. There are three lakes in total: Lough Leane, Middle Lake (also called Muckross Lake), and Upper Lake.

Ladies View has fantastic vistas of the Upper Lake. 

Stop 9: Torc Waterfall

Torc Waterfall

Photos via Shutterstock

According to local folklore, Torc Waterfall was home to a man who was cursed by the devil to turn into a boar each night.

When his secret was revealed by a farmer, the man burst into flames and retreated to the Devil’s Punchbowl. 

The waterfall is breathtaking, tumbling for around 20 metres down rocks and boulders. 

Stop 10: Back to Killarney for the night

Killarney

Photos via Shutterstock

After the waterfall, the tour makes its way back to Killarney. 

It’s been a long day, and luckily enough, there are plenty of places to kick back in for a fine feed and a tipple.

Our dinner recommendations

There are some exceptional restaurants in Killarney. Our favourites are the Mad Monk (they serve amazing seafood like sizzling crab claws and deep water prawn tagliatelle), Kitty O’Se (splash out on the Seafood Tower to share), and Murphy Browns (hearty Irish dishes like roasted duck and fish and chips).

Our pub recommendations

There’s some mighty old-school pubs in Killarney, too. For post-dinner drinks, head to JM Reidy’s, the Laurels Pub, or O’Connors.

They all have a traditional pub feel and are a great choice for a pint. JM Reidy’s has a lovely courtyard which is great in the summer, and O’Connors is perfect if you feel like cocktails. 

If you want to hear some live music, JM Reidy’s and O’Connors often have live music sessions. 

Day 5: Back to Cork

Cork City

Photos via Shutterstock

All good things must come to an end, and today, you’re heading back to Cork to catch the flight home. 

Just like the trip to Killarney from Cork, you have two options to get back to Cork City. However, whether you take the bus or the train, you will need to hop on another bus or take a taxi from the city to the airport. The 225, 226 and 236 will get you to the airport from the city centre. We’d recommend that you book your tickets in advance. 

Option 1: Bus

Bus Eireann operates a bus service to Cork from Killarney Bus Station. The trip takes around 1.5 hours and is fairly straightforward. The only issue is that it’s not always a guarantee that there’ll be toilets on the bus!

Option 2: Train

There are regular trains between Killarney and Cork Kent. There are also direct trains between the two. However, you should pay attention when you’re booking your tickets, as some trains require a transfer in Mallow. As always, if you’re unsure, don’t be afraid to ask for help at the station. The train takes around 1.5 hours (depending on if it’s direct or if you need to change). 

And that’s a wrap on this road trip

slea head loop

Photos via Shutterstock

We hope you found the above road trip guide useful. If you have any questions, ask in the comments below and we’ll do our best to help.

Or, if you’d like to browse our other Irish Road Trip itineraries, visit our Road Trip Hub – cheers!

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