Excellent
Southern Ireland Itinerary: Dublin & Cork
5 Days
2 Stops
Private Guide
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Trip curated by Roman Karin
ExpertThe Titanic Experience in Cobh is more substantive than most visitors expect, and it's consistently the stop clients are most surprised by on this trip. The reconstructed White Star Line booking hall and the individual passenger stories deliver details of the disaster with a specificity no Belfast visit can replicate, because this is the harbor that watched the ship disappear. The Cork Harbour sunset cruise closes the Cobh day correctly; returning to the city by water in the early evening, with Spike Island behind you, gives the harbor's maritime scale a perspective the road from Cobh simply doesn't provide. For Blarney, the Rock Close poison garden and druid's cave below the castle are substantially less visited than the battlements queue above; arriving with time for both means leaving with something beyond the standard Blarney experience.
The Titanic Experience in Cobh is more substantive than most visitors expect, and it's consistently the stop clients are most surprised by on this trip. The reconstructed White Star Line booking hall and the individual passenger stories deliver details of the disaster with a specificity no Belfast visit can replicate, because this is the harbor that watched the ship disappear. The Cork Harbour sunset cruise closes the Cobh day correctly; returning to the city by water in the early evening, with Spike Island behind you, gives the harbor's maritime scale a perspective the road from Cobh simply doesn't provide. For Blarney, the Rock Close poison garden and druid's cave below the castle are substantially less visited than the battlements queue above; arriving with time for both means leaving with something beyond the standard Blarney experience.
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County Dublin
Day 1 - 2
Stretching along Dublin Bay on the east coast of Ireland, County Dublin is home to the vibrant city of Dublin, the country’s colourful capital. Aside from the lively capital, the county features rolling green hills scattered with a collection of character-filled villages, an array of beautiful beaches and a rich history. Visitors can enjoy an iconic black beer - the traditional Guinness; learn about Viking history at the Dublinia, a fascinating heritage centre; and discover the seaside towns of Malahide and Howth, which both offer scenic coastal paths to explore. Other highlights include the Ardgillan Castle and Demesne in the seaside town of Balbriggan, the charming seaside town of Skerries, and the bustling town of Swords.
The Davenport
The Davenport is perfectly situated in the heart of Dublin, giving you easy access to the city’s best restaurants, bars, shops, and entertainment spots. Your room is designed with comfort and convenience in mind, featuring Wi-Fi, a TV, coffee and tea-making facilities, a work desk, a trouser press, and an ironing board.
While you're here, you can unwind at the on-site restaurant, bar, or lounge, grab a drink at the coffee shop, and feel secure with 24-hour security throughout your stay.
Looking to explore the city? Spend time in the peaceful Merrion Park, discover incredible art at the National Gallery of Ireland, or add some fun to your day with a Viking Splash Tour.
Your activity
St Patrick's Cathedral Dublin
St Patrick's Cathedral
Built in honor of Ireland's patron saint, Saint Patrick, Saint Patrick's Cathedral is located right next to the well-known spring where, according to tradition, Saint Patrick baptized converts during his visit to Dublin. The parish church of Saint Patrick was made a collegiate church in 1191 and a cathedral in 1224. The current building has existed since 1220 and is the state cathedral of the Church of Ireland (a church of the Anglican Church). St. Patrick's Cathedral is built in the Gothic style and its magnificent interior is decorated with funerary monuments such as that of the Boyle family and the tomb of the dean Jonathan Swift (author of Gulliver's Travels). Swift was dean of St Patrick's Cathedral until his death in 1745. The chancel is decorated with ornate windows and spectacular choir stalls, once used by the Knights of St Patrick. In the huge west towers there are large bells, whose sound is part of the cityscape of Dublin.
Start Time-
Monday to Friday- 9:30
Saturday-9:30
Sunday-8:45
Cork
Day 3 - 5
Welcome to Cork, a captivating Irish city nestled in the province of Munster in southwest Ireland! You'll find the city's compact center uniquely situated on an island in the River Lee, surrounded by an intricate network of waterways and reclaimed marshland islands. Explore the charming connections provided by limestone bridges, grand Georgian avenues, and quaint 17th-century alleyways adorned with gorgeous Georgian facades. Cork offers a diverse and vibrant arts and culture scene, alongside a tempting array of atmospheric tapas bars and exotic restaurants for you to discover. Popular attractions await, including the Crawford Art Gallery, showcasing a fine collection from the 18th to the 20th centuries, and the fascinating hi-tech cosmological displays at Blackrock Castle Observatory. However, a true highlight of your visit will undoubtedly be the chance to relax in one of Cork's cozy traditional pubs, order a locally brewed Murphy’s or a Beamish stout, and engage in some lively conversation with the city’s famously friendly locals.
Hayfield Manor
Tucked away within beautiful walled gardens, Hayfield Manor offers a peaceful retreat in the vibrant city of Cork, in the southwest of Ireland. The hotel features stylish rooms and suites with individually controlled air-conditioning, spacious marble bathrooms, complimentary Elemis Spa products, heated towel rails, TVs, and free high-speed internet access.
On-site dining includes Orchids, a fine dining restaurant serving contemporary Irish cuisine, and Perrotts Garden Bistro, offering a variety of Mediterranean and international specialty dishes. You can relax in the poolside lounge with a magazine by the indoor heated pool or enjoy rejuvenating treatments and massages at the spa, which includes an outdoor jacuzzi, steam room, and sauna.
Your activity
Titanic Experience in Cobh
Titanic Experience Cobh
The Titanic Experience Cobh is located in Casement Square in the heart of Cobh Town. The Titanic Experience Cobh is located in the original White Star Line Ticket Office, a historic building dating back to the early 19th century. You will receive your boarding pass upon check-in. Your boarding pass contains the details of one of the 123 passengers who arrived at the White Star Line Ticket Office on Thursday, April 11, 1912. These were the last passengers to board the Titanic at its final port of call in Queenstown, Ireland. Your personal tour guide will take you on a virtual journey aboard the dinghies and accompany the Titanic on her maiden voyage to New York. On this trip you will see the original pier, also known as Heartbreak Pier, which was the last land contact for passengers in Queenstown.
Start Time - 9am/10am/4.30pm/5pm
From$3,000
per personAccommodations
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Excellent
Why plan with an expert?
200+
Plan with professionals who are explorers themselves.
21+ hours of time saved
Our experts plan and book for you.
10+ Bookings managed
Everything is bundled in one place and perfectly planned.
5+ Transfers coordinated
For optimal transport and comfort.
Excellent
Itinerary inspiration
Two nights in Dublin and two in Cork, connected by train with a private driver-guide for the Cork section — a focused introduction to southern Ireland that delivers real cultural depth within a short timeframe. The Titanic Experience in Cobh adds a specific and affecting chapter to the Cork days: the town's harbor, from which the Titanic made its final stop before heading west, carries a particular weight that the museum translates honestly.
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What I appreciate about the Cork Harbour sunset cruise as a closing activity: the harbor is large enough that you see the full scope of Cork's maritime geography from the water — the deep natural inlet, the container port at Ringaskiddy, the hills closing around — and the light on it in the evening is consistently strong.
Day 1–2: Dublin
Hotel: The Davenport
St. Patrick's Cathedral and the guided city walk on the first day, the whiskey cocktail course in the afternoon, and time in the cultural and culinary scene for the evening. The Davenport is on Merrion Square, which keeps Trinity College, the National Museum, and the best neighborhood restaurants all within an easy walk. The whiskey cocktail course is a more engaging introduction to Ireland's distilling tradition than a standard tasting — the cocktail format opens up the flavors in ways that neat drams don't always reveal.
Day 3–5: Cork
Hotel: The Montenotte Hotel
The train from Dublin to Cork takes about two and a half hours. Blarney Castle on the first afternoon — the estate grounds and the winding paths through the gardens reward more time than the famous stone alone would justify. Cobh and the Titanic Experience the following morning, with the sunset cruise through the harbor in the evening, give the Cork section both historical depth and coastal atmosphere. The Montenotte sits on the hillside above the city with views down to the Lee — a more considered base than the center hotels, and a useful perch for orienting yourself before heading out each day.
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Frequently asked questions – Southern Ireland itinerary
The most popular season is May through September, when long days and mild weather make sightseeing and scenic drives enjoyable. Spring and autumn bring fewer tourists and lower prices, while winters are quieter but less ideal for road trips.
On average, travelers should plan for $150–$250 per day. Staying in B&Bs and guesthouses keeps costs moderate, while luxury hotels, private guides, or curated activities increase the budget.
Travelers often combine Dublin’s cultural attractions with the medieval charm of Kilkenny, the dramatic Ring of Kerry, the coastal beauty of Cork, and natural wonders like Killarney National Park.
Renting a car provides the flexibility to explore the countryside and coastlines at your own pace. Book accommodations early in summer, pack for unpredictable weather, and allow time for detours into small towns and villages.
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