Private car transfer from Cork to Dublin

Once you cross the midway point, Cashel Castle, the pick of the bunch, is just a short detour from the smooth A1 highway. From this point onwards, the flattening landscape propels your vehicle along the road, still flanked by sprawling farmyards, until the famous Guinness Factory marks the end of the trip and whets your appetite for adventure.

The Republic of Ireland's historic and rural geography makes for a picturesque journey. Steering while keeping your eyes on the road will prove to be impossible. So, uncover how you can enjoy the vistas while someone else handles the driving in our Cork to Dublin local travel guide!

History of Dublin

The first Viking tribes arrived in Dublin in 841 AD. This civilization established and ruled a permanent town on the south side of the river until the Normans invaded in the 1160s. Around four centuries later, the English built Dublin Castle and established one of the world's most extensive slave trades.

Throughout the Middle Ages, living conditions for the wealthy rose, while the general public experienced unsanitized streets. As a result, the Black Plague killed 14,000 Irishmen, the majority from Dublin. Fortunately, several hospitals and modern facilities, including Trinity College, helped improve the public's mood during this period.

The 20th century was Dublin's most stormy period. In Easter 1916, Padraig Pearse led a revolt to end London's rule in Ireland. The superior number of British soldiers crushed and executed 15 rebels, ultimately leading to the War of Independence, which helped form the Irish Free State in December 1922.

Modern Dublin

Today, Dublin is a small capital with a big heart. Last year, the Readers Choice Awards named it Europe's third-friendliest town. The best place to experience the welcoming atmosphere is at the traditional Irish pubs along Temple Bar. Guinness flows like the sound of live folk bands, and the lively atmosphere bubbles like the traditional stews cooking in the kitchens.

But Dublin offers more than dark pubs decorated with rustic wooden furniture. On the one hand, the city has numerous open department stores and wide avenues that'll spark the interest of shopaholics. On the other hand, there are several parks, including Europe's largest urban garden in any capital city, to take a break from the hustle and bustle.

Dublin is a lively city, helped by its 120,000 students. But you can find a quiet slice of heaven, whether along rejuvenated docklands or hidden green spaces.

• Language: English, Irish
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Time zone: GMT
• Climate: temperate oceanic
• Plug type: G
• "Not-so" fun fact: Witch burnings used to occur in St. Stephen Green

Know the key times

Dublin is Europe's fourth-most traffic-congested city, and if you arrive during the peak hours of 7:30-9:30 AM or 4:00-7:00 PM, you could spend an hour stuck in traffic. Timing is also vital when purchasing a ticket from Cork to Dublin. Studies show that the Republic of Ireland is Europe's fifth-most expensive country for single or return tickets per kilometer bought on the day of travel.

Explore Ireland's Ancient East

Ireland's Ancient East is a travel region from Cork in the south to Monaghan in the north. It's the home of mythical tales, medieval castles, historical relics, and unique cultures. You can't afford to speed past the enchanting experiences en route, like roaming the Holycross Abbey, kissing the Blarney Stone, or wandering the lesser-known Cahir Castle!

Trains from Cork to Dublin

The train is a quick and relaxing way to get from Cork to Dublin. Some backpackers utilizing the interrail pass use this route in the summer. However, carriages are mostly empty as locals prefer the more affordable return bus tickets.

All 15 of Irish Rail's direct trains depart from Cork's only station, Cork Kent Station. Onboard, you'll find comfortable seating, quiet carriages, and modern conveniences like wifi, restrooms, and onboard catering services. Although Dublin has two stations, all services arrive at Dublin Heuston Station, 1.5 miles from O'Connell Street.

• Cheapest/average fare: $24-$30
• Fastest/average train duration: 2 hours, 14 minutes; 2 hours, 34 minutes
• First/last departure: 5:40 AM-8:25 PM

Daytrip private car from Cork to Dublin

Daytrip's private door-to-door service is the most comfortable and convenient way to travel from Cork to Dublin. After a simple booking process, your professional driver will greet you with a smile before whisking you from your hotel to your new one in the capital whenever you please.

Daytrip is also the most adventurous and enriching way to travel. Unlike the bus or train, Daytrip lets you stop to explore Ireland's Ancient East, stepping back in time at the Rock of Cashel, breathing in crisp country air at the Irish National Stud Garden, or soaking up scenery at the ruins of Dunamase. But since you're in Ireland and won't be hopping back into the driver's seat, why not sample whiskey on a Jameson Distillery tour to help fuel your wanderlust?

• Seats from: $104
• Door-to-door Duration: 2 hours and 40 minutes
• Flexible timetable
• Clean, sanitized, smoke-free car
• Equipped for pets, kids, groups, or those with limited mobility
• 24/7 customer support
• Free cancellation 24 hours before departing

Soak up the atmosphere at Temple Bar

Temple Bar is the tourist symbol of Dublin. Iconic pubs line the cobbled lanes, where colorful flags mix in with plants hanging from buildings. Students drinking, tourists snapping photos, and street performances create a lively atmosphere before you step inside an establishment.

Don't be surprised to see locals sipping a pint of beer or stout (yes, they're different!) during the day, and prepare for live music and a carnival atmosphere, whether it's 1:00 PM or 1:00 AM. One thing to note is that prices here are higher than average, but the surroundings more than make up for it!

Visit the Guinness Storehouse

When you think of Ireland, Guinness will be one of the first things that come to mind. No trip to the island is complete without savoring its flavors, and there's no better place to do so than right from where it's brewed.

Not only can you enjoy a crisp drink, but you can also learn the secrets of its creation and how to pour the perfect pint. The self-guided tour takes around 1.5 hours, but you can roam at your own pace.

Unwind in Phoenix Park

Phoenix Park is the biggest urban park in a European capital city. Less than 2 miles from downtown Dublin, this sprawling garden of Eden spans over 1,700 acres. It's even home to the Dublin Zoo, perfect for family travel.

While here, you can wander the leafy walkways, listening to birds chirping and watching squirrels rustle through fallen leaves. Or you can do as the locals do: pick up some fresh goods at a local market and enjoy a picnic on the open fields.