Private car transfer from Dublin to Cork
in 2 h 50 min
per seat
car
Trip Information
Pick-up
Your driver will meet you at your address in Dublin.
- Door-to-door service
- Help with your luggage
Trip
You’ll travel in comfort for 2 h 50 min.
- Optional sight-seeing
- Clean, comfortable car
- Professional driver
- Bottled water
- Child seats
- Prepared for handicapped
- Smoke-free
- Pet friendly
Drop-off
Your driver will drop you off at your address in Cork.
- Door-to-door service
- Help with your luggage
- 261 km
- 2 h 50 min
Car Trip From Dublin to Cork
Over 136 miles of sprawling countryside await on a car trip from Dublin to Cork. From the bustling streets of Ireland's political headquarters to the lanes of the nation's self-proclaimed "Real Capital," it's nothing but lush greenery, mystical castles, and charming villages encircled by rustic farmyards.
Every twist and turn is like a page from a picture book of unspoiled natural beauty. That's until the multicolored buildings of the Republic of Ireland's second-largest city come into sight. Nothing should spoil such a stunning drive through the heart of Ireland's Ancient East. So we put together an in-depth guide that includes the best way to get from Dublin to Cork and travel tips to enhance this bucket list car ride!
About Cork
After driving from Dublin to Cork, you'll have entered Ireland's second-largest city, home to over 264,000 welcoming locals. Its location along the River Lee and the southern tip of the island makes it one of the most significant regions, thanks to its proximity to continental Europe.
St. Finbarr founded Cork after building a monastery on the island. By the 1100s, Vikings and Normans had conquered the land and made it part of England. Although a vital port city, Cork witnessed occupation from William of Orange, the invasion of Cromwell, and the burning of Cork City by the English in retaliation for multiple ambushes during the War of Independence.
Cork's eagerness to voice its beliefs and fight for its land earned it its nickname as the Rebel County. Today, you can still feel the rebellious attitude, like how locals only drink Murphy Stout instead of Dublin-owned Guinness. The region's energy and rich past let you experience its city charm, family-owned stores, and historic red brick buildings in the 21st century.
- Official languages: English and Irish
- Currency: Euro
- Climate: Mild Oceanic
- Time Zone: GMT
- Plug Type: Type G
- High season: July and August
From Dublin to Cork: Travel Tips
Although the distance from Dublin to Cork seems small on the map, it's big in spirit and adventure. These travel tips from local drivers and experts will make this a smooth ride you won't forget!
Prepare for the Weather
Even if it's sunny when you leave your accommodation in Dublin, be sure to prepare for rain. You can easily experience all four seasons in a day in Ireland, even in the summer. An umbrella and waterproof clothing are essential, especially if you plan to do sightseeing en route.
Book Tickets in Advance
Cork and Dublin are two of the most visited cities in the Republic of Ireland. As a result, public transportation can sell out at your desired time. Train tickets also skyrocket if you wait to buy them at the station or at the last minute.
Explore Ireland's Ancient East
Ireland's Ancient East is the country's most historical region. Castles, abbeys, and monasteries are all nestled within the thick foliage of the Irish woodlands. Stunning attractions such as Blarney Castle and Dunamase are along the way and are challenging to reach without renting a car.
How to Get From Dublin to Cork
Being the Republic of Ireland's two most visited and largest cities, the government and several companies established a robust transportation infrastructure. Each has its own unique advantages to suit your preferences on how to get from Dublin to Cork.
Bus from Dublin to Cork
The bus is cheap and by far the most popular way for locals to get from Dublin to Cork. Bus Eireann is the national bus firm and is the most affordable yet slowest of the four services. You can view the timetable and purchase a ticket online or at Dublin Busaras Station for €14. The journey to Cork Parnell Place takes four hours, as it stops in several towns along the way.
Aircoach and CityLink are the most frequently used, as they're the quickest and stop at Dublin airport. Tickets are still cheap, costing between €15 and €19, and take just three hours to complete.
Train from Dublin to Cork
The train is a relaxing, but not very convenient, way to travel from Dublin.
You must take a tram or taxi to Dublin Heuston Station, located 15-20 minutes from downtown. Tickets with Irish Rail start at €25 if you book more than a month in advance and can rise to €50 if you wait until the last minute.
The train ride lasts around 2 hours and 40 minutes and will arrive at Cork Kent Station, just a 20-minute walk from St. Patrick's Street.
Daytrip Private Car from Dublin to Cork
Daytrip is the easiest and most enriching method of transport when traveling from Dublin to Cork.
For 2 hours and 50 minutes, you can sit back and relax in your private vehicle, admiring the timeless allure of the Emerald Isle. But with optional sightseeing attractions, you have the opportunity to extend this tour through the rugged coastline. You will learn about the regional heritage at the UNESCO World Site of the Rock of Cashel. Or take a leaf out of the local's book and sample the finest whiskeys at the Jameson Distillery Factory!
Don't worry about arranging a taxi to your hotel once you arrive. Your friendly driver will drop you off directly at your accommodation and handle any bags you have with you!
Things to Do When You Get to Cork
Cork may be the Republic of Ireland's second-largest city. But it's second to none when it comes to exciting things to see and do. Put these unmissable attractions on your list of things to do when you get to Cork!
Wander the English Market
The English Market dates back to 1788. And today, it's still adored by locals and tourists. Inside the narrow corridors, you'll uncover festive energy and a plethora of regional delicacies, from soda bread to black tea and vegetables to shellfish.
Cork is also dubbed Ireland's food capital. The best way to immerse yourself in its cuisine is by picking up regional goods and enjoying a meal at Bishops Lucey Park, just across the street!
Take a Trip to Spike Island
Spike Island is 25 minutes from downtown but is easily accessible by train. The trip is worth every second and penny you spend since it was recently crowned Europe's best attraction at the World Travel Awards, overcoming landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Buckingham Palace.
You can visit this eerie jail known by prisoners as "Ireland's Alcatraz" during the day, or if you're feeling brave, take a haunted tour once the sun sets!
Enjoy the Pub Culture
No trip to the Republic of Ireland is complete without diving into its raucous pub culture! Endless traditional pubs litter Cork's walkways with live music and free-flowing beer, creating a lively atmosphere.
To plunge deeper into what makes this nation famous, take a tour of a local microbrewery like the Franciscan Well or Rising Sons.
Visit The Crawford Art Gallery
The Crawford Art Gallery is ideal for a more sophisticated afternoon or something to do on a rainy day. It's the most extensive art museum in Munster, home to historical and contemporary collections.
Over 3,000 exhibits reside here, and several temporary collections are also available. So you'll have something new to discover every time you return!
When Is the Best Time to Visit Cork?
Since the Rebel City isn't a tourist hotbed like London or Paris, summer is the best time to travel from Dublin to Cork. Although you'll witness other travelers here, the streets won't be gridlocked from large crowds.
The climate is pleasant, with an average temperature of 63° Fahrenheit. Since it's not baking, you can enjoy walking tours and outdoor activities. As a bonus, the outdoors is even more beautiful this time of the year after the flowers and plants transform the green landscape into various shades of vibrant colors.
Ireland's national and UNESCO World Heritage-certified sport, GAA, also takes place in the summer. You can attend the festival-like games in person or go to one of the countless bars and celebrate with the locals.
Questions & Answers about Traveling from Dublin to Cork
Visit these sights on the way
Irish National Stud and Gardens
Surrounded by serene gardens, the legacy of Irish horse racing lives on at the only stud farm open to the public. Horsiculture
Dunamase
Destroyed multiple times, this once mighty medieval castle is now an atmospheric ruin. A Slightly Rocky History
Holycross Abbey
With its magnificent medieval architecture, the oldest bell in Ireland, and a relic of the True Cross, this abbey is a historic treasure trove. Virtues Un-tolled
Rock of Cashel
The seat of early medieval kings, this partly ruined complex boasts some of the oldest and finest religious art and architecture in Ireland. The Medieval Peak
Cahir Castle
This medieval castle exudes history - right down to the cannonball still stuck in its wall. Cannonballs to the Wall
Midleton Distillery Experience
Home to the world’s largest pot still, this historic brewery introduces visitors to the past, present, and future of Irish whiskey. Whiskey to the Past
Blarney Stone
For centuries, statesmen, authors, and actors have sought the gift of eloquence by performing a precipitous kiss on this legendary rock. The Gift of Gab
Why people love Daytrip
- 855 travelers took this route with us
Great driver in Egypt
“Used the service to go from Luxor to Hurghada, Egypt. Ahmed H was our driver and he was perfect. The car was new, clean, he had water and snacks for us, and accommodated our stops. Great service from him and would recommend it.”
Maps315861
Feb 28, 2025Comfortable and Safe Rides in Mexico
“Used Daytrip for two rides in Mexico, which were both great. So comfortable, and we arrived at each of our destinations at a great time. Both were incredible drivers, and we felt so safe. One of our drivers, Miguel, also played the best music! Will definitely use Daytrip on our next trip to Mexico.”
Golourdesduarte
Feb 20, 2025Great way to travel and see some sights on the way
“We did not know what to expect with this trip and booked from Australia. We were initially looking for an easy way to travel from Granada to Malaga. We decided not to waste the opportunity to see something additional on our way. Miguel certainly exceeded our expectations. His English was excellent (unfortunately we speak very little Spanish), and he was very friendly and helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the regions as we passed through and also discussing some of the local ways. Miguel took us to Antequera as planned and ensured we were able to easily get our tickets to the attractions without any sense of rushing us. We were picked up and dropped off punctually and really enjoyed our trip. Hopefully we will return to Spain and we can use this service again sometime.”
Michelle R
Feb 10, 2025Excellent service
“We used the service twice while in Thailand. Extremely prompt and efficient customer service. Best rate being offered in Chiang Mai for the travels. Polite, punctual, professional and English speaking drivers. Clean, comfortable vehicles. Being a regular visitor to Thailand, this was hands down the best service. Most pleased with the company. I hope it sustains the excellence of service that was rendered to us.”
Omar
Jan 25, 2025Vehicle options for this trip
Most popular
Sedan
- 1-3
- 3x
- 3x
- Clean
- Comfortable
- Air conditioned
- Handicapped accessible
- Child seats
- Pet friendly
- Smoke-free
Best reviews
Luxury sedan
- 1-2
- 2x
- 2x
- All standard sedan features
- Luxurious vehicle
- Chauffeur-style service
- Extra amenities
The Daytrip driver advantage
Local knowledge about the route from Dublin to Cork
Including available sights:English speaking*
All Daytrip drivers speak English* as well as their native language (and sometimes additional languages too!). They'll be happy to discuss local history and culture with you, as well as answer any questions you may have. And because they speak the language, they're able to provide you with a unique opportunity to connect with local culture. *Drivers for Lite service aren't required to speak English but must meet all other standards.
Safety first!
We screen all our drivers for criminal and traffic records, and personally interview each one. We also inspect their cars for safety, comfort, and reliability. All cars must be less than ten years old, in excellent operating condition, and insured as required by local law. And because our drivers are locals, they're familiar with the rules and customs of the road.
World-class customer support
- Available 24/7
- Close relationship with drivers
- Experts on the route from Dublin to Cork
Flexible cancellation policy
- Cancellations: 100% refund up to 24 hours before the trip!
- Changes: Free up to 24 hours before the trip!
Good to know
Children
If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!
Pets
Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.
Tips
Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).
Luggage
- Big luggage
- 29x21x11 inches
- 74x53x28 cm
- Small luggage
- 22x14x9 inches
- 56x36x23 cm
Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.
Payment methods
Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions, here are the answers.Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 14,100+ cities around the world.
Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.
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