Cork

Private car transfer
from Dublin to Cork

Door-to-door
in 2 h 50 min
From ...
per seat
Comfortable
car
One way
Cancel for free 24 hours before departure
Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 2024
Excellent
trustpilot-stars

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
In total
  • 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.

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

On average, 16 daily direct connections are available between Dublin and Cork. The first train on the timetable departs Dublin at 6:00 AM, while the last leaves at 9:00 PM. The journey costs between €25 and €50 and will take around 2 hours and 40 minutes to complete.
The road distance from Dublin to Cork is over 136 miles, which will take only 2 hours and 50 minutes to drive. However, traffic leaving Dublin and entering Cork can increase the overall time.
A private car with Daytrip is the best way to get from Cork to Dublin. Our door-to-door service will drop you directly at your new address, on schedule, in under three hours. You can also explore the fascinating landmarks most tourists overlook on their road trip through the Republic of Ireland.
Yes, Cork is one of Europe's underrated cities. Its compact urban center allows you to explore the area on foot, and there's an abundance of museums and attractions to keep you entertained for days. The food and drink scene is also one of the best nationwide.
Since the journey from Dublin to Cork is under three hours, it's possible to take a day trip. It's also a small city, so you can explore all the downtown streets and visit a few museums in a day. However, you need three days to see all the major attractions and experience its unique culture.
As of 2024, there is no direct flight from Dublin Airport to Cork Airport. Several connecting flights to London, Liverpool, or Manchester will take between 4.5 and 6 hours, including the aircraft transfer and security time wait at the airports.

Visit these sights on the way

Irish National Stud and Gardens

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

Dunamase

Destroyed multiple times, this once mighty medieval castle is now an atmospheric ruin. A Slightly Rocky History 

Holycross Abbey

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

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

Cahir Castle

This medieval castle exudes history - right down to the cannonball still stuck in its wall. Cannonballs to the Wall 

Jameson Distillery Midleton

Jameson Distillery Midleton

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

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

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4,800+ reviews
  • 797 travelers took this route with us
Dec 4, 2024

Excellent service for transfers in Thailand

I was unsure about this company but a few good reviews on Trip Advisor made me take the chance. I am so happy that we did. We needed a ride from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. Our driver Saksun was an excellent driver - it's not a long distance to drive (by Texas standards!) but the road is challenging and there are a lot of places where improvements to the road are being made. It took around 3 hours with a stop at a place with very clean bathrooms, very interesting hot springs and a place to get a snack and cold drinks. Saksun had a vehicle that was fantastic for this type of drive - a very comfortable ride indeed and was obviously well maintained and very clean. I highly recommend this company. I used to post on trip advisor as "lakekariba" but got out of the habit of doing so. This company was so easy to use and the result was so enjoyable that I felt that the company Daytrip and the driver Saksun had earned our trust and a glowing review. Gillian and Ted Pearsall Austin, Texas

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler lakekariba
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lakekariba

Dec 4, 2024
Dec 3, 2024

Excellent option to get to Vienna to Budapest!

We used Daytrip to travel between Budapest and Vienna with a 2 hour stop for lunch in Bratislava. Our driver Zsombor arrived on time at our hotel in Budapest and was very friendly and informative throughout our trip. His vehicle was roomy and clean and he was kind enough to provide us with some bottled water for the trip. Our quick visit stop in Bratislava was very nice as well. He gave us plenty of time to explore the city and have lunch before meeting him again when it was time to head for Vienna. Daytrip provided us with a happy and trouble free transfer between Budapest and Vienna. Many thanks to your team and especially to your driver Zsombor!

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler pgh1125
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pgh1125

Dec 3, 2024
Nov 9, 2024

Great communication with an actual person! They will take you ANYWHERE, No pre-set routes to choose from!

Last minute plan change and Daytrip was our last resort so I chatted with them and had an immediate response from a real person, best situation ever. Never used Daytrip before but the reviews were incredible so we took the chance and booked a driver at like 11-12pm and by 7am the next morning when we woke, they found us a driver and the driver had already texed us making contact! Very impressed and will definitely use them again. We went from Dubrovnik, Croatia to Tivat, Montenegro.

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler James B
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James B

Nov 9, 2024
Nov 1, 2024

Perfect Transport

Andreas did a great job picking us up from Pireaus Cruise Port and taking us to our rental in Spata. The three of us had been on a long cruise and had 9 pieces of luggage. He arrived in an appropriate vehicle and loaded and unloaded all of it. We are very happy with out decision to book with Daytrip.

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler LuckyTraveler01
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LuckyTraveler01

Nov 1, 2024

Vehicle options for this trip

Most popular

sedan

Sedan

Comparable to aVolkswagen Passat
Passengers and luggage
  • 1-3
  • 3x
  • 3x
  • Clean
  • Comfortable
  • Air conditioned
  • Handicapped accessible
  • Child seats
  • Pet friendly
  • Smoke-free
From ... per seatSelect

Best reviews

luxury sedan

Luxury sedan

Comparable to aMercedes Benz E-class
Passengers and luggage
  • 1-2
  • 2x
  • 2x
  • All standard sedan features
  • Luxurious vehicle
  • Chauffeur-style service
  • Extra amenities
From ... per seatSelect

More options

mpv

Compact MPV

Comparable to aVolkswagen Touran
Passengers and luggage
  • 4
  • 4x
  • 4x
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van

Van

Comparable to aMercedes Vito
Passengers and luggage
  • 5-7
  • 7x
  • 7x
From ... per seatSelect

The Daytrip driver advantage

Daytrip driver
  • 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 13,800+ 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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