Dublin to Cork Road Trip in Southeastern Ireland – Episode 884

Hear about a week-long road trip from Dublin to Cork through southeastern Ireland as the Amateur Traveler talks to Amber Hagerty from AmberEverywhere.com about this out-of-the-way corner of Ireland.

Day 1: Dublin to Wicklow

• Morning: Arrive in Dublin and explore the city. Visit Bar 1661 for the best Irish coffee and Trinity College to admire the campus.
• Afternoon: Indulge in some delicious ice cream at Murphy’s on Wicklow Street in Temple Bar.
• Evening: Rent a car and drive south to Bray. Enjoy a stroll along the promenade, have dinner at a local restaurant like Daata, and consider doing the cliff walk to Greystones for breathtaking views.

Day 2: Exploring Wicklow

• Morning: Visit Enniskerry, a charming town with a picturesque setting used to film “Disenchanted”.
• Midday: Explore Powerscourt Estate and Gardens, known for its stunning landscapes and themed gardens.
• Afternoon: Drive to Glendalough and embark on the Spinc Trail for a scenic hike with panoramic views.
• Evening: Consider staying overnight in Glendalough, perhaps trying out glamping for a unique experience.

Day 3: Road Trip to Wexford

• Morning: Drive through the Wicklow Gap for breathtaking views of the Wicklow Mountains.
• Midday: Make a stop in Wicklow Town to visit the historic jail and explore the seaside harbor.
• Afternoon: Enjoy brunch at LoCo Grocer in Arklow and relax on Brittas Bay Beach.
• Evening: Arrive in Wexford City and consider attending a performance at the National Opera House.

Day 4: Salty Islands and Waterford

• Morning: Take a ferry to the Salty Islands (book far in advance) for a unique birdwatching experience, especially to see puffins.
• Midday: Return to Kilmore Quay and indulge in a sauna experience at Salty Sauna.
• Afternoon: Drive to Waterford City and visit the House of Waterford Crystal for a tour and souvenir shopping.
• Evening: Dine at a local restaurant like the Seagull Bakery for delicious sourdough bread and pastries.

Day 5: Exploring Tramore

• Morning: Start your day with a stroll through the charming seaside town of Tramore. Enjoy the picturesque hilly streets and take in the coastal atmosphere.
• Mid-morning: Head down to the seafront and take a leisurely walk along the boardwalk, perfect for families with kids. Explore the expansive sandy beach, keeping in mind that it may be covered by the tide at certain times.
• Afternoon: Visit the Japanese Gardens dedicated to Lafcadio Hearn, an Irish travel writer with a fascinating connection to Tramore. Learn about his life and legacy while enjoying the serene beauty of the gardens.
• Late Afternoon/Evening: Spend the rest of the day soaking in the laid-back atmosphere of this charming coastal town.

Day 6: Outdoor Adventures in Waterford

• Morning: Embark on the Waterford Greenway, a scenic route along a converted train line. Choose to walk or cycle along this picturesque path, taking in views of aqueducts, lush greenery, and charming tunnels.
• Afternoon: Explore the stunning hike to Coumshingaun Lough. Enjoy breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding cliffs, but exercise caution if the weather is foggy. Opt for the shorter hike to the lake if visibility is poor.
• Late Afternoon/Evening: Return to Tramore or continue exploring the Waterford area at your leisure. Consider dining at a local restaurant or relaxing at your accommodation after a day of outdoor adventures.

Day 7: Discovering the Copper Coast

• Morning: Drive along the scenic Copper Coast, a UNESCO Geopark known for its geological and cultural significance. Stop at Bunmahon Beach to enjoy the sandy shores and explore the dunes.
• Midday: Continue southward to discover the secluded Tra na mBó Beach, hidden among the cliffs. Spend some peaceful moments soaking in the natural beauty of this hidden gem.
• Afternoon: Explore the charming town of Dungarvan, known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious churros. Consider starting your journey back towards Cork, taking in the scenic views along the way.
• Evening: Arrive in Cork and settle into your accommodation. Consider dining at a local restaurant or enjoying a relaxing evening in the city.

Day 8: Exploring Cork City and Surroundings

• Morning: Visit Cobh, a picturesque town just outside of Cork, known for its colorful houses and historic landmarks such as St. Colman’s Cathedral and Spike Island.
• Mid-morning: Embark on the Ballycotton Cliff Walk for stunning coastal views and invigorating sea air. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the cliffs, taking in the natural beauty of the coastline.
• Afternoon: Explore Blarney Castle and its beautiful gardens, and consider kissing the Blarney Stone for the gift of eloquence. Take your time to explore the castle grounds and enjoy the surrounding scenery.
• Late Afternoon/Evening: Return to Cork City and visit Elizabeth Fort for panoramic views of the city and the River Lee. Enjoy a pint of Guinness or a cup of tea at a local pub, such as O’Sho, and savor the relaxed atmosphere.
• Night: Consider ending your trip with a visit to the Shelbourne Bar in the Victorian quarter for a taste of Whiskey. Reflect on your journey through southeastern Ireland and savor the memories made along the way.

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Show Notes

Amber Everywhere
Ireland
Wicklow – National Parks of Ireland
Saltee Islands
Dublin
Bar 1661
Trinity College Dublin
Murphy’s Ice Cream Dublin
Bray, County Wicklow
Greystones
Daata Restaurant
The Happy Pear Restaurant
Enniskerry
Powerscourt Estate
Killruddery House and Gardens
Glendalough
Glendalough – Spinc and Glenealo Valley Walk (White Route)
The Wicklow Heather Pub
Victor’s Way Indian Sculpture Park
Avoca – Kilmacanogue
Trooperstown Forest Walk
Vale of Clara
Greenan Maze Glamping
Wicklow Town
Wicklow Gaol
Black Castle Wicklow Town
LoCo Grocer
Brittas Bay
Leaving Certificate (Ireland)
The Wicklow Gap
Wexford Festival Opera 2024
Wexford
Saltee Ferry
Psi Bands for Seasickness
Saltee Sauna
Waterford
House of Waterford Crystal Factory and Retail Store
Seagull Bakery
Tramore
Lafcadio Hearn
Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens
Guide to the Waterford Greenway
Coumshingaun Lough and Kilclooney Loop
Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark
Bunmahon Beach
Tra na mBó Beach
Dungarvan
Churrosity – Dungarvan
Cobh
Deck of Cards Houses – Cobh
Ballycotton Cliff Walk
Blarney Castle
Botanic Gardens | Blarney Castle | Cork, Ireland
Elizabeth Fort
O’Sho Pub – Cork
The Shelbourne Bar – The Whiskey Experts
The Saltee Islands: Your Complete Visitor’s Guide for 2024

Community

Like the simplicity and the real people itineraries. I also create my own itineraries and I love listening to your podcast. Thank you.

Ofelia

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Hi Chris,

Thank you so much for your podcast!  It’s easily my favorite podcast and I so appreciate the information on such a variety of destinations!

I’m preparing for a trip this summer to New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia and would love to hear more about those areas from one of your experts.  I see that you did a PEI episode in 2010.  I’ll give it a listen but would love to also learn more about New Brunswick (specifically the Bay of Fundy) and Nova Scotia (specifically Halifax and the Cabot Trail). Not sure if this area is on your radar for a future episode already…just wanted to mention it in the hopes that maybe it could be.

Thanks for considering!
Jodi

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