Once you’ve collected your hire car from Cork Airport, you can be on your way thanks to the extensive road network. Head north on the N27 to reach the heart of the city or go west along the N40 (N22) to reach Killarney in County Kerry.

Starting in Cork, the M8 is the main road leading from the south of Ireland and can be picked up from Cork Airport via the N27/N40. This motorway joins to the M7 just south of Portlaoise and can take you to the capital, Dublin.

Alternatively, follow the M8 north to the city of Limerick and enjoy a day out seeing the sights, such as King John’s Castle, St John’s Cathedral and the Limerick City Gallery of Art. The drive will take you just under two hours but the Georgian architecture, as well as the festivals which take place throughout the year, are well worth seeing.

Follow the R600 south from Cork Airport to the village of Kinsale. Renowned for its fresh fish, the local harbour and a long and colourful military history, this quaint village can make for a great day out.

Just over one hour away from Cork Airport, north along the N25, is the coastal town of Dungarvan. This thriving town is packed full of beautiful art galleries and fun craft shops. You can follow the Dungarvan and West Waterford Art Trail or enjoy some time at Clonea Beach.

When driving around Ireland it’s important to know the rules and regulations of the road. Just like in the UK, the Irish drive on the left and you should make sure to be aware of the speed limits when driving around the winding Irish roads. You can read more about the rules of driving in Ireland online.

From kissing the famous stone at Blarney Castle to visiting the Cork City Gaol which housed prisoners in the 19th century, there’s plenty for you to discover in Cork. Whether you’re here for a business trip, or just to enjoy the emerald isle, take a look at some of our favourite things to do when arriving at Cork Airport.

A walking tour

For a taste of the great outdoors, take your hire car from Cork Airport and travel to the Seven Heads. Around an hour’s drive along the N71, this is a scenic 42.5km journey around the peninsula. You can enjoy this beautiful landscape with a range of hiking experiences suited to your ability.

Take the N22 to visit the wondrous Killarney National Park. The hour and a half drive will allow you to see the highest mountain range in Ireland as well as the rugged landscape. You can walk around the Muckross Estate, a 5km route of the lake, or you can hike further to the Torc Waterfall.

Historic castles

Drive along the N25 and you'll reach the town of Dungarvan. Take a trip to the castle, originally founded by the Normans in the 12th century. Built at the mouth of the River Colligan, the strategic position of the Dungarvan Castle meant soldiers could command the land and their ships could be anchored offshore.

You’ll also find Blackrock Castle located on the River Lee. Built between 1828 and 1829, it has been restored and now houses an observatory which is open to visitors.

The oldest city in Ireland

The holder of this prestigious title is the city of Waterford, just under two hours away from Cork Airport, along the N25. The history of this city dates back to the Viking era, and Waterford still retains many of its historical features, including narrow streets. When in the city, be sure to experience the Viking Triangle. These three museums – the Medieval Museum, Reginald’s Tower and Bishop’s Palace – tell the story of the Middle Ages in Ireland and they’re set only a few paces apart, perfect for a family day out or for anyone with a love of history.

The Ring of Kerry

A trip to Ireland wouldn't be complete without the drive around the Ring of Kerry. Beginning and ending in Killarney, just over an hour’s drive from the airport, this route takes you along the coast, through deep forests and out to where the wild stag roam. With 10,000 years of history on offer along this scenic drive, the Ring of Kerry also has some fine beaches and beautiful walks. The route can be done in a day, but there are places to stay dotted along the route so that you can spend as much time as you want exploring the surroundings.

From truly incredible scenery to myths and legends from the past, hire a car from Cork Airport and discover all that the emerald isle has to offer.