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Coastal routesWild Atlantic Way by Rental Car: Route and Itinerary
The Wild Atlantic Way is a 2,500 km coastal route from Malin Head to Kinsale. Tourism Ireland's example itinerary takes 10 days for 1,241 km.
Nov 2, 20264 min read
Good to know
- Nearest airport
- Cork Airport (ORK)
- To city centre
- 6 km
- Parking in the centre
- Paid zones
- Main roads
- M8, N20, N22, N25, N28
- Region
- Munster
- Population
- 222,333
- City IATA code
- ORK
- Time zone
- Europe/Dublin
- Currency
- EUR
- Driving side
- Left-hand traffic
- Rental offices
- 5
- Rental companies
- 3
Compare car rental in Cork
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Where to pick up a car in Cork
Rental desks by area, with the distance from the city centre.
Cork Kent
Offices 1City centre
Offices 2Further from the centre
Offices 2Commons
Ballyphehane
Rental companies in Cork
Offices come from open map data — not every one can be booked through our search.
Enterprise
- Offices
- 2
Europcar
- Offices
- 1
Hertz
- Offices
- 1
Cork by car
Cork keeps its oldest quarter on an island between two channels of the Lee, which is why so many streets stop dead at a quay wall. West Cork and the Beara headlands unfold past the ring road, and the lanes narrow with every inlet.
Driving in Cork
Cork is reached by M8, N20, N22, N25 and N28. Parking in the centre is paid and marked by zone. Streets in the old centre are narrow, a smaller car is easier.
Where to park
Day-trippers arriving from the south or west can leave the car at the Black Ash Park & Ride on the south side of the city, where bus 213 runs to St Patrick Street. The site closes in the evening, so it does not suit evening visits. UCC runs a separate Park & Ride with its own shuttle bus, open only to staff and students showing ID.
Arriving by road
The N25 South Ring Road passes under the Lee through the Jack Lynch Tunnel, and the N22 bypass from Ballincollig joins its western end. Drivers heading for the southern suburbs can take the M8 and R513 to avoid crossing the city, while the Kinsale Road flyover eases the way towards the airport and Killarney.
From the airport without a car
Buses 225 and 226 link Cork Airport with Parnell Place beside the bus station and with the main railway station, Kent. Route 225 starts at the Haulbowline naval base and passes Ringaskiddy and Carrigaline, while 226 starts in Kinsale.
Popular searches in Cork
One click to the results with the filter already set.
Day trips from Cork
- Cobh14 km
- Kinsale22 km
- Killarney73 km
Rules of the road in Ireland
- Alcohol limit
- 0.5 ‰
- Motorway tolls
- tolls on some motorways
What kind of car do you need?
Typical capacity for the category — the exact model is confirmed by the rental company at booking.
Frequently asked questions
Ireland: which side of the road do they drive on?
On the left. If you are used to the right, allow yourself a little time at the start — junctions and roundabouts catch people out, not the straight roads.
Which currency will I be charged in?
Prices are usually set in EUR. The rental company sets both the price and the deposit, and shows them before you book.
Can I drive the car into another country?
Often yes within the EU, but never assume it. Crossing a border has to be allowed by the rental company and usually costs extra, so check the terms before you book.
Where do I park in the centre of Cork?
Parking in the centre is paid and marked by zone.
Are the motorways tolled?
Some motorways charge at the barrier, others are free. Payment is by cash or an electronic tag.
Where can I pick up a rental car in Cork?
At Cork Kent: Hertz. In the city centre: Europcar and an independent office. In Commons: Enterprise. In Ballyphehane: Enterprise. More rental desks are at Cork Airport.
Travel guides to read before you book
Coastal routes