Ireland is a great destination for road trips, offering a variety of road trip routes, each with its unique charm. A self-drive tour of Ireland treats you to stunning landscapes, from towering mountains and glistening lakes to rugged coastlines and enchanting forests. You also have the chance to immerse in the local culture, from sipping on a Guinness at a local pub to discovering enthralling Irish folklore. Here are some ideas to plan your road trip to Ireland. Let's start with a few key tips to make the most of the time you have in the Emerald Isle.
Plan a round-robin route.
Map out your trip, choosing a sensible route based on the time you have. It is generally accepted that 10-11 days is just enough time to circle Ireland. If you're short on time, you can still build out an eight-day itinerary that covers all the highlights of Ireland, including Galway, Connemara, Killarney, the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula.
Rent a car.
Of course, you need to rent a car to explore Ireland at your pace. Don't expect to get a cheap fare immediately as prices change by quite a bit, you may need to check online at different times before you find a good deal. You can save yourself the hassle and let Goway book a rental car for your road trip vacation. We will also tailor an itinerary to your preference.
Prepare for all types of weather.
The weather in Ireland can change rapidly, even in the summer months. Lightweight layers, waterproof shoes, and a raincoat or small fold-up umbrella should suffice.
Left-hand driving and stick shifts.
When driving in Ireland, keep left. Note that rural traffic, such as farm machinery, is a common sight on roads. You will find cows and sheep lounging on pavements. Most rental cars in Ireland are stick-shift; state your preference early on if you're used to driving an automatic vehicle.
Ideas for your Ireland road trip.
Your trip will start in Dublin. Limit your time in the capital city to explore the best attractions in the country more leisurely. Here are some ideas to ponder:
- The Wild Atlantic Way along the northwest coast, which will cover Parke's Castle, Slieve League, Drumcliffe Churchyard, Knocknarea Mountain, Céide Fields, Achill Island, Westport, Clifden and Kylemore Abbey, and the Cliffs of Moher.
- A classic Ireland self-drive that begins with a tour of Dublin, continues on to Belfast, onwards to Glenarm and then to Carrick-a-Rede Island. Choose this route to explore the Game of Thrones sets, including Shane's Castles and Cairncastle.
- A road trip from Dublin to Galway takes you to Waterford, Limerick, the Cliffs of Moher, and many more heart-stoppingly beautiful parts of the country.
Goway offers tailor-made road trips of Ireland, covering all major attractions. Our curated itineraries can be adjusted to your requirements.
What do the experts say?
St. Patrick’s Day (March 17th) is always a great time to experience Irish culture at its most festive. And for something unique, visit during Halloween, or as we call it, Oíche Shamhna. Halloween actually originated in Ireland as a pagan festival, and many towns still celebrate with local traditions and festivals
There are plenty of castle stays in Ireland, along with many unique and memorable accommodations. You can sleep under the stars in the Finn Lough Bubble Domes in County Fermanagh, stay in a converted lighthouse, or unwind at the Ice House Hotel & Spa in Ballina, County Mayo just to name a few
Two tips for first time visitors: The weather is famously unpredictable so always pack layers and a rain jacket, no matter the season, and Ireland runs on a relaxed pace, so don’t be surprised if things are a bit slower than you're used to especially in rural areas
If you're visiting Ireland between February and September, you must experience a local hurling or Gaelic football match. It's our national sports and a true reflection of Irish passion and pride!
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