Road Trip Ireland: What to Expect and How to Plan

Ireland is a place to explore by car. The distances are short and the scenery is always changing. You can stop at amazing places that are not near train lines or tour buses. When you take a road trip in Ireland you get to choose where you stop. So where will you go first on your Ireland road trip?

Why taking a road trip in Ireland is the way to see the country

Ireland is small so you can drive across it in just a few hours. But it is also very varied so you will see something every day. When you take a road trip around Ireland you get to decide where you stop and how long you stay. This freedom is what makes road trips fun.

The scenery in Ireland changes all the time

In a short drive you can go from rolling hills to the edge of the ocean. The Cliffs of Moher are really high and easy to get to by car. You can visit them at sunrise or sunset which is really beautiful. If you drive south you will see the Dingle Peninsula, which has winding roads along the coast. These roads have ocean views that you will not see on a bus.

You will find a lot of culture on the road

At night you can go to a pub and listen to traditional music. People often start playing music without warning and everyone joins in. You can visit castles like Blarney Castle, where you can kiss the stone at the top. When you drive you can stop in towns whenever you want, which is not something you can do on a bus.

Choosing your route: South, West or Northern Ireland

The best route for you will depend on how much time you have and what you like to do. Ireland is best seen in a loop so you do not have to drive back and forth.

South Ireland road trip

If you like food, history and driving along the coast a south Ireland road trip is for you. You can start in Dublin. Drive to County Cork, where you can visit the markets in Cork city. Then you can drive to the Ring of Kerry which has mountain and ocean views. You can do this trip in seven to ten days. Each day you will drive for about two or three hours. This gives you time to explore and not just drive.

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The Wild Atlantic West is really beautiful

If you like the ocean and wide open spaces the west of Ireland is for you. You can follow the Wild Atlantic Way from Galway to the Cliffs of Moher and beyond. There are places to stop and look at the view along the way. You can also take a ferry to the Aran Islands, which's a really relaxing place to visit.

Spending time near the Cliffs of Moher? Take a look at our itinerary about the best swim spots in County Clare.

Northern Ireland road trips are great too

If you like a trip with a lot of variety a northern Ireland road trip is for you. You can start in Belfast. Drive to the Giants Causeway, which is a really famous place. Then you can cross the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, which has ocean views. You can do this trip in five to seven days. It is a great addition to a longer trip around Ireland.

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It is a good idea to choose which part of Ireland you want to visit first. This way you will not try to do everything in one week. Think about what you like to do and plan your trip around that. If you need ideas you can read our full guide to Ireland.

Planning a Road Trip in Ireland

Now we get to the part, which is planning your trip using our app. We have shared some examples to help you get started with your Ireland road trip.

10 to 12 Day Republic of Ireland Road Trip Route

If you have 10 to 12 days you can do a loop around the Republic of Ireland. This gives you time to enjoy each stop without having to pack and unpack all the time. An Ireland road trip is more fun when you have time. Spend two nights in Dublin to start your Ireland road trip. This gives you time to visit Trinity College, go for a walk along the coast in Howth and explore the city before you pick up your car to continue your Ireland road trip.

From Dublin it is an hour to Glendalough in the Wicklow Mountains then another 1.5 hours to Kilkenny for one night. After that plan to spend two nights in Cork City so you can visit Blarney Castle and explore Kinsale without rushing. Your Ireland road trip could include Killarney with two nights to cover the Ring of Kerry followed by one night on the Dingle Peninsula, one night near the Cliffs of Moher and two nights in Galway before the two hour drive to Dublin to complete your Ireland road trip.

5 to 7 Day Northern Ireland Road Trip Route

The Northern Ireland road trip route is shorter. It is still very beautiful. Spend two nights in Belfast to start your Northern Ireland road trip. This works well so you can see the Titanic Quarter.

From Belfast, the drive along the Causeway Coastal Route to Bushmills or Ballycastle takes 2.5 hours without stops though you will want to stop along the way to enjoy the view. Staying two nights near Bushmills gives you time for Giants Causeway in the morning and the Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge that day with Dunluce Castle just minutes away. One night in Derry fits perfectly before a two hour drive back to Belfast.

Want to start planning and build your own route? Check out our app where you can create your own itinerary or use routes shared by other travellers.

Driving in Ireland: What You Need to Know

This is the part that worries people but it is actually very simple. A little preparation before you arrive in Ireland makes those first kilometers feel much easier when you start your Ireland road trip.

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Where to Rent a Car for Your Ireland Road Trip

Dublin Airport is the place to rent a car especially if you are flying in to start your Ireland road trip. Major car rental companies like Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Sixt and Budget all operate there. You can compare prices in advance via websites like DiscoverCars to find the best deal for your Ireland road trip.

Cork Airport and Shannon Airport are also places to pick up your car if you plan to start your loop in the south or west of Ireland. Collecting your car at the airport is often cheaper and simpler than renting in Dublin city centre, where traffic and parking can be harder during your Ireland road trip.

Ireland Roads: What to Expect on Your Ireland Road Trip

The motorways connect Dublin with Cork, Galway and Limerick. They are smooth and clearly marked. Once you leave them you will notice that regional roads can narrow quickly on peninsulas like Dingle or Beara.

Road types are marked with letters: M for motorway N for road and R for regional. You can check road classifications and updates on the Transport Infrastructure Ireland website to help plan your Ireland road trip.

Speed Limits and Official Rules for Driving in Ireland

Speed limits in the Republic of Ireland are posted in kilometers per hour. Standard limits are 50 km in towns, 80 km on roads, 100 km on national roads and 120 km on motorways. Northern Ireland switches to miles per hour so once you cross the border you need to adjust your speed for your Ireland road trip.

Toll Roads and Payments in Ireland

Some of the motorways in Ireland are toll roads, including parts of the M7 and M8. Most tolls can be paid by card at booths. The M50 around Dublin uses a barrier free system.

If you drive on the M50 you must pay online by 8pm that day at eflow otherwise a penalty charge applies. Many rental companies automatically charge this to your card. It is always worth confirming when you collect your car to start your Ireland road trip.

Parking and Apps to Use in Ireland

In Dublin, Cork and Galway parking is usually limited. Apps such as EasyPark are commonly used depending on the city. You will see signs telling you which system applies.

For comparing parking locations and prices in advance, Parkopedia is helpful. Many smaller towns operate pay and display systems with clear instructions on nearby machines to help with parking during your Ireland road trip.

Petrol Stations and Fuel Prices in Ireland

Petrol stations are easy to find along roads and near towns though they become less frequent in remote coastal areas. Fuel prices change regularly. You can compare them using websites like Pumps before setting off on a longer drive during your Ireland road trip.

Weather and Road Conditions in Ireland

The weather in Ireland can change quickly along coastal routes and in mountain areas. Heavy rain can reduce visibility on rural roads and strong Atlantic winds are common, on exposed stretches. In winter shorter daylight hours mean you will be driving in the dark, particularly in the west.

Road conditions and daylight hours can vary by season so it’s worth checking our blog on the best time to visit Ireland before planning your Ireland road trip.

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