How do I plan a driving tour of Ireland?
You get to customize your staycation Ireland tour, ensuring you aren't spending too much time in the car and ensuring you don't spend too much time in a region which may be of no interest to you. Want to throw in a castle or two along the way? How about an Irish Manor Home? Prepare and plan your itinerary and get to make your Ireland travel dreams come true! If you are visiting Ireland, it is important to plan ahead, with so much to do and see its best to have a plan in place before travelling.
The best way to enjoy your staycation or holiday in Ireland is to make sure that you have as much time possible to explore by renting a car and hit the open road. The beauty of driving in Ireland is that you have the freedom to stop.
Can you travel Ireland in a week?
Having your own car offers an advantage to travel at your own pace and to squeeze the best of Ireland into a shorter or longer timeframe; the Ireland's Great Drives series shows some scenic drives available in Ireland and a guide on where to drive, what to see, maps & recommendations to make the most of your trip.
- Ring of Kerry - 179km stretch with spectacular landscape, County Kerry
- Sky Road - "The Capital of Connemara", County Galway
- Ring of Beara - Located in Co. Kerry and Co. Cork with 137km driving route
- Healy Pass - The Healy Pass is a winding mountain road between Adrigole in Co. Cork and Lauragh in Co. Kerry
- Slea Head - Drive on the Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry
- Wild Atlantic Way - Ireland’s first and only 2,500km driving route, which will stretch along the Atlantic coast from Donegal to West Cork.
- Causeway Coastal Route - The Causeway Coastal Route offers an epic tour of the Northern Ireland coast
- Lough Inagh Drive - 165 km of the Galway coast
Explore the very best of Ireland on a variety of self-drive tours and appreciate your first proper pint of Guinness in the Storehouse, stand atop the majestic Cliffs of Moher and let your feet dance in time with a traditional live music session! You could begin your tour in the fantastic Dublin city; continuing through the Midlands and South and West coasts. Along the way tasting Ireland’s local, heartwarming delicacies; embracing its tradition and culture through Irish music and folklore and explore the wonders of Ireland together with your nearest and dearest!
Ireland Driving Itinerary
Should you be interested in doing a road trip in Ireland, have a look at these itinerary ideas on what to see in Ireland in 7 days or 10 days even. Planning your road trip is useful especially if it is your first trip to Ireland. No matter what your interests, the National Geographic shows a self-drive tour to Ireland will make your holiday here unforgettable experience of Ireland.
Driving in Ireland
If the idea of driving on the left side of the road is daunting to any potential visitors to Ireland, don’t despair. Make sure you’re prepared and follow some general guidelines and there’s no reason to be scared! Let some time allow you to adjust and if you’re jet lagged, avoid driving by spending no more than about 90 minutes on the road on your first day. Seeking a substitute to the N (National) and M (Motorways) roads are most definitely the nicest way to see the genuine Ireland. The lesser known roads will take you to remarkable places. Restricting how far you drive each day can increase your experience. Averaging less than 60 miles per day can be an excellent way to balance your desire to see as much as possible while avoiding a speedy, blurry green tour.
One way car rental is an option should you want to pick up from one office and drop off at another, this is a flexible and convenience option for self touring.
Arriving in Ireland
The capital of Ireland is Dublin City and is the home to busiest international airport; Dublin Airport Ireland Dublin is also served by ferries ariving / departing at Dublin Port. The ferries are run by Irish Ferries and Stena Line to UK. Those arriving at Dublin port, car rental is available 3 km away in the city, a short bus/taxi ride to the car hire office. Pick up a Cork Airport car hire or Shannon Airport car hire from Ireland's three primary airports.
