We all know Ireland is renowned for its staggering scenery. Although it’s only a hop away from Great Britain, the gentle, rolling countryside feels like a million miles away from the nearest city. Getting to the best parts of the country often involves lots of driving, which is why Ireland is one of the best places for a road trip. If you’re looking for a holiday where you can enjoy jaw-dropping scenery without breaking the bank, why not take your family or your best mates on a road trip around Ireland? Here are some of our best driving routes:
The Ring of Kerry
This circular route is probably the most famous in Ireland and a great place to start if you’ve never visited the country before. Starting at and returning to Killarney, the drive passes by many popular attractions, such as Muckross House, Staigue Stone Fort, Ross Castle, and the Ladies View panorama. Much of the road will take you through the Killarney National Park, so we highly recommend you stop by for a walk through its wilds hills and lakes. Combine this with a fun trip to the city of Cork, where you can stay in our Cork hotel, and you will have really gotten a taste of Southwest Ireland.
The Causeway Coastal Route
This 120-mile road trip makes a wonderful trip, and not only because it’ll get you to the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland. Although the Giant’s Causeway is probably the highlight of the drive and definitely well worth it, there are hundreds of things to see and do along the way. Take in views of cascading waterfalls, majestic cliffs, golden sands, and the lovely little towns along the north coast. Begin your stay in our Belfast Central hotel to be in prime position for the start of the drive, as well as for the opportunity to see all the historic city has to offer. Conclude your road trip at our Derry hotel, and you’ll have seen the best of Northern Ireland.
St. Patrick’s Trail
If you’re a history or religion buff, this is the drive for you. People of all ages and even small children can appreciate the wonderful stories about the patron saint of Ireland, which you’ll discover on the journey through his homeland. The 92-mile drive takes you to some of the most important Christian sites, such as abbeys, cathedrals, holy wells and ancient cities in Bangor, Newtownards, Downpatrick, Newry and Armagh.
The Southeast
All too often, visitors to Ireland skip straight from Dublin to Cork, and miss out on all the historic and natural beauty of the Southeast. The drive from Ireland’s capital, along the coast to Waterford is full of sites worth planning a trip around. Begin your journey in our Dublin City Centre Rathmines hotel, and make your way to Ballitore, which is the only planned Quaker settlement in the UK or Ireland, dating back to 1865. Then, take your family for a visit to Reptile Village in Gowran and the Visual Centre for Contemporary Art in Carlow, or take a walk through the Castlemorris Woods and the “Made in Kilkenny” crafts trail. There’s so much to do here, you’ll wonder why anyone could ever drive along the M9 without stopping to see it all.
