Ireland is an excellent destination choice for a road trip, but careful planning should be done ahead of time, to ensure you have the best trip possible. Here are a few tips to make your Irish road trip an event to remember.
Be Realistic
Firstly, you need to be realistic with the amount of time you have, the type of traveling you like (packed itineraries versus a leisurely pace) and how long it will take you to get from Point A to Point B given who’s coming with you. If you only have one week, for example, chances are likely you’re not going to be able to circumnavigate your way around the entire island. Pick a few areas of Ireland you most want to see and then build a realistic itinerary around those.
Keep It Loose
As with any road trip, your itinerary will be out the window at some point. You’ll leave a destination late. You’ll spend longer than you thought driving from one city to another. Something you had on your itinerary was unexpectedly closed, and so then you’ll have extra time on your hands. Don’t feel like you need to rigidly stick to your road trip itinerary and, when you’re building your itinerary, add in some extra time you might not think you need now, but you’ll be grateful for in reality.
Familiarize Yourself with the Rules of the Road
Know what you’re getting into before you arrive. Everything is opposite; your steering wheel is on the right side of the car, turning lanes are different, etc. Take your time getting used to this fact and don’t feel like you have to rush. Additionally, keep in mind most of Ireland’s roads are narrow; you’ll have to be patient and also realize this will make getting around a bit more difficult, too.
Rent Your Vehicle Ahead of Time
Don’t wait until your arrival to rent your vehicle. Book your car rental at the same time as you plan to book your flights and hotels. Automatic vehicles are not always available, for example, so booking ahead gives you reassurance you’ve reserved an automatic vehicle and won’t have to struggle your way through a manual transmission all the way through Ireland.
Don’t Be Afraid to Stop
One of the reasons why you’ll want to keep your itinerary loose? There’s so much to stop and see along nearly any route in Ireland. Don’t feel so stuck on getting to your next destination that you miss out on seeing the little hidden gems of the Irish countryside.
Slieve League, Irelands highest sea cliffs, located in south west Donegal along this magnificent costal driving route. One of the most popular stops at Wild Atlantic Way route, Co Donegal, Ireland. Photo: MNStudio – Dreamstime.com
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Sep 21, 2023Spooky Haunts to Visit in Cayuga County, New York, This Halloween
Halloween is right around the corner, which means its time to start making plans for spooky and scary stops for having fun with the family this fall. New York’s Cayuga County is always a fun visit for family travelers, but if you plan on being in the area this October, you will definitely want to explore its haunted history with some choice spots along New York’s Haunted History Trail. This curated list of haunted and spooky stops throughout New York features incredible locations showcasing the perfect combination of the state’s beautiful charm and fascinating history.
Sponsored Content
United Airlines Celebrates its First Class of United Aviate Graduates
As the only major U.S. airline to own a flight school, United Airlines already hit a major milestone, and now the carrier celebrates another important — and historic — step as the inaugural class of United Aviate Academy pilots graduates, leading the next generation of aviators. The 51 students in the graduating class were majority, at 80 percent, women and people of color — another stride toward United’s goal of training 5,000 new pilots by 2030 with half women or POC.
Slideshow
Sep 21, 20236 Tirana, Albania, Destinations for Family Travel
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Tirana, Albania, with us.
Destinations / North America
Sep 21, 20234 Reasons to Head to Franklin, Tennessee, This Fall and Winter
The next two seasons see Franklin, Tennessee, come alive with festive events, fun pop-ups and colorful lights. Family travelers planning a trip to Tennessee this fall or winter must make time for Franklin, a city just south of Nashville with plenty of history and festivities awaiting.
Sponsored Content
Interior Upgrades Begin Rolling Out Across United Fleet
United Airlines is in the midst of a major initiative to modernize its fleet over the next several years. After first announcing the plan in 2021, planes fitted with United’s signature interior are finally beginning to appear across the airline’s narrowbody fleet of Boeing and Airbus planes. United flyers are sure to notice these enhancements from the moment they step on board: Each new or updated plane sports remodeled seats, seatback entertainment screens for everyone, Bluetooth connectivity and more, all adding up to a better experience on every journey.
Destinations / North America
Sep 20, 2023Where Can You Find Both Bioluminescence and Rockets in Florida?
Mysterious glowing seas? Yes, actually! Through October, Florida’s Space Coast waters within Mosquito Lagoon, Banana River and Indian River Lagoon glow with blue-green bioluminescence — a phenomenon resulting from the presence of comb jellies and dinoflagellates (tiny, single-celled marine plankton that exist in some freshwater locations).
ShareThis