Planning an Ireland Road Trip

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