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HomeRoad TripsEuropeWest EuropeIrelandEntire Ireland
Ireland road

Entire Ireland Road Trip

Dublin - Kilkenny - Killarney - Limerick - Clonmacnoise - Galway - Bundoran - Ballycastle

Expect on your itinerary

Landscape Landscape
Security Security
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Urban life Urban life
Historical sites Historical sites
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Culture Culture
Entire Ireland Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages8 km1,733 h/stage3.4

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Entire Ireland Road Trip in Ireland?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 540EUR drive & more 238EUR sleep & more 792EUR eat & more 864EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,894EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 2,434EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 648EUR drive & more 313EUR sleep & more 1,430EUR eat & more 1,296EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 3,039EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 3,687EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 1,620EUR drive & more 425EUR sleep & more 2,134EUR eat & more 1,728EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 4,287EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 5,907EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 2,700EUR drive & more 463EUR sleep & more 660EUR eat & more 864EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,987EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 4,687EUR
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Entire Ireland Road Trip Itinerary

Embark on a journey of a lifetime with the Entire Ireland Road Trip! This 12-day road trip takes you through some of Ireland's most beautiful towns and cities, beginning in Dublin and ending in the same place. The route passes through Kilkenny, Limerick, Galway, and Ballycastle, covering a total distance of 1074 miles. Along the way, you’ll be able to experience the country’s magnificent landscapes, historical sites, and vibrant culture. The best time of the year to make this trip is during the summer, when the weather is mild and pleasant. The roads in Ireland are generally excellent, although some may be narrow in certain areas. You won’t have to worry about border crossings during this trip. This road trip is perfect for anyone looking for a unique and memorable experience. With a moderate budget, you can enjoy a variety of activities and sights, making it a truly remarkable journey. So get ready for the adventure of a lifetime with the Entire Ireland Road Trip!
number of days 12 number of days
route length 1,733 km route length
budget fair budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the left traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START Dublin

Distance 1,733 km Driving time 26.9 h Pace: fast 519.9 kWh Airports DUB
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Dublin is the most populous city in Ireland and its capital. Located on the east coast of the Irish Sea, Dublin is the perfect starting point for the Entire Ireland Road Trip. Its history, culture, and architecture have made it one of the most popular destinations in the country. The main attractions in Dublin include the Guinness Storehouse, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Trinity College, the Dublin Castle, and the National Gallery of Ireland. Visitors can also explore the city's many pubs, restaurants, and art galleries. For those interested in exploring the city's history, there are several museums, including the National Museum of Ireland, the Irish Museum of Modern Art, and the Irish Museum of Contemporary Art. For travelers flying into Dublin, the closest international airport is Dublin Airport (DUB). Car rental services are available at the airport, making it easy to start the Entire Ireland Road Trip. Visitors can also take advantage of the city's convenient public transportation system, which includes bus, tram, and rail services. Dublin is a vibrant city that offers something for everyone. From its lively nightlife to its rich history and culture, the city is sure to provide an unforgettable experience for anyone visiting on the Entire Ireland Road Trip.

1 Dublin - Naas - Carlow - Kilkenny

Distance 137 km Driving time 1.9 h Pace: fast 41.0 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues junction of road trips interesting  historic site interesting cultural site accommodation options attractive landscape camping sites
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Are you ready to take a road trip through the beautiful Irish countryside? Your journey starts in Dublin and takes you through Naas, Carlow and ends in Kilkenny. Along the way, you'll get to explore some of the most interesting places in this area. The distance is 85 mi and it should take you less than two hours to reach your destination. In Naas, you can take a tour of the ruins of St. David's Church, a 12th-century Norman structure. Carlow is home to the Browne Doorway, a 15th-century sculpture that is part of the Carlow County Museum. And in Kilkenny, you can visit the Kilkenny Castle, a 12th-century castle that has been beautifully restored. On your journey, you'll also get to explore the stunning Irish countryside and visit some of the local villages. Keep an eye out for historical sites, as they make a great stop along the way. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to embark on a road trip through the beautiful Irish countryside!

2 Kilkenny - Cashel - Cork - Killarney

Distance 248 km Driving time 3.3 h Pace: fast 74.5 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues interesting  historic site accommodation options junction of road trips attractive landscape interesting cultural site camping sites
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Embark on a road trip from Kilkenny, Ireland, and explore the beautiful countryside of Cashel, Cork, and Killarney. This 154mi journey takes about 4 hours of driving and is one of the most picturesque routes in the country. As you drive, take in the sights of rolling hills, lush green fields, and historic sites. In Kilkenny, visit the awe-inspiring St. Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower, both of which date back to the 13th century. Then, make your way to Cashel and explore the ancient Rock of Cashel, a spectacular collection of medieval buildings. From there, drive to Cork, where you can take a stroll along the River Lee and visit the iconic St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral. The last stop is Killarney, where you can explore the Muckross House and Gardens, the Gap of Dunloe, and the Lakes of Killarney. While you’re there, don’t forget to take in the breathtaking views of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountain range. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

3 Killarney - Ring of Kerry - Limerick

Distance 270 km Driving time 4.9 h Pace: modest 70.3 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road sections of narrow road junction of road trips accommodation options interesting  historic site attractive landscape camping sites
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Are you ready for a fantastic road trip? Starting in Killarney, Ireland, you will be driving through the beautiful Ring of Kerry, with its scenic roads and breathtaking views. You will be driving for fewer than 5 hours, covering a distance of 167 miles, and ending in Limerick. Along the route, you will be able to explore the stunning Killarney National Park, with its lakes, woodlands, and mountains. You will also be able to visit the picturesque Gap of Dunloe, a spectacular mountain pass. In addition, don't forget to take a photo of the majestic Torc Waterfall. Be aware that in some sections the roads are narrow, so you should drive carefully. More information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Let's hit the road and explore the best of Ireland!

4 Limerick - Clonfert - Clonmacnoise

Distance 131 km Driving time 2.0 h Pace: fast 39.3 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road accommodation options junction of road trips interesting  historic site attractive landscape
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Embark on a road trip through the beautiful countryside of Ireland! Starting in Limerick, the first stop is Clonfert. Here, you can visit the stunning Clonfert Cathedral, a monastic site built in the 12th century. Then, take the 80-mile drive to Clonmacnoise, a monastic site founded in the 6th century. The scenic drive will take you fewer than two hours, so you can spend more time exploring the area. Clonmacnoise is home to some of the oldest and most impressive religious sites in Ireland. Visit the ancient stone crosses, the round tower, and the remains of a medieval cathedral. There's also a museum and a library with a collection of ancient manuscripts. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

5 Clonmacnoise - Cliffs of Moher - Galway

Distance 237 km Driving time 4.7 h Pace: modest 61.7 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road sections of narrow road not recommended for caravans junction of road trips interesting  historic site attractive landscape accommodation options camping sites
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Clonmacnoise and explore the best of Ireland! The 148 mile journey will take you less than 7 hours and will be filled with historical sites, picturesque landscapes, and scenic roads. You will start your journey in the ancient monastic site of Clonmacnoise, where you can explore the ruins and learn about the fascinating history of the area. As you make your way towards the Cliffs of Moher, you will be amazed by the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, and the dramatic cliffs that tower over the sea. The road will be narrow in some sections, so pay attention to the road signs. Finally, you will end your journey in Galway, a vibrant city filled with life and culture. Make sure to explore the city’s cobbled streets, and take a stroll along the River Corrib. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the ‘Itinerary’ of this stage.

6 Galway - Clifden - Westport - Sligo - Bundoran

Distance 283 km Driving time 4.6 h Pace: fast 85.0 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road sections of narrow road junction of road trips accommodation options interesting  historic site attractive landscape camping sites
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Embark on an amazing road trip from Galway to Bundoran! This 175-mile journey will take you less than 5 hours and will be filled with stunning views and interesting attractions. Start your journey in Galway, and make sure to take in the sights of Clifden, a small fishing town with plenty of historical sites and scenic views. As you make your way to Westport, you will drive through narrow sections of road, so be sure to keep an eye out for other drivers. In Westport, you can explore the charming town and take in the views of the harbor. From there, head to Sligo, where you can explore the many historical sites and take in the unique scenery. Finally, make your way to Bundoran, where you can take in the breathtaking views of the ocean. Along the way, you will find plenty of accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, and recommended restaurants, be sure to check out the Itinerary for this stage of the road trip!

7 Bundoran - Londonderry - Ballycastle

Distance 179 km Driving time 2.6 h Pace: fast 53.7 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road junction of road trips interesting  historic site interesting cultural site accommodation options border crossing attractive landscape UNESCO World Heritage Site camping sites
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Start your Bundoran to Ballycastle road trip with a scenic drive along the 111mi stretch of the A2 highway. On your journey, you’ll cross the border into Northern Ireland and pass through the historic city of Londonderry. As you drive, keep an eye out for the historical sites, beautiful scenery and other attractions along the way. In just under 3 hours, you’ll arrive in the seaside town of Ballycastle. Here, you can explore the many attractions, such as its marina, golf course, and sandy beach. You can also find a variety of restaurants and accommodation options to suit any budget. For more information on attractions, accommodation, restaurants and campsites along the route, be sure to check the Itinerary of this stage. So, get ready to explore the best of Bundoran, Londonderry and Ballycastle on your road trip!

8 Ballycastle - Belfast - Dublin

Distance 247 km Driving time 2.7 h Pace: fast 74.1 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues junction of road trips interesting  historic site interesting cultural site accommodation options border crossing attractive landscape UNESCO World Heritage Site camping sites
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Embark on a 247 km road trip that starts in Ballycastle, Northern Ireland and ends in Dublin, Ireland. This journey will take you less than 3 hours, so you can make the most of your time and enjoy the sights along the way. Start off in Ballycastle, a coastal town with stunning views of the North Channel, Rathlin Island, and Scotland. Visit the ruins of Bonamargy Friary and take a walk along the harbour. Continue your journey to Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland. Here, you can take a tour of the political murals and explore the Titanic Quarter. Finally, make your way to Dublin, the capital of Ireland. Spend some time at the iconic Guinness Storehouse and explore the cobbled streets of Temple Bar. Be sure to visit the famous Book of Kells at Trinity College. As you travel, be sure to keep an eye out for historical sites. When you reach the border, you will be crossing from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

  Dublin

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Dublin, the capital of Ireland, is the perfect ending point for the "Entire Ireland Road Trip". With its lively and friendly atmosphere, it's a great place to end a road trip through Ireland. Start your visit at Trinity College, home to one of the oldest universities in the world. Explore the college's cobbled courtyards and the stunning Old Library, which houses the 9th-century Book of Kells. Then explore the city's lively pub culture with a visit to the Temple Bar, a lively area filled with traditional pubs. Be sure to visit the Guinness Storehouse, the home of Guinness beer, for a tour and a pint of the famous black stuff. The National Museum of Ireland is also a must-see, with its impressive collection of Irish artifacts. For those who wish to take in some of the city's greenery, St. Stephen's Green and Phoenix Park are perfect for a stroll. Both offer lush green spaces, with plenty of wildlife and outdoor activities. Finally, to get to Dublin, travelers can fly into Dublin Airport (IATA code: DUB) which is the closest international airport. From there, a rental car is the best way to take in all that Ireland has to offer. Dublin is a vibrant city that is full of life and culture. With plenty of activities to keep visitors entertained, it's the perfect end to the "Entire Ireland Road Trip".

Entire Ireland Road Trip at a glance

We believe that the presented road trip idea has become a perfect inspiration for your future travels.
Our tour can be used as a base that you can recreate in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with interesting beauty spots of your choice.
If car travel is a travel option you prefer, there are a number of vital road rules to follow and a number of elements to be mindful of to turn your journey into pure pleasure. These tips will surely become useful for tourists who opt for renting a vehicle or hiring a camper in Ireland.
It is vital to be mindful of the local traffic rules when on a tour around Ireland. In Ireland, if you are planning to drive, try to avoid spirits at all. Tourists ought to remember that the amount of alcohol that can be consumed is low and is only 0.5‰. Exceeding the maximum speed limit, which is 50km/h, when travelling around the build-up areas may result in a speeding ticket. When it comes to undeveloped areas, you should bear in mind that the maximum allowed speed is 100km/h. While on motorways, you can travel at the allowed speed of 120km/h. We recommend driving with your headlights on at daytime and equipping your car with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit for safety reasons.
One of the decisive factors when scheduling an itinerary is costs. The amount of money that you have to pay during the whole undertaking may vary depending on the budget option that you choose. A wide range of budget configurations is presented below.
If you go for the budget option, you have to spend the maximum of 238 EUR on gasoline to cover the planned 1,733km. Within the economy offer, accommodation will cost about 792 EUR. Tourists who take advantage of this option will spend approximately 864 EUR on food and restaurants. Travellers will have to pay around 540 EUR if they go for the cheapest rental car offer as well. Thus, you can expect the travel expenses to be roughly 1,894 EUR without car rental and 2,434 EUR with car rental.
When it comes to the standard offer, you have to spend the maximum of 238 EUR to cover the planned mileage of the adventure. If you are into standard accommodation options, you should keep in mind that the costs can amount up to around 1,430 EUR. Tourists can expect that the standard option in terms of food and restaurants will cost roughly 1,296 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the trip in a standard hire car can expect a cost of approximately 648 EUR. Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay about 3,687 EUR for the whole Entire Ireland Road Trip, whereas those who are not interested in vehicle rental will spend approximately 3,039 EUR.
The highest level of comfort of the premium option will live up to the expectations of the most demanding tourists. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total roughly 5,907 EUR for holidaymakers who are considering car rental and 3,039 EUR for those who do not need a hire car. Travellers who would like to cover the trip in a premium rental car can expect a cost of roughly 1,620 EUR. When it comes to the top standard configuration of the adventure, the cost of the fuel needed to cover all stages around Ireland is roughly 425 EUR. Travellers who are interested in top services in all aspects of their adventure should expect to pay approximately 2,134 EUR for accommodation options and roughly 1,728 EUR for food and restaurants.
Entire Ireland Road Trip will also meet the expectations all camper enthusiasts. When it comes to this means of transport, the expenses may amount to around 2,700 EUR. Travellers will spend more or less 463 EUR on fuel allowing to cover all stages of the itinerary. Holidayers who are considering camper rental should expect to pay about 660 EUR for accommodation and about 864 EUR for expenses connected with food.
All of the details connected with costs can be checked in the section Road Trip Costs.
The part of Ireland mentioned in our Entire Ireland Road Trip is superb to be explored between May and October. There are countless exciting scenic drives and road trips that we offer on our website if you’d like to see other of our road trip opportunities. We hope that the great versatility of options will surely meet the expectations of the most demanding drivers.

Facts for safer driving in Ireland

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 50 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 100 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 120 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime on
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher no
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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