Settings -
£
$
¥
$
¥
HomeRoad TripsEuropeWest EuropeIrelandIreland
Ireland coast

Ireland Road Trip

Dublin - Drogheda - Mullingar - Sligo - Westport - Galway - Limerick - Kilkenny - Wexford - Greystones

Expect on your itinerary

Security Security
Landscape Landscape
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Urban life Urban life
Historical sites Historical sites
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Culture Culture
Ireland Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages10 km1,256 h/stage2.2

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 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 175EUR sleep & more 792EUR eat & more 864EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,831EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 2,371EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 648EUR drive & more 225EUR sleep & more 1,430EUR eat & more 1,296EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 2,951EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 3,599EUR
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 300EUR sleep & more 2,134EUR eat & more 1,728EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 4,162EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 5,782EUR
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 338EUR sleep & more 660EUR eat & more 864EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,862EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 4,562EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
Share this link.

Ireland Road Trip Itinerary

The Ireland Road Trip is a great way to explore the Emerald Isle. Starting in Dublin, the 780mi route takes you through Drogheda, Sligo, Westport, Galway, Limerick, and Wexford. The best time of year to take the trip is during the summer or early fall, when the roads are in excellent condition and the landscapes are at their most vibrant. While the roads are mostly straight and wide, there are some curvy, narrow stretches to be aware of. Along the way, you'll have the chance to explore the rich history of Ireland. Visit ruins like the Hill of Tara in County Meath, the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, and the Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary. You can also enjoy the stunning scenery of Connemara National Park in County Galway, the medieval city of Kilkenny, and the rugged Wicklow Mountains. This 12-day trip can be enjoyed on a moderate budget, and provides an unforgettable experience for any driver.
number of days 12 number of days
route length 1,256 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 1,225 km Driving time 21.7 h Pace: modest 318.4 kWh Airports DUB
[detailsContainer]
Dublin is the perfect starting point for your Ireland Road Trip. As the capital city of Ireland, it is full of culture, history and charm. Take a stroll down Grafton Street, the city’s main shopping centre, and explore the city’s many historical sites. Visit Dublin Castle, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Trinity College and the National Gallery of Ireland, all of which are within walking distance of each other. You can also take a short trip outside of the city to visit the Guinness Storehouse and Kilmainham Gaol. The closest international airport to Dublin is Dublin Airport (DUB). This is the busiest airport in Ireland and the ideal place to start your journey. Car rental is available at the airport, so you can get on the road quickly and easily. With so much to explore, Dublin is the perfect place to begin your Ireland Road Trip. With a vibrant culture, stunning architecture and plenty of attractions, you’ll never be bored in this city. So grab your keys and get started on your Irish adventure.

1 Dublin - Drogheda

Distance 42 km Driving time 0.5 h Pace: fast 12.6 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips interesting  historic site interesting cultural site accommodation options EV charging station dining venues scenic road
[detailsContainer]
Welcome, road-trippers! Get ready to explore the stunning scenery between Dublin and Drogheda, two of Ireland's most vibrant cities. This stage of your journey is a 26mi drive that will take you less than an hour to complete. Along the way, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the Irish countryside and a glimpse into its rich history. Start your trip in Dublin, where you can take in the sights at iconic places like the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Castle, and Trinity College. Then, make your way to Drogheda, where you can explore the ruins of St. Laurence's Gate, the 12th-century Cistercian Monastery, and the ancient High Cross. Be sure to keep your eyes open for hidden gems along the way. You never know when you might stumble across a spectacular view or a picturesque village. And don't forget to take a few moments to appreciate the natural beauty of the Irish landscape. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. We hope you enjoy your journey!

2 Drogheda - Mullingar

Distance 90 km Driving time 1.4 h Pace: fast 27.0 kWh View map Itinerary
interesting  historic site accommodation options camper parking available EV charging station dining venues
[detailsContainer]
Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Drogheda to Mullingar? This 56mi journey will take you less than 2 hours and will be full of interesting places to visit. Your first stop is Slane, a small village situated in a valley on the banks of the River Boyne. Here you can visit Slane Castle, a Georgian-style castle built in the 18th century, as well as the Hill of Slane, where St. Patrick is said to have lit his Paschal fire in 433AD. Next, you will travel to Kells, a small market town with a rich history dating back to the 12th century. Here you can visit the ruins of Kells Priory and St. Columba’s House, and take a stroll through the cobblestone streets of the town. Finally, your journey will come to an end in Mullingar, a lively town known for its traditional music and festivals. Here you can visit the Mullingar Arts Centre, the Mullingar Greyhound Stadium, and the ruins of the Augustinian Abbey. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

3 Mullingar - Sligo

Distance 130 km Driving time 1.7 h Pace: fast 38.9 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options camper parking available junction of road trips interesting  historic site EV charging station dining venues
[detailsContainer]
Get ready for a stunning road trip starting in Mullingar, Ireland! With a distance of 81 miles and a driving time of fewer than 2 hours, this journey will take you through Boyle and end in Sligo. On the way, you'll be able to explore some of the most interesting places in the region. In Mullingar, you'll want to visit the Mullingar Greyhound Stadium, the oldest greyhound stadium in Ireland. Boyle is home to King House, a Georgian mansion built in 1730 and now a museum. In Sligo, you'll find the Sligo Abbey, a Franciscan friary founded in the 13th century. As you drive, take some time to explore the area's historical sites. And don't forget to check out the itinerary for this stage of the tour for more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your road trip!

4 Sligo - Westport

Distance 166 km Driving time 2.7 h Pace: fast 49.9 kWh View map Itinerary
attractive landscape accommodation options junction of road trips interesting  historic site camper parking available EV charging station dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road sections of narrow road
[detailsContainer]
Embark on a 103mi road trip through the beautiful Irish countryside, starting in Sligo and ending in Westport! Along the way, you'll pass through Ballina and Bangor, two charming towns filled with historical sites and picturesque landscapes. The drive will take less than 3 hours, so you'll have plenty of time to explore the area. As you make your way through the winding roads, you'll be able to admire the stunning scenery, including lush green fields, rolling hills, and crystal-clear lakes. Be sure to keep an eye out for narrow sections of the road, as well as any interesting attractions or sights. You can find more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable road trip!

5 Westport - Galway

Distance 241 km Driving time 4.9 h Pace: modest 62.7 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options junction of road trips interesting  historic site attractive landscape dining venues scenic road EV charging station stretches of winding road sections of narrow road
[detailsContainer]
Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Westport, Ireland, to Galway, and explore the beauty of Connemara National Park along the way. This 150 mi journey will take fewer than 5 hours, and you will be treated to some of the most stunning views in the country. From the historical sites to the picturesque landscapes, there is something for everyone. As you drive along the winding roads, you will have the opportunity to take in the beauty of Connemara National Park. Be sure to keep an eye out for the narrow sections of the road, as they can be tricky to navigate. Along the way, you will be able to explore the many attractions, restaurants, and campsites that line the route. And, if you're looking for a place to stay, there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from. So, make sure to check out the itinerary of this stage for more information. With so much to see and do, this road trip is sure to be an unforgettable experience!

6 Galway - Limerick

Distance 148 km Driving time 2.8 h Pace: modest 38.4 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options junction of road trips dining venues scenic road EV charging station
[detailsContainer]
Are you ready for an amazing road trip starting in Galway, Ireland? This journey will take you through Ennis and end in Limerick, a 92mi drive that will take you fewer than 3 hours. You will enjoy the scenic road and the amazing views as you drive along. Start your journey in Galway, where you can explore the city's culture, its lively pubs, and its beautiful architecture. Visit the Spanish Arch, a 15th-century landmark, and the Galway Cathedral, built in 1965. Continue your journey to Ennis, where you can visit the Cliffs of Moher, a stunning natural attraction, and the Ennis Friary, a 13th-century Franciscan friary. Finally, end your journey in Limerick, where you can explore King John's Castle, a 13th-century castle, and the Hunt Museum, an art and antiquities museum. 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!

7 Limerick - Kilkenny

Distance 141 km Driving time 2.3 h Pace: fast 42.4 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options junction of road trips interesting  historic site camper parking available EV charging station dining venues scenic road
[detailsContainer]
Embark on a memorable road trip from Limerick to Kilkenny! This 88mi journey will take you less than 3 hours, and is packed with plenty of attractions to explore. Start your trip in Limerick, a vibrant city with a rich history, and make sure to visit the King John’s Castle, the Hunt Museum, and the Limerick City Gallery of Art. Then, head to Clonmel, a picturesque town with plenty of natural beauty. Visit the Ormond Castle, the Clonmel Town Wall, and the Dominican Friary. Finally, end your journey in Kilkenny, a city full of culture and heritage. Spend some time in Kilkenny Castle, St. Canice’s Cathedral, and the Rothe House and Garden. Along the way, take in the stunning views of the countryside and take breaks to explore the small towns and villages. As you drive, be sure to keep an eye out for historical sites and stunning views. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

8 Kilkenny - Wexford

Distance 80 km Driving time 1.5 h Pace: modest 20.7 kWh View map Itinerary
interesting  historic site accommodation options camper parking available dining venues scenic road EV charging station
[detailsContainer]
Welcome to one of the most interesting road trips in Ireland. Starting in Kilkenny, you will make your way to Thomastown, New Ross and then to Wexford, over a distance of 50mi, in less than two hours. Along this journey, you will be able to explore some of the most beautiful and interesting places in the country. In Thomastown, you can visit the ruins of a 13th century castle, or take a stroll down the picturesque riverbank. In New Ross, you will find a stunningly preserved Norman castle, as well as the ruins of an old abbey. Finally, in Wexford, you will find the ruins of a 13th century Franciscan Friary, and a beautiful beach. On your way, you will be able to enjoy the stunning scenery of the Irish countryside, as well as the rich historical sites. Make sure to pay attention to the sights along the way, as you will be sure to find something interesting. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, make sure to check the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

9 Wexford - Greystones

Distance 133 km Driving time 3.1 h Pace: modest 34.5 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options dining venues scenic road sections of narrow road EV charging station
[detailsContainer]
Embark on a road trip that starts in Wexford, Ireland and leads through the towns of Arklow and Glendalough before ending in Greystones. This journey will take you along a scenic route of 82mi and can be completed in fewer than 3 hours. Along the way, you will pass through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Ireland. In Arklow, be sure to visit the ruins of the 12th-century St. Mary's Abbey. Glendalough is home to the ruins of an ancient monastery, which is a must-see for history buffs. Finally, in Greystones, you can relax at the beach and enjoy the stunning views of the Wicklow Mountains. Sections of the road may be narrow, so drive with caution. With a bit of planning, this journey can be the highlight of your trip. More information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage.

10 Greystones - Dublin

Distance 54 km Driving time 0.9 h Pace: modest 14.0 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips interesting  historic site interesting cultural site accommodation options EV charging station dining venues
[detailsContainer]
Welcome to the Greystones-Dublin road trip! This 33-mile stretch of road offers a wealth of historical sites and cultural landmarks to explore. The journey takes less than an hour to complete, so you can easily make a day out of it. Start your journey in Greystones, where you can explore the scenic harbor and take a stroll along the beach. Make sure to visit the Greystones Harbour Marina, where you can take a boat ride and admire the views of the Irish Sea. Continue your journey to Dublin, where you can explore the iconic city center. Visit the historic Trinity College, the National Gallery of Ireland, and the National Museum of Ireland. Be sure to take a stroll along the River Liffey and take in the sights of the city. Along the way, you can also explore the many quaint villages and towns that dot the landscape. Stop in Kilmacanogue to visit the beautiful Glendalough Monastic Site or take a drive through the Wicklow Mountains National Park. As you make your way to Dublin, you'll be sure to find plenty of attractions and activities to keep you entertained. Make sure to check the Itinerary for this stage of the tour for more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your journey!

  Dublin

[detailsContainer]
Dublin, the capital of Ireland, is the perfect destination to end an incredible road trip around the Emerald Isle. With its lively pubs, rich culture, and stunning scenery, Dublin will give you the perfect ending to your Ireland Road Trip. Start your exploration at Trinity College, Ireland's oldest university, and the home of the iconic Book of Kells. Stroll through the cobbled streets of Temple Bar and take in the vibrant atmosphere of this popular district. From here, you can visit the National Gallery of Ireland and the National Museum of Ireland, both of which are free to visit. Head to the Guinness Storehouse for a tour of the iconic brewery and a pint of the famous stout. You can also explore the nearby Kilmainham Gaol, a former prison where many Irish revolutionaries were held. Dublin's coastal location means there's plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Take a walk along the beautiful Howth Cliff Walk, or take a boat tour to Ireland's Eye. The closest international airport to Dublin is Dublin Airport (DUB), which is just a short drive away. So, if you're ready to wrap up your Ireland Road Trip, Dublin is the perfect place to do it.

Ireland Road Trip at a glance

We hope that the presented Ireland Road Trip has become a superb inspiration for your future travels.
The tour we’ve suggested can be used as a base that you can recreate in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with interesting tourist attractions of your choice.
If travelling by car is your plan when exploring highlights around Ireland, there are a number of essential traffic regulations to follow and a list of elements to remember to make your journey smooth. The following road rules will surely become useful for all travellers who are considering vehicle rental or hiring a camper in Ireland.
It is vital to be mindful of the local traffic rules when travelling around Ireland. Alcohol is best to be avoided at all if Ireland is your travel destination. Tourists should remember that the amount of alcohol that can be consumed is extremely low and equals only 0.5‰. Exceeding the maximum allowed speed limit, which is 50km/h, when driving around the urban areas may lead to speeding offence. Outside the cities, tourists can travel at the maximum allowed speed of 100km/h. You can drive at the permissible speed of 120km/h on highways in Ireland. In order to stay safe, it is best to equip your car with a first aid kit and fire extinguisher and drive with your headlights on during the day.
But what are the costs of the whole trip. Depending on the budget option that you choose, the total expenses during the whole undertaking can vary. A wide range of budget configurations is showed below.
We estimate that the cheapest offer when it comes to gasoline to cover the planned 11 stages while travelling around Ireland can amount to 175 EUR. Economy accommodation options will cost roughly 792 EUR. Tourists should also take into consideration the fact that they will spend more or less 864 EUR for food and restaurants in this option. Travellers will have to pay about 540 EUR if they opt for the cheapest rental car offer as well. Thus, going for vehicle rental will increase the costs of the road trip from more or less 1,831 EUR to approximately 2,371 EUR.
When it comes to the standard offer, you have to spend the maximum of 175 EUR to cover the planned stages of the trip. Cost amounting to 1,430 EUR can be expected by all travellers who are considering standard hotels. The general cost of food and restaurants within this range is about 1,296 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the tour in a standard rental car can expect a cost of around 648 EUR. Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay around 3,599 EUR for the whole tour, whereas those who are not interested in vehicle rental will spend approximately 2,951 EUR.
Tourists who are considering the highest level of convenience will be pleased with the premium option. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total roughly 5,782 EUR for drivers who are considering car hire and 2,951 EUR for those who do not need a rental vehicle. Travellers who would like to cover the tour in a premium hire car should expect a cost of more or less 1,620 EUR. When it comes to the premium configuration of the itinerary, the cost of the gasoline needed to cover all stages around Ireland is about 300 EUR. Drivers who opt for top services in all aspects of their itinerary should expect to pay about 2,134 EUR for accommodation options and around 1,728 EUR for food and restaurants.
Our tour is also excellent for camper enthusiasts. When it comes to this means of transport, the expenses are roughly 2,700 EUR. Holidayers will spend more or less 338 EUR on gasoline allowing to cover all stages of the trip. Drivers who are interested in camper hire should expect to pay more or less 660 EUR for accommodation and more or less 864 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The Road Trip Costs section presents all the presented details in an easy to follow manner.
The part of Ireland showed in our road trip idea is superb to be visited between May and October. There are plenty of exciting road adventures that we offer on our website if Ireland Road Trip has sparked your creativity. We hope that the wide spectrum of options will surely meet the expectations of the most demanding travellers.

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

Recommended trips

Wild Atlantic Road Trip Wild Atlantic Road Trip
Wild Atlantic Road Trip
Europe - Ireland
1,812 km 42 km/h 14 days roadtrip
Entire Ireland Road Trip Entire Ireland Road Trip
Entire Ireland Road Trip
Europe - Ireland
1,733 km 64 km/h 12 days roadtrip
Dublin Getaway Drive Dublin Getaway Drive
Dublin Getaway Drive
Europe - Ireland
156 km 39 km/h 1 days scenic
Julier Pass Panoramic Road Julier Pass Panoramic Road
Julier Pass Panoramic Road
Europe - Switzerland
52 km 49 km/h 1 days scenic
North Wales Road Trip North Wales Road Trip
North Wales Road Trip
Europe - Wales
218 km 47 km/h 4 days roadtrip
Sankt Gotthard Pass Panoramic Road Sankt Gotthard Pass Panoramic Road
Sankt Gotthard Pass Panoramic Road
Europe - Switzerland
28 km 47 km/h 1 days scenic