Best Road Trip Routes in Ireland by Rental Car
Ireland is a country made for road trips. With its winding coastal roads, ancient castles, dramatic cliffs, and charming villages, exploring by rental car offers freedom and flexibility that public transport simply can’t match. While trains and buses connect major cities, the real magic of Ireland—hidden beaches, quiet mountain passes, and local pubs off the beaten track—becomes accessible only when you have your own set of wheels.
Having driven several of Ireland’s most iconic routes myself, I can confidently say that renting a car is the best way to experience the country’s landscapes and culture. In this guide, I’ll share the most breathtaking road trip routes across Ireland, practical travel tips, and insights from both personal experiences and expert recommendations.
Why Road Trips in Ireland Are So Special
- Diverse scenery: In just a few hours, you can go from bustling cities to rugged cliffs or tranquil lakes.
- Cultural depth: Ireland is dotted with historical landmarks, from Neolithic tombs older than the pyramids to medieval castles.
- Freedom to explore: You can stop whenever a scenic view catches your eye or detour into a village for a hearty Irish stew.
The Tourism Ireland Board estimates that over 40% of international visitors rent a car while exploring Ireland, highlighting just how popular self-drive trips are.
Best Road Trip Routes in Ireland
1. The Wild Atlantic Way (2,500 km / 1,553 miles)
Best for: Coastal scenery, adventure, and iconic landmarks.
The Wild Atlantic Way is Ireland’s most famous driving route, stretching from Donegal in the north to Cork in the south.
Highlights:
- Cliffs of Moher (Clare): Ireland’s most visited natural attraction.
- Ring of Kerry (Kerry): A circular drive with mountains, lakes, and coastal villages.
- Achill Island (Mayo): Known for its stunning beaches and traditional cottages.
Personal Note: I drove the section from Galway to Dingle, and it was breathtaking. Pulling over to watch the sunset near Spanish Point is still one of my favorite travel memories.
Suggested Duration: 7–14 days for a relaxed pace.
2. The Ring of Kerry (179 km / 111 miles)
Best for: A shorter but iconic loop packed with scenery.
The Ring of Kerry is a classic road trip in southwest Ireland. Starting and ending in Killarney, it’s a circular route filled with mountains, coastal cliffs, and traditional villages.
Highlights:
- Killarney National Park: Lakes, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
- Skellig Michael: A UNESCO World Heritage site made famous by Star Wars.
- Muckross House: A beautiful 19th-century estate.
Tip: Drive clockwise to avoid getting stuck behind tour buses.
Suggested Duration: 1–2 days.
3. Causeway Coastal Route (212 km / 132 miles)
Best for: Game of Thrones fans and geological wonders.
This route runs along Northern Ireland’s coast, from Belfast to Derry/Londonderry.
Highlights:
- Giant’s Causeway: A UNESCO World Heritage site of volcanic rock formations.
- Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge: A thrilling crossing above the sea.
- Dark Hedges: A famous filming location for Game of Thrones.
Personal Note: I drove this route in autumn, and the mix of golden leaves and dramatic coastline was unforgettable. Stopping for fish and chips in Ballycastle was a highlight.
Suggested Duration: 2–3 days.
4. Dublin to Galway via the Midlands
Best for: Culture, history, and a cross-country experience.
This east-to-west route connects Ireland’s capital with its bohemian western city.
Highlights:
- Clonmacnoise Monastery (Offaly): Ancient ruins along the River Shannon.
- Athlone: Home to Ireland’s oldest pub, Sean’s Bar.
- Galway City: Lively streets, music, and food culture.
Suggested Duration: 2–3 days.
5. The Dingle Peninsula Drive (47 km / 30 miles)
Best for: A compact coastal adventure.
Though smaller than the Ring of Kerry, the Dingle Peninsula is equally stunning, and many locals prefer it for its quieter atmosphere.
Highlights:
- Slea Head Drive: Jaw-dropping Atlantic views.
- Dingle Town: A charming town with colorful pubs and live music.
- Inch Beach: Perfect for a long walk.
Tip: This is one of the most scenic short drives in Ireland—ideal if you’re tight on time.
Suggested Duration: Half-day to full day.
Practical Tips for Road Tripping in Ireland
- Rent a smaller car: Irish roads, especially in rural areas, are narrow and winding. Compact cars are easier to handle.
- Automatic vs. manual: Manual cars are cheaper, but if you’re not confident with a stick shift, pay extra for an automatic.
- Drive on the left: Take it slow at first, especially at roundabouts.
- Fuel costs: Petrol is expensive in Ireland; budget around €1.70–€1.90 per liter (as of 2025).
- Plan your stops: Many scenic routes don’t have large towns nearby, so book accommodation ahead in summer.
FAQs About Road Trips in Ireland
1. Do I need an International Driving Permit?
If your license is in English, no. Otherwise, bring one.
2. What’s the best season for a road trip?
- Summer (June–August): Warm, long days but busier roads.
- Spring/Autumn (April–May, Sept–Oct): Mild weather, fewer crowds, great value.
- Winter (Nov–Feb): Quieter, but some attractions may be closed.
3. Are toll roads common?
Yes, especially on motorways near Dublin. Carry coins or register online for the M50 electronic toll.
Final Thoughts
Driving through Ireland is more than just a way to get from point A to point B—it’s an adventure in itself. From the windswept cliffs of the Wild Atlantic Way to the ancient ruins along the River Shannon, each route offers a unique story of Ireland’s landscape, culture, and people.
From my own travels, I’ve learned that the best road trip isn’t necessarily the longest one—it’s the route where you give yourself time to stop, explore, and soak in the atmosphere.
Ireland is a country made for road trips. With its winding coastal roads, ancient castles, dramatic cliffs, and charming villages, exploring by rental car offers freedom and flexibility that public transport simply can’t match. While trains and buses connect major cities, the real magic of Ireland—hidden beaches, quiet mountain passes, and local pubs off the beaten track—becomes accessible only when you have your own set of wheels.
Having driven several of Ireland’s most iconic routes myself, I can confidently say that renting a car is the best way to experience the country’s landscapes and culture. In this guide, I’ll share the most breathtaking road trip routes across Ireland, practical travel tips, and insights from both personal experiences and expert recommendations.
Why Road Trips in Ireland Are So Special
- Diverse scenery: In just a few hours, you can go from bustling cities to rugged cliffs or tranquil lakes.
- Cultural depth: Ireland is dotted with historical landmarks, from Neolithic tombs older than the pyramids to medieval castles.
- Freedom to explore: You can stop whenever a scenic view catches your eye or detour into a village for a hearty Irish stew.
The Tourism Ireland Board estimates that over 40% of international visitors rent a car while exploring Ireland, highlighting just how popular self-drive trips are.
Best Road Trip Routes in Ireland
1. The Wild Atlantic Way (2,500 km / 1,553 miles)
Best for: Coastal scenery, adventure, and iconic landmarks.
The Wild Atlantic Way is Ireland’s most famous driving route, stretching from Donegal in the north to Cork in the south.
Highlights:
- Cliffs of Moher (Clare): Ireland’s most visited natural attraction.
- Ring of Kerry (Kerry): A circular drive with mountains, lakes, and coastal villages.
- Achill Island (Mayo): Known for its stunning beaches and traditional cottages.
Personal Note: I drove the section from Galway to Dingle, and it was breathtaking. Pulling over to watch the sunset near Spanish Point is still one of my favorite travel memories.
Suggested Duration: 7–14 days for a relaxed pace.
2. The Ring of Kerry (179 km / 111 miles)
Best for: A shorter but iconic loop packed with scenery.
The Ring of Kerry is a classic road trip in southwest Ireland. Starting and ending in Killarney, it’s a circular route filled with mountains, coastal cliffs, and traditional villages.
Highlights:
- Killarney National Park: Lakes, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
- Skellig Michael: A UNESCO World Heritage site made famous by Star Wars.
- Muckross House: A beautiful 19th-century estate.
Tip: Drive clockwise to avoid getting stuck behind tour buses.
Suggested Duration: 1–2 days.
3. Causeway Coastal Route (212 km / 132 miles)
Best for: Game of Thrones fans and geological wonders.
This route runs along Northern Ireland’s coast, from Belfast to Derry/Londonderry.
Highlights:
- Giant’s Causeway: A UNESCO World Heritage site of volcanic rock formations.
- Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge: A thrilling crossing above the sea.
- Dark Hedges: A famous filming location for Game of Thrones.
Personal Note: I drove this route in autumn, and the mix of golden leaves and dramatic coastline was unforgettable. Stopping for fish and chips in Ballycastle was a highlight.
Suggested Duration: 2–3 days.
4. Dublin to Galway via the Midlands
Best for: Culture, history, and a cross-country experience.
This east-to-west route connects Ireland’s capital with its bohemian western city.
Highlights:
- Clonmacnoise Monastery (Offaly): Ancient ruins along the River Shannon.
- Athlone: Home to Ireland’s oldest pub, Sean’s Bar.
- Galway City: Lively streets, music, and food culture.
Suggested Duration: 2–3 days.
5. The Dingle Peninsula Drive (47 km / 30 miles)
Best for: A compact coastal adventure.
Though smaller than the Ring of Kerry, the Dingle Peninsula is equally stunning, and many locals prefer it for its quieter atmosphere.
Highlights:
- Slea Head Drive: Jaw-dropping Atlantic views.
- Dingle Town: A charming town with colorful pubs and live music.
- Inch Beach: Perfect for a long walk.
Tip: This is one of the most scenic short drives in Ireland—ideal if you’re tight on time.
Suggested Duration: Half-day to full day.
Practical Tips for Road Tripping in Ireland
- Rent a smaller car: Irish roads, especially in rural areas, are narrow and winding. Compact cars are easier to handle.
- Automatic vs. manual: Manual cars are cheaper, but if you’re not confident with a stick shift, pay extra for an automatic.
- Drive on the left: Take it slow at first, especially at roundabouts.
- Fuel costs: Petrol is expensive in Ireland; budget around €1.70–€1.90 per liter (as of 2025).
- Plan your stops: Many scenic routes don’t have large towns nearby, so book accommodation ahead in summer.
FAQs About Road Trips in Ireland
1. Do I need an International Driving Permit?
If your license is in English, no. Otherwise, bring one.
2. What’s the best season for a road trip?
- Summer (June–August): Warm, long days but busier roads.
- Spring/Autumn (April–May, Sept–Oct): Mild weather, fewer crowds, great value.
- Winter (Nov–Feb): Quieter, but some attractions may be closed.
3. Are toll roads common?
Yes, especially on motorways near Dublin. Carry coins or register online for the M50 electronic toll.
Final Thoughts
Driving through Ireland is more than just a way to get from point A to point B—it’s an adventure in itself. From the windswept cliffs of the Wild Atlantic Way to the ancient ruins along the River Shannon, each route offers a unique story of Ireland’s landscape, culture, and people.
From my own travels, I’ve learned that the best road trip isn’t necessarily the longest one—it’s the route where you give yourself time to stop, explore, and soak in the atmosphere.
Hi, I’m Tanvir, the founder and author of Explore Ireland Now. With a deep love for Ireland and its rich culture, history, and landscapes, I created this site to share everything that makes this beautiful country worth exploring. Whether you’re a local looking for hidden gems or a traveler planning your next adventure, I provide insightful guides, tips, and recommendations to help you experience Ireland to the fullest.
From stunning landscapes to vibrant cities and quaint villages, Ireland is full of wonders waiting to be discovered. Through my personal experiences and research, I aim to bring you the most up-to-date information and inspiration for your journey.
Thank you for visiting Explore Ireland Now—I hope my content helps you uncover all that this incredible country has to offer! If you have any questions or need travel advice, feel free to reach out.
