Ireland road trip

The Emerald Isle boasts scene-stealing landscapes and seemingly endless coastlines, begging to be explored. Start your Irish adventure in one of the fabulous cities before taking to the open road for the road trip of a lifetime as you discover hidden coves, fantastic seafood, and warm hospitality on an unforgettable driving vacation in Ireland.

What makes Ireland a great destination for a road trip?

Ireland's rugged coastline and captivating green landscapes are famed throughout the world. A road trip in Ireland is not only an opportunity to admire the glorious scenery but to experience the unparalleled Irish charm. An Ireland self-drive trip also gives you the flexibility to design your itinerary and stop off at the locations and attractions of your choice.

The best road trips in Ireland

Wind through the misty mountains of Wicklow and traverse the Causeway Coast on these unmissable Ireland road trips.

• Wexford to Waterford

  Begin in the small town of Wexford on the banks of the River Slaney before crossing from Ballyhack to Passage East by using the car ferry. End the 59-mile trip in Waterford, famed for being the country's oldest city, which is home to many with archeological finds.
  

• Wicklow Mountains

  Located just to the south of Dublin is a fantastic half-day drive through the Wicklow Mountains. Highlights of the drive include the Glenmacnass Waterfall and Glendalough, a picturesque glacial valley. Continue your drive to Portlaoise for an alternative end destination.

• Burren Loop

  The rugged Burren Loop runs down the western coast of Country Clare and is blessed with an abundance of natural wonders. The 90-mile trail begins in Lahinch and ends in Corofin, taking in the dramatic views of one of Europe's largest limestone landscapes.

• Lough Gill Loop

  This mythical region was popularized by the Irish poet Yeats and takes in mountainous landscapes and wonderful Irish beaches. Make time to stop at Queen Maeve's Cairn and the enchanting Isle of Innisfree.

• Causeway Coast
  

  Often referred to as one of the greatest drives on earth and the ultimate Ireland road trip, the Causeway Coast begins in the Northern Irish capital, Belfast, and terminates in Derry. Make plenty of time to stop off at the awesome Glens of Antrim and Giant's Causeway, the natural basalt columns from which the drive takes its name.

Tips and advice for touring Ireland by car

You must be at least 21 to rent a car in Ireland and for the best rates, the allocated driver should be over 25. After you've planned your route, choose a car accordingly. If you're heading into remote parts of the country, a smaller vehicle will be more suited to the small and often windy roads. Pay close attention to the local driving laws and customs which are strictly enforced across the island of Ireland. Evaneos' local partners can provide you with all the information you may need, while also helping to plan your once-in-a-lifetime Ireland road trip.