Ultimate Ireland Road Trip Guide – 11 of the Best Routes

Escape the norm of tedious driving routes along long stretches of motorways and venture out on an incredible Ireland road trip this year.

No matter where you’re based within this beautiful country, there’s a plethora of picturesque driving routes to explore.

Find cascading coastal views around County Donegal, rural scenery in the Wicklow Mountains National Park, and ancient monuments around the historic Boyne Valley. Regardless of your destination, there’s no better backdrop than Ireland.

Does touring Ireland by car sound tempting? Continue reading to discover 11 of the best Ireland road trip routes with our guide… 

Northern Ireland Road Trip

1. Causeway Coast Road Trip

First on our list for your Ireland road trip is the Causeway Coast route. The Giant’s Causeway is one of the most impressive National Trust sites in County Antrim and perfect for a memorable Ireland road trip. Discover diverse landscapes around the sensational Causeway coast where you can be wowed by the incredible backdrop, which has been used for Game of Thrones and other TV shows.

Enjoy the enchanting views of historic rock formations, imposing sand dunes and castle ruins as you let the crisp air seep into your car window. Notable attractions include Dunluce Castle, one of the best autumn bucket list attractions the National Trust’s Mount Stewart and Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.  There’s also the chance for memorable days out at the cities of Belfast and Derry, some of the top UK family holiday destinations.

Start: Bangor
End: Derry
Length: 183 miles
Time: 2.5-3 hours

West Coast of Ireland Road Trip

2. Donegal Road Trip

Starting at the quiet seaside village of Rossnowlagh, this journey spans around 263 miles over to the town of Buncrana, boasting sensational views of impressive peaks and coastal havens around County Donegal.

This daunting Irish road trip is not for the faint-hearted! Follow uneven and rugged roads, starting at calm sandy shores over to tall mountaintops and exposed landscapes. You’ll be pleasantly welcomed by diverse scenery, backed by the breath-taking Errigal Mountain which provides the perfect backdrop for a summer road trip in Ireland.

Stop off during your journey and take a boat trip around Donegal Bay towards remote islands. Or, head into the centre of Donegal where you’ll find fascinating culture and historic attractions.

If you’re looking for a mix of coast, country and history, this Ireland road trip around Donegal may be the one for you.

Start: Rossnowlagh
End: Buncrana
Length: 263 miles
Time: 3-4 hours

3. Wild Atlantic Way Road Trip

Not many Ireland road trip memories compare to the Wild Atlantic Way route. Spanning around 263 miles, this journey begins at Inishowen Peninsula and takes you through stunning coastal hotspots such as Donegal and Sligo, Achill Island, Connemara, Dingle Peninsula and West Cork, ending at the colourful town of Kinsale.

You’ll have to pack your overnight bag for this one. Depending on the speed of your journey and how often you stop to take in the scenery, this Ireland road trip can take a long as up to 20 hours to complete. Be wowed by the outstanding shorelines during your west coast of Ireland road trip, which presents 2500km of high peaks, curved cliffs, and panoramic views around fishing villages, culture-filled cities, and exceptional coastland.

The Wild Atlantic Way Ireland road trip offers a rich experience for those who want to immerse themselves in a true Irish road trip.

Start: Inishowen Peninsula
End: Kinsale
Length: 1600 miles
Time: 20-30 hours

4. Connemara Sky Loop Road Trip

The Connemara Sky Road is a beautiful loop of rugged scenery that boasts a blanket bog landscape alongside rural mountains and out to Clifden Bay. This route is perfect if you’re looking for a short and sweet drive accompanied by classic Irish beauty and charm.

You can begin this quick Ireland road trip in the coastal town of Clifden, with a steep ascent up the coastal edge and passing the historic Clifden Castle on your way.  When you reach the top, stop off at the car park, which offers a spectacular vantage point for a picnic as you take in the view during sunset. Other exceptional views from this point include the islands of Inisturk, Ardmore, Inis Turbot and Omey Island.

Start: Clifden
End: Clifden
Length: 10 miles
Time: under 1 hour

5. North Mayo and Sligo Road Trip

Next on our Ireland road trip guide is the beautiful journey from North Mayo to Sligo. This stunning route takes you from the bustling town of Westport towards the romantic town of Sligo where William Butler Yeats drew inspiration for many of his poetry and written work.

Let yourself be swept away by the secluded landscapes of Achill Island before stretching your legs on a peaceful walk around the famous ‘Lake Isle of Innisfree’. Other must-do activities whilst you’re here include a therapeutic seaweed bath at Kilcullen in Enniscrone and surfing the waves on the shores of Achill Island.

Start: Westport
End: Sligo Town
Length: 165 miles
Time: 2-3 hours

East of Ireland Road Trip

6. Ancient Ireland Road Trip

Enrich your knowledge of Irish history and head out on the Ancient Ireland Road Trip. Travel back through time as you’re transported into the Neolithic era and the first millennium where you can unearth fascinating Celtic plots, time-worn tombs and monachal cities.

Explore Ireland’s rich history as you pass the ancient burial mounds of Bru na Boinne and Loughcrew, tread across Rathcroghan’s prehistoric landscape, or visit the ceremonial site of the Hill of Tara. Visit dramatic monastic settlements at Cashel, Clonmacnoise, and Glendalough where the route ends.

If you’re a history buff looking for even more inspiration, browse through some of the best castles in Ireland.

Start: Bru na Boinne
End: Glendalough
Length: 329 miles
Time: 4-5 hours

7. East to West Road Trip

If you’re looking to venture out on a full day driving tour of Ireland’s best locations, the East to West route may be the one for you! The truly beautiful Connemara landscape is a memorable backdrop for your Ireland road trip.

Enjoy an overnight bar crawl in the heart of Dublin city before exploring Galway’s cultural hub, whilst Connemara boasts picturesque scenery for the quieter moments of your trip.

If you like the look of this Ireland road trip, discover more scenic drives in the UK.

Start: Dublin 
End: Doolin
Length: 280 miles
Time: 3-5 hours

8. Wicklow Mountains Road Trip

Be wowed by a trip around the Wicklow Mountains National Park, a journey short in length but not short in beauty. This Ireland road trip route takes you from the lively city of Dublin and through the diverse landscapes of County Wicklow, often referred to as the ‘Garden of Ireland’.

Explore fabulous attractions as you drive through the Wicklow Mountains; including the Glendalough Valley and Monastic Site, the Guinness Lake, and Glenmacnass Waterfall. If you want to extend your drive, you can even take a detour around the Sally Gap Drive from Roundwood to West Wicklow.

Start: Dublin
End: Glendalough
Length: 32 miles
Time: 1-2 hours

9. The Boyne Valley Drive Road Trip

The Boyne Valley Drive is an Ireland road trip rich in history that will take you back in time. Following a picturesque route from Oldtown over to Drogheda, there is plenty of ancient attractions to see on this route; from the imposing castles of Slane and Trim, the Newgrange Stone Age Passage Tomb, St. Oliver Plunkett’s preserved head, and the site, which held the Battle of the Boyne.

Foodies will love the chance to explore the Boyne Valley Food Series, offering guided tours, markets and food trails with local Artisan producers and farms. Some of the incredible producers include the Sea Louth seafood trail, Sheridan’s Cheesemongers, Merci Beaucoup Cakes, and the Slane Food Circle Tour. Indulge in heavenly treats during your trip and stock up on local delicacies to take home.

Start: Oldtown
End: Drogheda
Length: 140 miles
Time: 2-3 hours

Southern Ireland Road Trip

10. Ring of Kerry Road Trip

Ring of Kerry is a unique Ireland road trip that can be completed in just a short afternoon. Recognised as an extremely popular driving route for visitors, this Ireland road trip takes drivers on a loop around the beautiful Iveragh Peninsula alongside rugged hills and tranquil lakes.

You’ll encounter a wealth of coastline views, as well as rural mountains within the Killarney National Park, historic ruins at Staigue Stone Fort, and the striking Kerry Cliffs. You can also visit the eerie summit of Skellig Michael, a real hidden gem in Ireland on the coast of County Kerry.

Start: Killarney
End: Ross Castle
Length: 125 miles
Time: 2-3 hours

11. Dingle Peninsula Road Trip

The final route on our Ireland road trip guide is the Dingle Peninsula route. For a truly unique driving experience, enjoy a winding Ireland road trip above bustling waters. This journey takes you on adventurous twists and turns up a figure-of-eight hill with exceptional coastal views. This journey is not for the faint-hearted.

This route really is a treat for the eyes as you look over the edge of headlands towards crystal blue waters and historic castles, churches and monuments. Stop off on your journey and sample some locally-sourced seafood in the heart of Dingle or explore the waters and try your luck at some of the thrilling watersports on offer.

Start: Killarney
End: Tralee
Length: 115 miles
Time: 1-2 hours

Have we got you in the mood for an Ireland road trip? If you’re looking to stretch your legs after a long car drive, check out our Ireland walking guide before heading back to an Ireland holiday cottage with your loved ones. For even more inspiration, our Ireland Travel Guide boasts everything you need to enjoy a memorable holiday.