How Long Does a Road Trip Around Ireland Take?

By Alice Nichols

Are you planning a road trip around Ireland? The Emerald Isle is a beautiful country that is best explored by car.

With its stunning coastline, rugged mountains, and charming villages, Ireland has much to offer for travelers of all kinds. But how long does it take to drive around the entire island?

The answer to this question depends on several factors. Firstly, the route you take will affect the length of your trip.

Secondly, how many stops you make along the way will also influence your journey’s duration. Lastly, the time of year you visit Ireland can make a significant difference in your travel time.

If you want to see all of Ireland’s major attractions and drive around the entire island, plan to spend at least two weeks on the road. This amount of time will allow you to drive at a leisurely pace and make plenty of stops along the way.

One popular route for a road trip around Ireland is the Wild Atlantic Way, which stretches over 2,500 km along Ireland’s western coast. Driving this route alone takes around two weeks if you want to stop and explore all of its highlights.

Another popular option is driving the Ring of Kerry, which is a 179 km circular route that takes in some of Ireland’s most breathtaking scenery. This drive can be completed in a day or two but is best enjoyed at a slower pace with plenty of stops along the way.

If you’re short on time or only want to see specific parts of Ireland, it’s possible to complete shorter road trips in three to seven days. For example, a trip from Dublin to Galway takes approximately three days if you want to see some inland sights such as Clonmacnoise and Athlone.

When planning your trip around Ireland, keep in mind that weather conditions can impact driving times significantly. Winter conditions can make roads more treacherous and unpredictable while summer traffic can slow down travel times due to increased tourism.

In summary, the length of your road trip around Ireland depends on your route, how many stops you make, and the time of year you visit. Plan to spend at least two weeks on the road to see all of Ireland’s major attractions.

Remember to drive at a comfortable pace and take in the stunning scenery along the way. Happy travels!