Driving in Ireland: A Practical Guide to Exploring the Country by Car

Even dreamed of being the only car on the road in stunning landscapes that leave you breathless? What about parking by a deserted sandy beach that rivals Cornwall? All under 50 minutes flight away? You might think it only ever rains in Ireland (okay so it does a bit, but that is what makes it so lusciously green), but usually a heatwave in the UK means the same weather in Ireland, which much less people to get in the way.

It’s the ideal country for a driving holiday. Ireland is a country that reveals itself slowly. Some of its most memorable places aren’t marked by major stations or bus hubs, but by stretches of road that lead through coastline, farmland and small towns where life moves at a gentler pace.

While cities like Dublin, Cork and Galway are easy to explore without a car, much of Ireland’s character lies beyond them. For travellers who want flexibility and access to rural areas, driving remains one of the most effective ways to explore the country.

And unless you want to take the ferry over, to see proper rural Ireland car hire is the genuinely best option. Trust me, you can fly into Cork, Belfast or Dublin airport, hire a car, then go around on your steam. You can stay easily in BnB’s that take your fancy on your route. Pass through a beautiful village with a high street decorated with flags and want to stop? Chances our there will be BnB’s with vacancies, even in peak season.

 

Quick planning essentials before driving in Ireland

Before setting off, it helps to understand a few practical basics about driving in Ireland.

Ireland drives on the left, which feels familiar to UK visitors but may require a short adjustment for others. Signs are in English (and Irish second), and speed in kilometres. Distances are relatively short, for example, driving from Dublin to Galway typically takes around two and a half to three hours on the fast road, but journey times can increase significantly on rural roads (which is the pleasure to be honest).

Motorways are clearly signed and straightforward (and empty other than around Dublin or Cork), while country roads can be narrow and winding. Speed limits don’t always reflect how fast a road can safely be driven, so allowing extra time is sensible. Official guidance on road signs, speed limits and safe driving practices in the Republic of Ireland is provided by the Road Safety Authority, which is worth reviewing before you travel.

If your route includes Northern Ireland, for example when driving the Causeway Coastal Route,  additional guidance on local road safety and regulations can be found via NI Direct.

Why Ireland is well suited to road travel

Ireland’s compact size makes it ideal for self-guided driving. Routes that look ambitious on a map often turn out to be manageable in a day, particularly compared to larger European destinations.

Driving allows travellers to combine several smaller stops into one journey, stay in quieter towns and villages, and change plans easily if conditions shift. This flexibility is especially useful in a country where weather can vary from one region to the next.

Iconic driving routes worth building into your trip

Some of Ireland’s best-known journeys are designed for slower travel and are most rewarding when explored by car.

The Wild Atlantic Way

Running along Ireland’s western coastline, the Wild Atlantic Way connects hundreds of miles of coastal road from Donegal to Cork. It passes through fishing villages, beaches and dramatic headlands that are often difficult to reach by public transport.

Official route guidance, highlights and suggested sections can be found through Discover Ireland, which provides practical information for planning stops and overnight stays:

The Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry is a circular route through mountains, lakes and coastline in County Kerry. While it’s popular with tour buses, driving independently allows you to start earlier or later in the day and stop where you choose rather than following a fixed schedule. But it really isn’t that busy.

Tip: If you want to see the gorgeous Gap of Dunloe, go around 9am to get there before the pony and traps arrive as they don’t like you passing through.

The Causeway Coastal Route

Along Northern Ireland’s north coast, this route links Belfast with the Giant’s Causeway and several historic harbour towns. It’s one of the most scenic short drives on the island and works well as a day trip or overnight journey.

Weather, fuel and rural considerations

Weather plays a significant role in driving conditions, particularly along the west coast. Rain, wind and reduced visibility can all affect journey times. Met Éireann, Ireland’s national meteorological service, offers reliable local forecasts that are especially useful when planning longer drives.

Fuel stations are common on major routes but can be spaced further apart in rural areas, so refuelling before long coastal or inland stretches is a good habit. In farming regions, it’s also normal to encounter slow-moving vehicles or livestock on the road, which simply requires patience and reduced speed.

Driving and sustainable travel

Driving doesn’t have to conflict with sustainable travel goals. Many travellers choose to reduce their environmental impact by planning routes efficiently, staying longer in fewer locations, and supporting local businesses along the way.

Modern vehicles are increasingly fuel-efficient, and slower, more deliberate road travel often leads to deeper engagement with local places rather than rushed sightseeing.

When driving makes the biggest difference

Hiring a car is particularly useful for:

• travellers with limited time who want to explore more than one region
• families needing flexibility and space
• couples planning scenic or countryside-focused trips
• visitors staying in rural or coastal accommodation

In these situations, the independence provided by a car often makes travel more relaxed rather than more complicated.

Exploring Ireland on your own terms

Ireland’s appeal lies in its contrasts, lively cities, quiet inland roads, rugged coastline and open countryside. While public transport serves major routes well, driving allows travellers to connect the spaces in between and shape a journey around personal interests rather than timetables.

I may be biased, but I think it’s a stunningly beautiful country, with coastline to make your jaw drop. But it’s really the lack of other people that make it so special. If you catch a break with the weather, there is really no where that rivals it for me.