Roadside tourism is a great way to see Ireland, also known as the Emerald Isle for its lush green landscapes. By following several strategic steps, such as planning when and where you want to visit and how much time you can spend at each location, and learning about the rules of the road, hotels and hostels available and attractions along the way, the results will be a safe, fun-filled road trip for all.
Decide when you want to travel. July and August are the warmest months in Ireland, while January and February are the coldest. Tourists usually visit Ireland between April and October. Review the weather for the time of year you would like to visit and check the weather reports just prior to travel (see Resources).
Plan your route. If you want to see more of Ireland than just one city, plan on a trip that involves multiple destinations. For example, start from the north in Belfast, drive down the east coast to Dublin, and then head west to Shannon. Make sure you have copies of the maps of the cities and major roads along your route.
Allocate time to spend at each destination. Make sure to allow enough time in each city to correspond with the length of your overall vacation. Staying on schedule allows more time for enjoyment on the road.
Know the rules of the road. Ireland requires a valid driver's license, obtained in the country of origin, which must be carried at all times. Drivers must also be over 21. Speed limits are in kilometers per hour. Road signs are in both Gaelic and English.
Choose your rental car. There are many major car rental companies, such as Hertz (www.hertz.ie), Avis (www.avis.ie), Budget (www.budget.ie) and Enterprise (www.enterprise.com) that provide services in Ireland’s cities and along its roadways. The Car Rental Council of Ireland (www.carrentalcouncil.ie) can provide assistance. Motability Ireland (www.motabilityireland.com) has services for disabled drivers.
Decide where to stay. Local hostels, hotels and inns often provide convenient roadside accommodations close to tourist attractions and offer meals or self-catering services along your route. In Dublin, there are Camden Place Hostel, Abbey apartments, and the Times Hostel. In Shannon, the Park Inn Hotel and Mount Cashel Lodge are available, and in Belfast (Northern Ireland), try Arnie's or Lagan Backpackers.
Decide what you’d like to see. Stop at the latest concert or festival along your route. Ireland provides many diversions at its major cities and counties throughout the year:
Saint Patrick's Festival; Dublin; March; http://www.stpatricksfestival.ie
Writers Week; Listowel; June; http://www.writersweek.ie
Cat Laughs Comedy Festival; Kilkenny; June; http://www.carlsbergcatlaughs.com
Arts Festival of World Cultures; Dun Laoghaire; July; http://www.festivalofworldcultures.com
Clonmel Junction Festival; Tipperary; July; http://www.junctionfestival.com
Galway Music and Arts Festival; Galway; July; http://www.galwayartsfestival.com
Puck Fair (one of the oldest street fairs); Kilgorlin; August; http://www.puckfair.ie
Rose of Tralee Festival and Pageant; Tralee; August; http://www.roseoftralee.ie
Galway Oyster Festival; Galway; September; http://www.galwayoysterfest.com
Dublin Theater Festival; Dublin; September-October; http://www.dublintheatrefestival.com
Cork Jazz Festival; Cork; October; http://www.guinnessjazzfestival.com
Wexford Opera Festival; Wexford; October; http://www.wexfordopera.com
Belfast Arts Festival at Queens; Belfast; October; http://www.belfastfestival.com
