With driving on the left-hand side, narrow country roads, and 5.5 million sheep to dodge, driving in Ireland can be quite an adventure.

At the same time, this adventure is extremely convenient, stunningly picturesque, and by far the best way to experience this exceptional country and the spectacular scenery it has to offer.

After driving to some of Ireland’s absolute highlights and some of the hidden gems too, I’ve come to the conclusion that there are only a few places more suitable for an adventurous road trip than Ireland.

It’s rugged, a tad unpredictable, and most of all, exceptionally beautiful, making it a dream destination for those who crave off-the-beaten-path adventure and untouched wilderness.

Add to that that the roads are easy to navigate and in excellent condition, and Ireland is the road trip destination you’ve been searching for all along.

To kick-start your own road trip, I’ve curated a list of useful tips for driving in Ireland – plus all the essentials in terms of car rental, costs, insurance and more.

Why rent a car in Ireland?

Ireland is an incredibly picturesque country and exploring it as part of a road trip is easily the best way to see everything it has to offer.

By renting your own car, you also have the possibility to cruise to some of the most secluded areas of the country, which to me, is an absolute must for anyone road-tripping Ireland.

Add to that, that you have all the freedom to explore at your own pace, and that public transport is slightly limited in some bits of the country, and it’s easy to understand why a road trip is the best way to experience this amazing island in the North Atlantic Ocean.

Cost of renting a car in Ireland

First things first; renting a car in Ireland isn’t by any means cheap.

I’ve rented cars in many different countries over the last few years, and the costs of renting a car in Ireland were some of the highest I’ve ever seen – which kinda shocked me at first.

However, after doing some proper research, I noticed that renting a car is still the cheapest, fastest and most convenient means of transport in Ireland.

Having said that, the price for car rental ranges from €400 to €600 per week in the high season, which comes to approximately €60 – €90 per day. This includes free cancellation, theft protection and collision damage waiver.

If you choose to opt for a car with automatic transmission (which I highly recommend if you haven’t driven on the left before), the costs of car rental will average out at €600 to €800 per week.

All in all, a road trip in Ireland is far from cheap, and with the above in mind, I’d advise booking your rental car well in advance to save a few bucks.

For car rental in Ireland, I’d highly recommend Rentalcars.com. They offer brilliant service, additional insurance options, as well as a wide selection of cars to choose from. Prices and availability here.

1 | Drive on the left-hand side of the road

To me, the idea of driving on the left-hand side of the road sounded kinda frightening at first, but after a short phase of acclimatisation, it actually felt quite logical.

But it isn’t like this for everyone, so I’d highly recommend anyone to take it slow since it takes at least a couple of days to become fully accustomed to your new driving situation.

If it’s your first time driving on the left, make sure you do some test drives at the parking lot of your rental car supplier, as it will give you some time to get a feel for the car, while you also practice your new driving habits.

If you’re not completely comfortable with driving on the left, hiring an automatic car will make things a lot less complicated, as you don’t have to stress about changing the gears all the time.

Those preferring to drive automatic, be sure to book a car in advance since renting an automatic car is wildly popular within Ireland.

2 | Rent and drop off your car at Dublin Airport

Since there’s plenty of rental car companies established in Dublin Airport, there’s also significantly more competition, meaning you could find a rental at notably cheaper rates here.

However, it’s essential that you reserve your rental car online and in advance, and pick it up as soon as your flight touches down on Irish soil.

For the above reasons, I’d advise anyone to sort out their own rental car as soon as their flight confirmation pops up in their mail inbox – given that last-minute rates can be quite a shock, especially during the peak summer months.

When it comes to international car rental, I always make use of RentalCars; an excellent online car rental service that holds over 900 of the world’s leading rental car suppliers.

Additionally, if you do however wish to book a rental car spontaneously, make sure you check at the reception of your hotel, as it’s likely that they can offer your a small discount.

3 | Try to avoid parking your car in Dublin

If there’s one thing I’ve learned during my time in Ireland, it will be that you should try to avoid parking your car in Dublin at all times.

While some of the best day trips from Dublin are reached by car, I’d highly recommend bringing back your car to the rental car company before exploring the city itself.

Simply put, the parking fees in Dublin can add up quickly, especially if you park around museums or in one of the parking garages in the city centre.

I had my rental car in the garage for one night and paid around €25, which is a complete waste of money in my eyes.

4 | Mind the sheep

As you’ve likely seen on the cover of my Ireland itinerary, Ireland is teeming with sheep, and they often don’t give a damn about the traffic.

Instead, these sheep tend to wander on the side of the road, so make sure you keep an eye out when passing a herd – they have a tendency to cross the road without warning.

Lastly, with over 5.5 million sheep, Ireland is home to more sheep than humans, meaning there’s simply no way around this fact when driving through the Irish countryside yourself.

5 | Don’t forget to pay the M50 toll

First things first, make sure you put a reminder on your phone now to pay the M50 toll.

When renting a car from the Dublin Airport (which I’d highly advise you to do), odds are that you will pass the barrier-free tolling system on Dublin’s M50 motorway.

This innovative system grants drivers the ability to simply pass through, instead of stopping over to pay the toll at the booth, which makes the journey along this crowded area significantly faster.

The only thing that you’ll have to do is pay the toll online at Eflow by 8 PM the next day.

While this sounds pretty straightforward, I can tell from first-hand experience that it’s extremely easy to forget about the toll – I paid mine at home since I totally overlooked it.

If you forget to pay in time like me, don’t worry, you’re still able to pay it a few days later, just be aware that you will pay a small fine atop the initial toll.

6 | Consider renting a smaller car

While your rental car supplier will most likely present you with an upgrade that offers extra comfort when driving bumpy roads, I’m here to say that it’s better to stay with a slightly smaller car.

I say this because Ireland has no shortage of narrow country roads, and navigating these is far more easy in a smaller car rather than a huge SUV.

I opted for the Toyota C-HR, a medium-sized hybrid car, and had an easy time navigating the narrow country roads, while also having enough power to handle the steeper parts of my road trip through Ireland.

7 | The famous Irish weather conditions

Given Ireland’s position in the North Atlantic Ocean, the weather conditions can change rapidly, meaning all four seasons could occur in the blink of an eye.

One moment the sun is out and blazing, and the other moment, the rain is pouring from the skies.

While it doesn’t necessarily sound like an issue when sitting inside your car, it does requires some adjustment in the way you approach the roads.

For that reason, I’d highly recommend driving with your lights on at all times, since unpredicted rain or fog can easily restrict the sight of you and your fellow road users.

Lastly, when it starts raining or turns foggy, make sure you adjust your speed limits accordingly.

8 | Know your limits

Throughout Ireland, the speed limits include 50 km/h within urban areas, 80 km/h on secondary or regional roads, 100 km/h on national primary routes, and 120 km/h on motorways.

While it’s allowed to drive 80 km/h or faster on most roads, I highly suggest you to slow down a tad, especially when driving along narrow country roads.

Secondly, if it’s your first time driving on the left-hand side of the road, take your time and don’t mind letting local drivers pass you – your Ireland road trip isn’t a race.

9 | Plan your route in advance

As with all road trips, the best thing to do is plan out your route in advance, so you have a clear overview of how many kilometres you be driving each day.

While you should always keep some time and space for spontaneous stops, it is pretty damn convenient (and time-saving) if you thoroughly research the highlights, and then bundle them in a logical day-to-day itinerary.

However, if you’re not from the planning side of things, don’t worry – I’ve put together a pretty awesome 9-day Ireland road trip itinerary, so be sure you give that a read too.

10 | Fill up often

While the distances in Ireland are completely manageable, keep in mind that a lot of Ireland is merely countryside with not a single petrol station in sight.

To avoid stranding on the side of the road, make sure you live by the following rule of thumb; always fill up your car when driving long distances or stretches that take you through the countryside.

Not only is running out of gas a bummer, but ending up on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere, waiting for another car to pass is simply a waste of time.

By filling up on time, you will also never disrespect the golden road trip rule – never let your fuel tank go lower than ⅓.

11 | Sort out your insurance

As I would mention in all my road trip guides, it is wise to travel with your essential insurance sorted out, this also involves the full coverage of your rental car.

Though you might save some money when leaving out the full insurance of your car, these few bucks wouldn’t outweigh the benefits of the full insurance option, as it fully covers the car’s excess, as well as damage to the windows, mirrors, wheels and tyres.

On top of that, I also advise you to do a thorough inspection of the car afore taking it out on the road. If you don’t do this, chances are that you have to pay for pre-existing damage and that would be a pity.

Then there is your travel insurance, which, I believe, you should always purchase when travelling abroad, this is also highly recommended when doing a road trip in Ireland.

For travel insurance, I use Heymondo, as they offer full covid-19 coverage, as well as a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Make sure you check it out – readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy. Additionally, I also recommend World Nomads.

1 | Roam around at Trinity College

As if lifted straight out of a Harry Potter movie, Trinity College is Ireland’s oldest university and captivates its visitors with its enchanting appearance.

Established in 1592, the university schooled several renowned authors and poets, including Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker and Jonathan Swift to name but a few.

At present, Trinity College is home to the famous Book of Kells, a 9th century illuminated manuscript that contains all four Gospels of the New Testament.

But the real attraction is the Long Room, an opulent library marked by gorgeous oak bookcases and the roughly 200,000 ancient books that fill up the shelves.

After wandering around the library myself, it’s easy to understand why J.K. Rowling got excited to use it as an inspiration for Hogwarts in Harry Potter.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Trinity College

Opening hours | Monday to Saturday 0830 – 1700, Sunday 0930 – 1700

Cost | €18,- per person

Tickets | Buy your tickets online here

2 | Take a walk over the Ha’Penny Bridge

There are only a few places in Dublin as iconic as the Ha’Penny Bridge.

Built back in 1816, this white-picketed bridge was the first-ever pedestrian bridge to span over the River Liffey, which came as a welcoming relief for those living on either side of the river.

It’s also worth mentioning that the bridge owes its name to the toll that was required to cross it, namely half a penny.

At present, the Ha’Penny Bridge has become an absolute must-see attraction in Dublin, and I believe, every visitor should cross the bridge at least once while in Dublin.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Ha’Penny Bridge

3 | Sample Dublin’s best burger at Feather blade

As soon as I heard SpottieOttieDopaliscious by Outkast bumping through the speakers, I realized that I arrived in the right place.

Situated smack bang in the middle of Dublin, Featherblade is a trendy burger joint that I would consider the number one spot if you’re after a top-notch burger in Dublin.

Their signature bacon cheeseburger is crafted to perfection, with top-notch quality from Irish beef Patty to artisan bun, with its crisp and juicy bacon pieces as the absolute centrepiece.

Seriously, this burger, which was voted ‘best burger’ in 2020, was so tasty that it’s up there with the best burgers I’ve ever eaten.

Add to that a trendy atmosphere, good music and a great overall dining experience, and Featherblade has become a must-visit for anyone spending time in Dublin.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Feather blade

4 | TAKE A TOUR OF THE GUINNESS STOREHOUSE FACTORY

Ireland is known as the motherland of Guinness, and therefore there’s no better place to taste this than in the country’s bustling capital city.

Situated in the heart of the St. James’ Gate Brewery, the Guinness Storehouse Factory is where lays the origin of one of Ireland’s national pride; Guinness beer, or as the Irish would say; a pint of gat.

Today, the storehouse factory accommodates a fun and informative museum that tells the tale of one of Ireland’s most famous alcoholic beverages, which made it become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country.

The Guinness Storehouse Factory is only visited as part of a self-guided tour and takes you through seven floors of Irish brewing history, where you learn all about the brewing process, as well as the history of this cherished stout beer.

At the end of the tour, you’ll reach the 7th, and last floor, where it’s finally time to sample a pint of Guinness while enjoying an epic panoramic view of the Dublin skyline.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Guinness Storehouse Factory

Opening hours | Monday to Friday 1000 – 1700, Sunday 1200 – 1700

Recommended tour | Get your Guinness Storehouse Entrance Ticket here

5 | VISIT THE KILMAINHAM GAOL PRISON

When I prepared for my trip to Ireland, I’d knew I wanted to learn more about Ireland’s fight for independence, so the first thing I did was place the Kilmainham Gaol Museum on top of my list of things to do in Dublin.

Situated just a few kilometres outside Dublin, the Kilmainham Gaol Prison is now turned into a museum, with one clear goal; to educate and inform those who visit this former jail.

It’s good to note, that you should purchase your ticket in advance, since visiting the Kilmainham Gaol Museum is only possible in the form of a guided tour.

During the 1-hour tour, the guide will take you through the former prison blocks, courtyard and old chapel, while he also informs you about the prison’s gruelling history.

Do be aware though, it can be pretty upsetting to hear how many revolutionaries and prisoners were executed between 1796 and 1924, including the famous political and military leaders Robert Emmet and Charles Stewart Parnell.

After the prison tour, you will have time to look at an impressive exhibition that covers three levels, each telling the stories of different periods of time. I’d highly recommend taking your time to see what’s on display, as it holds more than 10.000 objects.

Since Kilmainham Gaol houses some aesthetically pleasing features, the prison has also been used as a set for several films, including the original ‘Italian Job’, and more recently so; Paddington 2.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Kilmainham Gaol Museum

Opening hours | Daily 0930 – 1800

Recommended tour | The Kilmainham Gaol Museum can only be visited as part of a guided tour. Prices and availability here

6 | Have breakie or lunch at Brother Hubbard

After seeing Brother Hubbard featured in an episode of Somebody Feed Phill, I instantly realized I had to drop by for some coffee and lunch.

Now renowned throughout the whole of Dublin, Brother Hubbard opened its doors in 2012, which initiated the transformation of Dublin’s somewhat dull café culture.

Situated at different locations throughout the city, Brother Hubbard is a trendy cafe that serves excellent dishes with a subtle Middle Eastern touch to it.

I opted for the basic; two eggs, grilled bacon and a chunky warm roast tomato sauce, served with ​​homemade Georgian-style sourdough toast and the most flavoursome Irish butter on the side – it was indeed basic, yet incredibly delicious.

While the menu is relatively small, it is extremely creative, with a focus on freshness, quality and local produce, which is always a good thing.

So if you’re seeking a trendy lunch or brunch spot that serves excellent coffee too, look no further, you have just stumbled upon the right place.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Brother Hubbard North

Opening Hours | See opening hours here

7 | Admire the St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Founded in 1191, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the largest Church in the whole of Ireland and is therefore named the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland.

Part of Ireland’s history for over 800 years, St. Patrick’s Cathedral remains one of the most fascinating buildings in Dublin, and strolling through its lush gardens is certainly a must when visiting the city.

It’s truly a stunning place from the inside and out and the opulent interior reflects various periods of its lengthy historical timeline – so be sure to have a peek inside too.

One thing worth mentioning is that it isn’t the only cathedral on Dublin soil, no, it shares this reputation with the neighbouring Christ Church Cathedral, which was initially built just outside of Dublin.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Opening hours | Monday to Saturday 0930 – 1630, Sunday 0845 – 1015 and 1300 – 1700

Cost | €8,- per person – St. Patrick’s Cathedral is also included in the Dublin Pass.

Recommended tour | This self-guided tour of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Prices and availability here

8 | Have a pint at Dublin’s iconic Temple Bar

When people talk about Dublin, the iconic Temple Bar will always be a topic of conversation.

Nestled in the eponymous Temple Bar District, this iconic bar on the south side of the River Liffey is one of the oldest areas in Dublin and is often high on the bucket list of those visiting the city.

The district itself is a maze of cobbled streets with heaps of lively pubs, hosting some of the country’s best musicians, which makes it a must-see for those who want to experience Dublin’s buzzing nightlife.

The pubs come alive after 5, when both locals and travellers gather to sample a pint of Guinness or a good glass of Irish whiskey while enjoying live music and an authentic atmosphere – it’s a successful combination for a unique travel experience.

Ooh, and be cautious, the locals are capable to drink you under the table too – just kidding!

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | The Temple Bar

Opening hours | Daily 1030 – 0100

9 | Have a scoop or two at Murphy’s ice cream

Originated in Dingle, Co. Kerry in 2000 is Murphy’s ice cream, an artisanal ice cream shop that started with one clear goal; making the best ice cream in the world – and believe me, they’ve come pretty close!

Luckily for us, Murphy also opened its doors in Dublin.

Set within Wicklow street, Murphy’s serves a great variety of ice cream, made from Ireland’s finest local produce, including the milk of the rare, indigenous Kerry cow.

I opted for 3 scoops of the following flavours; Dingle Sea Salt, Irish Brown Bread and Honeycomb Caramel and was blown away not only by their flavours but also by their exceptional texture and creaminess.

If you’re looking for something more adventurous, Murphy’s also serves uncommon flavours such as Dingle Gin and Pink Peppercorn, Irish Coffee and Rum Raisin.

I’m not gonna lie, it can be quite the struggle to choose from their unique and inviting flavours. Fortunately, this shop is so awesome, that they let you sample the flavours before making your final selection – winner!

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Murphy’s ice cream

Opening hours | Daily 1200 – 2200

10 | Visit Lough Tay and the Wicklow Mountains

Nestled in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains, Lough Tay is a stunning lake that has become famous for its appearance as ‘Kattegat’ in History’s blockbuster series ‘Vikings’.

While its shores are now private property, and therefore no longer accessible by the public, you will stumble upon plenty of interesting viewpoints, all offering the iconic views that made the ‘Guinness Lake’ famous.

With a whopping 20,483 hectares of ground, the Wicklow Mountains National Park is a true natural paradise and that at only a stone’s throw away from the hustle and bustle of Dublin.

Also, the Wicklow Mountains National Park is considered the number one national park in the whole of Ireland, which isn’t a surprise to me given its untouched nature and endless tranquillity.

Visiting the Wicklow Mountains is in many ways one of the best day trips out of the city – and easily one of the most exciting things to do on your trip to Dublin.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Lough Tay, County Wicklow

Recommended tour | This full-day Wicklow Mountains Tour takes you to the Wicklow Mountains, as well as the 6th-century monastery complex of Glendalough. Prices and availability here

11 | GO ON A DAY TRIP TO THE CLIFFS OF MOHER

From the moment I started preparing for my travels to Ireland, I told myself that I wanted to see the insanely stunning Cliffs of Moher at all costs.

Located roughly 3,5 hours drive from Dublin, the Cliffs of Moher are considered the most famous cliffs in Ireland, reaching a whopping height of 214m at their highest point.

With safe, paved pathways, several incredible viewpoints and an award-winning Visitor Centre, the famous Cliffs of Moher has now become the country’s second most visited tourist attraction.

While there are lots of popular day trips to the Cliffs of Moher, I would highly recommend visiting it as part of a road trip through Ireland. If you’re in Dublin on a city trip, opt for this full-day trip to the Cliffs of Moher instead.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | The Cliffs of Moher

Opening hours | See opening hours here

Recommended tour | This full-day guided tour of the Cliffs of Moher is an excellent way to behold the impressive landscape that defines the area.

12 | Taste Irish whiskey at the Jameson Distillery

Besides Guinness, there’s one thing that the Irish produce exceptionally well too – whiskey!

Hands down the best way to learn about Irish whiskey and its rich and captivating history (Ireland has been making whiskey for well over 200 years), is by joining the famous Bow Street Experience Tour in the Jameson Distillery.

Awarded ‘The World’s Leading Distillery Tour Award’ three years in a row, the Jameson Distillery offers visitors a unique experience by giving them a peek inside the production process of one of the world’s most famous whiskey brands.

The tour also includes a unique comparative whiskey-tasting experience, learning you to understand the differences between Scotch whisky, American bourbon, and Irish whiskey.

On top of that, you’ll receive a Jameson Whiskey tasting certificate, so you can show off your whisky knowledge to family and friends at home.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Jameson Distillery

Opening hours | Monday to Thursday 1100 – 1800, Saturday 1100 – 1900, Sunday 1200 – 1800

Cost | €25,- per person

13 | Visit the Hill of Tara

Situated a roughly 45-minute drive from Dublin, ​​the Hill of Tara is considered Ireland’s most sacred stretch of land and the soul of Ireland’s history, legend and folklore.

Legend has it, that the site has been in use for more than 5.000 years, and that it was once the ancient seat of power in Ireland.

It is also said that during both prehistoric and historic times, a total of 142 kings reigned over the Hill of Tara, which makes this place even more impressive

While I’d have to admit that it’s not the most scenic place, I believe its long and captivating historical timeline is enough reason to include the Hill of Tara in this guide of things to do in Dublin.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | The Hill of Tara

Where to stay In Dublin

For a relatively small capital, Dublin is packed with excellent accommodation options catering to all travel styles – from luxury hotels to family-run apartments to budget-friendly hostels.

Since there’s plenty of accommodation to choose from, I have narrowed it down to a few of my favourites, two of which are marked, these are the ones where I stayed.

+ Cassidys Hotel | Set within the heart of Dublin, Cassidys Hotel offers spacious boutique-style rooms, large double beds and an excellent ensuite bathroom with a rain shower. Given its excellent price-to-quality ratio and its prime location, you might want to book this one ahead.

Wren Urban Nest | Located only a stone’s throw away from Dublin’s popular Temple Bar, this brilliant hotel offers stylish modern-style rooms with a touch of minimalism. All rooms come with comfy double beds, air conditioning and an excellent private bathroom. If you value sustainable design or some extra comfort, make sure you check out their innovative rooms here.

+ Templebar Rooms | This is where I stayed, and I really had a pleasant stay here. This hotel provides comfortable rooms with stylish design right at the heart of the action. Double rooms at only €90,- a night make this one of the best options in the city centre of Dublin.

Marlin Hotel Stephens Green | Another great hotel at walking distance from all the best things to do in Dublin, Marlin Hotel Stephens Green is a great pick for those after some extra comfort. Think of a variety of stylish rooms, a prime location and all the modern-day luxuries to have a comfy. So, if you’re looking for a bit of splurge, be sure to check out the stunning Marlin Hotel.

How to get to Dublin

PLANE | Dublin Airport is located only 20 minutes from the city centre, and hosts both European and International flights, meaning you will probably enter Ireland here.

For flights to Dublin, I would suggest you check out Skyscanner as they have a user-friendly website that makes it pretty straightforward to find good cheap flights.

From the airport, hop aboard the Dublin Express for a quick transfer to the city. The journey takes about 20 minutes and leaves every 30 minutes. A return ticket will cost you only €10.

Stay safe in Ireland | Travel insurance

While Ireland is totally safe for travellers, I always strive to have my travel insurance sorted out before going on a new adventure, and I highly suggest anyone else to do the same.

Where we prefer to assume that everything runs smoothly during our travels, in reality, an accident can happen at any moment – when that happens, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Heymondo | Whether you’re going on a 3-week backpacking trip, or planning a long stay somewhere abroad, Heymondo has excellent insurance options either way – plus full covid-19 coverage and a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy, more information here.

World Nomads | If you’re an adventure seeker, backpacker, or planning your once-in-a-lifetime world trip, make sure you check out World Nomads, they designed the perfect travel insurance to help you travel safer and smarter. Do note that they’re not covering covid-19 related claims.