Staycation szn is upon us.
Summer has arrived, and if you’re still on the staycation buzz, then a road-trip along the coast may be just the thing to write into the diary.
Carzone have pulled together their top picks for road-trip routes around Ireland, as well as some tips on how to not have a meltdown on the journey.
1. The Wild Atlantic Way: This scenic route along the west coast of Ireland is a great way to see some of the country’s most impressive scenery. Highlights include the Cliffs of Moher, the Dingle Peninsula, and the Aran Islands.
2. The Causeway Coastal Route:Â Discover some of the country’s most dramatic scenery, including the Giant’s Causeway, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and the Dunluce Castle.
3. The Dublin-Belfast Drive: This is one of the best road-trip routes in Ireland as it has some hugely historic and scenic spots, including filming locations for Game of Thrones. You’ll enjoy views of the Wicklow Mountains, the Boyne Valley and the Giant’s Causeway.
4. The Southern Coast Drive:Â From Cork to Waterford this route includes some of the country’s most beautiful beaches, as well as the historic city of Cork, which is also the culinary capital of the country.
5. The Ring of Kerry: This popular route in County Kerry takes in some of the most scenic spots along the Wild Atlantic Way. You’ll find awe-inspiring scenery along the west coast, including the Cliffs of Moher and the Dingle Peninsula.
4 Key Tips for any road-trip
While the days of having to get a physical map of Ireland unfolded across the dashboard to navigate on a road-trip are gone (thank goodness for that) that doesn’t mean it’s all plain sailing (or driving). Google Maps sometimes acts up, human error is ever present, and if you don’t have the correct snackage, it could make for a very miserable start to your staycation.
Carzone has pulled together some of their top tips when hitting the road, so you arrive at your destination safely.
1. Plan Ahead:
- Book accommodations in advance to secure your preferred stay, especially during the busy summer months.
- Pack for all types of weather, as Ireland’s climate can be unpredictable.
- Explore off the beaten path to discover hidden gems and charming villages.
- Immerse Yourself in Irish Culture: Interact with locals, indulge in traditional foods, enjoy Irish music and dancing, and embrace the warm hospitality.
2. Ensure Smooth Navigation:
- Use a reliable GPS or mobile app and have offline maps as a backup for rural areas with limited internet connectivity.
3. Take Your Time:
- Allow extra travel time, as Irish roads, especially in rural areas, can be narrow and winding. Be cautious on narrow roads, yield to oncoming traffic, and watch out for wildlife and farm animals.
4. Safety First:
- Admire the scenic views safely – pull in if and use the designated viewing points if you want to get a photograph or something.
- Take breaks, stay hydrated, and carry water, particularly for outdoor activities and hikes.
Header image via Getty
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