Ireland by Road: Discovering the Charm of Its Countryside

For raw beauty, stunning scenery and friendly villages, nothing compares to visiting Ireland by Road. The Emerald Isle Known as the Emerald Isle, Ireland is full of lush green fields, rocky cliffs, ancient castles and villages that could have come straight from a fairy tale. A road trip is the best way to get off the beaten track in Ireland, and have the flexibility to travel at your own pace. Unlike guided tours, driving is a chance to absorb the countryside, visit out-of-the-way villages and veer off along spur-of-the-moment detours to find the soul of Ireland.

For UAE residents looking to embark on such a trip, it starts with the correct travel documents. You would need to get the Ireland visa from Abu Dhabi in advance to take this amazing road trip! But that's just the beginning; once you obtain your visa, the adventure really begins -- a land of scenic-drives, coastal-roads, and cultural-icons waiting to be explored. Planning an Irish road trip with trusted travel partners such as Gokite Travel is easy, smooth and rewarding.

Why Choose Ireland by Road?

Ireland’s roads are not just to get you from one place to another but to savour the experience of the trip. The country is famous for having picturesque driving routes, which thread through valleys, along cliffs, around rivers, and into quaint villages. One of the prettiest road trip experiences in all of Europe, Ireland’s roads snake through countryside landscapes and along the Atlantic coast.

Public transport in Ireland can link you to larger cities, but it also misses out on the lesser-known villages and other offbeat destinations. When you decide to tour Ireland on the road, you can drop in at backstreet café's, meet the family that own the farm and also stumble on attractions you might never have known about! Each twist and turn in the road brings a fresh vista — whether a medieval ruin, a rambling flock of sheep on the hills or the dramatic Atlantic waves beating against coastal cliffs.

Getting ready for your road trip in Ireland

Preparation is key before you go. As an applicant, you have to apply for Ireland visa in Abu Dhabi before visiting Sheffield, UK to apply because the visa for Ireland has to be stamped before you proceed to other places. A reliable tour operator like Gokite Travel will be able to help you to facilitate the visa application, will help explain the process to you.

Other things to be ready for:

•       Driver's license needs – An up-to-date motorist's licence is obligatory. You also may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your licence.

•          Car hire – Organize your hire car before you arrive. Compact cars can be good for small Irish roads but if you are with family, a larger car can be more comfortable.

•          Navigation – GPS is great, but grab a paper map because many rural areas may not get a good signal.

•          Essential packing – The weather in Ireland can change last minute so pack layers, rain gear, and comfortable walking shoes.

The Wild Atlantic Way: Ireland’s Spectacular Coastal Route

The Wild Atlantic Way is celebrated as one of the best ways to Discover Ireland By Road. At over 2,500 kilometers, it is one of the longest named drives on the planet. It runs along the west coast, from Donegal in the north to Cork in the south.

The highlights of the Wild Atlantic Way are:

•        Cliffs of Moher – Most famous cliffs in all of Ireland, the cliffs drop nearly straight into the Atlantic Ocean.

•        Dingle Peninsula – Famed for its quaint villages, sandy expanse and twisting roads.

•         Connemara – A rough area of mountains, lakes and traditional stone houses.

•        Ring of Kerry – A globally renowned circuit through stunning scenery and delightful villages.

•         This is a road trip you will never forget, as every passing destination on the Wild Atlantic Way shows a wild and untouched side of the Emerald Isle.

Exploring Ireland’s Countryside Villages

The true enchantment of Ireland is not the cities, but the rural villages and towns. There’s so much character and history, and lots of warmth and hospitality in these towns. When driving, you can pull over in these off-the-beaten-path spots and meet people.

Some must-visit villages include:

•        Adare Village – Home to thatched cottages and medieval monasteries.

•        Kenmare — Colourful little town on the Ring of Kerry with traditional Irish pubs and craft shops.

•         Dalkey – A picturesque village by the sea just outside Dublin, where you'll find castles and stunning coastal walks.

•         Cong – Famous for being the set of The Quiet Man, Village A wealth of history and beauty.

•         Each of these places offers a taste of real Irish life away from the crowds but packed full of the country’s cultural treasures.

City: Castle and Historic Roadside Attractions

A road trip in Ireland just wouldn't be right if you didn't get to see some of the countries’ remarkable castles and historical sites. Ireland’s history is etched into the landscape as it’s not shy when it comes to its ancient ruins and castles of which there are over 30,000 spread across the island.

Popular stops include:

•          Bunratty Castle – Restored medieval castle with an insight to life during the 15th century.

•          Blarney Castle – housing the renowned Blarney Stone, which is believed to bestow the power of eloquence.

•          Trim Castle – The setting for the movie Braveheart, and it’s one of the biggest Norman castles in Europe.

Kilkenny Castle – Gorgeous estate for exploring the Middle Age in Ireland.

With your own vehicle, you''ll have the freedom to explore these wonders of the world at your own pace, discovering both natural and cultural beauty as you choose.

On the Go and Eating Well in Ireland

A road trip also offers the chance to eat and explore plenty of Irish food and culture. From hot steaming stews to freshly baked bread, each town has its specialities. Visit traditional pubs for live Irish music and grab some Irish stew, soda bread and seafood chowder to eat.

Local markets are another highlight. Homemade cheese and organic produce are for sale at farmers’ markets throughout the country. As you travel Ireland by Road, you get to taste the unspoilt taste that you do not get from larger towns.

Unick Ireland and the road to take Best Months to Road Trip Through Ireland

Ireland is beautiful at any time of the year, but the best time for a road trip is April through October. The weather is moderate, and days are longer so you have more daylight to drive and sightsee. Summer is busy season with verdant gardens and lively festivals.

It is also a great time for those who want less people and more peaceful holiday for spring and early autumn. In any season, visitors should be prepared for a sudden shower — it’s part of the real Irish experience.

Driving Tips for Your Trip in Ireland

•          Drive is on the left, as in the UK.

•          Many country roads are also narrow and winding, so do drive carefully.

•          The speed limits are different, so be aware of the road signs.

•          Pull over often and stretch, take pictures, and absorb the views.

•          You can do this as an itinerary flex point is good, some of the best things in Ireland are when you stumble upon it.

Conclusion

There's nothing like touring Ireland by Car. From rugged coastlines to slow country villages, according to Ireland’s Tourism website every twist in the road brings something new in Ireland. On a road trip you are able to experience Irish culture more fully, speak to the locals and get off the beaten track. It’s a trip of liberation, exploration and unforgettable moments.

For those resident in UAE, who intends to embark on this adventure, it is necessary to apply for Ireland visa from Abu Dhabi. The efficient visa processing and well arranged trips partner will make sure you book with someone you trust like Gokite Travel. With the right help, your dream of a road trip through the Irish countryside is more in reach than you might think.