Discover a thrilling side of Ireland with a road trip
2012-05-02
There may be no better way to see the sights with friends while abroad than taking an international road trip. One amazing destination to visit and explore is Ireland, which boasts mystical allure, breathtaking landscapes and plenty of friendly people to direct travelers to nearest local pub. Young people planning a student travel trip can do so affordably by renting a car and having friends split the gas, making for an exciting and wallet-friendly adventure.
Those venturing from the U.S. will soon notice that everyone drives on the left side of the road, which can take some getting used to. Many companies will give a short lesson on the rules of the road before allowing renters to set out themselves.
There are several cities where visitors to Ireland can begin their road trip. Dublin and Galway are popular choices, as well as Cork and Limerick. Taking main roads at first may be advisable, as some of the winding routes found near smaller villages can be tricky for first-timers.
If travelers decide to start in the capital city, they may head south along the coast and visit some of the stunning castles on the way. Johnstown Castle, for instance, lies only a few miles south of Dublin and can be a great introduction to Irish history, according to the Great Ireland Roadtrip website. In the south, young people may be interested in the Drombeg Stone Circle just outside of Glandore, which was part of a historical dwelling that honored the gods as a massive monument.
Known as "The Ring of Kerry," this route may be one of the most scenic to take while on a road trip in Ireland. According to CNN, it consists of a road that's roughly 200 miles around the Kerry peninsula with views of mountainous peaks, sheep farms and blue waterways. Some of the old castle ruins and settlements on this road date back more than 4,000 years.
To get a feel of Ireland's everyday life, travelers can take a break from sightseeing and have a pint in one of Galway's pubs. Many of the bars and restaurants in the city have live music as well, so guests may learn a new Irish jig or two.
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