Motorhome trip route from Dublin - Nort West

This trip passes in the following countries: Ireland, United Kingdom
Motorhome trip route from Dublin - Nort West
  • Amusement Park 1
  • Aquarium 1
  • Bike Rental 1
  • Canoe / Kayak / Rafting 1
  • cave 1
  • Cruise Terminal / Sailing 1
  • Extreme Activity 1
  • Family Activity 1
  • Heritage 1
  • hiking area 1
  • Horseback Riding 1
  • Local Industry 2
  • Museum 1
  • Natural Feature 1
  • Traditional Market 1
  • Traditional Restaurant / Fine Dining 1
  • Traditional Visit 1

Route Snapshot: Dublin to the North West

Start / End Dublin (Roundtrip)
Duration 8 Days
Distance 881 km
Regions Covered Ireland, United Kingdom
Best Fit For Families, Adventure Seekers, Nature Lovers
Ideal Season Late Spring to Early Autumn

Why This North West RV Route Works

A motorhome trip from Dublin heading northwest for one week is a fantastic way to experience the diverse landscapes and attractions of the region. Spanning 881 km across both Ireland and the United Kingdom, this roundtrip loop offers the ultimate freedom to blend cultural heritage with high-energy outdoor activities. RV travel allows you to set your own pace, creating a slow travel experience that seamlessly transitions from bustling historical centers to the quiet majesty of underground caves and cascading waterfalls.

This route is exceptionally balanced. It provides family-friendly amusements right out of the gate, transitions into rugged natural features, and culminates in immersive local industry and culinary stops. Having your accommodation on wheels means you can pack your hiking boots and wet-weather gear, keeping them handy as you move from coastal biking trails to mountain adventure centers without the hassle of unpacking at every stop.

Route Rhythm: Pacing Your 8-Day Journey

To truly appreciate the 881 km of this itinerary, we recommend breaking the drive into four distinct stages. This ensures you spend less time behind the wheel and more time engaging with the environment.

Stage 1: Heritage and Family Fun

Departing Dublin, the initial stage eases you into the road trip lifestyle. The focus here is on engaging family attractions and historical sites, allowing you to settle into your motorhome while keeping driving distances short and manageable.

Stage 2: Lakes, Caves, and Trails

As you push further north and west, the landscape transforms. This stage is dedicated to exploring subterranean wonders and stretching your legs on scenic hiking loops. The driving becomes more rural, encouraging a slower, more deliberate pace.

Stage 3: Coastal Adventures and Waterfalls

Navigating the rugged western edges of the route, this leg is all about outdoor action. From cascading waterfalls to adventure centers offering a myriad of extreme activities, this is the most active portion of the journey. The motorhome serves as the perfect basecamp for daily excursions.

Stage 4: Local Industry and Return Journey

The final stage focuses on cultural immersion and local flavors as you begin the scenic drive back toward the capital. This leg offers a relaxed conclusion to the trip, blending culinary exploration with a steady return to Dublin.

What to See: Key Locations and Themes

This itinerary is packed with a wide variety of place types, ensuring there is something for every traveler in your group. Here are the highlighted themes and stops you will encounter:

  • Family Amusements & Heritage: Kick off the trip with a visit to Tayto Park, a theme park filled with rides and attractions. Follow this with a stop at the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre, an essential museum dedicated to a historic battle that shaped the region.
  • Natural Features & Hiking: Lace up your boots for the Killashandra loop walk, a scenic hiking trail that showcases the area's natural beauty. Later, descend into the Marble Arch Caves to witness a stunning underground cave system. Don't miss Aasleagh Falls, a beautiful waterfall perfect for photography and quiet reflection.
  • Extreme Activities & Active Travel: For those seeking thrills, the Delphi Adventure Centre and Killary Adventure Company offer extensive outdoor and extreme activities, including canoe, kayak, and rafting options. If you prefer to stay on land, saddle up at Island View Riding Stables for horseback riding, or visit the Clifden Bike Shop, Hire and Tours to rent bikes and take guided tours.
  • Local Industry & Fine Dining: Conclude your regional exploration at the Connemara Smokehouse & Factory Shop, where you can sample and purchase delicious traditionally smoked seafood, representing the best of local industry and traditional markets.

Trip-Planning Q&A: Preparing for the Road

How many days do you need for this route?

This specific itinerary is designed for 8 days. This timeframe perfectly accommodates the 881 km distance, allowing you to average just over 100 km per day. This slow-travel approach ensures you have ample time for hiking, guided tours, and museum visits without feeling rushed.

Is this RV route worth it?

Absolutely. The sheer variety of experiences—from amusement parks and aquariums to fine dining and extreme activities—makes this route incredibly rewarding. It crosses borders between Ireland and the United Kingdom, offering a rich tapestry of history, geology, and culture in a single, manageable loop.

Who is this trip best for?

This route is tailor-made for families and active travelers. With dedicated family activities, bike rentals, horseback riding, and adventure centers, it keeps younger travelers entertained while offering sophisticated heritage sites and local culinary experiences for adults.

What is the best season to travel?

Late spring through early autumn is ideal. Many of the outdoor adventure centers, bike rental shops, and hiking areas are best enjoyed in milder weather. Always pack appropriate clothing, including wet-weather gear, as the climate in the northwest can be unpredictable.

Booking Your RV and Budgeting the Trip

When planning your budget for this 8-day adventure, consider the primary categories: motorhome rental, campground fees, fuel for the 881 km journey, groceries, and attraction tickets. Because this is a roundtrip starting and ending in Dublin, you will not have to worry about one-way drop-off fees, which helps streamline your overall costs.

We highly recommend reviewing the live pricing and fleet options available to find a vehicle that suits your group size. A mid-sized motorhome often provides the best balance of living space for a family while remaining maneuverable on rural roads leading to places like the Marble Arch Caves or Delphi Adventure Centre. For exact campground availability and specific seasonal pricing, check the comprehensive resources available on rvplan.net.

Ready to Explore the North West?

With a bit of planning and the flexibility that only a motorhome can provide, this journey from Dublin into the northwest promises lasting memories for your entire family. From the thrill of theme parks to the tranquility of coastal waterfalls, the open road awaits. Dive into the full day-by-day itinerary and secure your vehicle today by visiting RV PLANET.

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Budget & planning snapshot for this route (8-day trip)

Nearby RV rental stationsUse Rent Motorhome to find the closest pickup stations
Sample RV cost — 4 travelers (Class A / B / C)Check live prices for your dates
Estimated fuel cost (total)$380–$450
Estimated campground cost (total)$280–$420
Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4$350–$550
Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4$250–$350
Live availability & pricingCheck live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome →

Estimate assumptions: Estimates are based on a Class C motorhome averaging 10 mpg, current regional fuel prices, and a mix of private and public campground rates during the shoulder season. All figures are estimates — verify on Rent Motorhome and RV PLAN for your travel dates.

Route rhythm at a glance

A high-level look at how the route flows in stages. The exact daily stops, overnight picks, and detour options are built for you inside RV PLAN — open the route to see the full plan.

Dublin roundtrip - North West — Dublin RV road trip landscape

Days 1-2 — Heritage and Family Fun

~100–150 km across this leg

Depart Dublin to ease into the countryside rhythm with engaging historical sites and family-friendly attractions.

Dublin roundtrip - North West — Dublin scenic landscape

Days 3-4 — Lakes, Caves, and Trails

~150–250 km across this leg

Cross into the northern border regions to explore underground wonders and scenic loop walks at a relaxed pace.

Dublin roundtrip - North West — national park landscape

Days 5-6 — Coastal Adventures and Waterfalls

~200–300 km across this leg

Navigate the rugged western coastline where outdoor activities and dramatic natural features dominate the landscape.

Dublin roundtrip - North West — campground with a motorhome

Days 7-8 — Local Industry and Return Journey

~180–250 km across this leg

Savor regional delicacies and enjoy a steady, scenic drive back toward the capital to conclude the loop.

Verified RV logistics for this route

  • Average daily drive: roughly 110 km/day. Build in shorter days near national parks and scenic stops.
  • Fuel stops: expect at least 2 fill-ups along the route (typical Class C tank range ~600 km / 370 mi).
  • Dump stations: plan 2 dump stops, roughly every 3 days.
  • Campground booking lead time: 3–6 months ahead for state/national park sites; 2–4 weeks is usually fine for private RV resorts.
  • Season check: confirm on RV PLAN that every overnight stop is open for your dates — several close out of season.

Live availability and pricing

Total cost for this 8-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 881 km route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Dublin → Dublin pickup window on Rent Motorhome.

Live availability & pricing for this exact route

Prices update daily. See the full breakdown — nightly rate, taxes, one-way fee, mileage package — for your travel dates.

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