Choosing the Route
From Dublin to County Carlow, the fastest route can be calculated using an online mapping service, such as Google Maps. There are three main routes tourists and travelers to take from Dublin to Carlow, with variations in the exact pass influenced by which motorway tolls and service stops are desired. The shortest route, directly from the Dublin Port Tunnel to the M11, is about 117 km, and takes just over an hour and a half to complete. Along this route, travelers will pass through Bray, Kilcoole, Baltinglass, and Borris before arriving in Carlow. The second route is slightly longer at 128 km, but is often the most preferred because of its leisurely nature. Tourists and travelers can stop and take in the views of Bray Head and the countryside along the rippling Avonmore river. However, the third route from Dublin to Carlow is by far the most scenic, passing through Glencree and Laragh, past the stunning Slieve Cormagragh mountains and taking tourists and travelers through the charming town of Tullow.
Cost of the Trip
The cost of a journey between Dublin and County Carlow can vary quite a lot, depending on the type of vehicle and route taken. For a car, the cost of just the M11 toll alone is €5.50, with other costs such as fuel and potential parking costs to consider. For long-distance travellers, bus companies such as Bus Éireann offer regular daily services from Dublin to Carlow at a cost of €22.50 (one way).
Things to See and Do
There are many things to see and do on route from Dublin to County Carlow. Tourists have the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Wicklow whilst discovering its ancient castles and monastic sites, or picturesque towns such as Greystones or Kilcoole. Carlow itself has its own attractions, including the Duckett’s Grove historic house and gardens, and a host of other tourist attractions. Additionally, Carlow’s brilliant restaurants and pubs feature excellent traditional fare and craft beer.
Planning Ahead
When planning a trip from Dublin to Carlow, it’s important to weigh up all the options available to pick the route that best suits one’s individual needs and desired experience. Depending on the time of year, the M11 route may be the most popular but also the most expensive. Planning ahead and booking a bus is a great way to keep costs down and travel in comfort. Ultimately, when setting out from Dublin to Carlow, it is important to plan ahead and keep in mind the cost, time, and available sights and attractions.
Staying Safe on the Journey
As with any road trip, there are certain risks associated with travelling from Dublin to County Carlow. It is important to be mindful of the weather conditions, as this can drastically affect driving conditions. It is also important to note that, with the exception of certain stretches of the M50 ring road, motoring in Ireland is done on the left side of the road, so extra precaution must be taken. When planning a trip to Carlow, one should make sure to check the most current traffic information before setting out, as known sections of roads such as the M11 motorway can be heavily congested and dangerous in adverse weather.
Safety Features of the Vehicle
Before setting out on a long drive, it is always important to make sure the vehicle is safe and fit for the journey. That includes verifying that the car’s lights, brakes, and other safety features are functioning properly, that you have enough fuel in the tank, and that you have checked the tyres for wear. Additionally, it’s important to make sure that the vehicle contains the necessary emergency supplies (spare tyre, first aid kit and so on). Finally, it’s important to make sure the car is adequately insured and that all passengers and drivers are wearing seatbelts at all times.
Using Technology on the Journey
Technology can greatly enhance the experience of a road trip from Dublin to Carlow. Downloading apps such as Waze or Google Maps can help to better inform drivers of traffic incidents ahead, whilst using an online service such as the AA Roadwatch app can help to identify problem or structural areas in order to better plan which route to take. It can also be useful to use travel apps such as TripAdvisor or Trivago to research and book accommodations along the route for overnight stays.
Environmental Awareness
Driving from Dublin to Carlow emits a significant amount of carbon dioxide, though of course this can be lessened by carpooling or taking public transportation. Where possible, every effort should be made to conserve natural resources and consider the environmental impact of driving, including driving more slowly to reduce fuel consumption, reducing the amount of luggage in the car and using eco friendly oil when needed.
Food and Drinks in the Vehicle
When embarking on a road trip from Dublin to Carlow, it is best to be prepared with food and drinks to sustain energy levels and alertness. This can include anything from roadtrip-friendly snacks such as pretzels and granola bars, convenient meals such as sandwiches, paninis and wraps. Shopping for these food items in bulk and stocking up before hitting the road is one of the best ways to be prepared for any length of journey. It is also important to remember to stay properly hydrated, and to always have a good selection of drinks on hand such as water, energy drinks, or herbal teas such as green tea, chamomile and peppermint which are excellent for combating fatigue.
Accommodation
Whether it is an overnight stay or a long weekend trip, accommodation is important to consider when travelling from Dublin to Carlow. In the city centres, there are a range of options such as hotels, B&Bs, hostels, and self-catering apartments. There are also a range of campsites and caravan parks located on the route in more rural areas. Additionally, there are a number of AirBnB properties available in both counties.
Researching and Booking Attractions
Before embarking on a journey from Dublin to Carlow, it can be useful to research the attractions in each area and book tickets or passes to any attractions, to make sure it is possible to see or experience everything one would like. By researching in advance, tourists can save time and money on their journey and ensure that they get the most out of their trip.
