4 epic routes. 28 free stops. No toll booths.
Driving 80km/h vs 120km/h saves ~25% fuel.
Deli rolls cost €6. A loaf costs €1. We list picnic spots below.
Never pay to enter a castle. The view from outside is free.
The wildest road in Ireland. It twists like a snake through the mountains. Skip the Ring of Kerry traffic and do this instead.
A massive 5km sand spit reaching into the ocean. Stunning views of the Dingle Peninsula without the crowds.
Don't go to the main Visitor Centre (€12). Drive to Liscannor Sports Field (small donation box) or Hags Head. Walk 15 mins. Same cliffs, zero cost.
💡 Money SaverJust outside Clifden. Take the "Upper Road" route. It feels like you are driving into the sky. Best sunset in the West.
See the "Broken Sea Stack" (Dún Briste). It’s free to park and walk the cliffs. Much quieter than Moher.
A huge waterfall right beside the road near Ardara. No hiking required. Perfect photo op.
Don't pay for a Black Taxi tour if you have a car. Drive to Cupar Way to see the murals yourself for free.
The "Kingsroad" from Game of Thrones. It's just a public road. Park at the hotel nearby (free if you buy a coffee) and walk down.
Crossing the rope bridge costs money. Walking to the viewpoint to see the bridge is free.
Crucial Tip: The Visitor Centre charges £13. The stones are public land. Park at the heritage railway (paid) or walk from Bushmills (free). Walk through the tunnel. It is free.
💡 Money SaverDon't enter. The best photo is from the "Magheracross" viewpoint layby just down the road.
In Ireland, wild camping is generally illegal except in designated Coillte zones. These are 100% free. No booking needed.
Most height barriers in Ireland are 2.0m. To find open laybys and quiet spots where you won't get moved on, download the Park4Night app. It is the bible for Irish van lifers.
Look for the "Green Tree" icons on their map for nature spots.
Don't buy plastic bottles. Use the Refill.ie map to find 1,500+ free taps in cafes, libraries, and public squares across Ireland.
Service stations require a purchase. Use Pee.ie (yes, really) to find the nearest free public toilet anywhere in the country.
Don't get ripped off at the airport desk. Compare prices online first.
Check Prices ➔Park at Kilmacthomas Workhouse (Free). Walk along the old railway viaduct for amazing views.
Entry is €8. But if you walk to Hore Abbey (free ruins in the field below), you get the best photo of the Rock looming over you.
💡 Photo HackThe castle interior is paid. The massive 50-acre park, rose garden, and river walk are totally free.
The Monastic City is free. To save €4 on parking, arrive before 9 AM or park in the lower "Green" areas if available.
The ancient seat of High Kings. It's an open field. Totally free to walk and touch the Lia Fáil (Stone of Destiny).
Start at the Papal Cross. Look for the herd of wild fallow deer.
Pull off the M7. Drive through the open plains. It’s famous for racehorses exercising in the morning.
A bog turned into a sculpture park. Rent a bike or walk the "Sculpture Loop." Incredible landscape.
Instead of paying in, take a boat or drive to the far side of the Shannon for a view of the ruins from the water.
End your run at Salthill. Kick the wall and jump in!
If you have to buy stuff at a petrol station, you lose. Pack these: