4X4 Off Road Driving in Ireland – An Adrenaline Fueled Day Trip

Written By: The Planet D

Have you ever been 4X4 off road driving before? Sure, we replied. We drove in the Mongol Rally and crossed deserts, mountains and rivers in our tiny Nissan Almera through 15,000 km of terrain. We can handle anything.

When our guide suggested we give 4X4 off road driving a try in Co. Kildare, Ireland, we thought it would be a nice little adventure. Little did we know that this was going to be an all-out 4X4 experience taking us over obstacles like climbing walls, slanted roads and teeter-totters.

Off Road Driving Ireland

If you are looking for some adrenaline-pumping activities, this is the trip for you! Check out our Mongol Rally Experience

Check Out Our Video Of Our 4X4 Off Road Adventure

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for Weekly Travel Videos Located just 30 minutes outside of Dublin, this four wheelin’ adventure makes for the perfect day trip from the city. Enjoy these 10 Best Scenic Views of Ireland

off road driving ireland group

We met Dave, the owner of OffRoadDriving.IE in the parking lot of the beautiful Palmerston House Estate where we hopped into his roomy Land Rover to make our way out to the driving course.

I didn’t expect to be driving something so decadent. These Land Rovers can take anything thrown at them and we were about to put them to the test.

off road driving ireland vehicle

I decided to drive first and I am glad that I did. Had I watched what I had to do first, I may have chickened out for fear of rolling the Land Rover. We were driving over teeter-totters, up and down stairs and we even went sideways on a ramp.

Love Driving, check out our tips for Driving the Wild Atlantic Way

off road driving ireland hill

The hills were steep and muddy and our guide Dave talked us through every obstacle along the way. Looking for more offbeat things to do in Ireland: Kiss the Blarney Stone for the Gift of the Gab

off road driving ireland scary

Before we started he went through all the basics of 4X4 off road driving. From how to coast downhills: You must take both feet away from the gas, brakes and clutch and just coast, to kicking it into high speed to make it up the steep and slippery slopes.

Love Ireland? You have to check out these 27 Photos that will make you want to Discover Ireland right Now. 

off road driving ireland trail

Don’t worry if you have never driven stick before, Dave told us that he’s had clients come in who have barely driven before. We love a Road Trip. Read our Tips for Driving the Wild Atlantic Way

off road driving ireland deb

He takes it slow and easy giving you time to feel comfortable behind the wheel. When we first drove off, we started with a nice and easy downhill slope just to ease us into the 4X4 course. Once you feel the power and safety of the Land Rover, you are ready for anything.

instructor

I took a few spins around the course that took us through rivers and mud holes before passing the wheel of to my Dave. He was itching to drive this thing.

Want a Driving Adventure? Check out these Offbeat Things to do on the Wild Atlantic Way

dave

One of the highlights for him was driving full-tilt boogie into the camel bumps where he booked it so hard, water sprayed upright over the windshield. I thought I heard something crack, but our guide

Dave assured us that nothing can break these trucks. They are durable. Man, I wish we had this baby when we drove from England to Mongolia. We would have cruised right through those deep ruts in Kazakhstan.

ireland ditch

4X4 Off-Road Driving is popular for bachelor parties and stagettes, but I think anyone visiting Ireland should give it a try. It is located on a beautiful estate in the middle of the Irish countryside giving you a different perspective of Irish living compared to life in Dublin. It’s relaxing, it’s quiet and it’s a ton of fun.  Just 30 minutes from Dublin, it’s an easy drive too.

Afterward enjoy some tea at the main house before you head out to explore more of County Kildare.

off road driving ireland pin

For more information on 4X4 Off Road Driving in Ireland visit OffRoadDriving.IE

Read More about Ireland

You May Also Like These Ireland Travel Tips

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

  • Safety Wing - Occasional Travelers.
  • Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine, the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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15 thoughts on “4X4 Off Road Driving in Ireland – An Adrenaline Fueled Day Trip”

  1. Okay… now I’m jealous. Loved the video of your off road drive. On more reason why Ireland stays on the ol’ bucket list.

    Reply
    • Ireland is one of our favourite country’s to visit. Each time we go there, we find something new and awesome to do. This adventure was one of the tops!

      Reply