Taking to the road this St Patrick's Day weekend?

Ring fo Kerry

Are you planning on heading away in Ireland for St Patrick's Day this year? If so, you're not alone according to research by motoring solutions specialist easytrip who reveal 46 percent are taking the Monday off to make a long weekend of it with Kerry coming up as the most popular destination followed by Galway, Wexford, Sligo and Down.

Some 65 percent of those surveyed by easytrip said they were heading off to appreciate the wonderful Irish landscape. This was followed by 21 percent stating the best reason for heading off on a road trip in Ireland was 'no schedules to stick to' and they could take detours on route, while 14 percent choose spending quality time with other car passengers.

The survey also showed that 30 percent of participants were planning on spending quality time with their family or partner, 16 percent were off celebrating with friends, and 8 percent were travelling abroad to celebrate the day.

Research on the most driven scenic routes in Ireland showed the Ring of Kerry remains as popular as ever, followed by Glendalough in Wicklow, and The Burren Circuit in Clare. Other routes included the Copper Coast in Waterford, the Causeway Coastal Route (Belfast and Down), and the Wild Atlantic Way (Donegal to Cork).

Easytrip recommend checking your car is in full working order before heading off - check oil, water and tyre pressure in particular - and plan your route in advance.

Investing in an easytrip tag will save you time at toll plazas and has the added option of availing of their car parking service.