Are you planning on heading away in Ireland for St Patrick’s Day this year? You’re not alone, according to research by motoring solutions specialist easytrip, over 46 per cent are and have taken the Monday off to make a long weekend of it with Kerry coming up on top as the most popular destination followed by Galway, Wexford, Sligo and Down.

When asked ‘what was the best reason for heading off on a road trip in Ireland’, 65 per ecnt selected getting to appreciate the wonderful Irish landscape.  This was followed by 21 per cent stating there was no schedules to stick to and they could take detours on route while 14 per cent choose spending quality time with other car passengers.

The survey also revealed that 30 per cent of participants were planning on spending quality time with their family or partner, 16 per cent were celebrating with friends and 8 per cent were travelling abroad to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.

Most popular scenic driving routes
When it came to the most driven scenic routes in Ireland the research revealed that the Ring of Kerry remains as popular as ever with 45 per cent of respondents citing the route as their favourite, followed by Glendalough in Wicklow (24 per cent) and The Burren Circuit in Clare (18 per cent).  Other routes included the Copper Coast in Waterford, the Causeway Coastal Route (Belfast and Down) and the Wild Atlantic Way (Donegal to Cork).

St Patrick’s Day Grand Marshal
Participants in the survey were also asked who they thought would be the ideal St Patrick’s Day Grand Marshal which resulted in singer Imelda May piping ‘Mrs Brown’ (Brendan O’Carroll – the official Grand Marshal for 2015). Other names highlighted included comedian Dara O’Briain, singer Niall Horan, actress Amy Huberman and actor Colin Farrell.

“It’s great to see so many people planning on heading away for the weekend, travelling around Ireland and celebrating St Patrick’s Day” comments Colin Delaney, General Manager of easytrip. “If you are heading off be sure to check your car is in full working order – check oil, water and tyre pressure in particular – and plan your route in advance. Investing in an easytrip tag will also save you time at toll plazas with no need to look for change and you’ll have the added option of availing of our car parking service.”

Sign up to an easytrip tag account and avoid incurring late fines and penalties on M50 motorway toll charges. Avail of hassle free motoring and parking services – for more information log onto www.easytrip.ie or Lo Call 1890 67 67 68.