Galway to Blois Road Trip: Best Stops and Hidden Gems

The drive from Galway to Blois spans approximately 1,200 kilometers across Ireland, the United Kingdom, and France. The route includes two ferry crossings: Dublin to Holyhead (sea crossing) and Dover to Calais (Channel crossing). A unique detail: the N18 motorway from Galway to Dublin is built partly on the route of an ancient Irish road, the 'Slighe Mhór', which once connected the west to the east.

Estimated driving time is 12-15 hours excluding ferries, so plan for at least two days with an overnight stop. The journey crosses three countries, each with distinct road signs, tolls, and driving cultures. For insights on finding the best stops along long drives, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The first leg from Galway to Dublin presents the rolling green fields of the Irish Midlands. Stop at the Hill of Uisneach, a historic ceremonial site at the geographical center of Ireland. Further east, the landscape flattens into agricultural land.

In Wales, the A55 hugs the coast offering views of the Irish Sea and Snowdonia National Park in the distance. Detour to Conwy Castle (UNESCO World Heritage Site) or the town of Llangollen for a scenic break. In England, the M6 passes through the Peak District National Park, though the motorway itself skirts the edge. For a nature break, exit at Junction 16 for the Potteries and the Wedgwood visitor center.

In France, the A16 from Calais to Paris crosses the Somme region, known for its WWI battlefields and rolling farmland. Near Blois, the A10 passes through the Loire Valley, a UNESCO region famous for its châteaux and vineyards. Local commerce along the route includes farmers' markets selling cheese, cider, and wine.

• UNESCO Sites: Conwy Castle (UK), Palace of Westminster (London), Loire Valley (France).
• Best stops: Chester (medieval city), the Champagne region (if detouring near Reims), and Chartres Cathedral.
• Cultural tip: In France, lunch service is typically 12-2 PM – many restaurants close between 2 and 7 PM.

From Galway, take the M6 motorway east towards Dublin. The road quality on the M6 is excellent, with wide lanes and smooth asphalt. After Dublin, follow the M50 and M1 to the Dublin Port for the ferry to Holyhead. The ferry crossing takes about 3.5 hours with Irish Ferries or Stena Line. Book ahead to avoid sold-out crossings, especially in summer.

In Wales, from Holyhead, join the A55 expressway, a dual carriageway that runs along the north coast. Continue on the A5 and M54 to connect to the M6 Toll near Birmingham. The M6 Toll is a paid road (about £7 for cars) but bypasses the congested Birmingham area, saving 30-40 minutes.

• Fuel: Petrol prices in Ireland avg €1.70/L, UK £1.50/L, France €1.90/L. Fill up before the ferry to save money.
• Tolls: Irish M50 barrier-free toll (€2.10 online), UK M6 Toll (£7), French A16/A10 tolls (~€45 total from Calais to Blois).
• Rest stops: Every 20-30 km on motorways with services; plan breaks every 2 hours.

Road quality is generally high on motorways. In Ireland, watch for narrow back roads and sudden farm machinery. In the UK, speed cameras are common, especially on the M6 and M25 motorways. In France, radar speed traps are frequent; a mobile app like Coyote helps. Driving is on the left in Ireland/UK, on the right in France – adapt carefully.

Fatigue management: Plan to stop every 2 hours. The best rest zones include the 'M6 Rugby' services (Warwickshire) and 'Aire de la Baie de Somme' on the French A16. Both have spacious parking, clean toilets, and family areas.

• Family: Legoland Windsor (detour near London), Disneyland Paris (near the route), and the Beauval Zoo near Blois.
• Pet-friendly: Most ferries allow pets (car deck or kennels). Many UK services have pet zones. French hotels often accept dogs – check ahead.
• Hidden off-route: The town of Rye (UK), the 'Oise-Pays de France' regional park, and the village of Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire near Blois.
• Safety: Keep a GB sticker (now optional but recommended), headlamp beam deflectors for UK cars in France, and a breathalyzer kit (required in France).