Killarney to Angers Road Trip: Complete Guide

The N71 from Killarney to Kenmare is Ireland's oldest road, built in the 18th century to connect the estates of the landed gentry. Today, that heritage road leads to a 1,000 km journey across two islands, four countries, and into the heart of the Loire Valley.

The route uses the M20, M7, and A81 (Ireland) to Dublin Port, then a ferry to Holyhead, followed by the A55, M6, and M1 (UK) to the Channel Tunnel or Dover–Calais ferry, then the A16, A28, and A11 (France) to Angers. Total driving time is roughly 12–14 hours plus ferry crossings.

For tips on curating your own stops, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The first 30 km south of Killarney on the N71 wrap around the Puck Peninsula, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic and the Macgillycuddy's Reeks. The Heather Island viewpoint at grid reference V 909 871 is worth a 5-minute stop.

• Muckross House (Killarney): Victorian mansion with gardens, open daily.
• Gap of Dunloe: A narrow mountain pass; drive from Kate Kearney's Cottage (€10 per car) for dramatic landscapes.
• Kenmare: A market town with colourful pubs and a stone circle.

Crossing into the UK, the route bypasses the industrial Midlands. Near Stoke-on-Trent, the A500 detour to the Peak District National Park adds 40 km but offers the Roaches and Tittesworth Reservoir.

In France, the A28 east of Le Mans passes the Forêt de Perseigne, a quiet forest with walking trails and a 12th-century abbey at Perseigne. This is a hidden gem for a quick stretch.

Fuel costs vary significantly between countries. Ireland's petrol prices average €1.70/L, UK £1.50/L (€1.75), and France €1.80/L. A diesel car covering 1,500 km will need about 120 litres, costing roughly €200–€210.

• Ireland: M20, M7, M8 toll roads; avoid M50 peak hours near Dublin.
• UK: M6 toll road option near Birmingham (£6.50) can save 30 minutes.
• France: A16, A28, A11 mostly toll; total tolls ~€50.

Ferries: Dublin–Holyhead (Irish Ferries or Stena Line, 3.5 h, from €80) and Dover–Calais (P&O or DFDS, 1.5 h, from €40). Book in advance for better rates.

Channel Tunnel (Eurotunnel) is an alternative: Folkestone to Calais in 35 minutes, from £75 per car. Often faster than Dover–Calais, but no sea views.

Road quality is excellent on motorways across all three countries. In Ireland, beware of single-track roads on the Ring of Kerry where tour buses cause bottlenecks. The N72 from Killarney to Mallow is narrow and winding in sections.

• Speed limits: Ireland 120 km/h, UK 113 km/h (70 mph), France 130 km/h.
• Seatbelt laws strictly enforced. Child car seats mandatory for under 135 cm.
• Pet-friendly: Most motorway services in UK and France allow dogs; some have designated dog-walking areas.

For fatigue management, plan stops every 2 hours or 200 km. Recommended stops: Dublin Port area (Dun Laoghaire), Chester services (UK), and Rouen or Alençon (France).

Family-friendly attractions near the route:

• Dublin: Dublin Zoo, EPIC Museum, and Phoenix Park.
• Chester: Chester Zoo – one of the UK's best.
• Le Mans: 24 Hours of Le Mans museum and circuit tours.
• Angers: Terra Botanica, a plant-themed amusement park.