Kortrijk to Westport Road Trip Guide: Routes, Stops & Hidden Gems

The journey from Kortrijk, Belgium, to Westport, Ireland, spans approximately 1,100 km and crosses four countries. A unique quirk along this route is the presence of the 'Blackstone Bridge' near Oudenaarde, a 19th-century stone arch viaduct that carries the N60 over the Scheldt River, often causing brief delays during peak hours. The most efficient path involves the E17 north to Ghent, then the E40 toward Bruges, before joining the A16 in Calais for the Channel Tunnel crossing into the UK.

The route transitions from the flat, agricultural landscapes of West Flanders to the dramatic cliffs of County Mayo. In Belgium, the Leie River valley offers pastoral views with poplar-lined canals. France’s Opal Coast features chalk cliffs reminiscent of Dover. The UK leg passes through the rolling hills of the Cotswolds and the rugged Welsh mountains. Ireland’s Connemara and the Nephin Beg range provide a wild, boggy terrain.

• Belgium: ‘De Gavers’ nature reserve near Harelbeke (lake, walking trails).
• France: Cap Blanc-Nez (cliff viewpoint, just off A16).
• UK: Snowdonia National Park (detour via A5 from M6).
• Ireland: Croagh Patrick (pilgrim mountain near Westport).

Local commerce along the route: In Belgium, roadside stalls sell fresh waffles and chocolate. In France, fromageries near Calais offer regional cheeses. UK service stations have local farm shops; in Ireland, traditional pubs serve seafood chowder.

The primary route uses the E17 and E40 motorways in Belgium, followed by the A16 in France to the Channel Tunnel. After arriving in Folkestone, the M20 and M6 lead to Holyhead, with a ferry to Dublin Port. From Dublin, the N5 and N59 bring you to Westport. Total driving time is 13-15 hours, plus the Channel Tunnel (35 min) and ferry (3.5-4 hours).

• Fuel costs: Approximately €150-€200 (gasoline) for the entire drive, depending on vehicle efficiency.
• Tolls: French A16 tolls around €15; Belgian and UK motorways are toll-free.
• Rest stops: Recommended every 2 hours; major service areas include ‘Harelbeke’ (E17), ‘Calais Centre’ (A16), and ‘Stafford Services’ (M6).

Road quality is generally excellent, but drivers should note heavy traffic around Ghent (E17/E40 merge) and the M25. In Ireland, the N59 from Castlebar to Westport is narrow and winding; caution at dusk due to livestock. Family-friendly stops include ‘Plopsaland De Panne’ (Belgium, near A16) and ‘West Midlands Safari Park’ (UK, off M6).

• Recommended rest zones: ‘Area de Service Calais’ (A16, playground) and ‘Kirby Fields Services’ (M6, pet-friendly).
• Fatigue management: Share driving if possible, take 20-min breaks every 2 hours, and stay hydrated.
• Pet stops: Designated pet areas at ‘Channel Tunnel Terminal’ (Folkestone) and ‘Dublin Port’.

For hidden off-route spots, consider a detour to ‘Dunmore East’ (Ireland, coastal village) or ‘Lyme Regis’ (UK, fossil beach). To discover more unique stops, refer to our guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.