Quimper to Westport Road Trip: Brittany to Ireland Guide

The drive from Quimper, France, to Westport, Ireland, spans over 1,100 kilometers (684 miles) and includes a ferry crossing from Roscoff to Cork. The route weaves through the stunning landscapes of Brittany, across the Celtic Sea, and into the rugged west of Ireland. A little-known fact: the direct road distance from Quimper to Roscoff is only 90 km (56 miles), but the ferry crossing takes approximately 14 hours, making this a unique road trip that blends driving with sea travel.

The best part? You can break the journey with stops at medieval towns, dramatic cliffs, and cozy pubs. This guide covers everything you need to know about the how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities on this epic route.

The driving route from Quimper to Westport is straightforward but requires careful planning for the ferry. From Quimper, take the N165 north to Morlaix, then the D58 to Roscoff. The ferry from Roscoff to Cork is operated by Brittany Ferries and departs several times a week. Once in Ireland, take the N20 from Cork to Limerick, then the N18 to Galway, and finally the N59 to Westport. Total driving time (excluding ferry) is about 4 hours 45 minutes, but you should budget at least one overnight stop.

• Key highways: N165 (France), N20, N18, N59 (Ireland)
• Ferry duration: 14 hours (overnight crossing recommended)
• Tolls: No tolls on this route except possible parking fees in Quimper and Westport
• Fuel stations: Frequent on main routes; less so in rural Ireland west of Galway

For fuel economics, diesel is more common in Ireland than France. Average price per liter in France is €1.80, in Ireland €1.70. Fill up before the ferry as prices are higher on board. The journey is worth driving because of the diverse landscapes and cultural contrasts.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality

French roads are excellent; motorways (A roads) are well-maintained but the N165 is a two-lane road. Irish roads vary: major routes (N roads) are good, but local roads can be narrow. Drive on the left in Ireland; be cautious at roundabouts. Seat belts mandatory, speed limits in France 130 km/h on motorways, in Ireland 120 km/h. No tolls on this route.

• Emergency number: 112 (EU) or 999 (Ireland)
• Ferry safety: Life jackets, muster drill
• Wildlife hazards: Sheep on roads in Connemara

Family and Child Suitability

The ferry is a highlight for children – onboard entertainment, play areas. Stop at the Océanopolis aquarium in Brest as a detour. In Ireland, the Burren Discovery Centre or Galway Atlantaquaria. Westport has a playground and cycle hire for family rides. The drive is manageable but long; schedule breaks every 2 hours.

• Quimper: Jardin de l'Évêché playground
• Morlaix: Viaduc de Morlaix (impressive for kids)
• Galway: Salthill Promenade with beach

Pet-Friendly Framework

Brittany Ferries allows pets in kennels or cars. Quimper has pet-friendly hotels like Hôtel Escolys. Irish pubs often welcome dogs. Parks in Westport allow on-leash walking. Pack food and water for the ferry as limited pet facilities.

• Quimper: Parc du Thabor (off-leash areas)
• Galway: Salthill Beach (dogs allowed)
• Westport: The Quay (dog-friendly walk)

Hidden Off-Route Spots

Detour from Quimper to Locronan, a beautifully preserved medieval village. Near Roscoff, visit the Île de Batz with its subtropical gardens. In Ireland, take a spin to Kylemore Abbey in Connemara or the deserted village at Slievemore on Achill Island.

• Locronan: 15 min from Quimper
• Île de Batz: ferry from Roscoff (15 min)
• Kylemore Abbey: 1h from Galway

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

Plan overnight stops in Roscoff (before ferry) and after ferry in Cork or Limerick. On the French leg, rest areas every 20 km. Irish motorways have service stations with cafes. Sleep on the ferry – book a cabin. The drive from Cork to Westport is 3.5 hours but you can break at Bunratty Castle or Adare.

• Rest stop: Morlaix aire de repos
• Ferry cabin: essential for overnight crossing
• Ireland: Obama Plaza service station (N7) for coffee

Natural Landscapes & Attractions

Brittany offers dramatic coastline with rugged cliffs and sandy beaches. The Pink Granite Coast near Perros-Guirec is a must-see with its unusual rock formations. In Ireland, the Burren's limestone pavement and Connemara's peat bogs and lakes provide otherworldly beauty. Westport sits at the foot of Croagh Patrick, a mountain with pilgrimage significance.

• Quimper: Cathédrale Saint-Corentin and river Odet walks
• Roscoff: Jardin Exotique and 16th-century granite houses
• Galway: Latin Quarter and Salthill promenade
• Westport: Croagh Patrick climb and Clew Bay views

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

While not directly on the route, the Monte Brisgau (?) Actually, the closest UNESCO sites are the Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne (too far south) and the Neolithic monuments of the Boyne Valley in Ireland. But you can detour to the Cliffs of Moher (a UNESCO Global Geopark) or the Burren.

• Option: Detour to Cliffs of Moher (1.5h from Galway)
• Option: Detour to Skellig Michael (requires boat trip, 2 days)

Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics

Best time to drive is May-September when weather is mild. Brittany has temperate maritime climate; expect rain at any time. Ireland is famously green due to frequent rainfall. Fog can occur on the ferry crossing. Autumn offers stunning foliage, especially in Connemara. Winter days are short, but fewer tourists.

• Average summer temperatures: 20°C (68°F) in Brittany, 18°C (64°F) in Ireland
• Rainfall: 150 days/year in Brittany; 225 days/year in Westport

Culinary Infrastructure

Brittany is famous for crêpes (galettes), seafood, and cider. Stop at a crêperie in Quimper. In Ireland, try fresh seafood chowder in Westport or Galway oysters. Restaurants are abundant in towns; in rural areas, pubs serve hearty meals.

• Quimper: Crêperie du Centre
• Roscoff: Le Surcouf for lobster
• Galway: O'Connell's of Shop Street for fish & chips
• Westport: The Towers Bar for lamb stew

Local Commerce & Culture

Quimper is known for Quimper faience pottery; visit a workshop. Roscoff's market sells local produce. In Ireland, Galway has craft shops and traditional music sessions. Westport is a heritage town with colorful Georgian streets. Things to do between Quimper and Westport include visiting the medieval town of Morlaix or the Poulnabrone dolmen in the Burren.

• Quimper: Quimper Pottery (Faïencerie HB Henriot)
• Maam Cross (Connemara): Sheepdog demonstrations
• Westport: Westport House & Gardens