FORGET the Yanks and their Route 66, there’s a new rival road trip in town and it’s much closer to home.
Yes, Dublin is now included on a new road trip having been officially named as one of the stops on an epic new journey called route 57.
The route consists of 57 must-see destinations, 2,590 miles, and up to eight weeks of driving time across the UK and Ireland.
The home-grown answer to America’s iconic Route 66 has been created by Jurys Inn, who say that everyone should embark on at least one legendary road-trip in their lifetime.
And with those cross Atlantic fights costing a packet, why not have one closer to home – but how does it rate?
Well, Jurys Inn describes Route 57 as the ultimate scenic drive across Ireland, England, Wales, and Scotland.
It was driven for the first time earlier this month by UK motoring journalist, Jess Shanahan, in an electric car.
She stopped off in Dublin on April 22 to enjoy, Tweet and post about the sights and sounds of our capital.
The route was created by Jurys Inn staff, who used their local travel expertise to design an exciting, diverse trip that takes in loads of great locations.
Route 57 officially starts in Plymouth and ends in Galway, visiting picturesque countryside, bustling cities, and quaint country villages along the way.
Irish destinations included are Belfast, Dublin, Wexford, Waterford, Cork and Galway.
UK locations on the route span England, Scotland and Wales.
Route 57 can also be broken up into ten shorter road trips that take days or weeks, depending on how much time there is to explore.
Suzanne Cannon, Head of Marketing at Jurys Inn, expects lots of interest in the new road trip.
“Route 57 showcases the very best attractions that the UK and Ireland have to offer,” she said.
“We have an incredible array of attractions on our doorstep, from stunning landscapes and architecture to vibrant cities. We’re encouraging people across Ireland to pack up the car and explore the route, either in its entirety or in shorter stints.
“Round up your friends or family, put the radio on and stop wherever and whenever you want – what better way to explore!”
Jess did the trip in a Kia Soul EV supplied by leasing company DriveElectric, and she stopped at charging stations along the route, mapped out by ZapMap.
For route details and other resources to help plan a Route 57 road trip, visit www.route57.org.uk.
