The Best Unusual Day Out in Ireland: Drive a Rally Car in Co. Monaghan

Off the Beaten Path in Ireland: Rally Driving Experiences in Scotstown Ask almost anyone what to do in Ireland and you'll hear the same short list over and over. The classics are classics for a reason, but if you're after something truly memorable, you need to leave the tourist trail behind. That's the point where Rally School Ireland enters the picture. Set in Scotstown, Co. Monaghan, just a short distance from Northern Ireland, they've been a place for life-long memories for over 25 years. You drive the cars yourself, with expert instructors on hand. How Does a Rally Driving Experience Work? A rally experience day is a hands-on motorsport day where you do the driving. Instead of watching from the sidelines, you feel the grip, the slides and the speed first-hand. Here, experiences are open to drivers from age 13 and up, and you don't need to have passed a driving test. It's a rare activity the whole family can enjoy. Driving Experiences at Rally School Ireland Rally School Ireland offers options for every level, from first-timers to confirmed rally fans. Here's a quick overview: ExperiencePrice per personDurationHighlights Rally Driving Experience€295pp2–3 hours3 cars, 18 laps, 3 stages Rally + Drift Driving Experience€295pp2–3 hours3 cars, 18 laps, 3 stages Subaru Rally Experience Adventure€395pp2–4 hours4 cars, 24 laps, 4 stages Mustang Driving Experience Adventure€395pp2–4 hours4 cars, 24 laps, 4 stages, including a Mustang MK2 Magic Rally Driving Experience€4552–4 hours2 cars, 24 laps, 4 stages, branded jacket Ultimate Rally + Drift Experience€545pp3–5 hours6 cars, 36 laps, 6 stages Ultimate Supercar + Rally + Drift Experience€545pp3–5 hours6 cars, 36 laps, 6 stages Stage Rally Course€475pp6 hoursFull-day course for aspiring rally drivers Check with the school for current prices and availability. Not sure which to pick? Speak to the team on +353 47 89098 or drop a line to [email protected]. A Day Trip From Dublin or Belfast That's Worth the Drive To be upfront: it stag party ideas Ireland isn't in the middle of a city. That's a big part of the appeal. The drive from Dublin or Belfast is about two hours, which makes it easy to reach from both sides of the border. The quieter location means more time at the wheel and less time queuing. Pair your visit with a wander around Monaghan and the surrounding area, with accommodation and sights close to Scotstown. Visitors travel from across Ireland and from abroad, so you'll be in good company. An Adrenaline Gift Experience That Isn't Another Pair of Socks Still searching for unique gifts for men? Socks, aftershave and gadgets are forgotten quickly. An adrenaline gift gives him a story to tell for years. It's a great fit for Christmas, Father's Day, birthdays and milestone occasions. It's not just for the lads: anybody with a taste for speed will get a kick out of it. It's easy to buy a voucher for a particular package, or keep it flexible with an open-value voucher. Either way, it's a present that's a day out, not something to unwrap and forget. Planning a Stag? Put the Groom Behind the Wheel Every group wants something with some friendly rivalry. Rally driving delivers: friendly rivalry and a lot of laughs before you hit the pub. You can book stag and hen parties with group packages. Hen Party Ideas in Ireland: A Day Out With a Difference Not every hen do has to be the usual spa-and-prosecco routine. If your group wants something more memorable, a rally or drift driving day brings everyone together and gives the bride-to-be a day to remember. Corporate Team Building Days in Ireland: Motorsport That Gets Teams Talking Many team building events can feel forced or stale. A rally driving day is different: everyone takes part, everyone laughs and nobody sits at the back. The school welcomes company teams and corporate events looking for a reward, an incentive or an end-of-year treat. Rally Driving Experience FAQs Where is Rally School Ireland located? The address is Rally School Ireland, Scotstown, Co. Monaghan, H18 Y638, just across from Northern Ireland. It's roughly two hours from both cities. Do I need any driving qualifications or experience? No qualifications are required, and the minimum age is 13. First-timers are very welcome, and the team will talk you through it. How much does a rally driving experience cost? A half-day rally experience starts at €295 per person, rising to €545 per person for the ultimate full-day experiences. Confirm the latest prices before you book. Is a rally driving experience a good gift? Yes. Choose a voucher for one package or an open value voucher, which suits birthdays, anniversaries, Father's Day and Christmas. Can I book for a stag, hen or corporate group? Absolutely. The school has dedicated stag, hen and corporate group options. Get in touch with your group size and date, and they'll sort the rest. Can I visit as a day trip from Dublin or Belfast? For most visitors, yes. The drive is about two hours from Dublin or Belfast, and it carries a Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice 2024 award. Ready for Something Different? If you want a unique experience in Ireland, a day in Scotstown delivers. Choose a package and reserve your spot, or get in touch if you're unsure. Rally School Ireland Scotstown, Co. Monaghan, H18 Y638 Phone: +353 47 89098 Email: [email protected]