The Best Unusual Day Out in Ireland: Rally Driving Near the Ireland–Northern Ireland Border for Gifts, Groups and Day Trippers

Unique Things to Do in Ireland: Rally and Supercar Days on the Irish Border Ask most people for ideas for a day out in Ireland and you'll hear the same handful of places again and again. Cliffs, castles, distilleries and pubs are brilliant, but if you want something genuinely different, it pays to look a little further off the map. That's the point where this rally driving school in Scotstown fits in. Based in Scotstown, Co. Monaghan, right on the border with Northern Ireland, it has been a place for life-long memories for over 25 years. You are the driver, not a passenger, with expert instructors on hand. How Does a Rally Driving Experience Work? Rally driving is an activity day where you do the driving. Instead of watching from the sidelines, you experience the power and the drifts at the wheel. Here, experiences are open to drivers from age 13 and up, and there's no need to hold any driving qualification. That makes it a great option for first-timers, teenagers and seasoned drivers alike. Choose Your Driving Experience The school offers options for every level, from first-timers to confirmed rally fans. Here's how they compare: ExperiencePriceTimeThe Details 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 hoursA full day of training for those who want to compete Prices shown are a guide and can change. Not sure which to pick? Speak to the team on off the beaten path Ireland +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: Scotstown isn't a big tourist hotspot. 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, where there are local hotels and things to see within easy reach. People come from all over the world, so you'll be in good company. An Adrenaline Gift Experience That Isn't Another Pair of Socks Stuck on a gift for the man who has everything? Socks, aftershave and gadgets are forgotten quickly. A driving experience gift is something he'll talk about long after. It's an ideal present for Christmas, Father's Day, birthdays and milestone occasions. Women who love motorsport love it too: anybody with a taste for speed will have a blast. The school lets you buy a voucher for a specific driving day, or give them the choice with an open value gift voucher. Either way, it's a day out and not just a box to open. Stag Do Activities in Ireland That Beat Another Pub Crawl Every best man wants something with some friendly rivalry. Rally driving delivers: friendly rivalry and a lot of laughs and then straight to the pub for the post-match analysis. The school regularly hosts stag and hen parties for larger groups. Planning a Hen Party? Try Something Adventurous Not every hen do has to be a spa day or a brunch. If the hens are up for an adventure, a supercar and rally day breaks the ice and creates stories for the group chat. Corporate Team Building Days in Ireland: Motorsport That Gets Teams Talking Most corporate away days involve a lot of flip charts. A motorsport day breaks the mould: everyone takes part, everyone laughs and nobody sits at the back. It works for company teams and corporate events celebrating success, a milestone or a leaving do. Your Questions About Rally Driving in Monaghan, Answered Where is Rally School Ireland located? It is based in Scotstown, Co. Monaghan, H18 Y638, close to the Northern Ireland border. It's about two hours by road from both Dublin and Belfast. Do I need any driving qualifications or experience? No qualifications are required, and the minimum age is 13. First-timers are very welcome, and instructors are on hand to guide you. How much is a rally driving day? Experiences start at €295 per person for a 2–3 hour rally driving experience, rising to €545 per person for the ultimate full-day experiences. Check with the school for current prices. Can I buy a driving experience as a gift? Yes. Both specific experience vouchers and open value vouchers are available, ideal for birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas. Can I book for a stag, hen or corporate group? Definitely. 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. Is it worth the drive from Dublin or Belfast? Yes. The drive is about two hours from Dublin or Belfast, with a Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice 2024 badge to its name. Ready for Something Different? If you're after something genuinely off the beaten path, a rally driving experience in Monaghan is hard to beat. Browse the experiences, choose your date and book, or give the team a call if you'd like help choosing. Rally School Ireland Scotstown, Co. Monaghan, H18 Y638 Phone: +353 47 89098 Email: [email protected]