The Most Unusual Day Out in Ireland: Drive a Rally Car in Co. Monaghan
Ask almost anyone what to do in Ireland and the answer is the same handful of places again and again. Those attractions are great, but if you want something genuinely different, you need to leave the tourist trail behind.
That's the point where this rally driving school in Scotstown comes in. Set 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 drive the cars yourself, supported by experienced staff.
What Is a Rally Driving Experience?
A rally experience day is a hands-on motorsport day where you do the driving. Rather than spectating, you feel the grip, rally driving experience Ireland the slides and the speed first-hand.
At Rally School Ireland, the minimum age is 13, and there's no need to hold any driving qualification. That makes it open to nearly everyone, from complete beginners to experienced petrolheads.
Choose Your Driving Experience
The school offers experiences from a half-day taster to a full day of rally, drift and supercar driving. Here's how they compare:
| Experience | Price | Length | The Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rally Driving Experience | €295pp | 2–3 hours | 3 cars, 18 laps, 3 stages |
| Rally + Drift Driving Experience | €295pp | 2–3 hours | 3 cars, 18 laps, 3 stages |
| Subaru Rally Experience Adventure | €395pp | 2–4 hours | 4 cars, 24 laps, 4 stages |
| Mustang Driving Experience Adventure | €395pp | 2–4 hours | 4 cars, 24 laps, 4 stages, including a Mustang |
| MK2 Magic Rally Driving Experience | €455 | 2–4 hours | 2 cars, 24 laps, 4 stages, branded jacket |
| Ultimate Rally + Drift Experience | €545pp | 3–5 hours | 6 cars, 36 laps, 6 stages |
| Ultimate Supercar + Rally + Drift Experience | €545pp | 3–5 hours | 6 cars, 36 laps, 6 stages |
| Stage Rally Course | €475pp | 6 hours | A full day of training for those who want to compete |
Check with the school for current prices and availability. Can't decide? 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: Scotstown isn't a big tourist hotspot. That's part of the charm. You'll find it around two hours from both Dublin and Belfast, making it a realistic day trip from the Republic or Northern Ireland.
- The quieter location means more time at the wheel and less time queuing.
- Combine your driving day with a stay nearby, where there are local hotels and things to see within easy reach.
- Visitors travel from across Ireland and from abroad, and plenty return for a second go.
An Adrenaline Gift Experience That Isn't Another Pair of Socks
Stuck on a gift for the man who has everything? Most presents are forgotten within a week. A rally driving gift experience gives him a story to tell for years.
It works brilliantly for Christmas, Father's Day, birthdays and milestone occasions. Women who love motorsport love it too: any petrolhead will have a blast.
You can buy a voucher for a specific experience, or keep it flexible with an open-value voucher. Both ways, it's a gift that becomes an experience.
Planning a Stag? Put the Groom Behind the Wheel
Every group wants a day with some banter and bragging rights. Rally driving ticks every box: friendly rivalry and a lot of laughs before the evening begins. The school regularly hosts stag and hen group days for larger groups.
Hen Do Activities in Ireland That Aren't Another Spa Day
A hen party doesn't have to mean cocktails and afternoon tea. If your group wants something more memorable, a supercar and rally day breaks the ice and gives the bride-to-be a day to remember.
Team Building Days in Ireland With Real Energy
Many team building events leave people checking their phones. A motorsport day breaks the mould: it's energetic, inclusive and something colleagues genuinely enjoy. It's also ideal for company teams and corporate events of any size, including groups larger than 4.
Your Questions About Rally Driving in Monaghan, Answered
Where is the rally driving experience based?
You'll find it in Scotstown, Co. Monaghan, H18 Y638, close to the Northern Ireland border. It's about two hours by road from both Dublin and Belfast.
Can complete beginners try rally driving?
You don't need to have passed a driving test, with participants from age 13 upwards. First-timers are very welcome, and instructors are on hand to guide you.
What are the prices?
Prices start from €295pp for a half-day rally experience, rising to €545 per person for the ultimate full-day experiences. Confirm the latest prices before you book.
Can I buy a driving experience as a gift?
Yes. You can buy a voucher for a specific experience or an open value voucher, which suits birthdays, anniversaries, Father's Day and Christmas.
Do you cater for group bookings?
Absolutely. Larger groups of more than 4 can book as a group. Get in touch with your group size and date, and they'll help plan the day.
Is it worth the drive from Dublin or Belfast?
Definitely. It's roughly two hours each way from either city, so it suits a day trip, with a Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice 2024 badge to its name.
Book Your Rally Driving Experience
If you're after something genuinely off the beaten path, a day at Rally School Ireland ticks all the boxes. Choose a package and reserve your spot, or give the team a call if you'd like help choosing.
Rally School IrelandScotstown, Co. Monaghan, H18 Y638
Phone: +353 47 89098
Email: [email protected]