Things to Do Near the Irish Border: Rally and Supercar Experiences, 2 Hours From Dublin and Belfast for Gifts, Groups and Day Trippers
The Most Unusual Day Out in Ireland: Take the Wheel at a Rally School in Monaghan
Ask most people for ideas for a day out in Ireland and you'll get the same short list over and over. Cliffs, castles, distilleries and pubs are brilliant, but if you'd rather have a day nobody else has planned, you need to leave the tourist trail behind.
That's where Rally School Ireland comes in. Based in Scotstown, Co. Monaghan, just a short distance from Northern Ireland, they've been giving people unforgettable days behind the wheel for more than 25 years. You drive the cars yourself, supported by experienced staff.
What Is a Rally Driving Experience?
A rally driving experience is a hands-on motorsport day where you do the driving. Instead of watching from the sidelines, you experience the power and the drifts at the wheel.
At the school in Scotstown, experiences are open to drivers from age 13 and up, and no driving qualifications are required. It's open to nearly everyone, from complete beginners to experienced petrolheads.
Driving Experiences at Rally School Ireland
There are options for every level, from first-timers to confirmed rally fans. Here's a quick overview:
| Driving Day | Price per person | Time | 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 day-long course aimed at future stage rally drivers |
Prices are per person unless stated and may change. Unsure where to start? Speak to the team on +353 47 89098 or email [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. 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.
- Visitors travel from across Ireland and from abroad, and many come back again.
Gift Experience Days in Ireland: Give Someone a Day Behind the Wheel
Struggling with unique gifts for men? The usual presents rarely stick in the memory. A driving experience gift gives him a story to tell for years.
It's an ideal present for birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas surprises. It's not just for the lads: anybody with a taste for speed will love it.
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 best man wants an activity with a competitive edge. Rally driving ticks every box: competition, adrenaline and stories for the speeches and then straight to the pub for the post-match analysis. Rally School Ireland hosts stag and hen group days for larger groups.
Hen Do Activities in Ireland That Aren't Another Spa Day
Not every hen do has to be the usual spa-and-prosecco routine. If the hens are up for an adventure, a supercar and rally day gets the laughs flowing and creates stories for the group chat.
Looking for Team Building Ideas in Ireland? Try Rally Driving
A lot of team days out leave people checking their phones. A rally driving day is different: it's energetic, inclusive and something colleagues genuinely enjoy. The school welcomes corporate groups of any size, including groups larger than 4.
Rally Driving Experience FAQs
Where can I find the rally school?
You'll find it in Scotstown, Co. Monaghan, H18 Y638, close to the Northern Ireland border. It's roughly two hours from both cities.
Do I need any driving qualifications or experience?
No qualifications are required, and drivers aged 13 and stag party ideas Ireland over can take part. First-timers are very welcome, and the team will talk you through it.
How much is a rally driving day?
A half-day rally experience starts at €295 per person, and the full-day ultimate packages are €545 per person. Check with the school for current prices.
Is this a good present for birthdays or anniversaries?
Definitely. You can buy a voucher for a specific experience or an open value voucher, ideal for birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas.
Can I book for a stag, hen or corporate group?
Absolutely. Group bookings are available for groups of more than 4. Reach out to discuss your requirements, and they'll help plan the day.
Can I visit as a day trip from Dublin or Belfast?
Yes. At about two hours from both cities, it works as a full day out, and it carries a Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice 2024 award.
Ready to Take the Wheel?
If you want a unique experience in Ireland, a day at Rally School Ireland ticks all the boxes. Pick your experience and book your date, or get in touch if you're unsure.
Rally School IrelandScotstown, Co. Monaghan, H18 Y638
Phone: +353 47 89098
Email: [email protected]