Arlene McAfee: The Ultimate Ireland Road Trip Resource
This feature is part of an ongoing series where I highlight trusted members of my networks from the Ireland Travel Planning Tips Facebook Group—people who are passionate about helping you experience Ireland in a more authentic and stress-free way.
Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got into the industry?
It all came together through a series of fortunate circumstances. I initially had the idea to create a simple online map of public showers, which I published. That project sparked interest and led to someone introducing me to Techstart. Through that connection, I secured a £35,000 grant, which gave me the opportunity to develop the app further.
Over the past four years, that initial idea has evolved significantly, growing into something much bigger than I originally imagined and continuing to develop as I build on those early foundations.
What inspired you to create The Ultimate Ireland Road Trip Resource app?
The idea came from recognizing a real gap in what was available for travelers in Ireland. There’s a serious lack of accessible public facilities, particularly for tourists who want to explore the country on a road trip rather than stay in one place.
I saw how challenging it could be to find reliable, practical information while on the move, and that sparked the motivation to create something that would genuinely help people travel more freely and comfortably around Ireland.
How would you describe it to someone who might be planning their first trip to Ireland and who would you say it’s perfect for?
I’d describe The Ultimate Ireland Road Trip Resource as a practical, all-in-one travel companion designed to make exploring Ireland simple, flexible, and far more enjoyable.
It’s built for both first-time visitors and locals, bringing together everything you need in one place, from top-rated attractions and lesser-known places to accommodation options and essential services like showers and toilets.
What really sets it apart is the “Click & Go” itineraries, which take the stress out of planning and allow you to hit the road with confidence.
It’s perfect for anyone who wants to experience Ireland beyond the typical tourist trail, whether you’re in a camper van, planning a scenic road trip, or just looking for a more spontaneous and immersive way to travel.
With the added bonus of exclusive discounts on accommodation and activities, it’s designed to make your journey not only easier, but better value too.
How can travelers who use your app save money while exploring Ireland?
Travelers using The Ultimate Ireland Road Trip Resource app can make significant savings in a few simple ways.
Firstly, the app gives users access to exclusive discounts on accommodation and tourist activities, helping to reduce some of the biggest costs when traveling around Ireland.
In addition, the “£20 and under” tag makes it easy to find budget-friendly accommodation and parking sites across the country, allowing travelers to plan experiences that won’t break the bank.
Together, these features make it much easier to explore more of Ireland while keeping costs under control, without compromising on the overall experience.
What makes the app different from say Google Maps or traditional guidebooks?
That’s a great question. While tools like Google Maps and traditional guidebooks are useful, The Ultimate Ireland Road Trip Resource offers something far more tailored and experience-driven.
What really sets the app apart is the community behind it. It’s built on local knowledge and real experiences, giving users insights you simply won’t find through generic search results.
The app also provides exclusive discount codes, helping travelers save money on accommodation and activities, something standard maps or guidebooks don’t offer.
On top of that, its smart tagging system makes it easy to find exactly what you need, whether that’s affordable accommodation, pubs that welcome motorhomes for overnight stays, or places where you can access showers for free or at a low cost.
Ultimately, it’s designed specifically for how people actually travel around Ireland, combining practical tools with local insight to create a much more personalized and useful experience than traditional alternatives.
Can you explain the “Click and Go” itineraries and how travelers should use them?
Our “Click & Go” itineraries are designed to make traveling around Ireland as simple and stress-free as possible.
The concept is very straightforward.
Users start at point one, read a short description to understand what makes it special, then tap the navigation button and head straight there. Once they arrive, they simply move on to point two and continue the journey step by step.
It’s an easy, guided way to explore, removing the need for complicated planning or constant searching while on the road. At the same time, it allows me to lead travelers to some of the best spots across Ireland, including places that are often overlooked but truly worth experiencing.
What types of places can users find in the app that they might not find elsewhere?
Users can discover places that you simply wouldn’t come across in a typical guidebook or on a standard map. The app focuses on local knowledge, those hidden spots that most people would drive straight past without even realizing what they’re missing.
It also highlights authentic experiences by working closely with local Irish activity providers, giving travelers the opportunity to explore places in a more meaningful way, from tucked-away locations on land to the lesser-known nooks and crannies of the ocean.
Overall, it’s about uncovering a more genuine side of Ireland, guided by people who know it best.
I love that you include practical stops like showers and toilets. Why was that important to include?
It was incredibly important to include those practical stops because they’re often the things that make or break a road trip. I’ve personally lost count of the number of times I’ve been caught short looking for a toilet, and after a few days on the road, there’s nothing better than a proper hot shower.
In fact, the entire foundation of the app was built around the shower layer. That’s where the idea first started. From there, it naturally grew into something much bigger.
By including essentials like showers and toilets, the app isn’t just about where to go, but how to travel comfortably. It gives people the freedom to stay on the road longer, explore more, and enjoy the experience without worrying about the basics.
Is the app available through app stores like Apple and such?
At the moment, the app isn’t available on traditional app stores like Apple or Google Play. Instead, it can be downloaded directly from the website, where it works just like a native app on your device.
There’s also a dedicated FAQ section that explains why this approach was chosen, as it offered more flexibility during development.
That said, this may change in the near future. I’ve recently been in discussions with the developer, and we’re exploring the possibility of bringing the app to app stores following some recent updates and changes that now make this a more viable option.
Where can people find out more about the app and/or ways to contact you if needed?
People can find out more about the app by visiting www.theultimateroadtripresource.com, where you’ll find full details on how it works and what’s included.
If you’d like to get in touch or follow along, all social media links and contact information are available within the app itself under the Info tab, making it easy to connect or ask any questions.
Arlene is a member of the Ireland on a Budget Tour Guide Network.
