Car Hire Strokestown

Car Hire

Originally known as Bellanamullia, Strokestown is a small market town located in the north of County Roscommon, in the centre of the Republic of Ireland. There are several historical landmarks and natural attractions in the area which are of interest to travellers. Easily discovered on foot, Strokestown is a good base from which to explore this part of the country by rental car.

Who to Book With
Car rental options exist at the two closest international airports: Ireland West Airport Knock, 40 miles to the west of Strokestown, and Dublin Airport, 100 miles to the east. Here, you can find all the leading car rental companies, including Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt, in addition to a wide number of local car rental agencies. It is also possible to hire a vehicle in the nearby towns of Roscommon and Athlone. Pre-booking a vehicle online before commencing your trip is recommended. This is the best way to compare prices and conditions among the entire range of vehicles on offer and thus obtain the optimal vehicle for your needs.

Best Time to Go
Strokestown enjoys the same mild, temperate climate that is characteristic of the country as a whole. The best time of year to visit Strokestown is in the summer months when average temperatures are between 18°C and 21°C. Late spring and early autumn are also good times to visit. Because of its proximity to the Atlantic, the town commonly receives rainfall throughout the year but showers do not usually last for a long time. Winters can be cold and damp but in general, freezing temperatures and snow are rare.

Need to Know Essentials
When hiring a vehicle, you will need to present the following documents:

- An International Driving Permit or a DVLA driving licence
- A passport or another valid form of identification with a photograph
- The same credit card as the one used for the reservation
- A printed copy of the confirmed reservation

Our FAQ's page answers your queries.

Driving
Driving conditions in the Strokestown area are generally very good: the roads are kept in good condition and signage is adequate. Roads are often deserted and traffic is rarely an issue. Note that driving is on the left, as in the rest of the British Isles.

See our Ireland Guide for more info on driving here.

Transport

Strokestown is small enough that you can get around perfectly well on foot. Public transport in the area is scarce so it makes sense to rent your own vehicle.

Trains
The closest Irish Rail services to Strokestown are to be found in the nearby towns of Longford (Dublin Connolly–Sligo route) and Roscommon (Dublin Heuston-Ballina/Westport intercity line).

Buses
Strokestown Arcadia bus stop can be reached from Dublin and Dublin Airport aboard the number 22 bus operated by Bus Eireann. At Longford, it is possible to connect with rail services. The journey takes 2 hours and 40 minutes. Local bus number 468 operates twice daily between Strokestown, Elphin and Carrick-on-Shannon.

Taxis
There are a limited number of taxi suppliers in the town, including Duignan Charlie Joe (+353 179633087).

Exploring

There is no better way to explore the province of Connacht than by rental car. The West Region, as it is known, has a number of easily accessible historical and natural attractions.

Recommended Drives

Strokestown Park - This 18th century mansion with impressive grounds (it has Ireland’s longest herbaceous border!) is home to the Irish National Famine Museum. The six acres of beautifully restored, walled gardens at Strokestown Park showcase the history of horticultural design and architecture all the way from the 18th century up to the present day. They feature many species of exotic plants, a fernery, a lily pond, a Victorian rose garden, an herb garden and extensive orchards. Opened in 1994 and recently refurbished, the Irish National Famine Museum highlights the events of this tragic period in Irish history with a range of moving exhibits.

Lough Key Forest Park - Located 22 miles away from Strokestown, just outside of the town of Boyle, Lough Key Forest and Activity Park is a major tourist attraction that combines stunning views of the countryside, wildlife, historic buildings and fun activities. Following recent redevelopment which has seen the creation of a new lakeside centre, the venue now offers an amazing range of activities, including a treetop walk, the brand new Boda Borg Questing experience, historical sites and recreations, such as the Moylurg Tower and the 19th century servant tunnels and bridges, along with all manner of forest and lakeside hiking trails.

Rathcrogan Celtic Royal Site - Situated near the village of Tulsk, just a 10-minute drive from Strokestown, the Rathcrogan Royal Complex, or Cruachan Ai Heritage Center, is a must-see for fans of Irish history, archaeology and mythology. The visitor centre offers fascinating interactive tours through the past of the local Connachta rulers. In addition, there are walking tours of the megalithic ring forts contained within the 16 square miles of the complex. Easy to find by car, the complex is located at the point where the N5 joins the N61 Roscommon to Boyle Road.