As the United States prepares to mark its 250th anniversary in 2026, there has never been a more poignant time for Irish-American families to return to Ireland and walk the land of their ancestors. My Irish Cousin offers a stress-free way to explore remote parishes and heritage sites through an all-inclusive car rental model that removes common travel worries for visitors of all ages.
In 2026, the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of its Declaration of Independence, a milestone deeply intertwined with Irish heritage through the contributions of countless Irish immigrants and Ulster-Scots descendants. My Irish Cousin invites Irish-American families to mark the occasion with a meaningful journey back to the Emerald Isle.
My Irish Cousin is an award-winning Irish car rental company offering all-inclusive, transparent pricing and personalized support. With a focus on peace of mind for international visitors, we're here to make your Irish adventure – especially ancestry-focused journeys – truly memorable.
"Family Road Trips to Ireland 2026" encourages multi-generational Irish diaspora families to embark on self-drive adventures to trace their ancestry, from bustling Dublin to remote ancestral towns in counties such as Mayo, Kerry, Donegal, and Cork.
Croagh Patrick, over looking Clew Bay, in County Mayo.
With a rental car from My Irish Cousin, families can freely explore graveyards, parish churches, local heritage centers, and even reunite with distant "Irish cousins" – all while enjoying the freedom of the open road without the typical stresses of driving abroad.
My Irish Cousin, Ireland's most trusted Irish car rental specialist, recommended in "Rick Steves' Ireland" guidebook, stands out for its all-inclusive, hassle-free model designed with families and seniors in mind:
- No additional surcharges or documentation required for drivers over 70, making it ideal for grandparents joining the trip.
- A free additional 2nd driver so that everyone can share the wheel on Ireland's scenic routes.
- Zero excess/deductible, full insurance coverage including tires, glass, and roadside assistance – no hidden fees or credit card holds.
- Unlimited mileage and flexible pick-up/drop-off at over 30 locations across Ireland, including major airports.
Road trip!! Explore your ancestral home of Ireland with My Irish Cousin.
This comprehensive "peace of mind" package enables travelers to focus on emotional reunions and create memories and genealogical discoveries, rather than worrying about breakdowns, narrow roads, or unexpected costs.
Real customers have shared heartwarming stories. One American family rented with My Irish Cousin to drive from Dublin to their ancestors' hometown in County Kerry, stopping at parish records offices and meeting living relatives for the first time.
Do you have family in Dingle, County Kerry? Let My Irish Cousin help you check!
"It was the trip of a lifetime – the car was reliable, the support was personal, and we felt like family from the start," they said.
Searches for "Irish ancestry road trips" and "family car rental Ireland" have been surging among the Irish Diaspora. Instead of constantly planning your dream holiday, make 2026 the year you and your family make that journey to experience your ancestral home.
Here are the top six genealogy driving routes for Irish American families:
- Dublin to Mayo (Westport & Achill Island):
Trace famine-era ancestors through the National Famine Museum and wild Atlantic coastal drives.
Dooagh beach, Achill Island, County Mayo.
- Dublin to Kerry (Ring of Kerry & Killarney):
Iconic scenery with stops in ancestral villages and heritage sites.
- Dublin to Donegal (Ulster American connections):
Link to America's founding stories via Ulster-Scots heritage trails.
- Cork to Galway (Wild Atlantic Way highlights):
The coastal route is perfect for surname origins in the southern and western counties.
The Sky Road, in Clifden, County Galway.
- Belfast to Derry (Northern Ireland roots):
Explore the history of Ireland's emigration tied to America's 250th celebrations.
- Dublin to Cork (Ancient East & Emigration Heritage):
Southern surnames, departures from Cobh)
Explore you Irish roots! Why not start in Cobh, Cork, with My Irish Cousin,
Book now for 2026 and take advantage of special family bundles and discounts for multi-car groups.
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Visit www.MyIrishCousin.com and request a quote today to start planning your unforgettable roots road trip. If you have any questions, email [email protected]. Follow My Irish Cousin on Facebook or Instagram.
