The Ultimate Guide to Eating on Your Irish Road Trip

Planning an Irish road trip is an unforgettable adventure. You have your rental car sorted, your playlist ready, and a list of breathtaking sights to see along the Wild Atlantic Way or the historic Ancient East. But there is one major question every traveler faces a few hours into the journey: Where do we stop for proper food?

Driving cross-country requires a reliable pit stop. In Ireland, you do not need to settle for a squashed gas station sandwich or a cold snack. For decades, the ultimate road trip tradition for locals has been pulling into Supermac’s.

Whether you are heading from Dublin to Galway or navigating the winding coastal roads, here is your definitive guide to fueling your journey with the best of Irish takeaway culture.

Why Road Trips Taste Better With Supermac’s

When you are far from home, comfort food is everything. But fast service should not mean sacrificing quality. We have built our reputation on serving real food, real fast, ensuring you get back on the motorway happy and fueled up for the next leg of the journey.

• Locally Sourced Ingredients: Our road trip menu tells the story of Irish agriculture. We work closely with Irish farmers and trusted local suppliers because we believe great food starts with great ingredients. From premium Irish beef and fresh chicken to dairy and vegetables, our commitment helps support farm families and rural communities across the country. 
• Proudly Irish, Family Owned

Supermac’s has been family owned and operated since day one. That independent spirit shapes everything we do, from supporting Irish suppliers to welcoming generations of families into our restaurants and Plazas. When you stop with us, you’re supporting a business that’s proudly rooted in local communities across Ireland. 

• Freshly Made for Your Route: We do not believe in pre-packaged meals. Every single burger, chicken tender, and box of chips is cooked fresh to order, meaning your food is piping hot when it reaches the car.
• A True Irish Tradition: Pulling into a Supermac’s during a long drive is a rite of passage. It is where families take a breather, sports fans recap the match, and travellers experience a genuine slice of local life.

The Road Trip Survival Menu: What to Order

When the car crew is hungry and you need options that please everyone, look no further than these road trip-tested favourites.

Supermac’s Chicken Tenders

The undisputed hero of the highway. Hot, succulent, and made from 100% fresh Irish chicken breast, our tenders are the perfect mess-free snack to enjoy while keeping your eyes on the road.

The 5oz Bacon & Cheese Beef Burger

Need a serious meal to get you through a long stretch of driving? This flagship burger features two fresh premium Irish beef patties, crispy bacon, melted cheese, red onion, ketchup and our signature burger sauce on a premium kaiser bun.

Taco Fries

If you are taking a proper sit-down break, elevate your side order. Our golden fries come completely smothered in a rich, creamy taco sauce, savory minced beef, and a mountain of grated cheddar cheese.

 

The Plaza Group: Redefining the Motorway Stop

We did not just stop at great food; we changed the way people travel across Ireland. Through our state-of-the-art Plaza Group locations, we have turned the basic roadside service station into a massive, modern travel hub.

Our Plazas offer bright, spacious seating areas, pristine facilities, and multiple dining options under one roof. If someone in the car wants a fresh burger, another wants a customisable toasted sub, and you need a high-quality coffee, our Plazas have you covered.

Whether you’re travelling in a petrol, diesel or electric vehicle, our Plazas feature fast EV charging facilities, allowing you to recharge your car while you recharge yourself with a fresh meal or coffee. 

Travelling with different dietary requirements? Many of our locations also offer a range of gluten-free and Coeliac Friendly menu options, making it easier for everyone in the car to enjoy a meal together. (link to Gluten Free article)

Plaza Location	Route & Highway	Core Facilities & Partners
Barack Obama Plaza	M7 Motorway, Junction 23	Supermac’s, Papa John’s, SuperSubs, Mac’s Place Deli, Premium Coffee, EV Charging
The Galway Plaza	M6 Motorway, Junction 16	Supermac’s, Papa John’s, SuperSubs, Mac’s Place Deli, Premium Coffee, EV Charging, Large Seating Area, Direct Highway Access, Extensive Parking
The Kinnegad Plaza	M6 Motorway, Junction 2 (from Galway) M4 Motorway, Junction 10 (From Dublin)	Supermac’s, Papa John’s, SuperSubs, Mac’s Place Deli, Premium Coffee, EV Charging
The Portlaoise Plaza	M7 Motorway, Junction 17	Supermac’s, Papa John’s, Mac’s Place Deli, SuperSubs, Premium Coffee, Extensive Parking, Modern Travel Hub, EV Charging
Tipperary Town Plaza	Limerick Road, N24 Route	Supermac’s, Papa John’s, Mac’s Place Deli, SuperSubs, EV Charging, Ideal for Southern & Western Routes
The Banner Plaza	M18 Motorway, Junction 12	Supermac’s, Papa John’s, SuperSubs, Mama Rich, Mac’s Place Deli, Brú Coffee, EV Charging, Large Seating Area, Direct Highway Access, Extensive Parking
Mallow N20 Plaza	Limerick Rd, Mallow	Supermac’s, Papa John’s, SuperSubs, Mac’s Place Deli, Premium Coffee, EV Charging
The N17 Plaza	M17 Motorway/N17 Route	Supermac’s, Papa John’s, SuperSubs, Mac’s Place Deli, Premium Coffee, EV Charging

 

The Ultimate Road Trip Checklist: Plazas & Nearby Attractions

No matter which corner of the Emerald Isle you are exploring, you are never far from a proper Irish welcome. Use this quick guide to align your itinerary with the best roadside fuel stops and the incredible landmarks right on their doorstep. 

Our Plazas are more than motorway service stations. Many feature dedicated tourism information points where visitors can discover nearby attractions, scenic routes and hidden gems. Throughout many of our Plazas you’ll also find local history, visitor information and recommendations to help you explore the surrounding area. 

1. Barack Obama Plaza (M7, Junction 23)

Perfect for journeys between Dublin and Limerick, Kerry, or the Southern stretches of the Wild Atlantic Way.

• The Ancestral Home of Barack Obama: Located just 2 minutes away in Moneygall village. Explore the official visitor centre right inside the Plaza or take a stroll through the president’s historic family roots.
• Birr Castle Demesne: A short drive away, featuring world-famous award-winning gardens, a magnificent science centre, and the great 19th-century telescope that was once the largest in the world.
• The Rock of Loyer Loop: An incredible 3.8 km walking route through local hills and farmland overlooking the village, perfect for stretching your legs.

 

2. The Kinnegad Plaza (M6, Junction 2 – from Galway, or M4, Junction 10 – From Dublin)

Perfect for journeys between Dublin and Galway, Mayo, or the rugged West Coast.

• The Royal Canal Greenway: A stunning, 130 km off-road walking and cycling trail that mirrors the historic canal route right through the Midlands.
• Belvedere House, Gardens & Park: A magnificent 160-acre lakeside estate featuring a fully restored Georgian villa, Victorian walled gardens, and enchanting woodland walks.
• The Hill of Uisneach: The sacred and spiritual centre of ancient Ireland, where high kings ruled, and the famous Bealtaine fires are still celebrated today.

 

3. The Portlaoise Plaza (M7, Junction 17)

Perfect for journeys between Dublin and Cork, Waterford, or Kilkenny.

• The Rock of Dunamase: A breathtaking hilltop fortress ruin that dates back to the early Christian period, offering panoramic views over the entire County Laois countryside.
• Emo Court and Gardens: An architectural masterpiece. This beautiful neo-classical mansion is surrounded by miles of glorious, lakeside walking trails and formal gardens.
• The Slieve Bloom Mountains: A hiker’s paradise filled with brilliant waterfalls, deep glens, and dedicated mountain biking trails.

 

4. The Galway Plaza (M6, Junction 16)

Perfect for journeys between: The final stretch into Galway City, Connemara, the Aran Islands and the famous Cliffs of Moher.

• The Latin Quarter & Galway City: Just a short cruise down the highway brings you to the busking capital of Ireland, famous for its brightly colored shopfronts and vibrant atmosphere.
• The Wild Atlantic Way: The world’s longest defined coastal touring route officially starts tracking along the dramatic Atlantic coastline right past our doorstep.
• Dunguaire Castle: Perched beautifully on the shores of Galway Bay, this iconic 16th-century tower house is one of the most photographed castles in Ireland

 

5. Tipperary Town Plaza (N24, Limerick Road, Tipperary)

It serves as an ideal pitstop for trips between:

• Galtee Mountains (15–20 mins away): Ireland’s highest inland mountain range, ideal for hillwalking, hiking, and exploring high-altitude corrie lakes like Lough Curra.
• Cahir Castle: One of Ireland’s largest and best-preserved medieval strongholds, perched dramatically on a rocky island in the River Suir. 
• The Rock of Cashel (20–25 mins northeast via N74): Tipperary’s iconic landmark—a spectacular cluster of medieval ecclesiastical buildings set on an outcrop of limestone overlooking the Golden Vale.  
• Limerick City and Waterford City (the main N24 national primary route).

The Tipperary Town Plaza is a state-of-the-art fuel forecourt, convenience store and food court offering Supermac’s, Papa John’s Pizza, SuperSubs, Mac’s Place Bakery & Deli, Bewley’s Coffee, Topaz and Spar. The Tipperary Town Plaza is located at the Bohercrowe roundabout on the main Limerick to Tipperary road and is open 7 days a week.

 

6. The Banner Plaza (M18, Junction 12)

The Banner Plaza (located at Junction 12 on the M18 in Kilbreckan, just outside Ennis, Co. Clare) is best positioned for journeys along the M18 / Atlantic Corridor. The plaza features a vibrant food court with Supermac’s, Papa John’s Pizza, Mac’s Place Deli, Moo Parlour, Supersubs, Mama Rich’s Asian Cuisine, and a Brú Barista Coffee counter, all complemented by a spacious and comfortable seating area.

It is an ideal pitstop for trips to:

• Dromoland Castle Estate: Just 10 minutes south along the M18/N18, famous for its historic luxury castle hotel, golf course, and estate grounds. 
• For drivers turning off Junction 12 onto the N85, the plaza is the primary pitstop before heading out toward Clare’s biggest landmarks such as the Cliffs of Moher and Lahinch (35–40 minutes west via the N85), and the Burren National Park and Doolin (~30–45 minutes northwest via the N85/R480)

 

7. Mallow N20 Plaza (Limerick Rd, Mallow)

It serves as an ideal pitstop for trips to:

• Cork City and Limerick City. It sits roughly halfway along the main N20 national primary road connecting Ireland’s second and third largest cities
• Mallow Castle & Grounds: Located in Mallow town centre, featuring the ruins of a 16th-century fortified house, beautiful parkland walks along the River Blackwater, and a rare herd of white fallow deer
• South (Toward Cork City – ~20 mins) including Blarney Castle & Gardens, home to the famous Blarney Stone 
• Doneraile Wildlife Park & Doneraile Court (10-20 min): An 18th-century landscaped estate featuring walking trails, deer herds, lakes, and the restored Doneraile Court mansion house

 

8. The N17 Plaza (M17 Motorway/N17 Route)

The N17 Tuam Plaza (located at Farrannamartin, Tuam, Co. Galway, right where the M17 motorway meets the N17 national primary road) is best positioned for journeys along the Galway-to-Northwest Corridor.

It serves as an ideal pitstop for trips to:

• Knock Shrine (Co. Mayo) (~25 mins north): One of Europe’s major Catholic pilgrimage sites, drawing over a million visitors annually
• Cong & Ashford Castle (~30 mins west): Located near Lough Corrib, this area features historic Ashford Castle, ancient abbey ruins, and scenic lakeside forest walks
• Galway City and Mayo: It sits right at the end of the M17 motorway as drivers transition onto the single-carriageway N17 heading toward Claremorris, Knock, Sligo, or further north toward Donegal

• Limerick / Ennis / South-West to Mayo and Sligo: For travellers taking the continuous M18/M17 motorway bypass past Galway, it provides the perfect stopping point before continuing on the N17 toward Tubbercurry and Sligo

More Than Just a Pit Stop

Every Supermac’s and Plaza is part of the local community. Across Ireland we proudly support local employment, schools, sports clubs, charities and community initiatives. Whether we’re sponsoring local teams or creating jobs in towns and villages nationwide, we’re committed to giving back to the communities that support us.

 

Top Tips for Your Road Trip Pit-Stop

• Plan Your Breaks Early: Aim to stop every two hours to stretch your legs, use the clean facilities, and grab a warm feed to stay alert.
• Use the Supermac’s App: Want to maximise your time exploring? You can check upcoming locations, browse the menu, and pre-order your food using our mobile app so it is ready the moment you pull in.
• Mix It Up for the Crew: Take advantage of our multi-brand locations. Combine a classic Supermac’s Chicken Breast Sandwich with a freshly baked Papa John’s pizza or a healthy option from SuperSubs to keep the entire car satisfied.

Pull In, Power Up, and Drive On

Next time you are mapping out your journey across Ireland, make sure to factor in a proper stop. Reliable quality, familiar comfort, and a warm Irish welcome await you at every turn.

Look out for the red and white signs on the motorway, enjoy your meal, and have a safe journey on our roads.