Portlaoise to Duleek

JK09

Hi folks new to the forum looking for some assistance.
Starting a job in Duleek Monday will be commuting from Portlaoise would like to avoid tolls if possible on the M50.I live close to the M7 so Portlaoise to Dublin can be done in 45 minutes. Has anybody any experience with back roads on this route say from Dublin to Duleek?
Been on the AA site and all saying its over 2 hours which it hardly is? Any help greatly appreciated

Losty Dublin

You are talking about avoiding the M 50 in this case so there is a couple of options.

You could take the Baldonnell turn off the N 7 and head across via Grange Castle to Lucan village. From here, cross the Liffey and take the right turn to Clonsilla and Blanchardstown and back onto the M 50. From here take the next turn off, M 2 exit and head till the motorway ends. Stay on the road till you come to the R 152 at Kilmoon Nurseries and this road takes you to Duleek.

Alternatively at Lucan, take the R 145 road to Clonee and follow the R 147 and R 155 to Ratoath then stick on it till you meet the N 2 at Kilmoon Cross.

Either route takes in a fair few bottle necks and country driving so yeah, 2 hours wouldn't shock me, especially during school terms. Personally, I'd stick on the M 50 and take the M/N 2 for handiness and less bottlenecks.

JK09

Brilliant that is a massive help. It would be more to ave on tolls as i drive a van. I will probably take the M50 in the morning and head home the routes you have described.
Is the M50 still busy in the evenings Southbound even with the toll bridge gone? Id be hitting it around 6 to half 6?

Losty Dublin

Short answer; it can be slow but its not like the stop start of old. You are probably more likely to hit traffic in towns though after 6 you should be okay on either route.

Jawgap

Coming up the N7 I usually come off at Jct 7 then head Straffan - Maynooth - Dunboyne - Rathoath - Duleek.

Timewise I've found it takes about the same as continuing to the M50 and scooting out along the N2 or M1.

Congrats on the job..

Victor

It's a fair haul. Note the toll at Drogheda also, so you'll need to use the N/M2, not the M1.

Google Maps suggests 1h20 via the M50 (add for traffic) and another 20 minutes if you go cross-country.