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 recognising a real gap in what was available for travellers 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 campervan, 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?
Travellers 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 travelling around Ireland.
In addition, the “£20 and under” tag makes it easy to find budget-friendly accommodation and parking sites across the country, allowing travellers 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 travellers save money on accommodation and activities, something standard maps or guidebooks don’t offer. On top of that, it’s 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 personalised 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 travelling 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 travellers 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 realising what they’re missing.
It also highlights authentic experiences by working closely with local Irish activity providers, giving travellers 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 please use the links below.
Email: arlene@theultimateroadtripresource.com
WhatsApp: 00447759659952
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arlene.mcafee
Instagram: www.instagram.com/irelands_ultimate_roadtrip_app
Youtube: (2) Irelands Ultimate Road Trip App - YouTube
Tiktok: Arlene's Irish Road Trips (@arlenesirishroadtrips) | TikTok
Tutorials: Tutorials | The Ultimate Road Trip Resource
How do I access the discounts?
Discounts are available only with our premium subscription. Click the map or this link to view all our discounts: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1TfOkRtmU4YChLwnd64566jKMcprjRqs&usp=sharing
Why is the ultimate road trip resource not on app stores?
The ultimate road trip resource is an independent app because we feel very strongly about the development of the app and that all proceeds from the subscriptions go into the development and growth of the app. As an independent app we do not pay Google and Apple a 30% commission just to be able to say we have an app on the app store. The app runs of your browser and has all the functionality it needs for the intended purpose of finding locations. To find out more about why we chose a PWA see: What Is A Progressive Web App (PWA) - Why Is It A Game-Changer In eCommerce
Do I have to pay for this app?
Yes, The ultimate road trip resource has three payment options starting at £4.99. All revenue generated from subscriptions goes towards the development and promotion of the app. To date we have spent £50,000 on the app. Without this yearly cost we would just be another poor performing map that someone has threw together using free software online. I believe this app is an asset to every adventurer and my goal is to develop it using the latest software and technology available. Unfortunately that costs a lot of money.
The Ultimate Road Trip Resource has three subscription options:
- One Month Access - this is a one off payment of £4.99 which gives you access to the map ONLY, your subscription automatically cancels after one month.
- Standard Annual Subscription - this is an annual payment of £9.99 which gives you access to the map only for one year.
Premium Annual Subscription - this is an annual payment of £19.99 which gives you access to the map plus exclusive member discounts and all our Click and go road trip itineraries.
Please be aware when you sign up to the app on the £9.99 or £19.99 subscription this is a recurring yearly payment. You can cancel right after subscribing and you will still have access to the app for the year.
Refunds
We don’t offer refunds on our digital app because access is granted immediately upon payment, and all users are clearly informed at sign-up that subscriptions are recurring. To complete the process, users must actively click and agree to these terms. Since digital services can’t be “returned” once accessed, and because we clearly outline the recurring nature of the payment, we rely on users to manage their own cancellations on time.
If you don't cancel after subscribing you will receive an email three days prior to your next payment. If you do not cancel your subscription on time you will not be refunded this payment as we use an external payment processor. We as a company are charged when you subscribe. You can cancel your subscription with one click of a button in your 'My Subscription' section of the app. If you require assistance please see our how to cancel tutorial here:
Tutorials | The Ultimate Road Trip Resource
Thank you all so much for the continued support, If you have any questions that are not covered in our FAQ section you can get me on WhatsApp 00447759659952. I look forward to going on this journey with you as a community.
All the best, Arlene