Cross-Border Care · Travelling from ROI

Travelling from the Republic of Ireland

Closer than you think — and a journey that can change everything

For patients across the Republic of Ireland, faster, expert eye care is just a short drive across the border. Solasta Healthcare sits right beside the main A1 Belfast–Dublin road, with free parking at the door — so the trip is simple, predictable and, for so many of our patients, life-changing.

Travelling to Solasta Healthcare from the Republic of Ireland
~1 hourfrom Dublin Airport
Right off the A1Belfast–Dublin road
2,700+ spacesfree parking at the door
No city trafficsimple, predictable trip

Closer than you think

Because we’re positioned on the A1 corridor just south of Belfast, getting to Solasta from much of the Republic — and especially the border counties — is often quicker and simpler than travelling to a city hospital. No multi-storey car parks, no congestion charges, no stress.

Your route at a glance

From most of the Republic, follow the M1 motorway north towards the border at Newry, continue on the A1 towards Belfast, and exit at Banbridge. The Boulevard is signposted and just two minutes off the A1 — with free parking right at our door.

Journey times to Solasta

Approximate driving times by car. Actual times vary with traffic and your exact starting point — but for our border-county neighbours, we’re remarkably close.

From the border counties
Louth
Dundalk
~40 min
~45 km
One of our closest ROI routes — straight up the M1 and A1.
Meath
Navan
~1 hr 20
~100 km
North along the M1 corridor to Newry, then the A1 to Banbridge.
Monaghan
Monaghan town
~1 hr
~70 km
Via the A3 through Armagh, then a short hop to Banbridge.
Cavan
Cavan town
~1 hr 45
~115 km
North-east toward the A1 corridor — one easy, continuous run.
Leitrim
Carrick-on-Shannon
~2 hr 15
~155 km
Cross-country to the M1/A1 — still a single, straightforward drive.
Sligo
Sligo town
~2 hr 30
~185 km
A scenic north-west run via the N4/N16 toward the A1/M1 corridor.
From further afield
Dublin
Dublin city
~1 hr 30
~120 km
Just about an hour from Dublin Airport. Straight up the M1, then the A1.
Galway
Galway city
~3 hr 15
~290 km
The M6 to Dublin, then north on the M1 and A1.
Cork
Cork city
~4 hr 20
~395 km
The M8 to Dublin, then north on the M1 and A1.

Why the journey is worth it

A short drive. A lasting difference. Cataract surgery is one of the most common and effective procedures in medicine — and for most people, the result is nothing short of transformative.

See the world clearly againColours come back brighter, edges turn crisp, and the haze lifts. Reading, screens, photographs and faces all come back into focus.
Drive with confidenceCloudy vision and glare can make driving stressful — especially at night. With clear sight restored, many people feel safe and confident behind the wheel again.
Do what you loveGardening, golf, knitting, reading to the grandchildren — the everyday joys that dim with poor vision feel within reach once more.
Independence restoredClearer vision means steadier steps, fewer worries and more freedom to live life on your own terms — the result that makes the journey more than worth it.
“The drive up takes an hour or two. The difference it makes lasts for years.”
Clearer vision touches everything — reading, driving, hobbies, confidence and independence.

Making your trip easy

Free parking right at the clinic door — no multi-storey, no shuttle buses, no meters
Everything is on a single, step-free ground floor
Arrange a driver for surgery day — you won't be able to drive straight afterwards
We coordinate your consultation and surgery to keep the number of trips to a minimum
Plenty of cafés and shops at The Boulevard for before or after your visit
Our Cross-Border team helps with your HSE reimbursement paperwork

Supported by cross-border reimbursement

If you live in the Republic, you may be able to claim much of the cost back from the HSE under the NI Planned Healthcare Scheme. Our Cross-Border team guides you through eligibility, referral and your reimbursement claim.

Start your journey to clearer vision

Book a consultation and let's see whether now is the right time. Our friendly team will help with everything — from your appointment to your HSE claim.

Book a consultation Contact the team

Journey times and distances are approximate and provided as a general guide only; they vary with your exact starting point, route and traffic. Cataract surgery outcomes vary from person to person; suitability is confirmed following a consultant assessment. Please arrange a driver for surgery day, as you will not be able to drive immediately afterwards.

Book a consultation and let’s see if now’s the right time for cataract surgery