The route forms a connection between the north east of Ireland and the mid west traversing the midlands.

It starts (from the southwest) at a grade separated junction with the M7 motorway and bypasses Nenagh on its western side as single carriageway.

It briefly joins the N4 dual-carriageway just outside Mullingar before leaving to head 5 kilometres east over what was once a notoriously dangerous road to Cloughan, which has since been upgraded.

Four metal figures by sculptor Maurice Harron are located where the new roadway cuts through esker ridges.

Approaching from the north the 1st figure holds up a chalice, the 2nd a book, the 3rd a crosier and the 4th shows the release of a flock of birds representing souls.