Northeast to southwest, the route starts at a junction with the R188 west of Cootehill. It continues southwards through Stradone, to join the N3 and in 500 m leaves the N3 at Lavey.
It heads southeast through Bailieborough, Kingscourt and Drumconrath, crosses the N52 then enters County Louth and terminates at the N2 3 km (1.9 mi) south of Ardee.