North to South the route starts in Kingscourt, County Cavan and in 2 km crosses into County Meath. It continues southwards through Moynalty, across the Kells Blackwater river and into Kells.
In Kells it joins the R147 at Carrick Street and continues through Castle Street; turns into the N52 at Cross Street; continues through Farrell Street and Bective Street before leaving the N52 and heading south along Rockfield Street.