The children, whose parents notified officials when they discovered they were missing, were seen attempting to hitchhike on the A6 by concerned motorists who also raised the alarm at approximately 7.30pm.
The youngsters from Ansback in Frankonia, spurred on by their imagination and determination, were planning to complete their 1600 km journey with the help of some essentials they packed in a rucksack, which included food, a torch, an alarm clock and a book.
Explaining why the children found themselves on the busy motorway, a police spokesman revealed: "They wanted to go to the Autobahn because that's where the trucks travel to Ireland."
The children had made it 5 km from their family homes before being questioned by police near Bernhardswinden and eventually returned to the care of their concerned parents.
According to news reports, the children's planned adventure was met with understanding by a generation of Germans who also found themselves drawn to Ireland, known affectionately as Grüne Insel, over the years.
We're sure they'll make it one day and be met with open arms!
