Roads of Ireland

Nestled in the heart of north-western Europe, Ireland is an emerald treasure trove of scenic drives that take travelers through time, landscapes, and tales. One such enchanting route is the Slea Head Drive, which encircles the westernmost stretch of the Dingle Peninsula. As you embark on this loop from Dingle, the canvas unravels with a medley of historical attractions and sweeping views, painting a picture of Ireland’s rugged beauty. The journey along the Slea Head Drive is a tribute to Ireland's authenticity and natural splendor.

Then there's the majestic Conor Pass, perched at an elevation of 410m, weaving through the verdant heart of County Kerry. As you ascend, the panoramic view of lakes below resembles a scene right out of Celtic lore. This pass is a must-visit for anyone seeking Ireland's finest mountainous landscapes.

But the adventure doesn't end there. Venture into the Sally Gap, renowned as one of Ireland's finest drives, its winding roads offer an ode to the untouched wilderness of the Emerald Isle. You'll be immersed in the raw beauty of the Wicklow Mountains, a tranquil haven just a stone's throw from Dublin.

Between the roaring Atlantic waves of the Wild Atlantic Way and the quaint charm of the Ring of Kerry, Ireland's roads promise more than just a journey; they offer a heartfelt exploration of a land where myths, history, and nature dance together in harmony. So, gear up, hit the road, and let Ireland's landscapes narrate their age-old tales. Explore the winding coastal routes of the Ring of Beara or the enchanting Copper Coast Geopark, each revealing another layer of Ireland's rich tapestry, making it a road trip to remember.

Slea Head Drive is a very scenic loop route, beginning and ending in Dingle, Ireland. It showcases a large number of attractions and stunning views on the western end of the peninsula. It's one of the best coastal drives in the world.

Conor Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 410m (1,345ft) above sea level located in County Kerry, Ireland. It’s one of the highest mountain roads in the country. The road to the summit snakes through verdant vistas, and its view of the lakes below is the stuff of fairy tales.

Healy Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 298m (977ft) above sea level, located on the boundary between Cork and Kerry counties, in the peninsular southwest region of Ireland.

Sally Gap is a mountain pass at an elevation of 500m (1,640ft) above sea level, located in County Wicklow, in Ireland.

Gap of Dunloe is a mountain pass at an elevation of 246m (807ft) above sea level, located in County Kerry, in Ireland. It may be difficult for those who get car sick and for those scared of driving narrow mountain roads.

The Old Military Road (R115) through the scenic Wicklow mountains is a very picturesque drive straddling Dublin and Wicklow counties in Ireland. It was one of the first purpose-built roads in the country.

Located on Ireland’s spectacular west coast, a large section of a ledge at the Cliffs of Moher that was the scene of a daredevil cycling stunt has crumbled into the sea. The rockfall served to highlight the danger of getting too close to the popular cliff edge.

Ireland is full of epic landscapes and coastal views. Here are the best ones you can find behind a wheel:

Mount Leinster is a mountain peak at an elevation of 786m (2,578ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary of Carlow and Wexford counties, in the province of Leinster, in Ireland. It’s said to be the highest paved road of Ireland.

Truskmore is a mountain peak at an elevation of 647m (2,123ft) above the sea level, located in Ireland. It’s said to be one of the toughest climbs of the country, with some sections up to 22%.

The Wild Atlantic Way, stretching for 2,500 km (1553 miles) from Donegal to Cork along Ireland's Atlantic coast, is renowned as one of the world's most breathtaking coastal drives.

Situated on the Iveragh Peninsula of County Kerry, in Ireland, Ring of Kerry is one of those bucket-list places you simply must visit.

Located in County Kerry, on Ireland's Iveragh Peninsula, Ballaghbeama Gap is a tight, bendy, and quiet single track road that requires a high level of skill. Don't attempt this drive with a large car.

Located on Ireland's east coast, the Bull Bridge is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world. This old wooden bridge links Dublin and the North Bull Island in Dublin Bay.

R319 is a very scenic road in Achill Island, situated off the coast of County Mayo in the west of Ireland. The drive travels by hairpins to the edge of the sea. It’s one of the best coastal drives in the world.

Caha Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 320m (1,049ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary between Cork and Kerry counties, in the peninsular southwest region of Ireland.

Dursey Road is the only road in Dursey Island, at the southwestern tip of the Beara Peninsula in the west of County Cork, in Ireland.

Ireland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Steeped in history and at the same time playing host to an array of modern cities, it’s a place where the old and the new meet in perfect harmony.

R440 Road is a very scenic drive located on the boundary between Laois and Offaly counties of Ireland.

Ireland has no shortage of scenic views and breath-taking destinations for adventurous backpackers but, if epic road trips are more up your alley, Ireland won’t disappoint you either.

The Republic of Ireland (Éire in Irish) is an island in northwest Europe in the North Atlantic Ocean, off the west coast of the United Kingdom. The geography of the country is marked by low central plains surrounded by a ring of low-lying coastal mountains. The country is known for its wide expanses of lush green fields. It’s the third largest island in Europe.

Mullaghanish is a mountain peak at an elevation of 649m (2,129ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary between Cork and Kerry counties, in the southwest of Ireland. It's one of the highest roads of the country.

Kippure (Cipiúr) is a mountain peak at an elevation of 750m (2,460ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary between Wicklow and Dublin counties, on Ireland's east coast. It's one of the highest roads of the country.

Clermont Carn is a mountain peak at an elevation of 495m (1,624ft) above the sea level, located in County Louth, Republic of Ireland, at the border with Northern Ireland.

When it comes to embarking on a road trip, there are few places as captivating and awe-inspiring as Ireland.

Corkscrew Hill, located in County Clare, Ireland, offers a historic drive through the Burren region.