The Most Scenic Drives in Ireland
People come from all over to witness the beauty of Ireland. One of the more effortless ways you can see some of the best Irish Scenery is by car. From whizzing by the rolling lush green fields, to zooming through valleys and rocky mountains, winding rivers and rugged beaches – there is beauty here in all directions. Get your seat belt on because here is my list of the most scenic drives in Ireland.
The Sky Road Drive – Scenic Drives in Galway Ireland
Connemara in Galway is famous for its desolate, but wild beauty and boglands. Here, you’ll also find one of the most scenic drives in the West of Ireland too – Sky road Drive. This drive is a 15 km loop starting and finishing in Clifden.
On the route, you’ll witness sweeping views over the coastline and out on the islands of Turbot, Inishturk and Ardmore.
Click here for more things in to do in Galway.
Spending time in Galway? Try out this list: 25 of the Best things to do in Connemara
The Gap of Dunloe – Scenic Drives in Kerry – The Ring of Kerry
While The Ring of Kerry is a well-known and well-visited attraction in Kerry, Ireland. One part in particular, which can be driven in a loop is The Gap of Dunloe, which starts and ends in Killarney.
The 11 km route winds through Ireland’s largest mountain range and the purple mountains. You can enjoy the route on foot or by bicycle too, but why not enjoy it from the comfort of your own car!
This narrow road meanders through some incredible scenery and is one not to be missed. Of course, if you have time to do the whole Ring of Kerry, don’t miss that either!
Click for more information on the Gap of Dunloe.
Fanad Head Peninsula – Beautiful drives in Donegal
Driving around the edge of Fanad Peninsula will show you some of the most memorable views of Donegal. From hilltop views of Ballymastocker Beach (once voted the second-best beach in the world), to Fanad Head Lighthouse – Ireland’s most impressive lighthouse.
Want to know more about the Fanad Head Peninsula? Check this out.
Stay tuned for a whole post on Scenic Views in Donegal. Or read more about the best things to do in Donegal.
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Gleniff Horse Shoe Drive in Sligo – Impressive Scenery in Ireland
This drive is like living through a scene from one of those magical-looking Irish postcards. And unlike most other places, it looks even better on a gloomy foggy day! The best way to see this is when the fog is rolling over the top of the cliffs. You’ll feel as if you’re 10,000 feet in the clouds.
The name is misleading as it’s actually a 10km loop drive where you will pass by the towering cliffs of Annacoona. You can walk it too and really take in the old abandoned houses, that date back to the famine period.
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Antrim Causeway Coastal Route – The Best Drives in Ireland
This 212 km route snakes along the coastline of Antrim and will showcase some of the most epic and dramatic coastlines on the Island of Ireland. You’ll pass the jagged cliffs and Northern Ireland’s top tourist attractions.
Starting in Derry and heading towards Belfast, there are a lot of well-known places you can tick off your bucket list. From the Giants Causeway, as well as the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge to White Park Bay Beach, Dunluce Castle and more. This section of the route is the most scenic of the drive.
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The Cliffs of Moher Coastal Route – The Best Drives in Ireland – Co Clare
While the Cliffs of Moher are already one of the most famous sites in Ireland, the drive from Galway to the Cliffs in Clare along the coast is just as rewarding. Instead of following the signs for the cliffs from Galway which will bring you the more direct route, follow the Wild Atlantic Way signs along the coast. This route will show you the very best scenery.
The Caha Pass – Scenic Drive in Kerry and West Cork
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What is the pass between Kenmare and Glengariff you may ask? Well it is the Caha Pass, a STUNNING mountain pass along which runs through the border of Kerry and West Cork. As you drive the N71 from Kenmare to Glengariff, you’ll be driving through the Caha mountains, and this route is one to remember. The best part of the drive is going through stone tunnels cut through the mountain itself. Check out my reel on it!
I could honestly talk about beautiful drives in Ireland all day, because we’re really not short of them here! So I’ve decided to keep it to one in each county instead. But, stay tuned for even more!
Sally’s Gap – Drive near Dublin City
Sally Gap Drive in County Wicklow is straight from a movie set! It’s just south of Dublin and the route winds through the heart of the Wicklow Mountains National Park and trust me – it’s absolutely stunning.
The road climbs up into remote moorlands, where you get views of incredible valleys, lakes, and mountain passes. You’ll drive past Lough Tay, also known as Guinness Lake (Seriously – it looks like a pint of Guinness from above.)
This drive loops you through some of Wicklow’s best spots – you can easily pair it with a visit to Glendalough or Powerscourt Waterfall if you’re in no rush. And since it’s just an hour from Dublin, it’s the perfect escape when you need a little nature fix.
