18 Scenic Drives in Ireland for Epic Road Trips

Ireland’s landscape is a driver’s paradise, where winding roads hug dramatic coastlines, traverse misty mountains, and weave through lush valleys. These routes offer more than just scenery—they immerse you in the island’s rich history, vibrant culture, and natural wonders. Whether you’re chasing rugged cliffs or serene lakes, these drives deliver unforgettable experiences. Plan for 2-5 hours per route, plus stops for hikes, pubs, and photo ops.

Why Road Tripping in Ireland Captivates Travelers

The Emerald Isle’s roads are legendary for their twists and turns, often called ‘Ireland’s scenic drives’ for good reason. Narrow lanes force a slower pace, encouraging discovery of hidden beaches, ancient stone circles, and seaside villages. Expect sheep-dotted fields, sudden rain showers, and rainbows as bonuses. Driving left-side adds thrill for visitors, but rewards are immense. Best in shoulder seasons (May-Jun, Sep-Oct) to dodge crowds.

• Essential Prep: Rent a compact car; fuel up often; download offline maps like Google Maps or OsmAnd.
• Safety Tips: Watch for livestock, narrow bridges; park responsibly to protect verges.
• Costs: Petrol ~€1.80/liter; ferries €10-30; B&Bs €100+/night.

Southwest Spectacles: Kerry and Beyond

Kerry County boasts some of Europe’s most photogenic roads, blending ocean vistas with Gaelic heritage.

Ring of Kerry Loop

This 179km circular route from Killarney circles the Iveragh Peninsula, showcasing lakes, mountains, and beaches. Start clockwise to beat tour buses. Highlights include Ladies View (panoramic Gap of Dunloe), Torc Waterfall (short hike to 20m cascade), and Rossbeigh Beach (golden sands for picnics). In Sneem, spot colorful village houses and fairy gardens. Allow 4-6 hours driving, full day with stops. Summer sees crowds; go early.

Dingle Peninsula Circuit

Less crowded than Kerry, this 50km Slea Head Drive from Dingle town packs beehive huts, sea stacks, and Blasket Islands views. Key stops: Dunquin Pier (ferry to islands), Gallarus Oratory (7th-century dry-stone church), and Conor Pass (steep climb to hairpin summit). End in Dingle for seafood and music. 3-4 hours ideal; bike rentals available for eco-adventurers.

Wild Atlantic Way Wonders

Stretching 2,500km, this coastal trail links 150+ viewpoints. Focus on these gems.

Beara Peninsula Traverse

Wilder Kerry alternative, 120km from Glengarriff to Castletownbere. Cable car to Dursey Island (Ireland’s only one), Healy Pass (hair-raising views), and Dzogchen Beara (Buddhist center). Fewer tourists mean peaceful hikes. Pair with Garnish Island gardens start.

Cliff-Hugging Kerry Way

From Cahersiveen via Waterville, this 80km detour hits Skellig Michael views (Star Wars filming site), Valentia Island (slate quarry, tetrapod beach), and Kerry Cliffs (sheer 200m drops). 3 hours minimum; ferry to Skelligs in season (book ahead).

Northern Ireland’s Coastal Masterpiece

Antrim Coast’s 200km Causeway Coastal Route rivals global icons.

From Derry to Giants Causeway

Start in Portstewart (strand ranked world’s best beach), pass Mussenden Temple (clifftop library), Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge (30m sea span), and hexagonal Giant’s Causeway (UNESCO site, myths of Finn McCool). Ballycastle for Rathlin Island ferry. 5-7 hours; Game of Thrones fans note Dark Hedges. Drive west-east for light.

• Must-Do: Hike Causeway to Dunseverick Castle ruins.
• Detour: Bushmills Distillery tasting.

Western Wilds: Cliffs and Karst

Galway to Mayo offers lunar landscapes and ocean drama.

Cliffs of Moher Drive

N67 from Galway via Burren (limestone pavements, wildflowers) to 214m Cliffs boardwalk. Liscannor village for seaweed baths. Extend to Doolin for trad music. 2-3 hours; visitor center €10.

Connemara National Park Loop

From Galway via Moycullen, circle Lough Corrib (Ireland’s largest lake), Kylemore Abbey (Victorian castle), and Twelve Bens mountains. Clifden’s Sky Road overlook stuns. Spot Connemara ponies. 4 hours; hiking trails abound.

Northwest Rugged Beauty

Donegal’s remote roads reward the bold.

Fanad Head Peninsula

From Rathmullan, skirt Ballymastocker Bay to red-and-white Fanad Lighthouse. Quiet beaches, shipwrecks. 2 hours; wild Atlantic swells.

Inishowen 100 Drive

120km peninsula loop: Mamore Gap (mountain pass), Dunree Head (fort views), Malin Head (Ireland’s northernmost point). Waterfalls, beaches galore. 5 hours.

Eastern Charms and Central Gems

Inland routes complement coasts.

Wicklow Mountains Sally Gap

From Dublin, R115 through Sally Gap (heather moors), Glendalough (monastic ruins in valley). 2 hours; Powerscourt Waterfall detour.

Boyne Valley Heritage Trail

Dublin outskirts: Brú na Bóinne (Newgrange, 5,200yo passage tomb), Hill of Tara (High Kings site), Trim Castle (Braveheart filming). 3 hours history dive.

Practical Driving Guide

Best Vehicle: Manual transmission cheapest; automatics pricier. Satnav essential.

Rules: Speed limits 80-120km/h motorways, 50-60km/h rural. Overtake carefully.

Fuel/Charge: Stations sparse west; EV chargers growing (ESB network).

Seasonal Insights and Packing List

Summer: Long days, midges. Winter: Storms, but empty roads. Pack layers, waterproofs, binoculars, Ordnance Survey maps (1:50,000 scale).

FAQs

What’s the most scenic drive in Ireland?

Causeway Coastal Route tops lists for Giant’s Causeway and rope bridge drama.

Is driving in Ireland hard for right-side drivers?

Practice on motorways first; rural lanes tight but scenic.

Can I do multiple drives in one trip?

Yes, 10-day loop: Dublin-Wicklow-Galway-Kerry-Dingle-North.

Are there tolls?

Few; M50 Dublin €3.20.

Best apps?

AA Route Planner, Park4Night for wild camping spots.