The Top driving routes across Ireland
Ireland is a spectacularly beautiful country which fully deserves exploring if you get the chance, and there is no better way to do so than to rent a car and go on a road trip.
But where should you go?
Here are a few of the best driving routes in Ireland to help you to see as much of the country as possible the next time you visit this beautiful island.
1. The Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry is the most well-known road trip in the country, and it is easy to see why this is so as soon as you hit the road.
Located in the southwest, the Ring of Kerry will take you through some of the most stunning countryside you’ll find in Ireland. You can do the route in a day if you want to, but by far the best option is to take your time and stop off at one of the bed and breakfasts along the way to get more out of your trip.
Start your journey in Killarney, and soon you’ll come across the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks which contain the highest mountain in Ireland, Carrauntoohil.
Then progress on your route, stopping at towns including Killorglin, Glenbeigh, Kells and Caherciveen, all of which will provide you with a different experience.
Highlights of the journey include Caragh Lake, Valentia Island, the Coomakista Pass with its stunning views of the Kenmare River, and Ladies’ View which provides a fantastic view over the Killarney Lakes.
Don’t rush this driving route, but spend as long as you want to exploring all of the beautiful attractions along the way. It’s difficult to find a better weekend of driving anywhere else in Ireland.
2. The West Coast
The wild and rugged west coast of Ireland is an area that deserves exploration, and the best way to see it is to simply jump into your car and make up your own itinerary.
The Cliffs of Moher should definitely be on your route. These are located in County Clare on the Atlantic coast, and they are one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Ireland. Tourists flock to these famous 200-metre-high cliffs to enjoy spectacular views over the deep blue sea below – just remember not to go too near the edge!
The Burren region is known for its exquisite beauty, and aside from the natural splendour you’ll encounter at every turn, you should also keep an eye out for some interesting wildlife and sea birds including the Atlantic Puffin.
Another place you might want to stop off at is the nearby Aran Islands, one of the main highlights of any driving trip on the west coat of Ireland.
3. The South Coast
The south coast of Ireland has many beautiful and interesting towns to explore, as well as the stunning coastline.
Kinsale is a good place to start your road trip, and from there you can head down to Cork City which is no more than half an hour away. Blarney Castle is the next highlight of the trip, and remember to kiss the Blarney Stone to benefit from the ‘gift of the gab’.
You can then head on to Waterford along the coast, an ancient city dating back to Viking times, and on the way you can stop off at any number of towns including Courtmacsherry, Rosscarbery, Garrettstown and more.
See the Best of Ireland
If you want to explore Ireland properly then a road trip to any of the above areas is a fantastic idea.
Of course, if you feel like something that will take in even more of the country, why not do an entire circuit of the island? You could start at Dublin and go all the way around in 10 days if you are in a rush, or take another 10 days over it and do it slowly. You could even venture North to see Donegal and Antrim’s famous Giant’s Causeway. You’ll find that most hotels in Ireland come with excellent parking and are overall well known for their quality in comparison to most other European countries.
There is no better way to see all of the beautiful areas of this stunning country than driving, so start planning your road trip in Ireland today.
About the Author:
Danny is the owner and manager of Holidays Around Ireland. An Irish tourism portal for tourists and service providers alike. Passionate about Online Marketing. Provider of managed Social Media Services and Web Site Marketing strategies and advice to Tourism Industry businesses.
Danny – who has written 135 posts on Holidays Around Ireland.
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