[dropcap]I[/dropcap]f you’ve ever been to Ireland you’ll understand that it’s beauty lies not just in the towns of wonderful people, but the evergreen array of countryside that each town is engulfed by. Alike Wales it makes a seriously fun road trip to head off exploring to, which can make it half the fun of the holiday getting to run around in a car going over hills, valleys with a panoramic view of nature. So today’s post I’ll be walking you through the most spellbinding and beautifully scenic drives that Ireland can offer to you that are worth diverting off from the motorway by 10 or 20 minutes for jaw dropping beauty. Whilst I’ll also be touching on car safety before you hit the open road.
So before your journey begins, you need to get your Drivers license Ireland, which you can sort super quickly and then, Chill recommends you to do a couple of safety checks, so stay aware about your tyre pressure, tyre tread depth, oil levels, windscreen washer fluid levels, wiper blades and lights. Make you’re well rested – because no one wants to miss out on those stunning views when they’re knackered, so take regular breaks. Shockingly 18% of the people they polled said they have fallen asleep at the wheel. Lastly one thing to bear in mind is to watch your speed on the country roads. As tempting as it may seem to go flying off down the hills, sharp corners can be unpredictable and can cause accidents.
So now you’re on your way, so you should definitely try out these 5 routes that can make your road trip go from good to epic!
Before your journey begins
1. Wexford to Waterford via the ring of hook road.
The beautiful coastal town of Wexford runs 95km and guides you via the rugged Hook Peninsula. You’ll find sensational views out to see, as well as the world’s oldest lighthouse.
If it’s tranquility you’re after then Sky Road is your calling, although only a short 15km it will however take you along the sheltered folds of the Connemara coast which offers up sweeping vistas over calm waters. Get looking for Twelve Bens inland and Inishturk and after your swift drive then keep going to Omey Island, but ensure you’ve timed it with the tide for your off road adventure.
2. The Sky Road, Connemara
3. Dublin to Portlaoise through the Wicklow Mountains
If you want contrast, then drive from the busy streets of Dublin off to the remote and majesty of the Wicklow Mountains. If you fancy a small detour then hit up the Powerscourt Waterfall which sits at the foot of the mountains as the highest waterfall in the country. Then hit up the road again for stunning valley views around Sally Gap. At the village of Laragh, turning towards the Glendalough valley to discover one of Ireland’s best preserved monastic settlements.
The coastal route has been discussed as being arguably one of the most beautiful to find in the world. Where you can trace the footsteps of the mythical giant Finn McCool as it takes you around the Giant’s causeway. Also passing by Dark Hedges which has been famed for its appearance in Game Of Thrones.
4. The Causeway Coast
5. Fanad Peninsula
Finally if you want a beautiful drive then hit up Donegal, which provides spectacular vistas of the Fanad Peninsulas heading out to sea.
If you want incredible views then check out the vision that is Ballymastocker Bay, where you can have a dip in the water.
