The Best Driving Routes Around Ireland

If you’re searching for some of the best driving routes around Ireland and are interested in reading about some of the incredible landmarks and attractions which you’re likely to see on your Ireland road trip, simply continue to discover a handy guide to planning a road trip in Ireland. Also, remember to check over your vehicle for safety before your road trip and you may also want to look compare car insurance options for added protection.

The top scenic driving routes to explore:

1. Port of Cork to Clonakilty

This picturesque drive begins in Cork, which boasts the second largest natural harbor in the world and twists its way to Clonakilty, which is located roughly 65 km from Cork.

During your drive, you’ll pass through the charming small towns of Kinsale, Ballinspittle, and Timoleague. It’s well worth stopping at one of the seafood shops which you’ll no doubt drive past as all three towns are known for producing mouth-watering fresh seafood dishes.

Better yet, several times throughout your drive you’ll be treated to phenomenal sea views as parts of this popular driving route.

Lastly, if you’re flexible about the time of year which you complete this route, it may be worth timing your trip so that you’ll be in Cork on the second Sunday of June. Which is when the annual Cork Harbour Festival takes place.

2. Baltimore to Mizen Head

The drive between Baltimore and Mizen Head is around 58 km and traverses a rugged, windswept region of Ireland. It’s well worth completing this particular drive during summer when purple gorse covers the nearby hills.

The best part of completing this particular drive is getting to walk down the Mizen Head sea cliffs. Just be sure to save plenty of energy to climb back up the countless steps, which will lead you back to your car, which you can park at the top of Mizen Head, where you’ll find a handy car park.

3. Slea Head Drive

If you’re a confident driver and don’t mind navigating narrow, winding roads, you may be interesting in completing the Slea Head Drive which offers enchanting coastal views, that have to be seen to be believed.

The highlight of this particular drive is definitely getting to take photos of the Blasket Islands, which are located just off the coast of mainland Ireland.

If you’re interested in visiting locations from movie sets, you’ll get a chance to stop and visit the schoolhouse which was used in the classic WWI film Ryan’s Daughter, which starred Hollywood legends, Robert Mitchum and Sarah Miles.

If you’re more interested in enjoying a nice cold pint, you’ll also be able to pull over and enjoy a drink at the most westerly pub in all of Europe. Just be sure to consume food with your pint and to limit your alcohol intake if you plan on taking the wheel. Although you also have the option of giving up driving duties to a sober driver.

So if you’re currently daydreaming about just how much fun it will be to explore Ireland either with your family, friends or partner, it’s well worth incorporating all three scenic drives listed above, into your trip itinerary. All of which are guaranteed to be worth the trip.