Causeway coastal route
Corkscrew Hill , The Burren
GETTING BACK IN THE DRIVER ’ S SEAT .
Discover the best driving routes across the island of Ireland . Driving itineraries are in abundance across the island of Ireland , and we are lucky to have such scenic landscapes which constitute magical road trips . From top to toe , you can cross the island of Ireland in seven hours , but here we ’ d like to illustrate the intricacies of Ireland ’ s wild , untamed routes , which give rise to our rugged coastline , dramatic mountain passes and hidden gems . Take to the wheel and marvel at our highways to heaven from the comfort of your seat .
Causeway coast The Causeway Coastal Route is a 120-mile driving route ( with nine scenic loops ) running along the coast between Northern Ireland ’ s two main cities , Belfast and Derry ~ Londonderry . Often considered by many as ‘ one of the world ’ s greatest road journeys ,’ The Causeway Coastal Route hugs the coastline , with the Atlantic Ocean taking you along imposing cliffs , crystal-clear waterfalls and Game of Thrones filming territories . Dotted along the way , you ’ ll encounter : Carrickfergus Castle , one of Ireland ’ s best-preserved medieval structures from 1177 , the Gobbins , an exhilarating cliffface path and masterful feat of Edwardian architecture , the Glens of Antrim , an area of outstanding natural beauty and the Giant ’ s Causeway , a geological and mythological wonder .
Burren Loop Otherworldly in its beauty , the Burren loop landscapes are a must-see . Encircling County Clare ’ s moonscape paradise , the route follows a trail of approximately 51 miles , taking in ancient towns and villages along the way . Beginning in the quaint harbour village of Ballyvaughan , many consider this to be the prefect starting point and it ’ s filled with picturesque cafes , B & Bs and pubs . Heading west , stop off at Lisdoonvarna , one of Ireland ’ s premier spa towns and home to the famous matchmaking festival and modern-day cupid Willie Daly . Next , visit the ancient town of Kilfenora , home to the Burren Interpretive Centre , an interactive exhibit which shows how the Burren developed over 320 million years . Upon reaching the shores of the Wild Atlantic Way as you journey north to complete the loop , visit the colourful town of Doolin , believed by many to be the spiritual home of Ireland ’ s traditional music .
Ring of Kerry Crowned as a photographer ’ s paradise , even the locals stop their cars to gawk at the breathtaking surroundings and so from a visitor perspective , it ’ s an absolute must . Beginning and ending at Killarney , the Ring of Kerry sits in the beautiful surrounds of Killarney National Park – and when it comes to stunning scenery , this is one of the island ’ s unparalleled spots . Some delightful gems include the stately home of Muckross House in Killarney National Park , Ladies View ( named for Queen Victoria and her ladies ), with its sprawling vistas of the Lakes of Killarney , as well as Valentia island , one of Ireland ’ s most westerly points . Not to mention , this is also the heartland of quintessential villages , with Sneem , Waterville and Derrynane as just some of the brightly coloured , postcard-perfect stop-off points .
Sperrins Mountains The Sperrins are Northern Ireland ’ s most extensive mountain range and can be explored on several different driving routes . Pretty fields intertwined with hedgerows , soft valleys and heather-clad hills with sweeping views ; this is one of Northern Ireland ’ s dreamiest driving routes . As one of Ireland ’ s largest upland areas , stretching from Strabane in County Tyrone to the shores of Lough Neagh in the east , the Sperrins range is an undiscovered gem – wild , untouched and so beautiful it has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty . Thanks to the ice age , there is a variety of landscapes carved out including Barnes Gap , Gortin Glen and the beautiful valleys of Owenkillew and Glenelly , which were all scoured out by ice , leaving behind spectacular views of the surrounding countryside .
Ireland ’ s Ancient East Charting 5,000 years of history across 15 counties , Ireland ’ s Ancient East unveils an early world , acting as a gateway to the past . Framed by the River Shannon and the Irish Sea , Ireland ’ s ancient east is a verdant landscape , carpeted by lush rolling hills and idyllic towns . Upon closer inspection , we discover woeful tales of battles and invasions scattered throughout megalithic tombs , medieval castles , holy treasures and Gothic architecture . Here , you ’ ll find tombs that predate the pyramids , feuding families and paths that have seen footfall for millennia . Whether you ’ re scouring the streets of the Viking town of Waterford , exploring the 6th century monastic retreat of Glendalough ; or gazing across the Celtic Sea from the world ’ s oldest lighthouse at Hook Head , it is clear Ireland ’ s ancient history is still very much alive .
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Road to Molls Gap Ring of Kerry
Clady to Sperrins
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