The Best Drives in Ireland

Got a couple of days to spend in Ireland? Make the most of your holiday in the magnificent Emerald Isle and see the best that this spectacular country has to offer. Whether you’re after history, culture, brilliant vistas or just a good dose of good old fashioned Irish craic, you’ll be sure to find it in at least one of these great touring routes. Hopefully these driving ideas inspire you to get behind the wheel and tour the beautiful island of Ireland. 

1. Ring of Kerry, Co. Kerry (170km) 

Ireland’s most famous drive is a circular route that takes in the magnificent mountain, lake and coastal regions within Co. Kerry. Begin at the town of Killarney, and drive along the banks of the River Glenbeigh toward Killorglin, enjoying the spectacular view of the Dingle Peninsular. Drive through the towns of Cahersiveen, Renard, the gardens at Glanleam and on toward Portmagee. From here you can take a tour out the World Heritage listed Skellig Islands to see the Gallarus Oratory, and then on the village of Waterville. Enjoy the view from Coomakesta Pass of Kenmore River, Scariff and Deenish Islands. Continue on through the Derrynane National Park, through to the towns of Sneem and Kenmare, then stopping off at Molls Gap and Ladies View and returning on to Killarney. 

2.Causeway Coastal Route, Co. Antrim (143km) 

This drive is listed as one of the world’s top 5 touring routes. Begin your tour from Belfast and join the Coastal Causeway Route at Newtownabbey, home to its well-preserved 12th century castle. Head through the town of Kilroot and along to Larne and the magnificent Glens of Antrim where you’ll enjoy unsurpassed scenery, particularly Glenarm with the fantastic gardens and beautiful harbour. Drive onto the town of Cushendon and Torr Head and then along to Ballintoy, the home of the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge that spans a 24 metre chasm. 

Drive further along to Bushmills to see the ruins of Dunluce Castle, and then onto the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Giant’s Causeway. From here, head through the seaside towns of Portrush and Portstewart, through the Bann Valley and on to the town of Ballymoney. On the final leg, stop off at the remote beaches of Benone and Downhill, then on to the only completely walled city of Londonderry. 

3.Tour The Connemara, Co.’s Galway & Mayo (160km) 

The Connemara is one of the last unspoilt areas in Ireland. Start this journey in Galway, and head North West through the pretty town of Oughterard and enjoy the views of Lough Corrib. Drive on through the rugged peaks of the Twelve Bens and onto the town of Clifden in the heart of the Connemara region. Drive through the forests, heath lands and blanketing bogs of the Connemara along the way to the town of Westport. Make sure you stop along the way at Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s Holy Mountain. Finally, tour the beautiful lake regions on the road north to the medieval settlement of Castlebar. 

Ok, so this is only just scratching the surface of what you’ll be able to see in Ireland on a self drive tour. There are countless other tours you can follow, or just create your own route. The options are endless! Get more information on the greatest ideas to see the best of Ireland from Discover Ireland.