There are some fantastic car trips to choose from when hitting the road in Ireland. Whether you’re on holiday from abroad or you’re Irish and on staycation, there are plenty of places to explore around Ireland. Just hop in your car and go!
Ireland is known for its beautiful green landscape and scenery, and if you’re in your car in Ireland, you don’t have to travel far to see it. But there’s much more to see. Ireland also has fantastic cliffs, beaches, vast limestone pavements and much more. Read on to start your discovery…
The Burren
The Burren is one of Ireland’s top tourist destinations and covers an area of about 250 sq metres. Car trips of the area cover over 80km and bring you through some of Ireland’s most scenic spots and beautiful towns. The word ‘Burren’ means ‘Rocky Place’ in the Irish language and is quite a fitting name due to the vast areas of uncovered limestone.
The area also includes limestone pavement, woodland, lakes, springs, cliffs and a fen. But be careful where you thread! Despite The Burren making up just 1% of Ireland’s landscape, over 75% of our native plants are located there and are now protected by law.
The Sally Gap
Situated in Co. Wicklow, The Sally Gap is mostly known for its spectacular views. The car trip around the area may require a little more focus as the trip includes winding roads that can become very narrow at times. Driving your car more slowly will also give you more time to take in the breathtaking views of mountain scenery, vast bog plains and lakes.
Watch for deer scattered across the mountains as you make your way along the route. You’ll notice the landscape changing as you drive along to the route from brown bog lands to green firs and valleys. If you fancy getting out of your car for a walk in the area, continue on to Glendalough for various walkways around the lake.
The Sally Gap is also worth visiting in autumn and winter as the leaves turn brown and orange. However, be sure to check the weather forecast before going there, as snow levels are usually much higher, which can make roads more hazardous.
The Ring of Kerry
Car Trips to The Ring of Kerry have been a top destination for tourists for years. Not only will you see some of the best beaches in Ireland, but you can also enjoy fantastic landscapes, Iron Age Forts and monasteries.
The roads around The Ring of Kerry can be windy and narrow, so you may need to have your wits about you if you’re behind the wheel.
If you’re planning to spend a bit of time around the area, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities such as fishing, cycling or horse riding, or you want to sample the local cuisine, you’ll find what you’re looking for here.
Causeway Coastal Route
You may need to split this car trip over a few days as the full route is over 190 Kilometres. The route extends from Belfast to Derry plenty of scenery along the way. As the name suggests, you’ll mostly be driving on coastal roads with long beaches, cliffs and waterfalls.
Unlike a lot of Ireland’s coastal car trips, the roads are quite good and easy to manoeuvre around. The best day to head on this trip is a clear, bright day, as good visibility will allow you to take in the break-taking views of the Atlantic Ocean and cliffs.
Along the route, you can also visit the world-famous Giant’s Causeway, which consists of thousands of basalt columns from an ancient volcanic eruption.
