Planning your 2021 trip to Ireland? Are you ready to get out and explore some of Ireland’s most scenic drives? Whether you have the services of your own private driver and guide or are driving yourself, there are so many wonderful scenic drives in the Emerald Isle. 
But it’s not just about the drive, it’s about what happens when you stop. It’s about the people you meet along the way and the stories they’ll share. And the places you’ll stumble across that you’ll never find in a guide book. The taste of fish and chips eaten right on the pier and the ever-present smell of the ocean. Following Ireland’s great coastal drives is an experience to be savored.
Whether you’re craving the sea air or reaching for a higher altitude, this list of scenic drives should aid your decision-making and satisfy that wanderlust.
Are you ready to get started? Contact Katie Daly’s Ireland now to plan your clients 2021 Ireland vacation.
Slea Head, Kerry
Popular amongst drivers, walkers and cyclists alike, the Slea Head Drive loops around the Dingle Peninsula and is sure to seduce you with its incredible coastal views. Forming part of the Wild Atlantic Way, you’ll find ample
signage for the route once you get to Dingle. En route to Slea Head itself, surfers and swimmers can take a dip at Ventry Beach and historians can visit the stone Beehives at the ruins of Dunbeg Fort.
The Slea Head Viewing Point provides the best view of the Blasket Islands, and you can even catch a ferry there further along at Dún Chaoin (Dunquin). There are plenty of other historic ruins to be seen as you continue, including Gallarus Oratory. En route back to Dingle you will drive alongside Mount Brandon – Ireland’s second tallest mountain.
The Sally Gap, Wicklow
The Sally Gap is essentially the crossroads of the two main roads running through the Wicklow Mountains. There are plenty of viewing points to stop off at for photos and a hike. Head south along Military Rd to Glendalough, or venture east to Powerscourt Waterfall. History buffs can take a brief detour by turning off Military Rd near the Dublin bounds for Glencree, where you’ll find Glencree Cemetery – Ireland’s only German war cemetery.
Sky Road, Galway
Even the name is enticing. Forming part of the Wild Atlantic Way, Sky Road trails from the picturesque town of Clifden out into the Kingstown peninsula. At 16km long, you’l
l wish it went on forever as you spin alongside Connemara’s famous stone walls, looking out over the Atlantic at Inisturk, Turbot Island and co. Venture off the beaten track and there’s plenty to explore, with several megalithic tombs just waiting to be found. After you’ve travelled the route and reached the N59 (road back to Clifden), keep going as you are only a 15-minute drive from Connemara National Park.
The Causeway Coastal Route, Derry/Antrim
You don’t have to be a Game of Thrones fan to enjoy the Causeway Coastal Route. Stretching along the coast from Derry all the way to Belfast, you might need a few days to take it all in; but if it’s a day-trip you’re after, Discover Northern Ireland have broken it down into 4 handy stretches. The hour-long drive between Mussenden Temple and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is particularly jam-packed with sites, taking in Dunluce Castle, Bushmills, Ballintoy Harbour and the Giant’s Causeway itself. With all those stops, watch an hour-long drive turn into several…….
The Comeragh Drive, Waterford
The Comeragh Drive is perfect for the explorer who likes to veer off-route. An easy place to start is on the N25, where you’ll find a signposted turn-off for the Comeragh Drive between Dungarvan and Lemybrien. Taking a detour for a trip up to Mahon Falls is essential. Interested in a walk, park the car and stroll up to the 80m waterfall, before returning via The Magic Road – where cars mysteriously roll uphill! Back on the Comeragh Drive itself, following the signposts will lead you all the way to Ballymacarbry, where you can follow signs for the Nire Valley Drive for postcard-worthy views.
Boyne Valley Drive, Meath/Louth
Dubbed as ‘9000 years of history in one valley’, the Boyne Valley Drive may be different from your coastal cruise, but it’s no less impressive. The route will take you through the towns of Navan, Kells, Trim and Drogheda with a star-studded historical line-up featuring Newgrange, The Hill of Tara, Trim Castle and the Battle of the Boyne in between.
Ready to start planning, contact us now to start planning your clients dream vacation.
