Top 10 · Scenic Drives
Updated 2026After years of driving every road this island has to offer, these are the routes we return to again and again. Some are famous, some are hidden, all are unforgettable. Pack a camera, download an offline map, and prepare to pull over constantly.
The places we recommend to friends.
Co. Kerry · 179 km loop
Ireland's most celebrated scenic drive. A 179-kilometer loop of mountains, coastline, and impossibly green valleys that defines the Irish landscape in the American imagination.
Why We Recommend It: Drive counter-clockwise to avoid the tour buses. Stop at Derrynane Beach and Moll's Gap: the views will make you pull over involuntarily.
Distance: 179 km
Time: Full day
Co. Kerry · 47 km
Wilder and more intimate than the Ring of Kerry. Ancient beehive huts, crashing Atlantic waves, and views of the Blasket Islands at the edge of Europe.
Why We Recommend It: Start early, drive slowly, and stop for fish & chips in Dingle town. The afternoon light on Slea Head is otherworldly.
Distance: 47 km
Highlight: Blasket Islands
Recommended Experiences
Dingle Peninsula Private TourDonegal to Cork · 2,500 km
The longest defined coastal driving route in the world. 2,500 kilometers of cliffs, beaches, villages, and unrelenting Atlantic drama.
Why We Recommend It: Don't attempt it all. Pick a section. The Connemara stretch or the Kerry/Clare coast are the most rewarding for a 3 to 4 day road trip.
Distance: 2,500 km
Best Section: Kerry to Clare
Co. Wicklow · 130 km
The Garden of Ireland, just 30 minutes from Dublin. Military Road winds through heather-covered mountains, past Glendalough's medieval ruins and Powerscourt's manicured grounds.
Why We Recommend It: This is the perfect first-day drive from Dublin. Jet lag fades quickly when you're staring at Lough Tay from the Sally Gap.
From Dublin: 30 mins
Must-See: Sally Gap
Recommended Experiences
Wicklow Mountains & Glendalough TourBelfast to Derry · 195 km
Northern Ireland's crown jewel. The Giant's Causeway, Dunluce Castle, the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, and the Dark Hedges, all on one magnificent route.
Why We Recommend It: The Dark Hedges at dawn before the crowds arrive. Then the Causeway, then Royal Portrush for golf. A perfect Northern Ireland day.
Distance: 195 km
Highlight: Giant's Causeway
Co. Galway · 160 km
Sky Road, the Twelve Bens, Kylemore Abbey, and the wild boglands that define Ireland's rugged west. This is the Ireland that makes poets weep.
Why We Recommend It: Stay at Ballynahinch Castle as your base. Drive the Sky Road at sunset. Accept that you'll pull over every five minutes for photos.
Distance: 160 km
Base: Ballynahinch Castle
Recommended Experiences
Connemara & Galway Private TourWest Cork · 120 km
West Cork's gourmet trail. Ireland's southernmost point at Mizen Head, through picturesque Skibbereen, Baltimore, and Clonakilty, ending at colourful Kinsale.
Why We Recommend It: This is Ireland's food coast. Stop at every farmers market and artisan shop. Lunch in Kinsale is non-negotiable.
Distance: 120 km
Theme: Food & Coast
Recommended Experiences
Ireland South & West 9-Day Luxury TourCork & Kerry border · 140 km
Ireland's hidden gem. Quieter than the Ring of Kerry, equally dramatic, with the Healy Pass as its crown: a winding mountain road with views to Cork and Kerry simultaneously.
Why We Recommend It: The Healy Pass alone is worth the trip. Do this drive if you want the drama without the tour buses.
Distance: 140 km
Highlight: Healy Pass
Co. Donegal · 160 km
Ireland's northernmost point at Malin Head. Wild, empty, and utterly beautiful. The Grianan of Aileach hillfort has views across three counties.
Why We Recommend It: This is Ireland without tourists. Malin Head at sunset, followed by a pint in any Donegal pub, is perfection.
Distance: 160 km
Landmark: Malin Head
Recommended Experiences
Derry Walls Walking TourCo. Kerry · 11 km
A narrow mountain pass carved by glaciers. Cars are discouraged. Walk, cycle, or take a jaunting car through some of Kerry's most dramatic scenery.
Why We Recommend It: Do it properly: boat across the lakes in the morning, walk the Gap, emerge at Kate Kearney's Cottage for lunch. Ideal day.
Distance: 11 km
Best Way: Walk or Cycle
Recommended Experience
⭐ One of the best ways to experience the Dingle Peninsula
One of the most beautiful drives in Ireland, done properly. This four-hour private tour covers Slea Head Drive, ancient stone structures, and the most dramatic Atlantic views on the island.
Book ExperienceRecommended Experience
⭐ One of the best ways to experience the Ring of Kerry
One of Ireland's most iconic drives. This private Ring of Kerry tour explores dramatic Atlantic coastline, traditional villages, Valentia Island, and some of the most spectacular scenery along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Book ExperienceRoad Trip
The Printed Edit
The Wild Atlantic Way at the right pace, with the bases we'd actually book.
Built from the drive we send first-timers every week.