The 18 Best Drives in Ireland Not to Be Missed

There are probably at least one hundred best drives in Ireland.

Seriously.

Every road you drive down is scenic, gorgeous, stunning and breathtaking.

This is because Ireland is so beautiful.

Okay. I might be a bit biased due to all my trips to this enchanting country that I love.

But it’s true.

And I believe Ireland is meant to be explored slowly— along rural roads that are not quite 2 lanes wide.

So driving — or biking or walking, if you’re an active person — is a wonderful way to experience all this gorgeousness.

Pick any road that looks as though it’s not a main road and you won’t be disappointed.

But your time is limited, so which drive or drives do you choose for your trip?

Well I’ve put together a list of my favorite drives in Ireland — some of the most scenic drives, in my opinion.

And I have driven at least part of each of these so I can attest to the beauty of each.

So without further ado here are the best drives in Ireland — according to yours truly!

 

Best Drives in Ireland — County Waterford

This area gets passed over or driven through too quickly.

In fact, I haven’t spent enough time here myself, but hope to remedy this in the near future.

Be sure to spend some time in County Waterford.

And while the drive I’ve chosen is coastal, the inland area is not to be missed!

 

Copper Coast — From Dungarven to Tramore

I took this drive with my Irish friend, Aedín, on my first trip to Ireland.

And it is lovely.

For 40km you’ll skirt along the coast on the R675 taking in rugged sea cliffs, sandy beaches and green fields dotted with sheep.

While the sea cliffs aren’t as high as you’ll find on the west coast, they’re still impressive.

I call it a gentler drive — a bit less rugged than some of the west coast drives.

But no less stunning.

Tuck down some of the lesser roads that will lead you closer to the coast when you see a sign for a beach or viewpoint.

In my opinion this area of Ireland — County Waterford — is often overlooked.

So you may find it less crowded which only adds to the beauty of this drive.

I suggest extending the drive and stopping at Ardmore which is a lovely dot of a village with some wonderful sites, a beach and an nice array of tourist amenities.

 

Best drives in Ireland — County Cork

Cork is one of the largest counties in Ireland and has some amazingly gorgeous drives.

From pastoral scenes, to harbor towns to sandy beaches and stunning sea cliffs, Cork is a wonderful place to “take the wee road” to see where it leads!

It’s one of my favorite areas of Ireland.

 

Kinsale to Baltimore

One of my all time favorite drives is located in County Cork.

And it starts in one of my favorite towns — Kinsale.

Kinsale is a bit touristy and becoming more so, but I still love it.

And it’s a great base to explore some of the towns that lie along the coast.

Starting in Kinsale head to the Old Head of Kinsale — the lighthouse.

This is also where a world class golf course — Old Head Golf Links — is located.

Make the loop around the R604 and hook back up with the R600 to Timoleague.

Follow the R600 into Clonakilty as it connects with the main N71.

You may want to stop in Clonakilty to pay homage to Michael Collins—  one of the top rebels who lead the Irish movement for independence.

 

Or you may want to follow one of L routes to Inchydoney, a beautiful stretch of sandy beach.

You can follow the L4013 to the L4010 staying near the water.

If you want you can hit Red Strand then head out to Galley Head, a lovely point with a lighthouse.

Or you can continue on around to Long Strand and Owenahincha for more beach time and views.

This puts you onto the R598 and then back to the main N71.

I’ll attest to these 2 beaches and the sand dunes of Castlefreke that you walk over to Long Strand.

Great place to stop!

Around Rosscarbery pick up the R597 toward Glandore.

If you want follow the signs to Drombeg Stone Circle for a side trip as it’s a wonderful spot for communing with the ancient spirits — and there are some fabulous views.

Follow the R597 through Glandore, stopping here to take in the beautiful views of the inlet and the houses scattered about.

Jump back on the N71 at Leap and follow it to Skibereen.

Or you can once again take a lesser road back toward the water, this one the L4221 toward Castletownsend.

You’ll find this turnoff between Leap and Skibbereen.

Admittedly, I didn’t take this drive but I hear it’s lovely out to Toe Head Bay.

At Skibbereen take the R595 all the way to the charming sailing village of Baltimore.

It’s a picturesque spot for some lunch, tea or a pint.

I’ve done this drive a few times and I recommend it to all my clients staying in Kinsale.

This is definitely one of the most scenic drives in Ireland.

Be sure to give yourself a full day to do this and thoroughly enjoy it.

And get an early start!

 

 

 

Mizen Head

Wow and more wow!

So, let me back up here.

There are actually 5 peninsulas in southwest Ireland — Dingle, Iveragh (Ring of Kerry), Beara, Sheep and Mizen.

Mizen is the the most southerly of the 5 and it’s a stunner.

The drive really gets started in Schull which is one of my favorite towns in Ireland — and it makes an excellent base for exploring West Cork.

Outside of Schull the scenery is spectacular with views of the rocky coastline, the roiling Atlantic and sheep grazing in the green fields.

Do stop at Barley Cove Beach as this is another of those stunning beaches in Ireland.

There are a few spurs you can take one of which is out to Crookhaven and Brow Head which features in the latest Star Wars film.

Unfortunately I didn’t take this spur but I wish I had.

The road is well posted for getting to Mizen Head so you won’t miss it.

And — being Ireland — the roads get smaller and smaller as you get out to the end.

At the end you’ll hit the Mizen Head Experience which is the place to get out and stretch your legs.

It’s a fee to walk along these paved trails, but well worth the €8 as there are loads of trails that lead to all kinds of lookout points.

The sea cliffs are magnificent and the views are amazing.

Once you finish up at the Mizen Head Experience you can retrace your drive straight back to Schull.

Or you can cut up a wee road to the north side of the peninsula.

I don’t remember where I did this exactly (sorry) but it was somewhere around Gollen or Toormore.

I then followed the R591 to Drishane and took some wee road over the Mount Gabriel pass back into Schull where I was staying.

The views from up there are fab!

But I wish I had taken a cutoff sooner.

And there is also a side trip to Three Castle Head that is around Barley Cove.

Yes, there are castle ruins here that are supposed to be very cool.

You can easily spend a full day driving and exploring Mizen Head.

It’s awesome!

It’s one of the most beautiful drives in Ireland and also one of the lesser driven ones.

 

Beara Peninsula

This was my second of the 5 southwest peninsulas to visit.

Dingle was my first.

We’ll get to that one soon.

I was a passenger on this one as my friend, Aedín, drove this one when my parents traveled to Ireland with me in 2010.

Now most of Beara lies in County Cork but some of the northern part of it is in County Kerry — just an fyi.

It’s breath taking and varied — and I’d really like to see Beara again.

We took the R571 from Kenmare — one of my favorite towns in Ireland — skirting the northern coast first.

You can also start in Glengarriff which will put you on the R572 on the southern side of the peninsula.

Whatever you do, don’t neglect the interior.

We cut across the R574, south over Healy Pass, down to Adrigole.

This is an absolutely amazeballs drive with gorgeous scenery.

Do not miss it!

Then we drove the R572 along the southern coast through Castletownbere and out toward Garinish Point where you can take a cable car over to Dursey Island.

We didn’t do this but it looks like fun.

Circling back on the R575 you hit colorful villages such as Allihies and Eyeries.

Unfortunately the weather turned and we had lots of rain on our drive along the northern coast drive (the R571) as we headed back to Kenmare.

But even in the rain Beara is gorgeous.

There’s so much to explore on this peninsula — stone circles, viewpoints down wee roads, beaches and charming villages.

We didn’t have time nor did we have the good weather to explore as much as I would have liked.

But I did spot a sign for a stone circle — Derreenataggart — not far from Castletownbere that we stopped to see.

Although no one else was as excited as I was about this so they stayed in the car while I communed with the ancient spirits.

What makes the Beara Peninsula one of the best drives in Ireland is that there are NO MOTOR COACHES.

I just love this drive!

 

 

Caha Pass

Another drive that crosses the Cork/Kerry line is the Caha Pass.

You can’t miss this scenic drive in Ireland if you’re driving from Bantry or Glengarriff in Cork up to Kenmare or Killarney in Kerry.

It’s on the main N71 and it’s brilliant

The Caha Mountains are to the West and Barrboy Mountain is to the East.

There are views out to Glengarriff Bay.

Sheep dot the valley below.

*Sigh*

I drove over this a couple of times on my recent visit.

The first time I was coming from Glengarriff on my way to Kenmare.

The weather wasn’t too good, but I was still very impressed.

Then I drove over Caha Pass in the morning from Kenmare to Glengarriff.

And I had spectacular weather.

Wow!

This is one of those drives that the locals make all the time.

I really think it’s one of those “hidden in plain sight” drives which is what makes it one of the best drives in Ireland.

 

Best drives in Ireland — County Kerry

Kerry is famous for the hardest to understand Irish accent — and the Ring of Kerry.

I bet you didn’t know the first bit of information, but it’s true.

The people of Kerry are wonderful — but I can’t understand a damn thing they’re saying to me.

And Kerry is known for the Iveragh Peninsula — the Ring of Kerry.

But there’s so much more than the Ring of Kerry in County Kerry.

 

Dingle Peninsula — Slea Head Loop

There’s no way that any list is complete without this gorgeous drive.

Now getting out to Dingle town where the Slea Head drive begins is gorgeous as well.

Whether you’re coming from the Tralee area to the north or from the Killarney area to the south, the drive out to Dingle town is going to be pretty damn picturesque.

Do stop at Inch Beach if you are coming from the south.

Driving from Dingle Town out to Slea Head on the R559 and looping back to town is breath taking — and sometimes hair raising!

It’s a wee road in places but they’ve added so many more parking areas than when I first made this drive in 2007, making it a bit safer for stopping to take pics and drink in the views.

You’ll get views out to the Blasket Islands, see some pretty beaches and take in the stone beehive huts that the peninsula is famous for.

Did I mention this is the most westerly point of mainland Ireland?

Yup it is.

And it’s only 30 miles so you can truly take your time and stop along the way, especially if the weather is dry.

It’s one of the best drives in Ireland and one of the most stunning.

I do want to note that this drive has become über popular so plan accordingly.

 

 

Molls Gap — From Killarney to Kenmare or vice versa

I love this drive!

I’ve done this a few times now — on my first visit, with my parents in 2010 and a couple of times on my recent visit in 2018.

This is the slower — yet shorter route at 20 miles (32km) — to get from Killarney town to Kenmare.

It’s far more picturesque than the faster route which I’ve taken once.

This drive is on the main road — the N71.

It winds its way through the gorgeous Killarney National Park then up to Molls Gap.

From here you’ll have stunning views over one of Ireland’s most dazzling national parks.

On the Kenmare side of the gap is an open valley dotted with sheep with hills and low mountains off in the distance.

This is truly one of the most beautiful drives in Ireland.

And it’s one of my favorites.

The funny part is that there are speed limit signs that say 100kph.

That’s about 60mph which is just impossible on this road.

Seriously.

Drive this slowly even if there’s some Irish person on your tail.

This is some of the most stunning scenery in all of Ireland so take your time and relish those views.

 

Ring of Kerry

I finally made this most famous drive in 2018.

And while so many people might say this is the best drive in Ireland, I wouldn’t put it at the top.

I do, however, think it deserves to be on this most scenic drives in Ireland list because the Ring of Kerry is damn beautiful.

Now I didn’t make this drive in one day which I think is the way to do it.

But you have to do your trip your way.

I do highly recommend starting in Kenmare, making the drive clockwise to avoid getting behind the motor coaches which are the downfall to this drive.

And do leave early.

The Ring of Kerry is a main road, the N70.

From Kenmare to Sneem the drive is pleasant but not overly scenic.

Sneem is inland a bit, but I think the scenery from here through the settlement of Derry and onto Ardmore is gorgeous with the Kerry Mountains looming to the right.

You begin to drive back toward the coast as you head toward Caherdaniel where the scenery really becomes more dramatic and more beautiful.

The stretch between Caherdaniel and Waterville is probably where the Ring of Kerry is at its peak of beauty.

Waterville makes a great place to stop for a bite or to stay.

 

As you continue on the N70 out of Waterville take the “extra” loop, the Ballinskelligs Loop where NO MOTOR COACHES can go.

This is the absolute best part of the drive.

It’s a wee road — the R567 — that goes to Ballinskelligs Bay, loops around toward Keel and onto Portmagee.

Stop at Skelligs Chocolate, St Finan’s Bay/Beach where you can see Skellig Michael and Little Skellig off in the distance and the Kerry Cliffs.

The drive over Coomanaspic Pass is epic with curvy, steep hills but spectacular views.

Once in Portmagee you can make your way along 1 of 2 different routes back to the N70.

Back on the N70 you’ll go through Cahersiveen and eventually start heading back toward the coast.

When I drove the northern part of the Ring of Kerry, I had typical Irish weather — misty rain with low visibility.

So I didn’t get the full experience.

But my feeling, from what I could see, is that there’s some incredible scenery here with mountains on the right and views to the sea and the Dingle Peninsula to the left.

However, I’m betting that the best part of the Iveragh Peninsula is the Ballinskelligs Ring where only the cars can go.

 

 

Best Drives in Ireland — County Clare

County Clare is home to the Cliffs of Moher but there’s so much more to this beautiful and diverse piece of Ireland.

The Burren is otherworldly and there are some lovely towns along the coast.

I think this is a wonderful place to simply get a little lost because all the wee roads end up coming back around and connecting — so you’re never really lost!

 

The Burren Drive

There are some wonderful drives through this unique and enchanting landscape.

I’m going to give you a few options as you can make a loop out of this if you want.

Starting in Ballyvaughan you can drive the main N67 to Lisdoonvarna up Corkscrew Hill and through Gregan’s Wood.

It’s a beautiful drive with a diverse landscape.

Another option is to take the R480 toward Ailwee Caves and the Poulnabrone Dolmen then follow the R476 back toward Kilfenora and Lisdoonvarna.

If you want to get deeper into the Burren then take a turn off the R480 toward the town of Carron and onto the Burren Perfumery for a bite to eat at their fabulous cafe — and check out their wonderful products — perfumes, soaps, lotions and teas.

From Lisdoonvarna continue south on the N67 to Ennistymon which is a charming town.

You can then take the N85 toward the twin coastal towns of Lahinch and Liscannor making a stop at Lahinch Beach if you need to get out and feel the sand between your toes.

This route, the R479 will then go north past the Cliffs of Moher.

Follow this north as it passes Doolin and then heads closer to the coast where it becomes the R477.

This is where the Burren Coast drive heats up.

It’s stunning all the way up to Black Head where it turns East toward Ballyvaughan.

Don’t miss this.

I took the coastal part of this drive on my first trip to Ireland going from Ballyvaughan toward Doolin

In 2018 I made this drive in the opposite direction on a lovely day.

Wow!

It’s a magnificent drive for sure and one of the best drives in Ireland.

I also recommend just getting a bit lost as you drive the inland route.

There are so many wee roads to explore and it’s easy enough to find your way back to a small village and to a more “main” road should you get a bit “lost”.

Have fun!

 

 

Best Drives in Ireland — Counties Galway and Mayo

County Galway is the home of Connemara — one of my absolute favorite places in all of Ireland.

And County Mayo is home to the magical Silver Strand — that first Irish beach I stepped foot on.

So together these 2 counties offer up some amazeball drives with some awesome scenery.

 

Sky Road

This short yet delightful drive begins and ends in Clifden — in the Connemara area of County Galway.

It’s only about 12 miles (20km) around, but the views to the sea and the 12 Bens (mountains) are superb.

Around the heart of  Clifden you’ll see the signs for Sky Road.

Follow those signs!

When you hit the ruins of Clifden Castle the road splits — Lower Sky Road and Upper Sky Road.

I think I’ve done both although the last time I drove it in 2017 I took the lower road.

The lower road has some fabulous views.

But the upper road has slightly better views simply due to the fact that you are a tad bit higher.

Many folks walk, run or bike this road.

So as a driver, be aware of this.

If you go in the morning, the sun will be behind you as you drive west.

Evening means the sun will be out in front of you as it sets over the sea.

Regardless of which route you take or when you do it, you won’t be disappointed.

Sky Road is definitely one of the best drives in Ireland.

 

Clifden to Roundstone and across the Bog Road

I made part of this drive with my parents in 2010 from Roundstone to Roundstone across the Old Bog Road.

In 2018 I started in Clifden and ended in Clifden and thought, “This is a fabulous drive with gorgeous, diverse typical Connemara scenery.”

Beginning in Clifden take the R341 toward Ballyconneely.

Before you reach Ballyconneely, you’ll see the stunning Mannin Bay on your right (West).

This is lovely place to stop and walk the rocky beach.

The color of the water is often a stunning shade of turquoise!

Continue on the R341 toward Roundstone, the road dipping close to the water then heading more inland to the bogland and low mountains.

Before you reach Roundstone, you’ll come to Dog’s Bay and Gurteen Bay which are back to back beaches.

Choose one and get out to stretch your legs and feel the sand between your toes.

Errisbeg Mountain will be inland from these twin beaches so don’t forget to turn your back to the sea to drink in that view.

Drive the couple of kilometers to the fishing village of Roundstone which makes a wonderful place to grab a bite to eat.

Back on the R341 you’ll skirt along the water and see the 12 Bens looming ahead of you.

Keep your eyes open for a sign taking you left (West) along the Old Bog Road.

I have to be honest in that I can’t remember what the sign says but it’s near Toombeola and the R342.

Take that left and have fun!

The Old Bog Road is a wee road — just a little wider than one car width — and rolls and bumps along through the bogland.

Sheep are all over so be careful as they’re often on the road.

To the north the 12 Bens loom.

To the south you’ll see peaty bogland.

It’s such a cool drive.

And there are myths and legends about this road — tales of ghosts and smugglers.

Once you reach the end, you’ll be back at the R341 just a bit south of Clifden.

So make a right and head back to Clifden.

This route has to be one of the most scenic drives in Ireland — and one that may not be quite as popular as some of the others.

 

 

Galway or Clifden to Westport via the Doo Lough Valley — Connemara

I think this could be my favorite drive in all of Ireland.

For me it is hauntingly and starkly beautiful.

And because of the tragedy that took place in the Doo Lough Valley during the famine years, it seems to embody the spirit of the Irish who have been beaten down again and again but always rise up.

You can begin this drive in Galway City and make your way to Clifden or start in Clifden itself.

It’s a pretty drive along the main N59 as you leave Galway City and make your way into the Connemara area.

As you continue on the N59 through Clifden you’ll loop back to the east and pass Connemara National Park and Kylemore Abbey as you make your way to Leenaun.

The scenery is stunning along this drive as the 12 Bens and the Maumturk Mountains loom in the distance to the East with peaty bogland and sheep in the foreground.

*Sigh*

 

I never grow tired of this landscape.

As you get closer to Leenaun you’ll drive along Killary Harbor.

This inlet from the sea might be a fjord or it might not. There’s a bit of debate over this.

But whatever you call it, I call it stunning!

Across the water the Mweelrea Mountains dominate the scene.

Leenaun — also seen as Leenane — makes a great place to stop for a snack.

You’ll continue to follow the N59 then you’ll branch off onto the R335 toward Delphi.

As you first turn off onto the R335 you’ll see signs for Ashleigh Falls.

Do stop as there’s good parking and the falls are lovely with some nice trails out to it.

It makes a good stop for a picnic if the weather is good.

The R335 is now firmly in County Mayo and skirts along the northern side of Killary Harbor.

I’m always stunned by the landscape here as it’s so incredibly breath taking.

Eventually the road turns inland, heading north toward Delphi.

You’ll drive in narrow valleys, paralleling a stream, mountains looming over you.

And while the drive up to this point is lovely, be prepared to be bowled over as you drive through the Doo Lough Valley.

There’s something very special about this landscape.

It’s hauntingly beautiful in its desolation.

Somehow this spot just moves me.

The road is a wee one as you skirt along the Doo Lough — the Doo Lake.

Look for the memorial stone along a pull out on the road for the Doo Lough Tragedy.

This makes a good place to stop and pay respects to those who lost their lives during the Famine and to take in the scenery.

 

As you head further north toward Louisburgh keep your eyes open around Cregganbaun for the R378 and L1832 toward Killadoon.

If you want to make this side trip — and have time — I highly(!) recommend it.

Follow the wee road to Killadoon, enjoying the stunning views out to the sea and the Mweelrea Mountains.

Take this road to the end — the parking area for Silver Strand.

This is a gorgeous beach and a wonderful place to stretch your legs.

After your time on Silver Strand, you can take that wee road to the north, all the way into Louisburgh, connecting with the R335 around Clew Bay, past Croagh Patrick and into Westport.

This is truly one of the most scenic drives in Ireland — and one of my all time favorites.

 

Lough Inagh

Driving through the Inagh Valley along the R344 is one of the most beautiful drives in Ireland.

It’s a wonderful drive to make if you are staying in Clifden, Roundstone or Galway City.

If you are coming from Galway City you’ll take the N59 heading toward Clifden.

Just pass the settlement of Recess, you’ll see signs for the R344 on your right.

Follow this road north as you drive between Lough Inagh and the Maumturk Mountains.

There are some spots to pull off and walk near the lake.

The walk in front of Lough Inagh Lodge is particularly lovely with some nice spots for a picnic if the weather is good.

As you leave the lake behind the valley opens up a bit with fields of grazing sheep, streams and little lakes with the mountains all around.

The R344 ends at the main N59.

From here you can take a left which will lead you back to Clifden or you can make a right toward Leenane and then make the drive through the Doo Lough Valley.

 

Quiet Man Valley

This drive parallels the above and is just as beautiful — just a bit different as there’s no lake here.

From Galway City you’ll turn right onto the R336 at Maam Cross.

This valley is famous for being where some of the John Wayne/Maureen O’Hara movie, The Quiet Man, was filmed.

The Quiet Man cottage is along this route.

Even if you’re not a fan of this movie, I’d highly recommend this drive as the views are spectacular with the Maumturk Mountains to your left and little streams meandering through the valley with sheep grazing in the fields.

The R336 ends at the N59 at Leenane.

From here you can continue around Killary Harbor and pick up the R335 through the Doo Lough Valley or you can make a left and skirt around Killary Harbor and back toward Clifden.

This is a superb drive!

 

Best drives in Ireland — County Donegal

County Donegal is that far northwest county that looks like it should be part of Northern Ireland but is, in fact, part of the Republic of Ireland.

It’s a county that not many Americans seem to visit — which is a travesty as it’s wild, rugged, remote and simply stunning.

I fell in love with Donegal in 2017 and know I’ll return in the very near future.

With all the gorgeous scenery there are a few drives that make the best drives in Ireland list.

 

Horn Head

This very short yet very dramatic loop drive begins just outside the town of Dunfanaghy in northern County Donegal.

And it’s a stunner!

It’s marked at the western edge of town so you can’t miss it.

You’ll follow a narrow road up and through sheep fields until you come to a fork in the road.

At this first fork, I believe you must go left as they try to keep the traffic flowing in one direction on this wee road.

You’ll head up a hill and bounce around on this roller coaster of a ride.

It’s great fun!

Eventually, you’ll come to another fork in the road.

If you go left, you can drive out a short way, park and then walk the final bit out to the lookout tower which is right on top of Horn Head.

I didn’t do this, but wish I had.

If you continue to the right you’ll stay on the loop drive where you’ll find a wide pullout with fabulous views back to Horn Head itself and you’ll see the tower.

Do both if you have time and the weather is good.

You then circle back around where you’ll get incredible views back to Dunfanaghy and Muckish Mountain.

Horn Head packs a lot of awesomeness in 17km (11mi)!

It’s truly one of the most beautiful drives in Ireland.

 

Rosguill Peninsula

This one doesn’t make it on many best drives of Ireland lists but I think it should.

It’s a short roller coaster of a ride with some beautiful scenery.

Rosguill is another of the northern County Donegal peninsulas.

If you start in Dunfanaghy (mentioned above) you’ll take the N56 toward Creeslough.

Just past Creeslough look for the R245 toward Carrickhart.

At Carrickhart you’ll turn left onto the R248 toward the Downings.

You’ll roll along through some pasture land and, yes there are quite a few holiday homes.

But it’s still a fun drive.

It becomes an L route at some point, but just keep heading toward Doagh.

The Rosguill Peninsula drive culminates just past this little settlement as you drive up to an overlook and are rewarded with magnificent views — out to sea and back toward Horn Head.

As you drive a bit further and you’ll get some views of Tranarossan Bay.

And you can’t leave without stopping at the Singing Pub — a very old, traditional Irish pub.

Have a pint or a half pint for the driver.

Or maybe a wee dram.

You’ll find this fun pub on the right side of road as you begin to put Tranarossan Bay behind you.

After your stop make your back onto the R248 then the R245 which will take you back to the main N56.

It’s an enjoyable drive for sure.

 

Inishowen 100

Full disclosure — I didn’t drive this whole loop that circles around the Inishowen Peninsula in northern County Donegal.

But I did drive bits of the southwest part then the area up near Malin Head — the most northerly point in Ireland — and the southeasterly part.

And what I saw is amazeballs!

I truly regret not having spent more time here and making the drive all the way around.

Everyone that drives the Inishowen Peninsula  says it’s wonderful.

Starting in one of main towns in Donegal, Letterkenny, you’ll take the N13 toward Londonderry/Derry.

There will be signs for Inishowen and you can take either the R239 or the R238 which is the road you’ll want to be on eventually.

The R238 takes you to the town of Buncrana.

Shortly after passing through Buncrana find your way onto the L routes — L1641 to L1631to Dunree Head then the L1621to the L1531.

Do your best to stay near the coast as you head toward Clonmany where you’ll then meet back up with the R238. to Ballyliffin.

You can stay on this road to Carndonagh although there are all kinds of wee roads with sites such as castles, the Doagh Famine Village and standing stones.

From Carndonagh follow the R238 into the R242 to the town of Malin.

The R242 will take you all the way to Malin Head — just follow the signs.

This is where you’ll want to get out to walk and explore as this is the most northerly point in Ireland.

It’s fab!

After your time at Malin Head, you can make your way to the L1031 to the 1061 toward Glengad Head and then to the L1111 to Culdaff and its beach.

This is the part I didn’t drive, but I hear it’s beautiful.

Rejoining the R238 at Culdaff you have options of following that all the way to Molville (this is an inland route) or turning onto the L1361 toward Kinnagoe Bay and making your way to Inishowen Head which is the far easterly point of the peninsula.

You can take the R238 back to the N13 and make your way to Derry or back to Letterfrack.

I highly recommend spending some time here so you don’t have to rush around this fabulous peninsula.

This is one of the top drives in Ireland.

 

Best Drives in Northern Ireland

Although technically part of the United Kingdom (UK), I do want to put this one drive from Northern Ireland on the best drives in Ireland list simply because many folks will add this part of the island of Ireland to their itinerary.

And this drive is one of the most scenic drives in Ireland.

 

Causeway Coast — Northern Ireland

There’s a lot of wow on this drive.

The best spot to pick this drive up is in Portstewart if you’re coming from Derry.

I picked it up in Portrush so I missed the far western part of this drive.

But the wow factor really kicks in just east of Portrush and keeps on going until you reach Ballycastle.

The road itself is the A2, but just stay along the coast.

You wont’ get lost!

You can stop at Bushmills Distillery, Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge.

My favorite stop was White Park Bay and its gorgeous beach.

There are some wonderful places to stop to take in the views.

Look straight out (north) to Rathlin Island and to the northeast you’ll see Scotland.

And if you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you may see some familiar places along this drive.

What a gorgeous drive!

 

 

So are you ready for a road trip in Ireland?

There are so many wonderful drives.

I’d probably include the Sally Gap through the Wicklow Mountains and anywhere in County Meath amongst all the ancient sites as honorable mentions.

Ireland is made for driving.

Just know that the roads are narrow, more rural-like and — as a result — slower.

So pack your patience.

Take your time.

Stop along the way.

Soak in the scenery.

And enjoy one — or 2 or 3 — of the best drives in Ireland.

 

A side note:

It is Ireland so you can run into bad weather so have a backup plan.

I don’t recommend a lot of these drives if it’s lashing rain.

 

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