Road trip, anyone? With the brighter evenings and longer days, there is no better time than spring to take to the open road and fill up on Ireland’s great surroundings. From bendy country roads to epic coastal scenery, there is so much to soak up when driving through Ireland.
Below are a few of the great driving routes that feature on Expedia’s Drive Ireland site:
Celtic Coast
The scenic drive from Wicklow to Cork is one of the best ways to experience some of the most beautiful scenery in Ireland including the harbour of Rosslare, the grand stately homes in Wicklow and the amazing beaches of Dungarvan. There is so much history to discover on this route, including the fascinating heritage of Ireland’s Viking Past, the highlight being Waterford’s Viking Triangle. Leave time to explore Cork City at the end of your trip where you can explore the Crawford Art Gallery, St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral and Cork City Gaol.
Historic Heartlands
Experience the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East as you explore the counties of Kildare, Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Limerick, Laois and Offaly. The area has over 5,000 years’ worth of Irish history to unearth. From the famous Rock of Cashel where saints converted kings, to the ancient castles at Birr and Kilkenny.
Deadly Donegal
It would be hard not to be taken aback by the rugged and otherworldly roads through Donegal, passing sheep, epic mountains, golden beaches and soaring cliffs along the way. Popular spots include Malin Head (Ireland’s most Northern point), Fanad Head Slieve League, Mount Errigal, as well as the popular urban centre of Letterkenny and the stunning Inishowen Peninsula.
Fermanagh’s Fabulous Lakes
Fermanagh’s Lakelands are up there with some of the best lakes in Ireland. The expansive lakes, spreading from Lower to Upper Lough Erne, will easily take up a day or two of exploring. Discover the historic treasures of the lakes’ Islands and take a peaceful walk along its stunning shores before visiting Belleek Pottery, the Marble Arch Caves or Enniskillen Town.
Captivated by the Causeway Coast
Starting in Belfast and ending in Derry (or vice versa), the most special part of Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast route lies right in the middle as you reach the awe-inspiring cliffs and wondrous sites that include Dunluce Castle, the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
The ”Kingdom” of Kerry
The wild and exciting coastline and scenery of County Kerry is hard to surpass. This driving route will take you through memorable sights including the Dingle Peninsula, Blasket Islands, Skellig Michael, Killarney National Park and Dursey Island, to name a few.
