Ireland is full of adventure and waiting for you to explore it. We have often rented a car from Europcar for our adventures(especially for our Wild Atlantic Way series 1 and series 2) so we are delighted to collaborate with them on this post to share with you our top 10 road trips in Ireland. Sometimes it’s the last minute adventures or road trips that we remember the most. Make the most of your days off and weekends and get out and explore…
1) East Cork
East Cork always has a place in my heart and is my absolute favourite part of Ireland to explore. The beauty all around you makes for the perfect road trip. Some of my favourite things to do along the way; paddle boarding at Neptune Kayak in Aghada, Fota Wildlife Park, a swim in Ardnahinch Beach and a stop off at Stephen Pearce’s Pottery for a look at their creative work.
2) The Copper Coast
Lying just west of Tramore is one of the most spectacular coastal stretches in Ireland. The Copper Coast is an outdoor museum of geological records; it stretches along the coast from Kilfarassy Beach, near Fenor in the east to Ballyvoile Beach near Stradbally to the west.
3) County Clare
A road trip around beautiful Clare, a place full of adventure, history and fun! Some of our favourite spots; Surfing at Lahinch Beach, Aillwee Caves, Cliff’s Of Moher and of course Farther Ted’s house.
4) Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry is one of the prettiest drives in Ireland around the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry. The 179km-circular route has spectacular scenery, rugged landscapes, and a collection of friendly seaside villages! Take your time and enjoy the surroundings. Some of our favourite spots to stop off at; Ballinskelligs Beach, Derrynane, Portmagee.
5) Coastal Donegal
A road trip that is part of the Wild Atlantic Way. A scenic roadtrip taking in Ireland’s northernmost point Malin Head, along with great adventures. Malin Head is a must on this road trip – The most northerly point in Ireland. Bundoran in Co. Donegal is known as the surf capital of Ireland and has lots of amazing surf. Also, Glenveagh National Park is a great place to stop is one of six national parks in Ireland. It’s beauty lies in the heart of the Derryveagh Mountains.
6) Wicklow
This is especially for or all our Dublin followers. A road trip that will take you out of the hustle and bustle of Dublin city and into a world of peace and tranquility in Co. Wicklow. Some tips: The Great Sugar Loaf Mountain dominates the skyline as you drive south from Dublin to Wicklow. Though only 501 metres (1,644 ft) high, its isolation from other hills, steep slopes and volcanic appearance makes it appear much taller than it is. A steep climb to your right (hands and feet required!) will take you to the summit! The Wicklow Mountains National Park is about a 30 minute drive from the Sugarloaf. It provides spectacular scenery of the mountains and wilderness.
7) The Ring Road, Clonakilty
While near Clonakilty recently we took a little road trip out towards Ring. The sun was shining and the views were unbelievable. Nothing beats a stroll along the soft sand at Inchydoney, (also a super surfing spot), followed by a delicious hot chocolate made with the finest local Clonakilty chocolate!
8) The Burren
We also recently enjoyed a special kind of roadtrip to discover some of Irelands’ most fascinating geography in Co. Clare! Blessed with sunshine we had a fantastic time popping in and out of the car admiring amazing geographical features! We also got to travel the Corkscrew Road – a famous winding road between Ballyvaughan and Lisdoonvarna originally designed as a famine relief scheme!
9) The Wild Atlantic Way
Although a mega road trip… we couldn’t recommend it more! As you all know, last summer we did two series while doing this road trip. Check out series 1 here and series 2 here for all the details on what to do, where to go etc. From Kinsale we travelled West out past Clonakilty and into Baltimore! We drove over mountains, and tunnels before arriving into the gorgeous town of Kenmare! Around the southern tip of Ireland we travelled through South Kerry, into Killorglin and out past Inch beach to the dingle peninsula! From Tralee we travelled up the North Kerry passing beautiful beaches and villages as we went. We took the ferry to county Clare where we drove through the unique Burren landscape and onwards up to Galway!
10) Just drive
Some of my favourite road trips are the ones that have no destination. Just hop in the car and see where the day takes you. You are guaranteed to stumble upon hidden gems, beaches you never knew about or unique walks. Go on… make your own road trips!!
Happy Motoring!
Steph
