What are the most spectacular roads in Ireland?

Located in the northwestern part of Europe, Ireland is a country surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean that provides numerous mountain roads and coastal drives.

For those preferring mountain roads, the country offers never-ending options. You can try Conor Pass in County Kerry, a mountain pass at 410m (1,345ft) above sea level. The road to the summit snakes through verdant vistas, and its views of the lakes below are the stuff of fairy tales. Healy Pass is another great option, climbing up to 298m (977ft) above sea level, on the boundary between Cork and Kerry counties. And the iconic Sally Gap is one of the best drives in the country, topping out at 500m (1,640ft) above sea level in County Wicklow.

If you’re up for coastal drives, don’t miss Slea Head Drive, a very scenic loop route, beginning and ending in Dingle; it showcases a large number of attractions and stunning views on the western end of the peninsula. It's one of the best coastal drives in the world. Keep in mind, rainfall is common throughout the year, so plan your trips accordingly.

Slea Head Drive is a very scenic loop route, beginning and ending in Dingle, Ireland. It showcases a large number of attractions and stunning views on the western end of the peninsula. It's one of the best coastal drives in the world.

Conor Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 410m (1,345ft) above sea level located in County Kerry, in Ireland. It’s one of the highest roads in the country. The road to the summit snakes through verdant vistas, and its view of the lakes below is the stuff of fairy tales.

Healy Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 298m (977ft) above sea level, located on the boundary between Cork and Kerry counties, in the peninsular southwest region of Ireland.

Sally Gap is a mountain pass at an elevation of 500m (1,640ft) above sea level, located in County Wicklow, in Ireland.

Gap of Dunloe is a mountain pass at an elevation of 246m (807ft) above sea level, located in County Kerry, in Ireland. It may be difficult for those who get car sick and for those scared of driving narrow mountain roads.

The Old Military Road (R115) through the scenic Wicklow mountains is a very picturesque drive straddling Dublin and Wicklow counties in Ireland. It was one of the first purpose-built roads in the country.

Located on Ireland’s spectacular west coast, a large section of a ledge at the Cliffs of Moher that was the scene of a daredevil cycling stunt has crumbled into the sea. The rockfall served to highlight the danger of getting too close to the popular cliff edge.

Ireland is full of epic landscapes and coastal views. Here are the best ones you can find behind a wheel:

Mount Leinster is a mountain peak at an elevation of 786m (2,578ft) above sea level, located in the province of Leinster, in Ireland. It’s said to be the highest paved road in Ireland.

The Wild Atlantic Way stretches 2,500 km (1,553 miles) from Donegal to Cork along Ireland's Atlantic coast. It is known as one of the world's most breathtaking coastal drives.

Truskmore is a mountain peak at an elevation of 647m (2,123ft) above sea level, located in Ireland. It’s said to be one of the toughest climbs of the country, with some sections up to 22%.

Situated on the Iveragh Peninsula of County Kerry, in Ireland, Ring of Kerry is one of those bucket-list places you simply must visit.

Located in County Kerry, on Ireland's Iveragh Peninsula, Ballaghbeama Gap is a tight, bendy, and quiet single-track road that requires a high level of skill. Don’t attempt this drive with a large car.

Caha Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 320 m (1,049 ft) above sea level, located on the boundary between Cork and Kerry counties in the peninsular southwest region of Ireland.

Ireland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Steeped in history and at the same time playing host to an array of modern cities, it’s a place where the old and the new meet in perfect harmony.

R319 is a very scenic road located in Achill Island, situated off the coast of County Mayo in Ireland. The drive travels by hairpin turns to the edge of the sea. It’s one of the best coastal drives in the world. 

Located on Ireland's east coast, the Bull Bridge is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world. This old wooden bridge links Dublin and the North Bull Island in Dublin Bay.

Dursey Road is the only road in Dursey Island, at the southwestern tip of the Beara Peninsula in the west of County Cork, in Ireland.

R440 Road is a very scenic drive located on the boundary between Laois and Offaly counties of Ireland.

Ireland has no shortage of scenic views and breath-taking destinations for adventurous backpackers but, if epic road trips are more up your alley, Ireland won’t disappoint you either.

The Republic of Ireland (Éire in Irish) is an island in northwest Europe in the North Atlantic Ocean, off the west coast of the United Kingdom. The geography of the country is marked by low central plains surrounded by a ring of low-lying coastal mountains. The country is known for its wide expanses of lush green fields. It’s the third largest island in Europe.

Mullaghanish is a mountain peak at an elevation of 649m (2,129ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary between Cork and Kerry counties, in the southwest of Ireland. It's one of the highest roads of the country.

Kippure (Cipiúr) is a mountain peak at an elevation of 750m (2,460ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary between Wicklow and Dublin counties, on Ireland's east coast. It's one of the highest roads of the country.

Clermont Carn is a mountain peak at an elevation of 495m (1,624ft) above the sea level, located in County Louth, Republic of Ireland, at the border with Northern Ireland.

Corkscrew Hill, located in County Clare, Ireland, offers a historic drive through the Burren region.

When it comes to embarking on a road trip, there are few places as captivating and awe-inspiring as Ireland.

Drive Us to Your Road!

With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click here to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.