scenic drives ireland

Dublin and Wicklow Mountains

177km

One-day scenic tour.

Leave Dublin by the suburb of Rathfarnham, 6km south of the city. The ruined building known as 'The Hell Fire Club' forms a prominent landmark to the summit of Mount Pellet, 6km south of Rathfarnham. Drive via Glencullen, Kilternan and The Scalp into Enniskerry - one of the prettiest villages in Ireland. From here you can visit Powerscourt Estate and Gardens, which include the highest waterfall in these isl...

This drive brings you to the lake-studded and wooded district of South Mayo, where at various points on your journey, you will pass by three beautiful lakes, Lough corrib, Lough Carra and Lough Mask. Leave Castlebar on the N84 for Ballinrobe. After about 11 km there is a signpost for Ballintubber Abbey to your left. Take this road to one of Ireland's most enduring places of worship, Ballintubber Abbey, which was built in 1216 by Cathal Crobhdhearg O'Connor, King of Connacht, for the Order of...

The Lakes Tour - (102 km/64 mls) Castlebar - Straide - Foxford - Ballina - Crossmolina - Laharadaun - Pontoon - Foxford - Straide - Castlebar Leave Castlebar on the N5 road and turn left at Bellavary taking the N26 for Straide. This was the birthplace of Michael Davitt, who established the Land League in the 1800s to fight for the rights of Irish Tenants. His family were evicted when Davitt was a child because they couldn't pay their rent. He saw the suffering inflicted on people through t...

Lakeland Tour Two day circular drive 241km Day 1 Athlone-Mullingar The starting point is Athlone-'capital' of the midlands. From here drive to Roscommon visiting Hodson Bay and Rinndown Castle en route. Have a look around Roscommon Abbey. North East of Roscommon is Lanesborough a popular angling centre at the head of Lough Ree. Then visit the busy market town of Longford with its nineteenth century cathedral. Move on the Edgeworthstown, which gets its name from the remarkable literary fam...

Deep bays and spectacular peninsular scenery, an ancient Celtic castle, a rock where the O'Donnell Chieftains were inaugurated, and a most varied and interesting forest park, are some of the fascinating attractions of this drive presided over by massive Muckish Mountain....

Ladies View is located between Kenmare and Killarney along the Ring of Kerry Route (N71). It's about 12 miles from Killarney and the stunning views of Killarney's Upper Lakes are awe inspiring to say the least, making it a major stopping point on any Ring of Kerry tour. The name Ladies View dates back to 1861. Queen Victoria's ladies in waiting were so inspired by the breathtaking view that they named it Ladies View....

These scenic tours are designed to help you get the most from your motoring holiday in Ireland - to show you the most beautiful scenery, and to introduce you to Ireland's many interesting cities and towns.

As all tours are circular you can commence at any point of the given routes. The daily distance covered is shown with each tour, in kilometres and miles (in italics)....

"From Dublin's magnificent southern coastline through the wooded hills of Wicklow. Visit the splendour of the Powerscourt Gardens and the historic monastic site of Glendalough. View the prehistoric Browneshill Dolmen in Carlow and explore the medieval city of Kilkenny."...

The Lough Inagh Drive (164km/102mls) Clifden - Ballyconneely - Roundstone - Tombeola - Derryclare Lough - Inagh Valley - Letterfrack - Cleggan - Claddaghduff - Clifden

Leave Clifden taking the road south to Ballyconneely. This is a superb drive with bogs and beaches on either side. Connemara Golf Club is located at Ballyconneely. Next stop is Roundstone, a picturesque sea village founded in the early 19th century. It has excellent beaches at Gorteen and Dogs Bay. Continue to Toomb...