Ireland may be compact — and often rain-soaked — but it’s blessed with some of Europe’s finest driving roads. When the skies clear and the roads dry, few places offer such scenic, historic, and varied motoring experiences.
Ireland’s rich motorsport heritage, dating back to the 1903 Gordon Bennett race, means the country has unique legislation allowing the closure of public roads for rallying. That spirit of open-road adventure lives on through its meandering mountain passes, rugged coastlines, and sleepy countryside lanes.
Here are five exceptional Irish road trips to explore in 2025:
1. Mount Wolseley & The Gordon Bennett Trail
Begin your journey at the Mount Wolseley Hotel in Tullow, County Carlow — the modern hub for the annual Gordon Bennett classic car run. From there, follow in the tyre tracks of history along roads that echo the 1903 Gordon Bennett race, won by Belgium’s Camille Jenatzy in a Mercedes.
The trail winds through gentle drumlins and hedgerow-framed lanes into County Kildare and touches the edge of the Curragh. Far from the dramatic coasts or mountains often linked with Irish road trips, this route showcases a quieter, often overlooked beauty.
Make a stop at the Moat of Ardscull near Athy, a tranquil, elevated picnic spot that served as a staging point in the original race. Wrap up the trip with a visit to the charming Carlow County Museum.
Why this drive? A peaceful and historic loop through Carlow and Kildare, packed with scenic variety and authentic Irish motoring heritage.
2. West Cork: Bantry to Mizen Head
Moving to Ireland’s dramatic southwest, West Cork offers a driving experience rich in both visual splendour and motoring pedigree. This region is steeped in rallying history and offers some of the best tarmac in the country.
Start your route in Bantry and trace the edge of the vast, serene Bantry Bay before veering inland toward Durrus. Here, the road forks — and either choice promises an unforgettable drive.
Head left to ascend Mt Gabriel, capped with radar domes and boasting epic coastal views stretching to Fastnet Lighthouse. Or go right, rejoining the coastline near Altar, then meander through the picturesque village of Schull or continue through Goleen toward the dramatic cliffs of Mizen Head.
At Mizen, brave the narrow white bridge suspended above the Atlantic and explore the museum housed in the old life-saving station.
Why this drive? West Cork’s winding roads deliver unmatched beauty, rally history, seaside charm, and Ireland’s most southerly vistas.
3. Wicklow Mountains and Sally Gap
For those based near Dublin, the Sally Gap route offers one of the most accessible and rewarding drives in Ireland. A short trip from the M50 brings you into the heart of the Wicklow Mountains, where the road crests at Sally Gap — a remote crossroads surrounded by bogs, forests, and sweeping valleys.
The route offers a real driving challenge — not through speed, but through rhythm and road feel. Undulating surfaces make speeds above 60km/h uncomfortable, so this is a drive that rewards finesse over pace. Views include the famous Guinness Lake (Lough Tay) and panoramic vistas of Ireland’s rugged east.
From Sally Gap, you can head south to Roundwood and on to Glendalough or swing east toward Enniskerry and the stunning Powerscourt Estate.
Why this drive? A scenic and technical drive into Wicklow’s highlands with postcard views and historic sites — all just a short hop from Dublin.
4. Connemara: Maam Cross to Clifden
Head west into Connemara for one of Ireland’s most wild and windswept drives. The route from Maam Cross to Clifden cuts through a landscape of lakes, rocky outcrops, and open sky. It’s a road that demands attention — not just for its twists and turns, but for the beauty that surrounds every kilometre.
Following the edge of Lough Shindilla, the road offers a true taste of untamed Ireland. While summer tourist traffic can be a hindrance, an early start or a quiet season transforms this drive into something magical.
Why this drive? A rugged west coast route that pairs raw landscapes with the timeless charm of Clifden town.
5. Causeway Coast & The Sperrin Mountains
Northern Ireland’s iconic Causeway Coastal Route is famous for a reason — but it’s no secret. Tourist traffic often clogs the scenic roads, especially in high season.
For a quieter, more immersive experience, head inland to the Sperrin Mountains. This less-travelled region offers winding roads, gentle climbs, and a real sense of escape. Begin with a visit to Belfast’s luxury car dealerships on Boucher Road for some inspiration, then make your way west.
Options include a visit to Ardtara House for a luxurious meal or overnight stay, a literary detour to the Seamus Heaney museum in Bellaghy, or — if skies are clear — an evening at the Om Dark Sky Park for world-class stargazing.
Why this drive? Ditch the tourist trail and embrace Northern Ireland’s quiet heartlands, complete with culture, comfort, and cosmic wonder.
Ready to Plan Your Irish Road Trip?
Whether you’re tracing rally history near Mount Wolseley, winding through the Wicklow Mountains, exploring Connemara’s lakes, or taking in the dramatic Sperrin landscape, Ireland’s roads offer journeys as memorable as the destinations themselves.
