Ireland's Most Scenic Driving Routes

Beauty is subjective, but the Ring of Kerry, Wild Atlantic Way, and Causeway Coastal Route consistently rank among Ireland's most spectacular drives. For less-traveled but equally stunning options, consider the Beara Peninsula, Sheep's Head Peninsula, or the Inishowen 100 in Donegal.

The "best" route also depends on your interests. For coastal scenery, the Wild Atlantic Way is unbeatable. For mountains, the Wicklow Mountains or Connemara offer breathtaking landscapes. For historic sites, the Boyne Valley Drive provides a rich experience.

The complete Wild Atlantic Way spans 2,500 km (1,553 miles) and would require at least 2-3 weeks to drive properly, allowing time for stops and exploration. Many visitors choose to experience sections of the route rather than the entire journey.

Popular segments that can be enjoyed in a few days include:

• Donegal section (3-4 days)
• Connemara and Mayo (3-5 days)
• Clare and Kerry (4-7 days)
• West Cork (2-3 days)

For the best experience, we recommend focusing on a specific region rather than rushing through the entire route.

Late spring (May) and early fall (September) typically offer the best combination of reasonable weather, good daylight hours, and fewer tourists. These shoulder seasons provide a balance of pleasant driving conditions and less congested roads.

Summer (June-August) offers the longest daylight hours and generally the best weather, but popular routes like the Ring of Kerry can become very busy with tour buses and other visitors.

Winter driving (November-February) can be rewarding for dramatic landscapes but requires more careful planning due to shorter days, potential for ice on rural roads, and some seasonal closures of attractions and services.

Most of Ireland's scenic routes are toll-free, but you may encounter tolls when traveling between regions or near major cities. The most significant toll road for tourists is the M50 around Dublin, which uses a barrier-free system requiring payment by 8 PM the following day.

Other major toll roads include sections of the M1, M3, M4, M7/M8, and the Dublin Port Tunnel. These typically have traditional toll booths where you pay in cash or by card.

For detailed information about all toll roads in Ireland, including locations, costs, and payment methods, see our Complete Toll Roads Guide.

Ireland's scenic routes vary in difficulty. The primary challenges for international visitors include:

• Driving on the left: This requires adjustment for visitors from right-side driving countries
• Narrow roads: Many rural roads are single-lane with passing places
• Winding routes: Coastal and mountain roads often feature tight curves
• Hidden entrances: Junctions can be concealed by hedgerows or stone walls
• Roundabouts: Common throughout Ireland and can be confusing at first

Most visitors adapt quickly to these challenges. Starting in a less busy area and gradually building confidence before tackling more difficult routes is recommended. Major routes (M and N roads) are generally easy to drive, while regional (R) and local (L) roads can be more challenging.

For more detailed advice, see our Driving in Ireland Guide.

While having your own vehicle provides the most flexibility for exploring scenic routes, some options are accessible via public transportation:

• Tour buses: Companies like CIE Tours, Paddywagon, and Wild Rover offer day trips covering routes like the Ring of Kerry and Cliffs of Moher
• Local bus services: Bus Éireann connects many towns along scenic routes, though with limited frequency
• Train + local bus combinations: Some routes can be experienced by combining rail travel with local buses
• Private tours: Many local companies offer customized tours with a driver

The more remote and less traveled scenic routes are difficult to experience fully without a car. If you can't drive but want to experience these areas, consider booking accommodation in key towns and taking local tours or taxis for day trips.