From the Longest Coastal Route on the Planet to Loops Through Mountain Scenery and Historic Towns, These Drives Deliver Unforgettable Views

Ireland’s island is packed with rugged coastlines, charming villages, and world-famous landmarks, and one of the best ways to see it all is by car. From the longest coastal route on the planet to loops through mountain scenery and historic towns, these drives deliver unforgettable views. The Wild Atlantic Way is Ireland’s most celebrated road trip, stretching more than 1,500 miles along the country’s seaside.

It begins at the Inishowen Peninsula in the north and runs south to Kinsale, a colorful coastal town. The route is split into 14 stages, each ranging from roughly 90 to almost 150 miles. Highlights include the Slieve League cliffs, the Cliffs of Moher, Downpatrick Head’s rock formations, and towns like Westport.

Beaches such as Keem’s Bay and Dunmoran line the way, along with the Atlantic Drive’s cliff sections. The Ring of Kerry loops around the Iveragh Peninsula, starting and ending in Killarney. This 111-mile tour showcases mountainous scenery, Lough Leane, the Gap of Dunloe, Moll’s Gap, Skellig Michael, and Killarney National Park.

Don’t miss the Kerry Cliffs and Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest peak at 1,038 meters. White sandy beaches like Derrynane, Rossbeigh, and St Finian’s Beach are also part of the experience. Stop at “Ladies View” over the Lakes of Killarney, named for Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting who toured the area with the monarch.

The Copper Coast route typically covers 25 miles between Tramore and Dungarvan, but extending it to Kilmore Quay and Wexford stretches it to roughly 100 miles. Starting in Dungarvan, the drive passes through the Copper Coast European GeoPark, a Unesco-listed area named for 19th-century copper mining. Along the County Waterford coastline, you’ll find Neolithic dolmens, Iron Age forts, ruined medieval churches, rugged cliffs, rocky coves, sandy bays, and lighthouses.

In Wexford, medieval walls, winding lanes, the Wexford Town heritage trail, and the Irish National Heritage Park await. In Northern Ireland, a route from Belfast heads northwest through Antrim and Ballymena to the coast near Ballycastle. From there, it continues to Ballintoy Harbour and the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, then west to Whitepark Bay Beach and Dunseverick Castle, with an optional detour to the Giant’s Causeway before reaching Derry via the Causeway Coast.