5 Irish road trips that should be on everybody’s bucket list

Brought to you by Pierse Motors. 

On the road again…

There’s nothing like getting into the car and heading out for a road trip. We don't always get the weather in Ireland but, when we do, there are few better places to go for a drive. We may not be the biggest island but there are some seriously good road trips on offer, taking in everything from mountain passes to Atlantic drives. It’s hard to narrow it down to just five top routes but here are five options that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

The Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry may be considered a tourist spot but there’s a reason that the visitors to these shores flock to the South West and this route in particular. If scenery could take steroids, this is what it would look like. The 179km round trip can be covered in a day trip but there’s really too much to taken in over a few hours. The quaint villages along the route offer you plenty of overnight pit stops if you fancy turning your drive into a weekend break. What to see: Skellig Michael, the Gap of Dunloe, Valencia Island.

The Inishowen 100

This stunning route takes a 100-mile coastal circuit around the peninsula of Inishowen in north Donegal. It’s a beautiful drive that will take you right up to Ireland’s most northerly point in Malin Head, where the new Star Wars film was shot in 2016. The rugged coastline is dotted with scenic highlights, ancient sites and sleepy villages. Roads like the Gap of Mamore will also give you an opportunity to test your cornering skills! Inishowen is much quieter than some of your typical tourist traps and the route is dotted with gorgeous beaches that are often deserted. What to see: The Gap of Mamore, Five Fingers Strand, Fort Dunree.

The Sky Road, Clifden

This famous route takes in some of the best parts of Connemara, rising up to a height before giving you an epic panorama of Clifden Bay and its islands. It’s a short route but it’s one that well worth exploring. There’s a wild beauty to this part of the world and plenty of vantage points along the route to soak it up. You’ll undoubtedly find yourself stopping along the way to grab a few Instagram snaps. What to see: Clifden Bay, Clifden Castle, the town of Clifden with Twelve Bens in the background.

The Causeway Coastal Route

This route takes in the northern coast of Ireland from Derry to Belfast, passing through some breathtaking scenery on the way. The obvious attraction is the Giant’s Causeway, a spectacular natural attraction by any standards. Yet the rest of the trip includes everything from seaside sights and basalt sea cliffs to forested highlands and the impressive nine Glens of Antrim. This route also takes in Game of Thrones country so fans can also check out some of the famous locations from the show. What to see: The Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Rathlin Island.

The Wicklow Mountains

If you fancy an impressive drive that’s within a short distance from Dublin, a trip to the Wicklow Mountains is hard to beat. It’s a fantastic option for anyone living in the city and there are some seriously impressive views of the local lakes, bogland and mountains on offer. Depending on the route you take, there are also some amazing locations at the foot of the mountains. The Sally Gap is probably the best known drive in the region, with good reason, but it’s definitely worth extending your route to take in the outstanding natural beauty of Glendalough. What to see: The Sally Gap, Lough Tay, Glendalough. If you don't think your current motor would survive a drive up the Wicklow Mountains, it may be time to consider trading it in! Pierse Motors have an incredible scrappage deal on at the moment, with up to €4000 scrappage across the range when you choose to finance with Volkswagen Bank. You'll also get 0% PCP finance on a Golf, Jetta or Passat and they have a range of finance offers to suit your needs. For more information, check out the Pierse Motors website. Brought to you by Pierse Motors.