6 Incredible Scenic Irish Drives In The West of Ireland.

The Wild Atlantic Way is the longest defined coastal touring route in the world. And if done right, your road trip in the West of Ireland can be one of the best vacations of your life.

Here are 6 incredible scenic Irish drives in the West of Ireland & along the Wild Atlantic Way that we recommend you to experience:

The Inishowen 100, County Donegal. 

Named because of its approximate distance in miles, the Inishowen 100 takes you around the coast of Ireland’s most northerly point, Malin Head. Starting in Muff, County Donegal you take the road up the coast to Moville and then continue north through the Malin Head loop and travel back down the peninsula to finish in the small village of Burnfoot. This almost exclusively coastal route ensures staggering Atlantic views and makes for quite the incredible scenic drive along the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal.

The Atlantic Drive, County Donegal. 

The Rosguill Peninsula is the point of land that stretches out into the Atlantic Ocean between Sheephaven Bay and Mulroy Bay and the exceptional Atlantic Drive route of 12km (7.45 mile), offers some of the most scenic views on the Wild Atlantic Way. Visit Dunfanaghy, a seaside village with a beautiful sandy beach offering canoeing and windsurfing. Travel by the sculpted rocks at Crohy Head, the seascapes around Horn Head and Rosguill and the fiery headland known as Bloody Foreland.

Yeat’s Country, County Sligo. 

“The wind has bundled up the clouds high over Knocknarea” – W.B Yeats.  Tour this 42km (26 mile) scenic drive from Innisfree to Lissadell and on to Drumcliffe, the final resting place of one of Ireland’s most enduring poets, W.B Yeats. Along this route in County Sligo with it’s natural wonders and stunning scenery, you will have opportunity to witness the spectacular sights which inspired the famous poetry of W.B Yeats. Stop along the drive for a visit to Lissadell House, have a leisurely stroll through Sligo Abbey, which featured in two of Yeat’s stories, try surfing at Strandhill Beach, and if you are feeling energetic have a walk at Knocknarea Mountain whose beauty and legends fascinated the poet. Travel along the spectacular coastal road at Mullaghmore and have a photo stop at Classiebawn Castle.

Burren Beauty Drive, County Clare. 

This 68km (42 mile) drive is the perfect way to take in the unique landscape of the Burren with it’s bare, pale grey limestone and rare flora and fauna making it look like a magnificent rock garden. The Burren Beauty drive takes in Ballyvaughan, Carran, Kilfenora, Lisdoonvarna, Fanore and Blackhead. Starting at Kilfenora, a place famed for the Kilfenora Céilí Band, this scenic Irish drive winds it’s way through Lisdoonvarna and up the coast to Blackhead to really experience the breath taking coastal views. Check out the quaint village of Ballyvaughan on the coast and explore the heart of the Burren with a visit to the Aillwee Caves. Have a photo stop at Fanore Beach and the stunning Flaggy Shore and just breath in the wonderful scenery and the fresh Atlantic sea air on the Burren Beauty Drive. The Burren is a place full of wonder, beauty and discovery.

Slea Head Drive, Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry. 

This 47km (29.20 miles) circular touring route takes you on a scenic journey though Irish speaking villages, Hollywood Film Locations, historic sites and unrivaled views of the Skellig Island and Blasket Islands. The Slea Head Drive brings you along the most westerly part of the mainland and boasts several beautiful beaches and lots of interesting stops and detours along the way. Stretch your legs with a leisurely walk along Coumeenoole Strand and soak up the amazing scenery.

Sheep’s Head Peninsula, County Cork. 

This 70km (43.49 miles) scenic drive begins from the beautiful Bantry Town located in West Cork and loops around the Sheep’s Head Peninsula which protrudes out into the Atlantic Ocean between Mizen Peninsula and the Beara Peninsula. The scenic drive takes in the entire peninsula, where you will have to stop along the way and take photographs of the fantastic views. Have a walk at the Sheep’s Head Lighthouse which is a special area of conservation.

Planning a new adventure? 

Why not make a break for it and plan a trip of a lifetime to Ireland in 2021 to explore some of these incredible scenic Irish drives.

Contact Specialized Travel Services to experience the authenticity of the Wild Atlantic Way, while travelling in comfort in one of our luxury chauffeur drive vehicles. You can relax and enjoy the scenic views without the stress of driving or the worry of getting lost along the way. Take a look at some of our private chauffeur drive vacations on our website for additional suggestions of what to visit on your vacation here.

We would love to hear from you – Click here to complete our contact form or you can send us an email – newyork@jeremyd50.sg-host.com

As W.B Yeats once said “There are no strangers here – Only Friends You haven’t Yet Met”.

Note: Featured image at the top of the blog is of Sheep’s Head Lighthouse, County Cork © Tourism Ireland