Top Five Scenic Drives in Ireland

One of the best ways to see Ireland is by getting out of the cities and touring around the country. Listed below are the top five scenic drives in Ireland which are a must see during any tour of Ireland. Atlas Car Hire Ireland offer a wide range of car rentals which will meet your needs at a very competitive price if you are in need of a rental car.

Sheep’s Head Peninsula

Sheep’s Head Peninsula has long been a popular destination for hill walkers, the peninsula is also a stunning drive. The Sheep’s Head Way is a 88km trail which follows old roads and tracks around the peninsula from Bantry to the headland and back. The route combines low and rugged hills with coastline and cliffs. The walkway is very straightforward and can be walked during any time between April and October. The drive around Sheep’s Head Peninsula is just over 70km, but offers the same stunning views as the walk.

“A peaceful, unspoilt peninsula which as some of Ireland’s most beautiful scenery.”

The start of the drive at Bantry’s south is generally devoid of villages, allowing you to see the magnificent cliffs along the Irish coastline. Drive around the hairpin bends on the road to Kilcrohane before heading off to Durrus. Stop by Good Things Café and Arundels pub, both in Ahakista. From the pub, you can view Dunmanus Bay, the pier, and a little farther off, a small beach. Also in Ahakista is Hillcrest House, a good place to spend the night.

Dingle Peninsula

Dingle is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Ireland. The town is a mix of authentic Ireland and nature set against a stunning backdrop. The drive around the Dingle Peninsula starts at Castlegregory at the Corca Dhuibhne Peninsula, go west into Cloghane, past Conor Pass and Dingle, and head west to Slea Head. After Ballyferriter, continue to Murreagh and Kilmalkedar, and finally, back to Dingle. The route is approximately 75 km and highlights are guaranteed around every bend.

On the road, you will see the ancient buildings of Gallarus and the revered site at Kilmalkedar. The Dingle Peninsula itself is dotted with striking ogham stones. Eat in Waterside’s renowned restaurant, Out of the Blue, where the fresh seafood dishes are world-class. Also try Dunquin’s Krugers pub, which has a spectacular view of the sea. If night befalls, stay in the century-old The Captain’s House in Dingle.

Bantry to Killarney

The trip from Bantry to Killarney is approximately 80 km. This route can become very congested during peak tourist seasons as you will surely find a long trail of pilgrims and campers on the highway.

During the drive, you will see a number of quaint villages, such as Glengarriff; herds of farm animals, especially sheep; and both freshwater and saltwater lakes. Drop by the Eccles Hotel, and watch boats coming from and going to the Glengarriff Harbour. At the end of the drive is Kenmare, Ireland’s gourmet capital. Choose from any of the popular restaurants on Henry Street, such as Mulcahy’s and Packie’s.

If you happen to reach the area by nightfall, you may want to consider staying over. Various accommodations are available for tourists, ranging from four-star hotels to campsites.

Copper Coast
The 120 km-trip begins in Dungarvan, with its gorgeous coastline. Proceed to Stradbally and eventually head to Waterford. Continue to Clonmel, then to Ballymacarberry, and eventually head back to Dungarvan.

The Copper Coast in Waterford is the only geopark in the entire European continent. It was named as such because of the mines of copper that used to be present in the stretch. View the majestic Comeragh Mountains, the Nire Valley and Stradbally Cove. Make sure you try the Tannery in Dungarvan, which is an institution in itself, offering mouth-watering Irish dishes. You may want to stay the night in Hanora’s Cottage, which is right beside the Mahon River in Nire Valley.

Galway to Westport

View Larger Map

The long trip, which spans approximately 230 km, starts in Galway city. Driving along the N59, head over to Clifden, past Connemara National Park and then to the center of Westport. Finally, go back south via N84, and back to Galway, maybe taking in Castlebar along the way. The Sky Road in Clifden is a must see for the stunning views of the Atlantic coastline and Connemara.

Enjoy the view of Killary Harbour from Blackberry Café in Galway. Stop over at Kylemore Abbey in Galway, where you can check out the church and craft shop and eat at the restaurant afterwards. After the long drive, spend the night at Quay House, a former monastery in Clifden.

Related Stories

– The Sheep’s Head Way or Bog hopping in Ireland
– Ireland: Dingle Peninsula
– Kilarney National Park
– Copper Coast
– Ireland again part 3

Bookmark This:

If you have any suggestions for this list, or have any other suggestions regarding this article, please leave a comment.

Touring Ireland – Westport to Galway

The beautiful town of Westport is situated on the West Coast of Ireland along Clew Bay. The town center of Westport is a beautiful area, lined with shops and restaurants. The fact that Westport was a planned town is obvious from the spacious streets, picturesque river and it’s famous octagonal square. Westport was designed in the Georgian style of architecture. The grand buildings, wide spaces and mature trees all add to this beautiful town. The town has a thriving bar and food scene while also offering easy access to areas such as Achill Island and Belmullet.

After leaving Westport, Clew Bay is the next attraction along the road. Legend has it that Clew Bay has 365 islands in it, ”an island for every day of the year”. The large number of drumlins at the east end of the bay gave rise to this myth, but in fact there are not so many. Without doubt, Clew Bay is a magical sight and one not to be missed. There are a number of laybys for pulling over and enjoying the view.

Croagh Patrick is clearly visible along the road out of Westport. It is said that Saint Patrick spent the 40 days of lent fasting and praying on Croagh Patrick. Croagh Patrick is 764 metres tall and is an important site of pilgrimage in Ireland. It is the third highest mountain in County Mayo after Mweelrea and Nephin. On “Reek Sunday”, the last Sunday in July every year, over 25,000 pilgrims climb the mountain. There is a church at the summit and masses are celebrated regularly.

The route from Lousibourgh to Clifden is one of the most spectacular routes in Ireland, if not the best known. In particular areas along the way, the landscape remains untouched. A number of stunning lakes and inlets are skirted along the way, along with several small towns before you enter the Connemara.

Clifden is situated on the west coast of Ireland in County Galway against the backdrop of the 12 Ben Mountains and beautiful rugged coastline. The town is the center of the Connemara area and is known locally as the Capital of Connemara. Clifden is a lively location full of shops, pubs, restaurants and cafés. While the major attraction in the area is the landscape, the town of Clifden is a great place to spend some time.

The Sky Road in Clifden is one of the best tourist attractions in the entire Connemara region. The circular route is 11km long and takes you out west from Clifden. Simply put, the scenery along the Sky Road is stunning. Very few places in Ireland can match the rugged beauty and range of scenery that can be seen from the Sky Road. The route is well signposted from Clifden and easy to find.

Galway is the third largest city in Ireland, but for what it lacks in size it makes up for in character. The central area is full of pubs, restaurants and shops while small medieval streets surround. The city has a famous night life and more pubs than you could ever hope to visit.

If you are planning to tour Ireland during your visit, Thrifty Car Rental Ireland offer excellent options for renting a car in Ireland. No matter what your requirements are, Thrifty have the right car for you.

Related Stories

– 5 Irish Drives
– Clifden and the Sky Road

Bookmark This:

If you have any thoughts on this article, or have any other suggestions regarding this article, please leave a comment.

Clifden and The Sky Road

Clifden is situated on the west coast of Ireland in County Galway against the backdrop of the 12 Ben Mountains and beautiful rugged coastline. The town is the center of the Connemara area and is known locally as the Capital of Connemara. Clifden is a lively location full of shops, pubs, restaurants and cafés. While the major attraction in the area is the landscape, the town of Clifden is a great place to spend some time.

The Sky Road in Clifden is one of the best tourist attractions in the entire Connemara region. The circular route is 11km long and takes you out west from Clifden. Simply put, the scenery along the Sky Road is stunning. Very few places in Ireland can match the rugged beauty and range of scenery that can be seen from the Sky Road. The route is well signposted from Clifden and easy to find.

As you travel away from Clifden, the Sky Road separates into the lower and upper roads. The lower road will give you a very close up view of the landscape, but the upper road is most popular because of the views it offers over the entire area. There is a car park at the highest point of the road with plenty of room to park and take pictures.

Related Stories

– 10 Things to do in Ireland Before You Die
– Touring Ireland’s West Coast
– The Sky Road, Clifden – An Exhilarating Drive

Bookmark This:

If you have any thoughts on this article, or have any other suggestions regarding this article, please leave a comment.

New Bypass Along Dublin Galway Road

The long awaited opening of the bypass around Moate and Kilbeggan opened yesterday (16 July 08). This new bypass removes several bottlenecks from the route and could shorten the length of the journey by 45 minutes at peak times. It is forecasted that this new road will remove up to 10,000 vehicles a day from the various towns and villages that are bypassed.

Construction on the €280m project began two years ago and was completed on budget and on time. The new section of road is currently a dual carriageway, but will be upgraded to motorway standard and is 29km long. This new section is part of the planned upgrading of the entire route between Dublin and Galway which is due to be completed in 2010. The Minister for Transport, Mr Dempsey, opened the road yesterday.

Bookmark This:

Entertainment and Things to See in Galway

When you visit Galway and find yourself longing for something in the way of entertainment and culture, you need not worry about waiting long to find just what you’re looking for. Whether your taste is for hip and modern live performances or runs more to classical theatre, you’ll be able to find a venue in Galway that suits you perfectly.

For those searching for a traditional theatre experience, try the Town Hall Theatre in Galway City. The Town Hall Theatre is nearly two hundred years old, and has undergone extensive refurbishments. Not only does it host the Galway Arts Festival, it is also a popular venue for drama, musicals, concerts and other live performance events. In addition to the Galway Arts Festival it also hosts the Cúirt Literature Festival and the Baboró Children’s Festival, so there should be something for everyone to enjoy.

Other popular venues include the Druid Theatre, which is recognised as a pioneer in the development of modern Irish culture, and the Halo Night Club, a club that won an award as the best new late-night venue in Ireland. It is a popular spot, so you should expect it to be packed to capacity when you visit.

For cultural films there is no better location in Galway than the Eye Cinema, which is wholly dedicated to presenting the public with an alternative to mainstream films. For a unique live experience, try the Celtic Tales, which offers live storytelling in the tradition of tales from Ireland and Scotland both. These sessions are held in a close setting so as to enhance the drama and intimacy of the experience, and are sure to be remembered for long after.

One thing is for sure about Galway entertainment, it offers little in the way of the truly conventional! What it does offer, however, will not soon be forgotten.

Bookmark This:

Places to Stay in Galway

With an enviable selection of accommodation of every style, size and price, Galway caters to the tastes of each individual tourist. Visitors to Galway will be delighted to find a hotel that meets their particular requirements for privacy, style and budget, to name just a few of the criteria that the savvy traveler applies when selecting a hotel.

If your standards are high and your tastes discriminating, then you may want to book a room at the Eyre Square Hotel. This centrally located hotel is situated convenient to bus and rail stations, and caters with equal care to tourists and business clients. The on-site bistro offers sumptuous food and their staff will welcome you with courtesy and warmth,

For equal warmth at a more moderate price, try the Skeffington Arms Hotel. Located in the very heart of Galway City, situated within easy reach of restaurants, shops and transportation, the Skeffington Arms Hotel is delighted to offer intimate and dedicated service to each and every guest.

If conventional hotels are not your cup of tea, then you might want to consider self-catering apartment accommodation. Cuirt Na Coiribe offers eighty six apartment style accommodation, perfect for the larger group, or a traveller who wants to experience the luxury of spaciousness. Along similar lines is the Gort Na Coiribe Holiday Village, a development featuring apartments and townhouses quite convenient to Galway City Centre. The Village is handy to pubs, cinemas and shops, to name just a few amenities, and is a popular choice for new and repeat visitors.

If you are more conventional in your tastes, there is always the traditional travelers’ favourite, the Best Western. Flannery’s Best Western Hotel offers both style and luxury. There really is an option for everyone in Galway City, and a little careful planning is usually all it takes to secure the accommodation you will remember fondly for a long time to come.

Bookmark This:

Galway: Getting There

Galway’s location on the west coast of Ireland means it an accessible location for visitors. We look at your transport options for getting to and from Galway.

By plane

Ireland’s second largest airport, Shannon Airport, is located just 90km south of Galway city. It has flights from Britain, Europe and North America. Galway Airport is just a few kilometres outside the city and has domestic flights and flights to Britain.

Ireland is a small country so Galway is a little over three hours drive if you land at Cork or Dublin Airports.

By car

Ireland’s road network has developed a lot in recent years so journey times between the major cities have been reduced dramatically. Three national primary roads link Galway with the rest of the country. The N6 leads east through Athlone and on to Dublin; N17 will take you north through Tuam, Sligo and Donegal; while the N18 goes to Shannon, Limerick and Cork.

Many visitors to Galway use the opportunity to explore beautiful Connemara. To do this head west towards Spiddal on the R337.

The quickest and easiest way to travel in Ireland is by car, and unless you arrived by ferry you will probably need to rent one. Thrifty Car Rental Ireland has offices at Dublin Airport, Cork Airport, Shannon Airport, and in Dublin and Cork city centres.

Thrifty offers a good choice of vehicles at economical prices. You can arrange a car on arrival, but it is probably best to book ahead at http://www.thrifty.ie. Thrifty also allows you the convenience of being able to return your vehicle to any of its other outlets.

Bus

Bus Eireann provides bus links to all the major towns and cities in Ireland, while Galway City Direct also provides services in Galway.

Train

Galway’s Ceannt Station is conveniently located in the city centre. There are six daily services two and from Dublin and the journey takes just under three hours. The trains in Ireland are operated by Irish Rail.

Bookmark This:

Galway Entertainment

If you have come to Ireland to be entertained and delighted, then you need look no farther than the rich and vibrant city of Galway. You can choose to prowl the city streets on foot, poking into all the nooks and crannies and seeing what hidden treasures you can find in the way of food, shopping and entertainment, or you may choose to hire a car from one of the several rental car locations at various Irish airports, and tour the city and the surrounding area from the comfort of a rented car. No matter how you choose to see it, Galway will not fail to delight and entice visitors of all ages. You just need to figure out where you want to start!

Renowned through all of Ireland, Galway is widely known as that unique city that has combined in its spirit and attractions the delights and draws of the largest city, while still retaining the friendly, warm, welcoming feel of a country town. Not only does the city boast cutting edge nightclubs, it is home to some small, smoky little pubs that have hardly changed since they first opened their doors!

Traditional music is big in Galway. If you want to take in traditional Irish music, there are a wide range of venues that offer such entertainment. Just a few public venues that host live music include Monroe’s Tavern and An Pucan. An Pucan is of particular interest, being known as the principal Irish language pub in the city; a few pints of Guinness, and you may start speaking Irish, too!

Galway is also the venue for many of Ireland’s premier festivals and events, drawing people from all over the world to participate. Likely the best-known of these is the lovely Galway Arts Festival. This happens over the course of the last two weeks of July, and is a hugely popular attraction. Just as big is Galway Race Week; if you plan to visit either one, be sure to book early, or you’ll miss out!

Bookmark This: