The Best Drives on Ireland’s West Coast
The West Coast of Ireland is renowned for its spectacular driving route, the Wild Atlantic Way, a scenic route stretching over 2500km which takes you past pristine beaches, majestic cliffs, and charming seaside villages.
I have put together a list of some of my favourite roads to drive on Ireland’s West Coast, some located on the Wild Atlantic Way, and others that are not officially part of the route, that I feel are just as breathtaking.
Maumturk Mountain drive
The magnificent Maumturk mountains in County Galway are spectacular, to say the least, and definitely worth a visit.
There are two routes in particular that boast the best views of the mountains, the first one being the R336 from Maam Cross to Leenaun.
This 21 km stretch of road is probably the more well-known of the two routes as it takes you up through the small village of Maum and winds itself around the lush, green scenery, up towards the North where it joins on to the main route through Connemara and towards the National Park, as well as irresistible Kylemore Abbey. The route can be pretty narrow at times, but if you look carefully enough there is plenty of stopping points along the way where you can jump out, take in all the splendour and grab a picture or ten!
The second route is the R334 road through Inagh Valley. Although slightly shorter at 15km, this route is most definitely my favourite as it provides incredible views not just of the Maamturks, but also of the breathtaking Twelve Bens Mountain Range on the other side, which makes for an epic panoramic view of the expansive peaks.
Towards the end of the route you will also pass alluring Lough Inagh, a freshwater lake with mountain views you could only dream of! The mountains are spectacular in any weather, and so very different from one season to the next, it’s definitely worth visiting more than once so you can get a chance to see the dynamic Maamturks in all their glory.
As the route comes to an end why not swing a left and stop for a refuel at Joyce’s Bar in Recess, a charmingly small village that is reminiscent of a back-country American truck stop. I drove both of these routes during the Summer months, and even then they were practically empty, meaning I was able to drive along at my own pace, and even stop to take a few photos. If you are feeling adventurous, it is also possible to hike this impressive range.
Sky Road
Sky Road is one of the most scenic routes in County Galway, with coastal views to be envious of. The route is around 16km long and splits into two different sections, a high road and a low road.
Whilst the high road boasts the most spectacular views and of course the well-known Wild Atlantic Way lookout point, it tends to be the busiest road, so if you fancy a more secluded drive then I’d recommend taking the low road for a calmer and more leisurely cruise.
Slea Head Route
Drive West from the beautiful town of Dingle and you will be directed towards Slea Head, a stunning circular route that takes you all along the coast of the Dingle Peninsula.
On a clear day, you can see all the way out to The Blasket Islands, and marvel at the spectacular colour of the Atlantic Ocean on this incredible section of the West Coast.
There is plenty of spots to pull over and take in the views along the route, but be aware, as you get out further West the road narrows massively and you might find yourself having to squeeze through smaller and smaller gaps!
Whilst driving the Slea Head Route, I would recommend making a stop at some of the fantastic spots that can be found along the way. Dunquin Pier is a must, which you can read all about on my Day on the Dingle Peninsula blog, as well as breathtaking Coumeenole Beach which is so beautiful it made my list of Best Beaches on the Wild Atlantic Way!
Ballaghisheen Pass
This picturesque mountain pass located in County Kerry offers an exhilarating drive as you pass by rolling hills, cascading waterfalls, and dramatic cliffs. The road offers spectacular views of the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, but be careful, as certain stretches along this route are only wide enough for one car! The highest point stands around 900 ft, and so during the Winter Ballaghisheen Pass can often be covered in snow, making for en epic winter wonderland.
Gap of Dunloe
The incredible Gap of Dunloe is a spectacular winding mountain route through the Black Valley in County Kerry, taking you past serene lakes and dramatic valleys. It is conveniently located near Killarney National Park, and during the Summer months, you can hop in a horse-drawn carriage to the top, taking in the epic views as you go. The route is restricted to vehicles unless you are staying in accommodation along the road, however, there is plenty of parking near Kate Kearney’s Cottage, a traditional Irish pub serving both food and drinks, which makes for a great place to refuel if you opt to walk the Gap.
From the rugged cliffs of the Wild Atlantic Way to the quaint villages nestled along the way, each of these routes is just as captivating as the last. Hopefully, this guide has inspired you to visit some of these road-trip gems yourself, as well as to explore and find more undiscovered adventures along the way.
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