Where are the best driving roads in the Republic of Ireland?

[MartinDK1977]

Hello, all.

I'm here in Limerick, Ireland and got myself a rather nice rental car. All I need now are some suggestions as to some nice driving road and places to visit while I'm here.

Anyone got any suggestions as to some great driving roads / towns / villages, etc to visit in and around Limerick?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Cole@MBS]

Haven’t driven much in Ireland but the west side up from Galway to Sligo are breathtaking, the natural waterfalls are worth stopping for, not to far from you! People there are amazing, some beautiful old fashioned pubs double up as shops are a gem!!

 

[Chrishazle]

From Cork, round via Kinsale and onto the Ring of Kerry, including out along the Dingle Peninsula. From Limerick you have lots of choice to the South! Beware the Cork to Mallow road, it was a well known danger area but I believe is now mainly a dual carriageway thanks to EU funding.

 

[Rotorhead500]

Yup, Cork to Mallow now open dual carriageway, but does take you away from some of the views.

Limerick area doesn't have the best of views but as said above, head out west and views are tidy.

If you venture down further you can head up through Killarney National Park, up towards Molls Gap (great views on way up, if weather plays ball, then drop down south side towards Sneam (Kelly's Bakery and The Bridge Cafe worth a visit); then head west on Ring of Kerry / Atlantic Highway) round through Caherdaniel & Derrynane (great beaches and stunning coves as you drive alongside the Kenmare estuary).

You'll route around the coast, through Waterville (where I'm currently based) an old can.then route back up coast towards Dingle Peninsula (word of caution here - you'll be skirting around 2 large peninsulas and covering a fair distance!)

In terms of "driving roads", down south west side of Kerry, the roads tend towards a lot of subsidence & broken surfaces - even on newly laid stretches. More than a few sump nuts have left their mark when people get carried away!
It's more about a leisurely drive, taking in the views, rather than racing lines & hitting the apex!

Pic of one of the lakes in The Ring Of Kerry (Glencar area):


And one of Derrynane/Caherdaniel in sunnier times.


And Tralee Bay (looking from north side of Dingle Peninsula...!)

 

[MartinDK1977]

Wow! Thanks for the suggestions! The views and the roads were amazing. Can't remember the last time I had so much fun driving. And that was in a rental Skoda Octavia!

Amazing views and some great driving. Exactly what the doctor ordered. Will go back next summer when the weather will hopefully be better.

Thanks again.

 

[Rotorhead500]

Wow! Thanks for the suggestions! The views and the roads were amazing. Can't remember the last time I had so much fun driving. And that was in a rental Skoda Octavia!

Amazing views and some great driving. Exactly what the doctor ordered. Will go back next summer when the weather will hopefully be better.

Thanks again.

The west coast (especially Sligo southwards) and particularly the southwest coast, estuaries & coves, really are stunning... on a good day!

Glad you enjoyed it.