Ireland's 8 most scenic coastal driving routes

As an island nation on the western fringe of Europe, Ireland has an advantage over most countries when it comes to scenic coastal drives. Our shoreline boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, rich in local traditions and characters, which mingle to create an unforgettable experience.

The Wild Atlantic Way is the world’s longest signed coastal drive at more than 2,500km (1,600 miles) and perhaps Ireland’s best-known driving route. Many of our finest coastal drives are found along this route, though there are others scattered around the coastline making Ireland the ideal road trip destination, especially if you have one of our Driver Guides at the wheel.

We guarantee they will take you through traditional rural outposts where Irish Gaelic is still spoken, sea breezes blow in the freshest air, fish from local boats is on the menu, tweeds are woven on wooden looms, sheep gaze at the crashing sea below and fiddlers play sessions in the pubs.

Take a moment now to be inspired!

Copper Coast Drive, Waterford

One of the most scenic drives in Ireland’s Ancient East is the Copper Coast Drive. This drive stretches around 100 miles and boasts over 460 million years of geological history.

The copper mining industry was prominent in this region of Country Waterford during the 18th and 19th centuries. As you travel the coast, you will come across the village of Bunmahon, which was at the centre of the copper mining. Today, you can see the remnants of the walls of the copper storage yard and the Tankardstown Engine House.

As you drive from the villages of Tramore to Dungarven, there are several attractions to explore. One is the Copper Coast Geopark which is an outdoor museum of geological history. This picturesque coastline drive has eight different beaches and is perfect for outdoor activities such as kayaking, angling and walking trails.

Mizen Head, Cork

The Mizen Peninsula is one of the many spectacular coastal drives along the Wild Atlantic Way. Mizen Head is known as one of the most south-westerly spots in Ireland. The dramatic cliffs rise high above the Atlantic Ocean creating a mesmerising scene.

Here you will find the Signal Station which is now automated and is a Maritime Museum and Heritage Attraction. You can access the Station by taking the path from the Visitor Centre down 99 steps and over the footbridge. As you scan the horizon from the bridge, keep a look out for whales, dolphins, and seals.

One of the best kept secrets on the Mizen Peninsula is Barleycove Beach. This beach is picture perfect and an ideal location for a picnic or stroll.

Sheep's Head, Cork

The Sheep’s Head Peninsula Drive exhibits the quintessential Irish landscape that is sought after by visitors to Ireland. The narrow, windy roads display fantastic views of the Atlantic Ocean on either side of the drive.

This part of the country is often overlooked by tourists which means it has escaped the bustle of modern life and offers peaceful unspoiled scenery. Not to mention, the proximity to the Atlantic Gulf Stream means the climate is always mild. 

The peninsula is about 40 kilometres long (approximately 24 miles in total) so experiencing the drive at a slower pace is recommended. Take some time to visit the smaller seaside villages that are delighted to showcase their crafts to visitors whether it be pottery, stone crafts, or the art of cooking. The Sheep’s Head Peninsula has something for everyone to enjoy.

Dingle Peninsula & Slea Head Drive, Kerry

The Slea Head drive is a 47 kilometre (30 mile) looped coastal route that starts and ends in the town of Dingle. As one of Ireland’s most scenic drives, this route is recommended to be taken at a slow pace so you can fully enjoy your surroundings and scenery. Part of the drive does get narrow and becomes a single lane, but it is not to be feared when you are in the good trusting hands of a driver guide.

The Slea Head Drive offers more than just coastal views, dramatic cliffs, and stunning beaches. Around every corner of this windy drive is something new and exciting to experience. Beehive huts are one of the many historic sites found on the drive. The Star Wars’ movie Star Wars: The Last Jedi have made them popular with tourists traveling this route. Fans of the movie series also have the chance on a clear day to see the Skellig Islands, also featured in the film.

Take time to enjoy the Irish Speaking Villages you travel through and if the day fairs well, a boat trip to the famous Blasket Islands is always recommended.

Burren Coastal Drive, Clare

A distinct trait about the Burren Region which differs from other parts of the country is the rocky limestone landscape. The word Burren, or Boireann in Irish, means “Rocky Land.” The limestone that can be found in this area was formed from the shells of sea creatures over 300 million years ago.

The Burren is not all rocky terrain as over 700 plants live in the region making it one of Europe’s richest botanical areas. Wildlife can also be found such as birds, small mammals, and butterflies.

Take some time to explore the quaint towns and villages you will pass as you drive along the coast. Each one has something unique to offer from gourmet seafood, sandy beaches, and breath-taking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Connemara Sky Road, Galway

One of the most picturesque drives in the Connemara region of County Galway is the Sky Road. This 11-kilometre (7 mile) loop showcases some of the best rugged beauty and outstanding coastal views that Ireland has to offer.

Set against the backdrop of the iconic 12 Ben Mountains is the charming town of Clifden. This is where you start the coastal drive. As you travel North away from Clifden, take in the uphill views as you enter the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way.

The road separates after some time offering a lower and upper road both with their own stunning views. The lower road will take you downhill towards the ocean. The more popular route, the uphill road, is where you will find unbeatable views of the Connemara countryside, the sea, and the coastline of neighbouring countries.

Inisowen Peninsula, Donegal

In 2017, County Donegal was named National Geographic UK’s Coolest Place in the World. Donegal is a real hidden gem of the country. This coastal drive along the Inishowen Peninsula showcases exactly what makes the county so cool and why it should be visited on every trip.

The coastal route which was formally named the “Inishowen 100” gets its name from the fact that it is 160 kilometres long (100 miles). This drive encompasses a diverse terrain you will not find elsewhere in the country.

Visually, every turn along this drive is magnificent from the beaches, the towering bluffs, to the mountains that tower over in the middle of it all. For outdoor enthusiasts, there is something for everyone from hiking to cycling and from golf to fishing.

Along the Peninsula is Malin Head which is the most northerly point in Ireland. The location of Inishowen makes it the best spot in the country to see the Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights.

Northern Causeway Coastal Route

The Causeway Coastal Scenic Drive is one of the longer suggested routes covering 212 kilometres (130 miles). This route covers the coastal area that stretches from Derry to Belfast or vice versa. A combination of rugged coastline, dramatic towering cliffs, and quaint little villages and towns is what makes this drive so special.

Some of the key highlights you will see along the drive include the famous Giants Causeway and Carrick a rede rope bridge, filming locations for the popular television series Game of Thrones, the dramatic Gobbins Cliff Walk, and several beautiful beaches.