La ruta panorámica: Los viajes por carretera más bonitos de Irlanda

Few Irish road trips are as famous as the Ring of Kerry.

Following the coastline and mountains of the Iveragh Peninsula, this circular route takes in some of County Kerry's most spectacular scenery. Expect mountain passes, glistening lakes, sandy beaches, colourful villages and dramatic views across the Atlantic.

One of the best places to begin is Killarney, where the road trip can be combined with time in Killarney National Park. From there, the landscape changes constantly as you travel through places such as Moll's Gap, Kenmare and the coastal villages of the Iveragh Peninsula.

Give yourself a full day to enjoy the Ring of Kerry at a relaxed pace. Allow plenty of time for viewpoints, short walks, photographs and spontaneous stops along the way.

If you're visiting Kerry without a car, you can still experience the route. A Ring of Kerry tour from Killarney lets you take in the scenery while an experienced driver-guide handles the roads, making it a convenient way to enjoy the road-trip experience without hiring a car.

Best for: Classic Irish scenery, mountain roads, Atlantic views and first-time visitors.

The Wild Atlantic Way is less a single road trip and more an invitation to explore Ireland's entire western coastline.

At more than 2,500 kilometres, you can choose the section that best fits your itinerary and explore it at your own pace.

The stretches around Clare, Galway, Connemara, Kerry and West Cork are particularly rewarding, with towering cliffs, remote beaches, colourful villages and rugged countryside.

The Cliffs of Moher are an obvious highlight, but the real appeal of the Wild Atlantic Way is how much there is to discover between the famous sights. Stop in a small coastal village, walk along a beach, enjoy lunch overlooking the sea or simply pull over at a viewpoint and watch the Atlantic for a while.

For visitors staying in Dublin who want to experience the west coast in a single day, a guided tour can be a practical alternative. For example, a Cliffs of Moher, Burren & Galway day tour allows you to experience several highlights of the west while a driver-guide takes care of the journey.

Best for: Atlantic scenery, dramatic landscapes and building your own longer Ireland road trip.

For a road trip that combines spectacular scenery with Irish culture, the Dingle Peninsula is difficult to beat.

The Slea Head Drive follows the western edge of the peninsula, with the Atlantic stretching out towards the Blasket Islands. Along the way, you'll encounter dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, ancient monuments and some of the most photogenic coastal scenery in Ireland.

Make time for Coumeenoole Beach, stop at the viewpoints around Slea Head and leave plenty of time for Dingle town. Its colourful streets, traditional pubs, restaurants and Irish-speaking heritage make it much more than simply a stop on the route.

The peninsula is also a good reminder that Irish road trips are about enjoying the places you discover along the way. Take your time, get out of the car and explore the landscapes, beaches and villages you pass.

If you'd rather leave the driving to someone else, a private drive tour is another way to experience Dingle while still getting the chance to see the landscape and hear about the area from a professional local guide.

Best for: Coastal scenery, beaches, Irish culture and a slower-paced road trip.

Head west from Galway and the landscape soon changes dramatically.

The Connemara region is one of Ireland's best destinations for a scenic drive, with rugged mountains, lakes, bogland and quiet roads stretching across the west of County Galway.

The scenery is particularly impressive around the Twelve Bens, while Kylemore Abbey provides one of the region's most recognisable landmarks.

Build some flexibility into your Connemara road trip and give yourself time to enjoy the scenery as it changes around you. The weather can shift quickly here too, creating completely different moods across the same landscape.

If you're staying in Galway without a car, Connemara is also easy to experience on a guided excursion. You can sit back and enjoy the mountains and lakes while your driver-guide takes care of the journey.

Best for: Mountains, wilderness, photography and exploring the west of Ireland.

If you're looking for a road trip with plenty of major attractions along the way, the Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland is an excellent choice.

The route follows the coastline between Belfast and Derry, passing dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, historic castles and small coastal towns.

Its biggest attraction is the Giant's Causeway, where thousands of distinctive basalt columns meet the Atlantic. But there is much more to see along the coast, including Dunluce Castle and Carrick-a-Rede, with spectacular scenery connecting the major stops.

For visitors travelling around the island of Ireland, the Causeway Coast can fit naturally into a longer itinerary that includes Belfast and Northern Ireland.

If you're based in Dublin and want to experience the region in a day, a Belfast, Giant's Causeway and Dunluce Castle day tour provides an easy way to see several of the region's highlights while travelling with a guide.

Best for: Dramatic coastlines, history, castles and iconic Irish landmarks.

You don't have to travel to the west of Ireland to find spectacular scenery.

The Wicklow Mountains are just south of Dublin, making them particularly useful for visitors with limited time and for domestic travellers looking for an easy day away from the city.

The landscape around Glendalough is the main attraction, combining two beautiful lakes with forested valleys and the remains of an important early medieval monastic settlement.

The drive through the Wicklow Mountains is part of the experience. You'll pass open hills, winding roads and viewpoints that feel surprisingly remote considering how close you are to Dublin.

It's an especially good option if you have only a few days in Ireland and want to experience mountains, history and countryside without travelling across the country.

If you don't have access to a car, a Wicklow, Glendalough and Powerscourt Day Tour from Dublin can provide much the same experience while allowing you to sit back and enjoy the scenery.

Best for: Short trips from Dublin, mountain scenery, history and easy day trips.

• Remember that Ireland drives on the left.
• Rural roads can be narrow and winding, so allow extra time and enjoy the changing scenery along the way.
• Viewpoints, beaches, villages and cafés can become some of the highlights of an Ireland road trip, so leave room in your day for stops, to explore.
• Mobile coverage can be limited in some rural areas, maybe consider downloading maps or familiarise yourself with your general route in advance.
• Ireland rewards travellers who slow down. Spending several days exploring one region can give you a much richer experience than trying to cover the whole country.

If you're trying to decide where to go, think about the kind of experience you want.

• For your first Irish road trip: The Ring of Kerry is a classic choice.
• For dramatic Atlantic scenery: Choose the Wild Atlantic Way, particularly around Clare, Galway or Connemara.
• For coastal villages and Irish culture: Head to the Dingle Peninsula and Slea Head.
• For mountains and wilderness: Make time for Connemara.
• For castles and famous landmarks: Follow the Causeway Coastal Route.
• For a shorter trip from Dublin: Explore the Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough.

Each route offers a different view of Ireland, so choose the one that matches your interests, the time you have and the kind of journey you want to experience.