The Scenic Route: Ireland's Most Beautiful Road Trips

Some of the best experiences in Ireland happen when you're not in a hurry to get anywhere. 

A mountain appears around the next bend. A small village makes an unexpected lunch stop. You pull over because the view across the Atlantic is simply too good to drive past.

For visitors hiring a car, these moments are one of the great pleasures of exploring Ireland. For those travelling to Ireland from elsewhere in Europe, North America or further afield, a road trip gives you the freedom to see beyond the major cities and tourist attractions. And for those who already live here, Ireland's scenic routes make excellent options for a weekend away or a few days on the road.

From famous coastal drives to winding mountain roads and historic routes, here are some of the most rewarding scenic drives in Ireland.