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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Lifestyle
William Dunne

Forget Route 66, here are five scenic drives to take in Ireland

Ireland is famous for its rich greenery and stunning geography, so it makes sense there are some amazing drives to take.

Most tourists will have flown into Dublin, but away from the bumper-to-bumper traffic in the capital there are rural roads with some breathtaking views.

So whether you're from Ireland or abroad, forget Route 66 because here are areas in the country which are worth travelling by car.

The 100 mile Burren Loop

The Burren, Co Clare (Discover Ireland)

The 150km long or so drive travels around the Burren National Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site, in the shape a figure of eight.

Take in the unmissable pale grey limestone landscape in a journey which can easily be completed in a day.

The geographical masterpiece is located on the Wild Atlantic Way in Co Clare.

Donegal's Fanad Peninsula

Portsalon beach, Ballymacstocker Bay, County Donegal (Getty)

The route will take you through one of Ireland's most rural and most beautiful areas.

Similar in length to the Burren Loop, the Inishowen 100 offers a chance to stop in at some of Ireland's best beaches.

Driving around the Fanad Peninsula is the best stretch of the journey, with its fabulous beaches, greenery and mountainous terrain.

The Ring of Kerry

Ring of Kerry (Tourism Ireland)
Beaches in the Ring of Kerry (Failte Ireland)

The Ring of Kerry is a breathtaking route situated near to one of Ireland's most vibrant towns, Killarney.

Visitors can drive, hike, walk and cycle around this spectacular part of the country.

The Connemara Sky Road

(Chris Hill/Tourism Ireland)

The Connemara Sky Road in Co Galway is a short but satisfying drive.

The route near Clifden guts out into the Atlantic, with the backdrop of the 12 Bens Mountain Range.

Located in the heart of western Ireland, this 20km track is a must for tourists heading to Galway.

Wild Atlantic Way

Winter waves on the Wild Atlantic Way near Easky, Co Sligo, Ireland (Tourism Ireland)

 

The Stags of Broadhaven from Benwee Head, Wild Atlantic Way, County Mayo, Ireland (Tourism Ireland)
View of Northern Lights over Lagg Church on Malin Head on the Wild Atlantic Way (Michaell Gill, Failte Ireland)

Take it all in by travelling one of the world's longest coastal routes, the Wild Atlantic Way.

Stretching from Donegal down to Cork, the drive is roughly 2,600km long.

It will take you on an unforgettable journey, passing through picturesque villages and passing by landmarks such as the Cliffs of Moher.

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