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Scenic Irish Drives
The gorgeous island of Ireland is one of the most stunning places in the world, and it is just waiting to be explored! A hired car is by far the best way to see this place, as it provides you with the freedom to do what you please at whatever pace you like. Although there are endless different routes around Ireland you can take, two are outlined below that include some of the most striking scenic backdrops.The area of Northern Ireland has some spectacular sights. Begin by picking up you rental car in Belfast, and at the same time take a few days to explore the city. See the murals that emblazon many building's walls, and take some time to get a taste of its world-renowned arts scene and kicking nightlife.
Drive north to the Antrim Coast, and spend a few hours at Giant's causeway, a strange, natural rock formation that juts into the ocean. From there, head to the town of Derry for the night, a lovely medieval city that has a historical and literary past that rivals even that of Dublin.
From Derry go to beautiful Malin Head, the northernmost point in Ireland. This area is packed with jutting cliffs and wavy sand dunes, and is a photographer's heaven. Next is Letterkenny, one of Ireland's main transportation hubs. Spend a night here, and hit up the happening bar and pub scene - if you can plan to visit here on a Friday or Saturday night you won't regret it.
Slieve League Peninsula is nearby, and it is home to some of the most amazing scenery in all of Ireland. This sparsely-populated area provides endless days of exploration by car or foot, and the sights can be so awe-inspiring that you just might want to stay! If you can drag yourself away, your final stop will be in Sligo. This town's most famous son is writer W.B. Yeats, and there are endless Yeats-related sights scattered throughout the town.
Southern Ireland is equally as beautiful as its northern neighbor, especially the areas around the coast. Start out your trip in the south by seeing the sights in Dublin for a few days before picking up your rental car. From Dublin, drive to medieval Kilkenny, a town that has some of the most well-maintained historical buildings in Ireland.
Continue south to the city of Cork, the second-largest in Ireland. This is a hub of artistic, athletic and musical activities, so spend a few days here soaking up the culture.
Next, drive to the Beara Peninsula, probably the most tranquil and lovely area in the Southern region of Ireland. Spend at least a day driving throughout the countryside and enjoying the sights. One of the most famous places in Southern Ireland is the Ring of Kerry, a set of roads that houses some beautiful scenery: the N71 from Kenmare to Killarney, the R562 from Killarney to Killorglin, and the loop of N70 west and back to Kenmare.
Dingle, while becoming increasingly mobbed by tourists, is spectacular. Towering cliffs and seeping beaches line the coast, and the people here maintain a strong grasp on their traditional past by speaking mostly Irish. Take a trip to the mountains if you have the time, and do some great trekking.
End your travels by driving north once again, and leaving Ireland by the Shannon Airport.
These site will help you find out more about the wonderful places you can see on your trip.
Beara Peninsula
Official page of the Beara area. Lots of information for visitors, and a handy page for planning a trip.
Dingle
Extensive information on this stunning area.
Dublin
A great resource for researching activities in Dublin: contains information on everything imaginable.
Sligo
Many who visit Sligo are there to trace the footsteps of writer W.B. Yeats. This page has information on all of the Yeats-related sights in the town.
Kilkenny
Information page on the medieval city of Kilkenny. Has some interesting facts, history, and events information.
Cork
Guide to cork for tourism and business. Has information on all aspect of travel in Cork, including entertainment, dining, sights and much more.
Belfast
Belfast's official tourism page. Information on many activities and sights in the city.
Giant's Causeway
This page has extensive information on Giants causeway, including the myth of its origin. The page also has links to other areas of interest around the Antrim Coast.