Driving Roads in Ireland

Explore scenic and exciting driving roads across Ireland.

Achill Island Atlantic Drive

Ireland

16 /100

14 kmIE

Burren Coast Road (R477)

Ireland

25 /100

29 kmIE

Causeway Coastal Route (A2)

Ireland

52 /100

95 kmIE

Conor Pass (R560 to R559)

Moll's Gap to Ladies View (N71)

Ireland

56 /100

32 kmIE

Sally Gap / Old Military Road (R115)

Driving in Ireland

Ireland rewards drivers who leave the main motorways for its regional and local roads, where the landscape changes quickly between coast, mountain, bog and farmland. Along the western seaboard, the Wild Atlantic Way links a long sequence of peninsulas, bays and exposed coastal roads from Donegal to Cork. County Kerry is particularly rich in scenic driving, with the Ring of Kerry circling the Iveragh Peninsula through Atlantic scenery and the mountains around Killarney National Park. The Dingle Peninsula adds narrower mountain and coastal roads, including the Conor Pass area, where vehicle restrictions apply on the tightest section. Farther east, the Military Road and Sally Gap cross the open moorland of the Wicklow Mountains. Many minor roads are narrow, undivided and bordered by hedges or stone walls, so distances that appear short on a map can require considerably more driving time than equivalent routes on larger roads.

Season & conditions

Most public scenic roads remain usable year-round, and Ireland does not have a general system of scheduled winter closure for mountain passes. Atlantic storms, heavy rain, flooding, strong winds, frost and occasional snow can nevertheless cause temporary closures or difficult conditions, particularly on exposed coastal roads and higher routes. Snow is most likely in winter and on elevated ground, while rapidly changing weather can affect visibility in any season. Check current weather, local authority notices and road conditions before using remote or upland routes.

Tolls & access

Ireland does not use a motorway vignette, but several motorways, tunnels and bridges in the Republic of Ireland have individual tolls. Most tolled routes use barrier plazas accepting common payment methods or electronic tags. Dublin’s M50 is the main exception: its tolled section uses barrier-free electronic collection, and drivers without an account or compatible tag must arrange payment by the stated deadline after travel. Scenic mountain and coastal roads generally do not carry separate access tolls.