scenic drives ireland

The Shannon is a splendid river but it owes its splendour not only to its winding length but also to the many large and beautiful lakes which it drains and that feed it. This drive will dazzle the tourist with lake vistas; Lough Key, Lough Arrow, Lough Skean, Lough Meelagh, Lough Allen and others. All lie amid forests and greenery in all its shades. A tour in Leitirm is a recipe for relaxation and renewal. Appropriately the famous An Tostal Festival is held at Drumshanbo. Carolan, the bard sle...

The journey to Wexford by road or river has many pleasant views, and some bends of the river are particularly fine. The last stages lie through the Barony of Shelmalier, which has always had a population of net-fishermen and fowlers. The'bold Shelmalier' with his long barrelled duck gun was a formidable marksman in the Wexford insurgent army. He is commemorated in may ballads. West of Enniscorthy are the Blackstairs Mountains (highest point Mount Leinster, 2,610 feet), which form par...

O'Carolan Country Tour One day Tour 120km This tour starts from the attractive riverside and marina town of Carrick on Shannon. Drive towards Boyle and visit the Lough Key Forest Park with its numerous facilities from lakeside restaurant and caravan park to boating and nature trails. Discover the 13th century Boyle Abbey in Boyle town. Then on by Lough Key's Doon Shore, enjoy the magnificent view of this island studded lake, to Carrigeenroe and by the east shore of Lough Arrow to Riverstown a...

Among the many walks or short drives from Avoca village are 1. Go past the Catholic Church and out via Sulphurbrook and Kilmacoo, turn left at Kilmacoo Cross, through Conary village; turn left at next crossroads to the Motte Stone, a glacial boulder of granite about 10 feet high by 14 feet by 10 feet perched on the summit of a hill over 800 feet high. From the top of the stone there is an extensive view of the valley. 2. From Avoca village turn left at Ballygahan Garage up Red Road...

Exciting sea cliffs fringe the popular resort of Bundoran, the staring point for this drive. Boasting an EC Blue Flag quality beach, which attracts thousands of families in the summer months, this seaside town has added to its year-round appeal by its lively entertainment programme.
Driving north on the N15 towards Ballyshannon, situated on the River Erne since it was founded in the 17th century, the steep, narrow streets of Ballyshannon give this town a character and atmosphere which is...

This one-day circular tour covers 257km. Takes in Limerick city, Ennis, Kilrush, Kilkee, Lahinch, Liscannor Bay, the famous Cliffs of Moher, Lisdoonvarna and the breath-taking Burren area. Then Ballyvaughan, Bealaclugga, Tulough, Carran, Leamaneh Castle, Kilfenora (which features the Burren Display Centre), Kilnahoy, Corofin, Tulla, Broadford, and finishes back in Limerick city. A great way to get to know the area....

Golden Vale Drive: This is a leisurely journey through the countryside of Southeast Limerick. The route, which is signposted, and can be followed from Limerick City and takes the visitor through many small villages and towns. There are many historical landmarks to be seen on this route, not least the town of Kilmallock Route 69: is the coastal route to North Kerry and Tralee. It follow the shannon Estuary from Limerick City to Tarbert. There are a number of attractions along the route...

Visit Ballyhoura Country and explore its healthy mountains, hills, valleys, scenic drives walking and cycling routes, visitor farms, traditional pubs. Stay in self-catering, B&B, farmhouse, or hostel accommodation....

The very popular Heritage Town of Ardara, a leading centre for the Donegal hand-woven tweed and hand-knit garment industry, is the starting point for the varied drive. Follow the signs from Dungloe heading north from Ardara. Some 6km out take a left, signposted Rosbeg. Small, picturesque cottages are tucked into the lea of the rounded hills before Loughros Mor Bay opens up to your left, with Slievetooey dominating the horizon. Nearing Rosbeg you will see Kiltorris Lough to the right an...

The Suggested starting point is Cork-a charming city on the River Lee, excellent for shopping and offering first class pubs and restauants with entertainment for every member of the family. Blarney Castle, with its famous Stone of Eloquence is a ten minute drive away.

Visit there to kiss the stone before continuing to the old world town of Kinsale. Drive on to Timoleague where you'll see the remains of the once largest friary in Ireland, then Clonakilty, Rosscarbery, Glandore, Union Hall...