Nothing quite says summer like throwing yourself into the car, blaring your fave playlist and setting off on a scenic route with your mates.
Travel company Expedia has released their Top Ten “Great Irish Driving Holidays” and we cannot wait to spend our weekends spinning around these gorge roads.
Here’s their top 10 in full:
1. Copper Coast, Waterford
” The 50km drive provides plenty to see and do, and is driveable in one day.Â
“Discover the history of Copper Coast at the Geopark’s Visitor Centre, and be sure to stop by some of the key geological sites along the way including Ballydowane Bay, Stradbally Cove, Fenor Bog, Knockmahon Cove and Tankardstown. “
2. Inishowen 100, Donegal
“The Inishowen 100 gets its name from the 100 miles (160km) distance that it takes to drive this picturesque area of Ireland.
The route takes you along the north of Donegal and while you can join the loop anywhere, its starting point is the village of Bridgend.”
3. Burren Beauty Drive, Clare
“The 70km Burren Beauty Drive will take you through the Burren National Park as you begin to explore this vast moonlike limestone landscape.”
4. Lough Derg Scenic Drive
“Lough Derg is the largest lake on the River Shannon, and the scenic Lough Derg Drive will take you on a 130km road trip through Cork, Tipperary and Galway. “
5. Boyne Valley Scenic Loop, Meath
“From the historic site of Newgrange and the location of the Battle of the Boyne to the towns of Trim, Kells and Navan, there is so much to uncover as you drive Boyne Valley.”
6. The Sally Gap, Wicklow
“Home to the stunning historic site of Glendalough and Blessington Lakes, Wicklow Mountains are perfect for a day trip, and a great area to explore in the car. “
7. Slieve Bloom Scenic Drive, Laois / Offaly
“The 40km Glendine route provides plenty to explore in 24 hours and will take you through the heart of this impressive mountain range.”
8. Mourne Coastal Route, Down
“A designated area of outstanding natural beauty, the Mourne Coastal Route in County Down is a 120km drive along the rugged County Down coastline.Â
“Travelling through many quaint seaside towns and villages, this drive will take you through the heart of the Mourne Mountains, the highest mountain range in Northern Ireland.”
9. Slea Head Drive, Kerry
“This circular route begins and ends in the town of Dingle, and takes in many scenic routes along the way.”
10. Lough Allen Drive, Leitrim
“This short drive will take you from Leitrim into Roscommon, as you travel the 30km looped route of Lough Allen.”
Now all you have to do is pick which amazing route to begin with!