
Glendalough, County Wicklow
Sky Road, Galway Even the name is enticing. Forming part of the Wild Atlantic Way, Sky Road trails from the picturesque town of Clifden out into the Kingstown peninsula, before taking you back into the town via the N59. At 16km long, you’ll wish it went on forever as you spin alongside Connemara’s famous stone walls, looking out over the Atlantic at Inisturk, Turbot Island and co. Venture off the beaten track and there’s plenty to explore, with several megalithic tombs just waiting to be found. After you’ve travelled the route and reached the N59, don't even think about heading home. You’re only a 15-minute drive from Connemara National Park. It’ll be dark before you know it! The Causeway Coastal Route, Derry/Antrim You don’t have to be a Game of Thrones fan to enjoy the Causeway Coastal Route. Stretching along the coast from Derry all the way to Belfast, you might need a few days to take it all in; but if it’s a day-trip you’re after, Discover Northern Ireland have broken it down into 4 handy stretches. The hour-long drive between Mussenden Temple and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is particularly jam-packed with sites, taking in Dunluce Castle, Bushmills, Ballintoy Harbour and the Giant’s Causeway itself. With all those stops, watch an hour-long drive turn into several - though you may need to check which attractions are back open to visitors before you go!
The Giant's Causeway, County Antrim
The Comeragh Drive, Waterford The Comeragh Drive is perfect for the explorer who likes to veer off-route. An easy place to start is on the N25, where you’ll find a signposted turn-off for the Comeragh Drive between Dungarvan and Lemybrien. Taking a detour for a trip up to Mahon Falls is essential. Park the car and stroll up to the 80m waterfall, before returning via The Magic Road – where cars mysteriously roll uphill! Back on the Comeragh Drive itself, following the signposts will lead you all the way to Ballymacarbry, where you can follow signs for the Nire Valley Drive for postcard-worthy views. Boyne Valley Drive, Meath/Louth Fancy a trip through your 3rd class history book? Dubbed as ‘9000 years of history in one valley’, the Boyne Valley Drive may be different from your coastal cruise, but it’s no less impressive. The route will take you through the towns of Navan, Kells, Trim and Drogheda with a star-studded historical line-up featuring Newgrange, The Hill of Tara, Trim Castle and the Battle of the Boyne in between. A set of wheels and this interactive map are all you need.
Newgrange, County Meath
Most of these routes are enjoyed by walkers and cyclists alike, so make sure to leave them plenty of space if driving by. Before every road-trip, it's important to carry out these car safety checks as the last thing you want on a road-trip is to break down in the middle of nowhere. If the worst does happen, members of AA Rescue can call on our patrols no matter where they break down, or what time of the day. If you choose to pair your drive with a couple of nights away, AA Travel Insurance also covers staycations of 2 nights or more.