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5 scenic road trips to take from Dublin this winter
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From picturesque views and historical sites to our favourite pitstops and photo-ops along the way, we've teamed up with its4women car insurance to share five road trips from Dublin to add to your bucket list.
It’s easy to forget how much beauty is on our doorstep here in Ireland. You only have to travel 45 minutes outside of Dublin to find yourself immersed in the most breathtaking of landscapes.
So, as the colder days set in, rather than entering hibernation mode, we’ll be hopping into the car with a warm drink, sticking on our favourite playlist, and following one of the road trips below.
Remember, staying safe on the road is essential, and with online car insurance brand its4women, you can drive confidently as you explore.
Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough
Pexels, Dirk de Vlaminck
Glendalough.ie, John Griffin Photography & Michael Delahunty
Distance: 1 hour
Kick off your adventure by driving through the Wicklow Mountains and find magical views at every bend. Stop at the serene Glendalough for a hike around the lake (bonus points if you manage the 5.9-mile ‘Spinc’ loop trail which takes an average of three hours and 12 minutes to complete). Next visit Glendalough graveyard which is steeped in ancient Irish history and finish off your day with a visit to the magnificent Powerscourt Waterfall, where come rain or fall, the 99 ice creams from The Bug Buffet Cafe are to die for!
Boyne Valley and Newgrange
Distance: 1 hour
Step back in time with a visit to the Boyne Valley and follow a route that will please history buffs and spiritual adventure seekers alike. Start at the megalithic tomb of Newgrange (which is older than Stonehenge and the pyramids of Egypt) and admire the ancient art and architecture while learning the secrets of our ancestors. Next, make your way to Trim Castle (where the movie Braveheart was filmed in 1995) to explore the largest, best-preserved and most impressive Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland and finish your day with a slice of cake from family-owned Harvest Home Bakery.
Dingle Peninsula
Getty Images, Cynthia Shirk
Out of the Blue Restaurant
Distance: 4 hours to Dingle
If you’re looking for a picturesque drive, you need look no further than the Dingle Peninsula. The famous Slea Head Drive showcases stunning coastal views, dramatic cliffs, and an opportunity to indulge in some of the best seafood Ireland has to offer. We recommend finishing your day with a meal at Out Of The Blue, an award-winning fish restaurant serving whatever comes off the boats that day.
Wild Atlantic Way to Donegal
Distance: 3.5 hours to Donegal
The Wild Atlantic Way is one of the longest-defined coastal routes in the world. To enjoy one of its most dramatic sections, head west from Donegal, the sweeping ocean views and pristine sandy beaches will have you stopping every 15 minutes for a photo. Finish at the striking Slieve League Cliffs—one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. The most adventurous may want to try “One Man’s Path”, a narrow ridge path on which the cliffs can be crossed.
Connemara National Park
Pexels, Stanislava Zdn
Pexels, Mario Gomez
Distance: 3 hours to Connemara
Connemara has a rugged and wild beauty that can’t be found anywhere else. Start in Clifden, known as the “capital of Connemara” and follow the Sky Road Drive, all against the backdrop of the 12 Bens Mountain Range. This short but steep route will take you up to panoramic views of Clifden Bay, Clifden Castle, the old Coast Guard station and Inishturk and Turbot Island. Finish with an afternoon spent exploring the beautiful and tranquil Kylemore Abbey, originally built as a romantic gift by Mitchell Henry to his wife Margaret.
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