Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

roads to remember

My Favourite Drive: David Roome joins a fleet of Jaguars headed to Blessington Lakes

‘The problem with driving nowadays is that we’re going from A to B and not enjoying what we’re seeing.’

shutterstock_88298254 Shutterstock / riganmc Shutterstock / riganmc / riganmc

JOURNEYS, EVEN IF they’re everyday ones, can mean a lot. David Roome is Treasurer of the Irish Jaguar and Daimler ClubAs someone with a passion for cars, David told TheJournal.ie about the drive that meant the most to him.

First up, describe the drive. 

There’s a drive I’ve often done with our own Jaguar club, around the Blessington Lakes, where the road comes right down to the lakes. We start off in Blessington village, then wind our way around, taking in the stunning views. We usually end up in Russborough House afterwards.

The event organiser susses out the run first and then gives you a sheet of paper telling you how many miles to go before you turn left or right, so there’s no danger of getting lost. We could have as many as 80 cars on a run or as little as 20.

Driving along the back roads in a vintage car like my own E-Type Jag means there plenty of time to enjoy the scenery – classic cars don’t tend to push you along!

shutterstock_382422187 Shutterstock / Ocskay Bence Shutterstock / Ocskay Bence / Ocskay Bence

Is there a particular highlight that sums it all up?

Once the sun is out and you’re tucked down in the car, the views around Blessington are breathtaking. The problem with driving nowadays is that we’re going from A to B and not enjoying what we’re seeing. Classic cars don’t tend to go fast so we meander along the road and take it as it comes.

9454595165_5296a4858d_z A classic E-type Jaguar Roderick Eime / Flickr. Roderick Eime / Flickr. / Flickr.

What makes the drive so special?

I suppose it’s because you’re not rushing anywhere. When you go out, you just enjoy the views. Motorway driving is always about getting somewhere as quickly as possible – everyone tries to go do it at 75 km per hour and you’re not seeing anything at all. We try to stay off the main roads as much as possible, which means you’ve no choice but to sit back and take everything in.

More: My Favourite Drive: Leo Nulty on a father-and-son road trip to the Aran Islands

More: My Favourite Drive: Geoff Walker on braving French rainstorms in a car with no roof

Your Voice
Readers Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel