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The Journal is partnering with Allianz Insurance for our Best Drives series that showcases some of the most picturesque drives across the country.
OVER THE YEARS, the Allianz Best Drives series has taken us down some very special roads, from north Dublin all the way down to Slea Head. 2026 will be no exception, and we want your help in choosing this year’s routes.
From views of the glistening Atlantic Ocean to mountain passes surrounded by unmatched landscapes, Ireland has no shortage of scenic drives to make for an unforgettable day out.
Below are four of Ireland’s most desirable drives, including routes through Wicklow, Wexford, Tipperary and Meath, and if you read on you’ll learn more about what each drive has in store. We’ve got seven options for you, and the top three options in the poll will be filmed and shared on The Journal.
Which of these drives would you most like to see filmed?
Drive 1: The Sally Gap
The Sally Gap is one of Ireland’s most iconic drives, and if you do it right, it will take you past some of the most scenic spots in Wicklow, often known as the Garden of Ireland. This 26km route is 500ft above sea level in parts, giving you vantage points that are hard to find anywhere else in Ireland, and access to some of the most unique and nurturing nature walks and sights in Leinster. Starting in Sally Gap and finishing in the town of Roundwood takes an hour, but you’ll almost certainly need to stop to take in the views in Glendalough, Lough Tay or the Ballinasloe Woods.
Drive 2: Hook Peninsula
One well-established drive with a route in place is that of the Hook Peninsula in Wexford. The southeast coast is known for its sunny weather and its pristine beaches, and this loop drive encompasses all of that. Start from Tintern Abbey and make your way down the eastern coastline of the peninsula until you reach Hook Head, where you can stop for a walk down to Hook Lighthouse, before coming back up along the western coastline of the peninsula through Dollar Bay for a swim, or Duncannon Village and Fort for an experience of Ireland’s Ancient East, at the confluence of the Nore, Barrow, and Suir rivers.
Drive 3: The Vee
Tipperary is home to the Vee, one of the most visually stunning drives in Ireland. A road named for its V-shaped bend, it offers breathtaking views of the Galtee mountains and Galtymore, Ireland’s highest inland peak. Start either from the bustling towns of Clonmel or Cahir before going through Clogheen, the Vee and Lismore. Along the way, stop at Bay Lough for views of the peaceful lake or go kayaking. This drive guarantees you will be surrounded by beautiful and unspoiled landscapes and really gives you a road trip feeling.
Drive 4: Boyne Valley
Packed with history and perfect for sightseeing, the Boyne Valley drive in Meath is one of the best inland drives you can commit to — the only difficulty is narrowing down everything that you want to see. Starting from Newgrange, perhaps the most striking jewel in Ireland’s crown, it’s roughly ten minutes to the Battle of the Boyne Visitor’s Centre, after which only another 40 minutes to the Hill of Tara. With one scenic drive, you can end up seeing the best of what Ireland has to offer before winding up only twenty minutes from Emerald Park or Bective Abbey, where you can spend the afternoon.
Drive 5: Lough Erne
Fermanagh is known for its picturesque lakes, and this driving route combines these lake views with an abundance of rich forest. Starting from the town of Enniskillen takes you all along the edge of Lough Erne before bringing you to the Cliffs of Magho viewpoint, where you can take in breathtaking vistas of the Atlantic. Other stops along this route include the historical monastic site of Devenish Island, Castle Archdale Forest Park, and Boa Island.
Drive 6: Waterford
Driving along Waterford’s south coast encompasses two of Ireland’s most vibrant coastal towns: Dunmore East and Tramore. It is only 15 minutes between the two of them, meaning that this drive can easily be supplemented either by driving to Waterford city itself (this could be especially good during winter as Winterval is a big thing in Waterford). There are a range of beaches along the Copper coast. This drive could be extended to include the harbour town of Youghal, with its graveyard trail and Blackwater cruises.
Drive 7: Clifden
For panoramic views of Ireland’s Atlantic coast, make the Clifden loop drive part of any journey in the Connemara area. The Sky Road runs on a 16km that will take you through Clifden, presenting you with spectacular views from several stops and vantage points, including the Kingston Peninsula. There are many other nearby landmarks that could be folded into this drive, including Kylemore Abbey, Diamond Hill and the many beaches near Clifden Town, including Dog’s Bay.
No matter what the route, make sure your next journey is insured with Allianz. Get 15% off car insurance online now.
Allianz p.l.c. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Standard acceptance criteria, terms & conditions and a minimum premium applies.
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