When looking for your next route, you can do no better than the wide variety of experiences on offer to motorcyclists in Ireland. With diverse landscapes, incredible views, friendly locals and rich history around every bend, motorcycle tours in Ireland are packed full of everything you need for the road trip of a lifetime. Even better, Ireland’s touring roads are famously low traffic, giving you more time to enjoy your chosen route. If you’re in need of some route inspiration, take a look at the suggestions below for some of the best motorcycle touring roads in Ireland.
- Sally Gap and the Wicklow Mountains
For a shorter route that isn’t far from Dublin, head to Sally Gap to take in the jaw-dropping wilderness of the Wicklow Mountains. While the route itself is ideal for those wanting a half-day’s ride in proximity to the capital, be sure to give yourself time for stops to appreciate the heather-covered heaths in the summer months and the equally beautiful snow-covered mountain peaks of the winter months. Although this route is accessible, roads across Ireland can be narrow or challenging at times, especially mountainous locations prone to ice. Whenever you visit, make sure you have high-quality insurance covering breakdown for peace of mind while you navigate everything this stunning location has to offer.
- Boyne Valley Drive
One of the most unique areas of Europe, a ride through the north-east is to journey back in time to Ireland’s historical roots. The Boyne Valley Drive takes you via the Hill of Tara, seat of the ancient High Kings of Ireland, and the prehistoric burial mounds of Brú na Bóinne, designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site. This route is peppered with monuments, abbeys, castles and villages, making it a fascinating touring road for the curious motorcyclist.
- The Wild Atlantic Way
Perhaps Ireland’s most famous route, The Wild Atlantic Way spans the length of the west coast. This ride is 1600 miles of breath-taking ocean views, cliffs, ruins and villages, making it an ideal touring road for those wanting a well-rounded route which encompasses history, Irish culture and landscape. If you’d prefer to do a slightly shorter version, The Ring of Kerry is a smaller – yet no less famous – route within The Wild Atlantic Way which offers motorcyclists a journey of beaches, waterfalls, mountain vistas and lakes. This area has been popular throughout history with Queen Victoria notable amongst its many visitors. With views fit for a queen, The Wild Atlantic Way and the Ring of Kerry are ideal for a motorcycle tour at any time of year.
- Causeway coast Drive, Co. Antrim
This route runs along the rugged and stunning coast of Northern Ireland connecting the above Wild Atlantic way to Belfast City. It’s a stunning 130 mile round trip and one of the most scenic motorcycle touring routes, boasting attractions such as the giants causeway. Where you can explore local myths and legends and the Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge where the bridge links the mainland to the tiny island of Carrickarede. Make sure to check out Magheracross viewpoint, for a stunning view
- The Copper Coast Scenic Drive, Waterford and Wexford
The copper Coast Drive is one of Ireland’s most scenic motorcycle and cycling routes. A great way to explore the Ancient East of Ireland. A 100 mile trip starting from Rosslare in Co. Wexford stretches from Tramore to Dungarvan. There is plenty to see and do on this beautiful coastal route including a visit to Annestone Beach – a classic seaside Village. Kilfarrasay strand which is famous for its distinctive cliff and rock formations that are thought to have been around for more than 460 million years old. You can also visit Bunmahon beach which is a famous 2.5km trail, claiming to have some of the most unspoiled coastline in the South East of Ireland. Finally, you should check out Stradbally Cove. Hidden from the road by forestry it’s a beautiful little beach where the infrastructure is mostly untouched by human hands.
Whichever route you choose, whether mountainous, historical or coastal, there are no wrong choices when it comes to a motorcycle tour in Ireland.
Image Credits: Ciarán Ó Muirgheasa
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