A family road trip is one of the best ways to see Ireland and turn an ordinary weekend into a proper family adventure. The country is full of natural loops that can easily be covered in a day, so pack a picnic, get the kids in the car, and set off on one of these stunning scenic drives and family road trips in Ireland.
Don’t miss our best content straight to your inbox! Sign up now and get our FREE newsletters packed with fun ideas and things to do with the kids, family-friendly recipes, expert advice, parenting tips and great competitions.
There’s so much to see around the country, from castles and beaches to wildlife and famous landmarks. Driving at your own pace — especially with young children in tow — gives you the freedom to stop when something catches your eye and skip anything that doesn’t fit the day.
Some of these routes can be done in an afternoon, while others could easily be the basis for a mini break, with plenty to see along the way. Have a great time exploring, and let us know which one is your family’s favourite!
You may also enjoy Take a Fairytale Road Trip Around Ireland
Take in the Sights With These Fun Road Trips in Ireland
#1. Ring of Kerry
Kerry is home to the most westerly point in Ireland and marks the start (or end) of the Wild Atlantic Way. The Ring of Kerry, one of the most famous road trips in Ireland, stretches over 180km from Killarney out to Kenmare, on to Sneem, Caherdaniel, up to Cahersiveen, Glenbeigh, Killorglin and back to Killarney, taking roughly 3.5 hours to drive.
Along the way you’ll find amazing beaches, ring forts, beehive huts, waterfalls and a few roads that seem to fall away towards the sea. Plan in some stops to suit your family, and if you happen to pass through Dingle, a visit to Murphy’s ice cream parlour comes highly recommended!
You may also enjoy 40 Fun Family Things to do on the Ring of Kerry and Beyond
#2. Fanad Peninsula (Donegal)
Photo credit and copyright: Tourism Ireland / Failte Ireland
The Fanad Peninsula also forms part of the Wild Atlantic Way and sits at one of the most northerly points of County Donegal, lying between Lough Swilly and Mulroy Bay.
Starting in Ramelton, take the road to Rathmullen and follow signs for the Fanad Drive. This brings you to Ballymastocker Bay and Portsalon, both home to award-winning beaches (the links golf course at Portsalon is pretty impressive too). Follow the signs to Fanad Head, where you’ll find the famous Fanad Lighthouse.
When you’re ready to head back, instead of returning through Portsalon, follow the bay with the sea to your right and head for Kerrykeel. This stretch of the Fanad Drive takes you past the Mulroy Bay lakes and back to Milford.
The full drive is approximately 73km, with plenty to see along the way, from dramatic mountain roads to unspoilt beaches and villages that have changed little over the last century.
You may also enjoy 10 Top Things to Do in Donegal with Kids
#3. The Burren Loop (Clare)
The Burren sits in the west of Ireland and offers a landscape like no other, rising from the ground in dramatic limestone “steps” alongside the coast.
Starting in Kinvara, hug the coast road past the Flaggy Shore and on to Ballyvaughan. From there, head for Murroogh, Fanore, Doolin and Liscannor until you reach the beautiful beach at Lahinch.
Once you’ve finished exploring, take the road inland to Ennistymon, on to Kilfenora, then into Lisdoonvarna (home of the famous matchmaking festival) before looping back to Ballyvaughan. This route is approximately 100km and can be done in a day.
Be sure to take in all that The Burren has to offer, including the Cliffs of Moher, Aillwee Caves, Burren Nature Sanctuary and a dip in the wild Atlantic Ocean at one of the many piers and rocky beaches. Keep an eye out for dolmens along the way.
If you fancy going further afield, you can catch a ferry from Doolin Pier to the Aran Islands — do check sailing times before you travel, as it could take up the whole day.
You may also enjoy 10 Top Things To Do in Clare With Kids
#4. Lough Gill Loop & Yeats County (Sligo, Donegal, Leitrim)
Take in the scenic Lough Gill route by starting in Ballysadare and skirting the edge of Lough Gill before arriving in Sligo. This route is approximately 40km.
For those wishing to see Yeats Country, follow the road to Drumcliffe, believed to be the burial place of W.B. Yeats, and on to Mullaghmore beneath the stunning Ben Bulben, which rises majestically out of the ground.
Continue on to Bundoran, a beautiful seaside town where you can visit the famous Puffin Holes and watch the Atlantic Ocean crash onto the beach right in the centre of town — you’re likely to spot surfers if the waves are good.
As you return towards Sligo, you can head inland to Leitrim and take in the beauty of Glencar Waterfall and Devil’s Chimney Waterfall before travelling back.
You may also enjoy Amazing Mazes In Ireland to Puzzle Your Way In and Out Of!
#5. Boyne Valley Drive (Meath)
Part of Ireland’s Ancient East, the Boyne Valley Drive is packed with historical monuments documenting some of Ireland’s oldest battles. It was once the seat of the High Kings of Ireland, and you’ll see evidence of this everywhere along the way.
Starting in Drogheda, where you’ll find St Peter’s Church, follow the signs for the Boyne Valley Drive. Leaving Drogheda, you’ll pass the Battle of the Boyne visitor centre, and on the road to Navan you’ll find the historic passage tombs at Newgrange, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and among the oldest manmade structures in the world.
From Navan, follow signs to the Hill of Tara, seat of the High Kings of Ireland for thousands of years, before travelling on to Trim to see Trim Castle, made famous by the film Braveheart.
Follow the road to Kilskeer and on to Oldcastle, where you can visit the Loughcrew Cairns passage tombs. Coming back through Ballinlough, follow signs for Kells, where you’ll find the Kells High Crosses, and you can visit Mellifont Abbey.
Next, take the road to Monasterboice to see the famous abbey with its richly decorated high cross and round tower. From here, the route loops back to Drogheda.
There’s a huge amount to see and do on this drive, so it could easily fill more than one day.
You may also enjoy Journey into the Past with Our Favourite Mythical and Folklore Places to Visit in Ireland
#6. The Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough and The Sally Gap
The Wicklow Mountains are just a short drive from Dublin’s M50 (Junction 12) and offer breathtaking views, walking trails and history.
It takes just under an hour to reach the Sally Gap, from where you can follow the road to Laragh and on to Glendalough, home to a well-preserved round tower and monastery. There’s a visitor centre here and lovely lakeside walks, so pack comfortable shoes and maybe a picnic.
The whole trip can be done in around 2.5 hours, including a few stops to admire the scenery and soak up some history.
You may also enjoy The Best Gardens in Ireland to Visit with Kids
#7. The Copper Coast Drive (Wexford to Waterford)
Photo credit and copyright: Luke Myers
The Copper Coast forms part of the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland’s Ancient East, running from Wexford to Dungarvan in County Waterford — a route of approximately 170km.
There are sandy beaches and rocky coves to discover along the way, but the route is best known for the UNESCO World Heritage Global Geopark at Bunmahon. There’s a visitor centre here where you can learn about the copper mining that took place in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Pack a swimsuit if you fancy braving the Atlantic for a swim or a spot of windsurfing. The beaches along this route are stunning, and kids will love hunting for fossils and crabbing in the rock pools — you might even spot the odd sea stack along the way.
If you have keen cyclists in the car, consider stopping to cycle part of the Waterford Greenway, which offers safe, traffic-free cycling for all abilities.
Other sights along the way include Johnstown Castle, Tintern Abbey, Hook Head Lighthouse, Dunhill Castle and plenty of stunning beaches.
You may also enjoy Parents Recommend the Best Sandy Beaches in Ireland
#8. Connemara and The Sky Road (Galway)
Connemara in County Galway is home to the Twelve Bens, a range of mountains dotted among serene lakes and bogland. The Sky Road route starts and ends in Clifden and is approximately 20km long, taking in beautiful beaches, megalithic tombs, forts and standing stones.
If you’re leaving from Galway city, consider taking the road through Spiddal, Inverin and on to Connemara, returning via Oughterard and Moycullen. If time allows, visit Coral Beach, where you can play in the rock pools, swim in pristine waters and pick up some coral for your collection.
On the way home, consider a diversion to Leenane at the head of Killary Fjord, Ireland’s only fjord. If you have time, stop at Diamond Hill in Connemara National Park, where three climbing routes offer stunning views across the Atlantic and back down the valley to Kylemore Abbey.
This route can be done in a day, and adults and children alike will enjoy the sights along the way.
You may also enjoy Enjoy These Fabulous Family Cycle Routes in Ireland
#9. Achill Atlantic Drive and The Currane Peninsula (Mayo)
Take the road from Achill Sound to Mulranny, passing through some of the most rugged landscapes in Ireland, surrounded by high peaks and skirting Bellacragher Bay, a large tidal inlet.
From Mulranny, follow the signs for Currane and The Atlantic Drive. This road hugs the coast with views over the islands in Clew Bay, and there are viewing points well worth a stop. Look out for Croagh Patrick, the Maamturks and Clare Island.
Stop in Currane village for a bit of history — it was once a copper mining village with several famous former residents, including Sir Robert Peel. On leaving the village, you’ll drive along the Achill Sound. Continue your Atlantic Drive through small villages, including Shraheens and Cloughmore, until you reach Darby’s Point and onwards to Ashleam Bay. Along the way you’ll pass towers, forts, steep rocky cliffs and sandy Blue Flag beaches.
Leave time for a spot of rambling and some gentle hill climbs, and pack a picnic and swimwear to make the most of what Achill has to offer.
You may also enjoy Unusual Places To Visit in Ireland with the Kids
#10. Beara Peninsula (Cork & Kerry)
Allihies Copper Mine Trail, Beara, Co Cork
The Beara Peninsula offers a glimpse of the Ireland of old and is one of the most unspoilt road trips in Ireland, winding along quiet roads and country lanes.
Start either in Kenmare in Kerry or Castletownbere in Cork — the route is approximately 140km and can be done in a day, though you may find yourself stopping often to enjoy the scenery and the local food.
From Kenmare, follow the road to Tuosist and Gleninchaquin, where you can view the Uragh Stone Circle. From there, take the road to Lauragh and over the Healy Pass to Ardgroom — not a road for nervous drivers, but well worth holding your nerve for the breathtaking views.
In Ardgroom, visit the stone circle, and just outside the village at Ballycrovane you’ll find the largest standing ogham stone in Ireland. From there, it’s worth diverting to Kilcatherine Point and on to Eyeries, then through Urhan to Allihies with its copper mining museum, and on to Lamb’s Head for a cable car ride above the wild Atlantic to Dursey Island.
Back on dry land, take the road to Cahermore and on to the fishing port of Castletownbere. Your road trip could end here, but it would be a shame to miss the lakes and scenery on the way back to Kenmare through Adrigole, Rodeen, Trafrask and on to Glengarriff, home to the Glengarriff Nature Reserve.
You may also enjoy Whale Watching Trips in Ireland Guaranteed to Wow The Kids
#11. The Causeway Coastal Route (Northern Ireland)
Follow the Causeway Coastal Route from Belfast to Derry, or vice versa — it’s one of the most fascinating road trips in Ireland, and you won’t be disappointed.
Starting in Derry, take the road towards Coleraine, passing Magilligan Point with its Martello Tower and on to Downhill Demesne, where you’ll find the landmark Mussenden Temple overlooking the stunning sandy Downhill beach.
From there, take the road to Portstewart and Portrush, both well known for their scenic golf courses and beautiful beaches.
Hug the coast road and build in time to stop at the Dunluce Castle ruins, perched on the cliffside overlooking the ocean. Head inland to Bushmills, home of the famous Old Bushmills Distillery, and back out to the coast to visit the Giant’s Causeway.
From there, take in Whitepark Bay and the harbour town of Ballintoy, then head to Carrick-a-Rede to visit the rope bridge suspended above the waves and rocks below.
Be sure to detour inland to see the iconic Dark Hedges, featured in Game of Thrones and one of the most photographed roads in Northern Ireland.
Continue through Ballycastle, where you can view Bonamargy Friary, and on to Cushendun, home of the Cushendun Caves, also made famous by Game of Thrones. Travel on to Murlough Bay and Torr Head via Glenarm Castle, a well-preserved family castle with beautiful gardens to explore.
Stop in Carnfunnock to visit the maze in Carnfunnock Country Park, and journey inland to Glenariff Forest Park for walks and waterfalls.
For the brave in your family, follow the road to the Islandmagee peninsula and find the Gobbins cliff walk, where you cross a manmade metal walkway bolted onto the cliff face above the sea.
After your exhilarating cliff walk, hop back in the car for Belfast, where you can enjoy a warm welcome and a visit to the Titanic Museum and Carrickfergus Castle, to name just a few of the city’s landmarks.
You may also enjoy 15 Fun Things to Do in Belfast with Kids
#12. Inishowen Peninsula (Donegal)
Five Finger Strand, Donegal. Photo credit and copyright: Tourism Ireland / Failte Ireland
The Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal runs along the Wild Atlantic Way from Derry to Letterkenny.
Starting in Letterkenny, take the road towards Buncrana along the coast. Your first stop is Burt Castle, then on to Inch Island. Back on the road, you could stop at Lisfannon Beach before reaching the seaside town of Buncrana.
Follow the signs for Malin Head, passing Dunree Head before travelling through the Gap of Mamore — a steep climb to 800ft with an even steeper gradient — and down into Pollan Bay.
Continue on to Carrickabraghy Castle and Five Finger Strand, with some of the highest dunes in Ireland and breathtaking views across Trawbreaga Bay, before heading out to Malin Well and Malin Head, the most northerly point of Ireland.
From here, follow the coast back towards Lough Foyle, passing Culdaff Beach, Kinnagoe Bay, Magilligan Point, Inishowen Head and Stroove, where you’ll find a working lighthouse. Continue along the edge of the lough through Greencastle, Moville, Redcastle, Quigley’s Point, Carrowkeel, Muff and Culmore until you reach Derry — a famous walled city with plenty to keep the whole family busy.
You may also enjoy 100 Free Fun Things to Do with Kids in Ireland
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best time of year for a scenic drive in Ireland?
Late spring through early autumn tends to bring the longest daylight hours and the best chance of clear views, though Ireland’s coastal roads are lovely (and much quieter) outside peak season too. Whatever time of year you go, check the weather forecast before setting off, as conditions on exposed coastal and mountain roads can change quickly.
Are these routes suitable for young children?
Yes — that’s part of the appeal of a road trip over a fixed itinerary. You can stop whenever the kids need a break, a snack, or a run around on a beach, and skip anything that doesn’t suit the day. Some routes include narrow mountain roads (like the Healy Pass or the Gap of Mamore), so plan extra time and take these sections slowly with children in the car.
Do I need to book anything in advance?
Some individual stops along these routes — visitor centres, ferries, cable cars or attractions — may require booking or have seasonal opening times, so it’s worth checking directly with each site before you travel. The driving routes themselves don’t need to be booked.
Can these road trips be done in a single day?
Many of them can, but a few — particularly the Boyne Valley Drive and the Causeway Coastal Route — have so much to see that families often prefer to spread them over a night or two. Read through the entry before you go and decide what suits your family’s pace.
Related Articles
- Take a Fairytale Road Trip Around Ireland
- 40 Fun Family Things to do on the Ring of Kerry and Beyond
- Parents Recommend the Best Sandy Beaches in Ireland
- Enjoy These Fabulous Family Cycle Routes in Ireland
Save This for Your Next Family Adventure
Not heading off just yet? Bookmark this page or save it to your phone so you have all 12 routes to hand when you’re planning your next family day out or weekend away. Browse our Adventure section for more ideas on where to take the kids next.
Don’t Miss Out
Don’t miss our best content straight to your inbox! Sign up now for our free weekly newsletter, packed with fun family day-out ideas, recipes, parenting tips and great competitions.
