5 Risky Irish Roads That Are Not Easy to Drive
Ireland, europe
2,500 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because Ireland’s roads are an adventure all their own!
First up, the **Wild Atlantic Way**: This isn't just a road trip; it's a 2,500 km love letter to the Irish coast. Think dramatic views and quirky villages, but also razor-sharp bends, bumpy surfaces, and the occasional sheep crossing. Keep your eyes peeled and your speed down, especially in those remote spots!
Then there’s **Conor’s Pass**: Get ready for some serious elevation! The views are insane, but the road? Let’s just say it’s cozy. Expect super tight corners, steep hills, and visibility that can disappear faster than a pint of Guinness. Take it slow, and be ready to pull over to let others pass.
Don't miss the **Old Military Road**: Winding through the Wicklow Mountains for 58 km, this road is exposed and windy. It’s got history and beauty, but not a whole lot of guardrails. Keep an eye on the weather, especially in winter!
Next up, the **Gap of Dunloe**: This narrow mountain pass is shared by cars, cyclists, walkers, and even horse-drawn carts! Nestled between the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and the Purple Mountain range, you’ll get breathtaking scenery, but don’t expect much elbow room. Slow and steady wins the race here.
Last but not least, the **Slea Head Drive**: This 46 km loop on the Dingle Peninsula is all about those ocean views. But don't get too distracted because this road can get skinny, twisty, and hilly. It’s popular with tourists, so expect company!
So, get ready for the ride of your life! Just remember to drive safely, stay alert, and prepare for anything.
Where is it?
5 Risky Irish Roads That Are Not Easy to Drive is located in Ireland (europe). Coordinates: 54.5053, -8.3204
Road Details
- Country
- Ireland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 2,500 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 54.5053, -8.3204
Related Roads in europe
hardBeachy Head Road
🇬🇧 England
Cruising the Beachy Head Road on England's southeast coast is an absolute must-do! This asphalt ribbon stretches for about 6 km (almost 4 miles) between Birling Gap and the lively resort town of Eastbourne. Picture this: twisty, turny sections hugging the coast, with killer views of the English Channel unfolding around every bend. Seriously, the landscapes are phenomenal, especially on a sunny day – those sea views will take your breath away. Keep an eye out for movie magic too! This spot's a total star, having featured in Harry Potter, James Bond, and even Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Word of warning though, it gets super popular during weekends and holidays, so expect some company. Oh, and hold onto your hats – this road can get seriously windy! Those cliffs are high, so keep your wits about you. Basically, soak in the scenery, but drive smart and you'll have an unforgettable experience.
extremeWhere is the Kemaliye Stone Road?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, picture this: you're in eastern Turkey, smack-dab in the Erzincan Province, ready for an adventure. Forget your smooth highways, because you're about to tackle the Kemaliye Stone Road! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a hand-built path clinging to the side of the Kemaliye Karanlık Canyon, a gorge so deep the sun barely peeks in (it's the second biggest canyon in the world, after the Grand Canyon). Spanning just 8.7 kilometers from the D877 to Gümüşçeşme, it sounds short, right? Don't be fooled. This narrow track, often less than 2 meters wide, snakes its way through a staggering *38 tunnels*. Yes, you read that right, 38! These aren't fancy, well-lit tunnels, either. They're carved right into the rock, a testament to the sheer willpower of the locals who started building this thing way back in 1870 and didn't finish until 2002. That's over 130 years! Why so long? Because the terrain is brutal. You're hugging cliffs hundreds of meters above the raging Euphrates, with no guardrails to save you from a tumble. This isn't a road for the faint of heart, or for larger vehicles (think less than 170cm wide and 220cm tall). And definitely avoid it in winter, or even wet conditions, when the dirt turns to treacherous mud. But if you're an experienced driver craving a thrill and some truly surreal scenery, the Kemaliye Stone Road is calling your name. Just remember to take it slow, and maybe say a little prayer at the memorial for those who lost their lives building this insane, incredible road.
hardWhere is Sella di Russis?
🇮🇹 Italy
Sella di Russis, or Russiskreuz as the locals call it, is your off-the-beaten-path ticket to Alpine bliss! Nestled high in South Tyrol, Italy, at 1,729m (5,672ft), this pass is a real hidden gem in the Dolomites. Where exactly? Think Autonomous Province of Bolzano, connecting the Isarco Valley (Eisacktal) to the Gader Valley (Val Badia). It slices right through the Plose mountain – stunning scenery guaranteed! The SP29, as it's officially known, is totally paved and generally in good shape, but don't let that fool you. This 45 km (28 mile) route, stretching from Bressanone (Brixen) to San Martin de Tor, is a twisty, turny adventure with hairpin turns that demand your full attention. Fair warning: Some sections are carved into steep hillsides, so keep an eye out for potential rock slides, especially after rain or during the spring thaw. The climb from Bressanone is a beauty, winding through alpine forests with peeks at the dramatic Odle (Geisler) peaks. Up at the top, you'll find the Russiskreuz (Russis Cross), a peaceful spot away from the Dolomite crowds. It's a great jumping-off point for exploring other legendary areas in the region. Heads up: Sella di Russis usually closes for the winter (November to May) because of the altitude and avalanche risk. The southern side stays open, though, so you can still hit the slopes at the Plose ski resort!
moderateA scenic drive to Niederalpl Pass in the Austrian Alps
🇦🇹 Austria
# Niederalpl Pass: A Scenic Alpine Climb Ready for a proper Alpine adventure? The Niederalpl Pass in Styria, Austria, delivers exactly that. Sitting at 1,232 meters (4,041 feet) above sea level in the eastern Austrian Alps, this pass is the real deal for anyone who loves mountain driving. The 16.3-kilometer (10.12-mile) route runs east-west between Mürzsteg and Wegscheid, and here's the good news—it's completely paved. Don't let that fool you though. The climb gets genuinely steep in sections, with some ramps pushing 10 percent grades that'll have your engine working hard and your hands gripping the wheel tighter. Once you reach the top, you'll find a couple of restaurants waiting to reward your effort, plus several ski lifts that hint at the serious Alpine terrain you've just conquered. The whole experience is pure mountain driving—challenging enough to feel accomplished, scenic enough to make you forget about the gradient, and accessible enough that you don't need a death wish to attempt it. Whether you're tackling it in summer or winter (though conditions matter), the Niederalpl Pass is a fantastic way to experience the raw beauty of the Austrian Alps without leaving the comfort of your vehicle.