Corkscrew Hill is a thrilling drive through time on Ireland's historic route

Corkscrew Hill is a thrilling drive through time on Ireland's historic route

Ireland, europe

Length

16.1 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up, road trip fans, because Corkscrew Hill in County Clare, Ireland is calling your name! This isn't just any drive, it's a full-on historical adventure through the wild and wonderful Burren region.

Part of the N67, this baby is paved, stretching for about 10 miles (16.1 km) from Lisdoonvarna up to Ballyvaughan. Word to the wise: pay attention! Those curves are seriously twisty, and this old road wasn't exactly built for today's family cars and minivans. Keep it slow, watch for the signs, and you'll be golden.

Get ready for four major switchbacks that'll have you gripping the wheel (in a good way!). This narrow, winding route snakes its way through the Clare countryside, and trust me, you'll want to pull over at the scenic viewpoint. The view of the natural amphitheater carved out by ancient glaciers is seriously mind-blowing.

But here's the really incredible part: Corkscrew Hill was built between 1845 and 1851 during the Great Famine. Imagine peasants, working for food during those tough times, building this road to survive. It's a powerful reminder of history right beneath your tires. So, are you ready for a drive you won’t soon forget?

Where is it?

Corkscrew Hill is a thrilling drive through time on Ireland's historic route is located in Ireland (europe). Coordinates: 52.5078, -7.7839

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Ireland
Continent
europe
Length
16.1 km
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
52.5078, -7.7839

Related Roads in europe

Is D975 Road Paved?hard

Is D975 Road Paved?

🇹🇷 Turkey

Get ready for an epic Turkish road trip! This north-south route, the D975, stretches from Doğubayazıt near the Iranian border down to Hakkâri. It’s a long haul, but the scenery is absolutely worth it! Be prepared for a wild ride as you conquer three major mountain passes: one peaking at a whopping 2,763m (9,064ft), another at 2,236m (7,335ft), and the third at 2,602m (8,536ft). Expect steep inclines that will test your vehicle’s power. While the road is mostly paved, you’ll encounter a mix of freshly surfaced sections and some that have seen better days. This route carries significant traffic, including plenty of trucks, and forms part of the E99. Keep an eye out for military outposts dotting the landscape, a reminder of the proximity to Iran. This road might be open, but Mother Nature calls the shots. Strong winds and sudden weather shifts are common, so pack for the cold and be prepared for potential closures. Ice and snow can make things tricky, so drive carefully.

A Roman path to Puerto de la Fuenfríahard

A Roman path to Puerto de la Fuenfría

🇪🇸 Spain

# Puerto de la Fuenfría Tucked away at 1,796 meters (5,892 feet) above sea level, Puerto de la Fuenfría sits right on the border between Madrid and Castile and León in central Spain. This mountain pass cuts through the stunning Sierra de Guadarrama range, and you'll find a sculpture here honoring José Antonio Cimadevilla Covelo, the visionary who breathed new life into the ancient pilgrimage route from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela. Here's the cool part: you're literally walking (or hiking) on history. This route traces an ancient Roman path that connected the southern Meseta de Castilla la Mancha with the northern Meseta de Castile and León centuries ago. It was *the* way to cross until 1788, when the newer Navacerrada Pass opened and this historic track took a backseat. Fair warning though—this isn't a scenic drive. The road is completely unpaved and off-limits to regular cars, which honestly adds to its charm if you're into hiking or mountain biking. The 25-kilometer route stretches north-south from Revenga to La Fuenfría, and it's seriously steep. We're talking an average gradient of 10%, so bring your stamina and sturdy shoes. But if you're after an authentic slice of Spanish history combined with dramatic mountain scenery, this ancient pass delivers the goods.

When was the road to Hahntennjoch built?extreme

When was the road to Hahntennjoch built?

🇦🇹 Austria

Okay, picture this: you're in Tyrol, Austria, ready to tackle Hahntennjoch, a mountain pass that clocks in at a cool 1,897 meters (6,223 feet). The views? Insane. Think serpentine curves hugging the mountainside, all wrapped up in classic alpine scenery. This beauty wasn't built overnight, though. It took a small crew of just 10 people from 1948 to 1969 to carve out this route. It started as a gravel path but got upgraded with pavement over time. Speaking of the road itself, it's about 28.4 kilometers (17.64 miles) of pure driving bliss (or terror, depending on your perspective!). Officially known as L266, it runs from Elmen to Imst. Now, let's be real: Hahntennjoch isn't for the faint of heart. It's narrow, it's right on the cliff edge, and during the summer, you'll be sharing the road with some seriously enthusiastic motorcyclists. Keep your eyes peeled! Oh, and the road gets steep, hitting grades of up to 19% in places. Watch out for those cattle grids too! Heads up: Hahntennjoch usually slams shut from November to April because of snow. Also, it's a no-go for vehicles over 14 metric tons. Plus, this area is prone to all sorts of natural drama – avalanches, rockfalls, mudslides – the works. Expect a non-stop drive to take around 35-45 minutes. But the payoff? Glacier-carved valleys, dramatic peaks, and lush forests are everywhere you look. You'll find plenty of cozy restaurants along the way, perfect for a pit stop with a view.

Is the road to Alto de Vaires paved?moderate

Is the road to Alto de Vaires paved?

🇵🇹 Portugal

Okay, picture this: Alto de Vaires, a mountain pass nestled in Portugal's Vila Real District. You're cruising along a fully paved road, snaking through the northern part of the country. Trust me, the views are insane! We're talking ridge-top driving at its finest. Just a heads up, things can get a little tight in spots, and there's this one seriously cool, narrow, long bridge that's a total highlight. The whole shebang runs for about 17.4 km (10.81 miles), heading north-south from the Spanish border near Calvos all the way to Covelães. Oh, and keep an eye out for Poço do Inferno Waterfall nearby – totally worth a detour!