Kippure: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide

Kippure: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide

Ireland, europe

Length

3.4 km

Elevation

750 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up, because the Kippure climb is a must-do if you're anywhere near Dublin or Wicklow on Ireland's east coast! This isn't just a drive; it's a pilgrimage to one of the highest points in the country, topping out at 750 meters (2,460 feet).

The road itself? Think smooth tarmac all the way to the summit, but keep in mind it’s a private road. You're heading to a mountaintop dominated by a massive TV and radio transmitter – it's the granddaddy of Irish television broadcasting!

Built back in '59, this 3.4km (2.11 mile) stretch punches well above its weight. Starting from the Old Military Road (R115), you'll gain 221 meters in elevation, averaging a 6.5% gradient, but be warned: some sections crank up to a leg-burning 11%!

Kippure earns its title as Dublin's highest mountain, and the drive is seriously rewarding. Trust me, the panoramic views are absolutely killer, so bring your camera and prepare for some serious scenery. It's a road trip you won't soon forget!

Where is it?

Kippure: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide is located in Ireland (europe). Coordinates: 53.1198, -8.7839

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Ireland
Continent
europe
Length
3.4 km
Max Elevation
750 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
53.1198, -8.7839

Related Roads in europe

Driving the curvy Road 610 in Sloveniaextreme

Driving the curvy Road 610 in Slovenia

🌍 Slovenia

Okay, road trip enthusiasts, buckle up for Road 610 in Slovenia! This beauty straddles the line between Inner Carniola and Upper Carniola, offering a taste of both worlds. You'll find this paved road snaking through the northwestern part of the country, serving up some seriously steep climbs and hairpin turns that'll keep you on your toes. We're talking 713 meters (2,339 feet) of elevation, so prepare for those views! Clocking in at around 11.7 kilometers (7.27 miles), this route runs from west to east. Picture yourself cruising from Road 102 near Spodnja Idrija, nestled on the Idrijca River, all the way to Road 408 in Žiri. Get ready for a ride filled with curves and stunning scenery!

Driving through Bardenas Reales, one of only a few deserts in Europemoderate

Driving through Bardenas Reales, one of only a few deserts in Europe

🇪🇸 Spain

# Bardenas Reales: Spain's Hidden Desert Wonderland Ever dreamed of exploring a European desert? Welcome to Bardenas Reales, tucked away in southeast Navarre, Spain—basically Europe's most jaw-dropping badlands. This place is wild. The landscape here is genuinely surreal. Think scorching summers, freezing winters, and stretches of bone-dry conditions interrupted by sudden downpours. There's also this relentless wind called "cierzo" that really shapes the whole vibe. The result? A landscape that looks absolutely nothing like the lush green hills just a few hours north. Fair warning: right in the heart of the park sits Western Europe's largest military zone, all fenced off and clearly marked. But don't let that stop you—there's 100,000 acres of pure exploration potential. Seriously, you could spend an entire day bouncing between countless tracks that branch off the main route. Just make sure you've got GPS or at least an old-school map and compass, because getting lost here is genuinely easy. What makes Bardenas so special is the contrast. It's incredibly sparse—minimal vegetation, mostly dry riverbeds, zero cities—yet it's surprisingly biodiverse. The scenery is raw and rugged, nothing like typical Spanish countryside. Head here and you'll find several 4x4 tracks cutting through clay, chalk, and sandstone terrain. The dramatic landscapes have made it a Hollywood favorite too—you've seen these badlands in James Bond films and Game of Thrones. It's a place that stays with you.

What is the climb to Col de la Roubine like?extreme

What is the climb to Col de la Roubine like?

🇫🇷 France

Okay, picture this: you're in southeastern France, deep in the Mercantour National Park, about to tackle Col de la Roubine. This isn't just a drive; it's a 4x4 adventure back in time. This high mountain pass sits way up there, splitting the Tinée Valley from Italy, and the views? Totally worth the white knuckles. Built in the 30s as part of a military defense network, the road's a bit rough around the edges. Think rocky, loose gravel snaking through a crazy, lunar landscape. It's mostly silent up there, save for the wind that's ALWAYS howling. The climb kicks off from the Isola 2000 ski resort, but don't be fooled – this is no ski bunny trail. It's a gnarly service track, and you NEED a high-clearance 4x4. Seriously. The road is bumpy and tippy, especially on those hairpin turns. It's shorter than some of the other passes around here, but don't underestimate it. The gradient is brutal, hitting 20% in spots. With loose stone everywhere, traction is a challenge, and engine braking is your best friend on the way down. Best time to go? Aim for late July to September. The rest of the year, it's snowed in. And watch the weather! Rain turns the rocks into an ice rink, and those high winds can be downright dangerous. Check in with the Isola resort folks before you head out to make sure the tracks are open. Trust me, this is one for the books.

Take the Scenic Route and Discover Congosto De Las Devotasmoderate

Take the Scenic Route and Discover Congosto De Las Devotas

🇪🇸 Spain

# Congosto De Las Devotas Hidden in the northern heart of Huesca province, Aragon, Spain, lies one of the country's most breathtaking canyon drives. The Congosto De Las Devotas was carved over time by the Cinca River, creating a dramatic gorge that's absolutely stunning to drive through. The route, officially called Carretera Aragonesa (A-138), stretches 35.1 km (21.81 miles) from Escalona heading north toward the French border at the Bielsa-Aragnouet international high mountain tunnel. Built to replace the notoriously treacherous Las Devotas pass, this fully paved road winds through the scenic Chistau and Bielsa-Pineta valleys with some seriously narrow sections that'll keep you on your toes. Plan on spending 45 to 60 minutes to drive it without stopping—though honestly, you'll probably want to pull over constantly for photos. The canyon scenery is simply spectacular. Fair warning though: rockslides are a real concern here, and the road can shut down after heavy rainfall, so check conditions before heading out. Plus, if you're feeling particularly adventurous, this drive serves as the gateway to the Port de la Creu de Perves, the Pyrenees' most challenging mountain road, which tops out at an impressive 2,580m (8,464ft).