Ireland’s most spectacular landscapes and profound heritage rarely respect the boundaries of a single county. A multi-county adventure offers a grander perspective, allowing travellers to experience the dramatic transition from rugged Atlantic cliffs to tranquil river valleys and ancient monastic ruins. Whether you are following the salt-sprayed curves of the western seaboard or tracing the historic corridors of the east, these epic journeys reveal the full, rich tapestry of the Irish island.
The flagship of Ireland’s multi-county journeys is the Wild Atlantic Way, a 2,500km odyssey that stretches along the entire western seaboard. Traversing nine counties from the windswept heights of Donegal’s Slieve League cliffs to the historic harbour town of Kinsale in Cork, it is the longest defined coastal driving route in the world. Along this spectacular path, the landscape shifts dramatically from the quartzite peaks of Connemara in Galway to the iconic, sheer drop of the Cliffs of Moher in Clare and the legendary, lake-dotted loops of the Ring of Kerry, offering an unparalleled encounter with the raw power of the Atlantic.
For those drawn to the deep layers of Ireland’s past, the Ancient East and the great river corridors provide a more contemplative journey. These routes link the mediaeval towns and Viking heritage of the eastern half of the island, weaving through the lush valleys of the River Boyne and the tranquil stretches of the Shannon, Ireland’s longest river. From the prehistoric wonders of Meath to the atmospheric mountain passes of the Wicklow range, these multi-county paths allow for a slower pace of discovery. Whether you are cycling along a riverside greenway or embarking on a two-week coastal epic, these interconnected routes provide the perfect framework for an unforgettable and truly comprehensive Irish road trip.
South-west coast of Ireland, various
A slender 48 km stretch of land between Bantry Bay and Kenmare Bay, the Beara Peninsula is a rugged corner of the Wild Atlantic Way defined by steep mountain passes, Bronze-Age monuments and sheltered harbours. From the sweeping views of Healy Pass to the terraced gardens of Garnish Island, it rewards slow travel and quiet discovery.
Northern Ireland, various
The Belfast and Northern Counties Railway opened from Belfast to Ballymena in 1848 and grew to 335 miles before the Midland Railway bought it in 1903. Its lines still run as NI Railways, including the Belfast to Derry~Londonderry route Michael Palin called one of the world's most beautiful. The Whitehead Railway Museum keeps the last steam locomotive to run in Ireland.
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Straddling the Carlow and Wexford border, the Blackstairs Mountains offer rugged granite peaks, extensive dry heath and a landscape steeped in rebellion lore. Walk the historic ridges, spot ground-nesting birds, and follow trails that have sheltered everything from 1798 insurgents to rare flora.
Beara Peninsula, various
The Caha Pass carries the N71 for 27 km over the Caha Mountains between Glengarriff in Cork and Kenmare in Kerry. Its hand-hewn 1842 stone tunnels are the draw, and the Cork–Kerry border runs through the longest of them, so you change county underground with no sign to mark it.
Border of County Down (Northern Ireland) and County Louth (Republic of Ireland), various
Carlingford Lough is a sea inlet straddling the border between County Louth and County Down, framed by the Cooley and Mourne mountains. Norman kings fortified its mouth with three castles, and a greenway now runs along the old railway line from Carlingford to Omeath. One thing to know for 2026, the Greenore–Greencastle ferry is not sailing this year.
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Ancient funeral processions once moved silently along the Coffin Path, threading together holy wells, stone markers and ruined chapels across Ireland’s rugged countryside. Today, this unmarked trail offers walkers a quiet, self-guided journey into Ireland’s spiritual heritage, best explored with a local map and a respect for the land.
Border of County Fermanagh (Northern Ireland) and County Cavan (Republic of Ireland), various
Cuilcagh towers at 665 m, straddling the Fermanagh-Cavan border and offering sweeping views from its famed “Stairway to Heaven” boardwalk. Walk across a pristine blanket bog, discover Bronze-Age cairns and spot rare upland birds in a landscape that spans two nations.
Border of County Fermanagh (Northern Ireland) and County Cavan (Republic of Ireland), various
Cuilcagh Lakelands spreads over 1,781 km² of the Fermanagh–Cavan border, one of only a handful of cross-border UNESCO geoparks. Most of its 50-plus sites are free to visit: the show caves at Marble Arch, the bog boardwalk up Cuilcagh, the limestone pavements of Cavan Burren, and the source of the Shannon at Shannon Pot.
Ballyvourney, various
Straddling the Cork and Kerry boundary, the Derrynasaggart Mountains offer wild, unspoiled Munster scenery centred on the twin Paps of Anu. Walkers can tackle the official four-peak challenge, follow the waymarked Duhallow Way, or simply enjoy panoramic views across the Clydagh valley.
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EuroVelo 2, the Capitals Route, crosses Ireland's midlands for 230 km between Dublin and Galway, flat the whole way. The Dublin–Athlone half is a mostly traffic-free run of canal towpaths and disused railways; west of Athlone it becomes quiet roads shared with traffic. There's almost no EuroVelo signage yet, so you ride it with a GPS or a map.
Craigavon Bridge, various
Following the old Great Northern Railway line, the Foyle Greenway offers a smooth, scenic ride from Derry’s historic Craigavon Bridge to the border towns of Lifford and Strabane. With striking public art, riverside views and a blend of traffic-free paths and quiet country lanes, it’s a rewarding route for cyclists and walkers alike.
Across the island of Ireland, various
The Great Irish Grasslands network connects 27 unique habitats teeming with orchids, butterflies, and ground-nesting birds, from limestone pavements to coastal fens. The Glens Great Grassland Trail highlights eleven accessible meadows in Northern Ireland, showcasing traditional hay-cutting and rare wildflowers across the Antrim landscape.
Beara Peninsula, various
Originally cut by hand in 1847 as a famine-relief project, this rugged Cork-to-Kerry route climbs to over 300 metres through the heart of the Beara Peninsula. Today, the 12-kilometre ribbon of tight bends and steep gradients rewards drivers and cyclists with panoramic views of emerald valleys, sheer rock faces and mirror-like waters.
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Lafcadio Hearn’s globe-spanning life inspired the eleven-area garden in Tramore, while the Irish National Stud in Kildare houses an award-winning garden symbolising the stages of human life. Both offer authentic Japanese design, tranquil walks, and a unique cultural escape without leaving Ireland.
Leenane, various
Carved by ancient glaciers and shaped by 19th-century famine relief efforts, Killary Harbour stretches 16 km between towering peaks and tranquil waters. Today, visitors can navigate its depths by catamaran, walk historic shoreline trails, or spot seals and dolphins in one of Ireland’s most striking coastal landscapes.
Clogheen, various
Knockmealdown, at 794m, is the highest point of County Waterford, but the range is best known for the Vee – the hairpin pass carrying the old Lismore-to-Clogheen mail road over the ridge. Drive it for the views over the Golden Vale, then climb Sugarloaf Hill from the Vee car park for the best panorama in the range.
Northeastern Connacht, various
Set between the Iron Mountains and the borderlands of Leitrim and Roscommon, Lough Allen is the clear-water headwaters of the River Shannon. Visitors can paddle calm channels, hike historic mining trails, explore early Christian island ruins and unwind in lakeside saunas.
Derry-Londonderry, various
During 1792 the Strabane Canal opened, linking inland Strabane to the tidal expanse of Lough Foyle and boosting the region’s trade routes. Today the estuary’s mudflats host wintering swans, pintails and a rich tapestry of birdlife within a cross-border protected landscape.
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Laid in 1846 to connect Dublin with the west coast, the Midland Great Western Railway transformed Irish travel and tourism. Today, its legacy thrives as a network of active rail corridors, traffic-free greenways, and restored station hotels across the Midlands and Connacht.
South-East Ireland, various
Mount Leinster crowns the Blackstairs range with dramatic highland vistas, a historic transmission mast, and the ancient Nine Stones. The surrounding Heritage Drive winds through south Carlow and north Wexford, linking outdoor adventure with quiet countryside charm.
Northern Ireland, various
Newry grew from a 1144 Cistercian abbey into a canal port – the Newry Canal of 1742 was the first summit-level canal in Ireland – and became a city in 2002. The museum at 16th-century Bagenal’s Castle and Thomas Duff’s granite cathedral are the sights in town; the Mournes, Slieve Gullion and Carlingford Lough are the reason to stay longer.
Western Connacht, various
The Partry Mountains form a broad, glaciated plateau straddling the Mayo and Galway border. Hikers tackle steep ascents to Maumtrasna and Devilsmother for sweeping views, while the surrounding lakes and water-carved gorges offer fishing and birdwatching in a quiet corner of Connacht.
Poyntzpass, various
Quiet waters mirror the sky along the Newry Canal Way, where the level towpath invites cyclists and walkers past the historic pass that earned its name in the late 16th century. The village’s marshy corridor, once forced open during the Nine Years’ War, now offers fertile fields, community fairs, and easy access to the Belfast–Dublin rail line.
Coomhola Bridge (Co. Cork) ↔ Bonane (Co. Kerry), various
Priest’s Leap (Léim an tSagairt) is a narrow, winding mountain pass that climbs to over 460 metres, offering sweeping views of Bantry Bay and the surrounding ranges. Steeped in 17th-century folklore, the route is a favourite for drivers and cyclists seeking raw, unspoiled Irish landscape.
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Tallest Ogham stone in Europe stands at Ballycrovane, its ancient script towering over the coastal drive. The 148 km Ring of Beara loops past this and other relics – from Bronze-Age dolmens to 17th-century Martello towers – offering a quieter, equally dramatic alternative to the nearby Kerry circuit.
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The River Aherlow carves through a lush valley flanked by the Galtee Mountains and Slievenamuck ridge. Follow marked walking loops, visit the Christ the King viewpoint, and enjoy permit-free brown trout fishing in a landscape steeped in Irish history.
Castlederg, various
From the sacred waters of Station Island to the rolling moorland trails of the Derg Valley, this borderland offers pilgrimages, prime angling and vivid history in one compact 50 km stretch.
Northwest Ireland, various
Rushing from the Donegal–Tyrone border through the walled city of Derry, the River Foyle is Europe’s fastest-flowing river of its size. Beyond the urban quays, its expansive estuary unfolds into a mosaic of tidal mudflats and saltmarshes, offering outstanding birdwatching, scenic coastal walks and a deep connection to Ireland’s borderland history.
Belfast, various
Once an industrial waterway, the River Lagan has been transformed into a vibrant 4,500-acre regional park. Visitors can explore restored towpaths, spot returning salmon and resident seals, and enjoy narrated boat cruises past historic shipbuilding sites.
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The Sheehy Mountains are a low, rugged range along the Cork–Kerry border, glacier-carved into deep valleys and bog. They hold County Cork's highest peak, Knockboy (706 m), the source of the River Lee, and the lake and 6th-century oratory at Gougane Barra – the one stop here most visitors come for.
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The Slieve Felim Mountains stretch across Limerick and Tipperary, offering heather-capped hills, ancient woodlands and the 27-mile Slieve Felim Way. Walk from the abbey-fringed village of Murroe to the historic mining settlement of Silvermines, with views over Lough Derg and the River Shannon.
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Quiet, rolling countryside belies the Suck Valley Way’s status as a modern, way-marked long-distance trail linking nine friendly villages. While the route follows gentle riverbanks and old stone bridges that echo centuries of settlement, it offers well-maintained signage and comfortable daily stages for today’s walkers.
