Two Irish routes have been ranked alongside America’s famous Route 66 in Lonely Planet’s new guide to the 50 Best Drives in the World.
Highlighting the dramatic Wild Atlantic Way, Lonely Planet writes: “Ireland’s west coast is a drastic procession of deserted beaches and towering cliffs where traditional music and ancient castles abound.”
They add: “It is battered by Atlantic rollers, stern with jagged cliffs and littered with wide beaches and coves. It’s a place where inky lakes shelter between mountains, sinewy stone walls clamber across hillsides and trees are frequently bent double by the wind.”
Also making the list is the Causeway Coastal Route from Belfast to the North Antrim Coast. This stunning route includes the Giant’s Causeway and some famous Game of Thrones locations, including the Glens of Antrim, Cushendun and the Dark Hedges.
Writing about the Northern coast, Lonely Planet comment: “Often overlooked for the classic cliffs and laughs of the Irish Republic, the lonely shores of Northern Ireland might just be the perfect day-tripping antidote to Belfast’s urban core.”
Each entry in this guide includes a first-hand account of exploring the route, with advice for planning both short or long driving experiences.