
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
hardHow long is Aurlandsfjellet?
🇳🇴 Norway
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through Vestland county in Norway, on Road 243, also known as Aurlandsfjellet. This isn't just any road trip; this is a National Tourist Route, people! Clocking in at 47 km (29 miles) between Aurlandsvangen and Lærdal, this road is a total rollercoaster. Fair warning, though: parts of the road are steep and narrow – think single-car-width territory. And keep your eyes peeled because there might be traffic heading towards Aurlandsfjorden from Stegastein. Bus drivers, take note: max length is 12.4 meters. Heads up: this beauty is closed during winter. Its peak hits 1,305m (4,281ft) above sea level, earning it the nickname "Snow Road" since snow lingers even in summer. But the stretch to Stegastein viewpoint from Aurlandsvangen stays open year-round. So, is it worth it? Absolutely! Imagine conquering 20 hairpin turns, surrounded by insane scenery, a landscape that shifts from lush to barren in a blink. Driving from Lærdal, you’ll be gobsmacked by the fjord views around Aurland. And Stegastein? Forget about it! This award-winning viewpoint juts 30 meters out, suspended 650 meters above the fjord. Along the way, there are tons of spots to pull over and soak in the fjords, waterfalls, and forests. Just remember that winter closure on the mountain pass (between Aurland/Lærdal boundary and Nalfarbakkane). Trust me, this drive is an adventure you won't forget!
hardNivolet Pass is The Italian Job road
🇮🇹 Italy
# Colle del Nivolet: Italy's Ultimate Alpine Adventure Perched at a jaw-dropping 2,621 meters (8,599 feet) in the heart of the Eastern Graian Alps, Colle del Nivolet is seriously one of those bucket-list drives you absolutely need to experience. Straddling the border between Aosta Valley and Piemonte in northern Italy, this mountain pass cuts right through the stunning Parco Nazionale Gran Paradiso—Italy's oldest national park. Three gorgeous alpine lakes (Lago Serrú, Lago Agnel, and Lago di Ceresole) sit just below the summit, adding to the incredible scenery. The fully paved Strada Provinciale 50 took ten years to complete (1953-1963) just to service the hydroelectric dams up here, and honestly? It was worth every bit of effort. You're looking at 33 hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills and your nerve. Starting from Locana, the 40.5km ascent climbs nearly 1,900 meters with gradients hitting a wild 12.9% in places. The real thrill comes near the two dams with some seriously tight hairpins, plus a 3.5km tunnel (Tunnel Ceresole) that's one of the steepest in the Alps at 12-14% gradient. Fair warning: this road is narrow, barrier-free in stretches, and those blind corners mean you'll be crawling on busy days. The views get progressively more breathtaking—and vertiginous—as you climb. If heights make you nervous, this might push your comfort zone! The road's so iconic it featured in *The Italian Job*, complete with that legendary final bus crash scene. It's also a legendary Giro d'Italia climb. Just note: the pass closes October 15 to May 15, and private vehicles are banned on the final 6km every Sunday and holiday from mid-July to late August.
hardDrakolimni Smolika
🇬🇷 Greece
# Drakolimni Smolika: An Epic Alpine Adventure Perched at a breathtaking 1,914 meters (6,279 feet) above sea level in Epirus, Greece, Drakolimni Smolika is one of the country's most dramatic mountain roads—and it's absolutely worth the challenge if you're up for it. Let's be real: this isn't a drive for the faint of heart. The road is gravel and rocky, with sections that are tippy and bumpy, climbing steeply toward one of Greece's highest mountain passes. You'll need a 4x4, serious off-road skills, and absolutely no fear of heights. Winter? Forget about it—the road becomes impassable when snow rolls in. Wet conditions turn the muddy trail into a serious test of your driving abilities. But here's the magic: at the summit sits Drakolimni, an ice-age alpine lake with crystal-clear water so pristine you can see straight down to its 5-meter depths. According to local legend, the lake's name comes from a dragon that supposedly once called it home, locked in eternal battle with another dragon dwelling on nearby Mount Smolika. The panoramic views from the road as it winds up Mt. Agios Pantes are absolutely awe-inspiring. This is a road for experienced wheelers only—those who live for the challenge of conquering mountain terrain. If unpaved roads make you nervous, steer clear. But if you're equipped with the skills and the guts, this drive delivers an unforgettable experience in one of Greece's most remote and stunning locations.
moderateHardanger National Tourist Route
🇳🇴 Norway
# The Hardanger National Tourist Route: Norway's Fjord Masterpiece If you're looking for one of Norway's most jaw-dropping drives, the Hardanger National Tourist Route absolutely delivers. Winding along the stunning Hardangerfjord—Norway's second longest and deepest fjord—this 158-kilometer stretch of road east of Bergen is pure magic. The route hugs the coast through Hordaland county, treating you to some seriously impressive scenery at every turn. Think dramatic fjord vistas, towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and even glaciers. The road itself is paved (though fair warning: some sections get pretty narrow), and at its highest point you'll only climb to 275 meters elevation—so it's manageable for most drivers. Here's the good news: this route stays open year-round, which means you can tackle it whenever the mood strikes. Just keep in mind that the section crossing the Hardangervidda mountain plateau might shut down temporarily during harsh winter weather, so check conditions before heading out in the colder months. **Routes:** You'll be traveling on Roads 7, 49, 550, and 13. **Quick tip:** If you're driving a bus, County Road 550 between Alsaker and Herand has length restrictions—keep it to 12.4 meters maximum. Whether you're chasing that perfect photo or just soaking in the Norwegian wilderness, this fjord drive won't disappoint.