
Kippure: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
Ireland, europe
3.4 km
750 m
moderate
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
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
hardClue de Saint Auban is a scenic balcony road in France
🇫🇷 France
# Clue de Saint Auban: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure If you're craving one of France's most iconic balcony roads, the Clue de Saint Auban delivers pure adrenaline and jaw-dropping views. This spectacular gorge, carved by the Esteron River, sits tucked between the Alpes de Haute-Provence and Alpes Maritimes departments in the southeastern corner of the PACA region, right where the Verdon meets the Estéron valley. The fully paved D2211 winds its way through the gorge like a ribbon clinging to the mountainside—and we mean *clinging*. This isn't your average scenic drive. The road hugs the cliff edge on a narrow ledge with dramatic rock overhangs that'll make you feel like you're driving through a cathedral. Keep an eye out for a chapel carved directly into the rock face—locals still hold services here every September, and it's legitimately awe-inspiring. The real showstopper? The 7.3 km stretch between Saint-Auban and Briançonnet. This section is where things get serious. You're navigating a single-lane ribbon of pavement that contours impossibly high along sheer ravine walls, with overhanging rock creating a tunnel-like effect. It's one of the deepest and steepest clues in all of Provence, and rock slides are a genuine concern here. Rally Monte-Carlo drivers have tackled this section for years—if that tells you anything about the challenge level. Nestled at the foot of Mont Teillon, this balcony road is famous for good reason. The scenery is absolutely stunning as you snake through forests and mountains, but stay sharp on those hairpin turns. Use those parking spots thoughtfully, and you'll have an unforgettable Alpine adventure.
moderatePas de l'Âne
🇫🇷 France
# Pas de l'Âne: A Wild Alpine Adventure Tucked away in the Savoie department of southeastern France's Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Pas de l'Âne sits pretty at 2,091 meters (6,860 feet) above sea level. This mountain pass cuts through the stunning Beaufortain Massif, and let me tell you—it's not for the faint of heart. The road up to the summit is pure gravel and rocky terrain, with sections that'll test your nerve. Expect a bumpy, tippy ride that'll have you gripping the wheel tight. Winter? Forget about it—this pass becomes impassable when snow rolls in, making it a summer-only adventure. Here's the real talk: this is a trail for seasoned drivers who actually *know* how to handle unpaved mountain roads. If loose gravel and exposed mountain passes aren't in your wheelhouse, skip this one. But if you're an experienced wheeler looking for an exhilarating high-altitude challenge with some seriously dramatic Alpine scenery, Pas de l'Âne is calling your name.
moderateIs the road to Alto de las Tres Cruces unpaved?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're in Spain, right on the border between Castile and León and La Rioja, ready for an off-road adventure. You're about to tackle Alto de las Tres Cruces, a mountain pass that tops out at a cool 6,223 feet! Yep, it's high! This isn't your Sunday drive; the Ruta Alto de las Tres Cruces is completely unpaved, so a 4x4 is a must. The road snakes for about 5.65 miles through the Iberian System mountain range. As you crawl along, get ready for insane views of the Urbión and Castejón peaks. Seriously, the scenery is epic! Just take it slow and steady, and you'll be rewarded with some unforgettable views.
extremeWhere is Stocksbridge Bypass?
🇬🇧 England
Okay, buckle up ghost hunters! The Stocksbridge Bypass in South Yorkshire is not your average A-road jaunt. Just north of Sheffield, this 6.2-mile stretch of the A616, winding from Hazlehead to Deepcar, is notorious for more than just its killer reputation (seriously, drive carefully – this stretch has seen far too many accidents!). Opened in '88, it's a single carriageway with crawler lanes, feeding traffic to the M1. But beyond the practical details, this road is famous for its paranormal activity! We're talking ghostly monks, vanishing hitchhikers in white dresses, and children singing creepy nursery rhymes around pylons before disappearing into thin air. Security and police during construction reported all sorts of spooky shenanigans. Aside from the ghostly residents, keep your eyes peeled, because this road has been labelled a blackspot. Drive safe and maybe bring a friend... you know, just in case!