Mount Leinster in Ireland: a steep road to the summit
Ireland, europe
2.6 km
786 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Irish countryside, heading towards Mount Leinster, the highest paved road in Ireland! This bad boy tops out at 786 meters (2,578 feet) and straddles the border between Carlow and Wexford counties in the Blackstairs Mountains.
The road to the summit, known locally as Stua Laighean, is paved, but let's just say it's seen better days! It's called the 2RN access road, and it's there to service all the broadcast masts at the top, including a 122-meter-tall TV transmitter that's been there since '63. Heads up: the steep section to the top is usually gated off, and the transmitter is fenced off, but don’t let that stop you from soaking in the unreal views.
Speaking of views, the Irish countryside unfolds beneath you as you climb, and if you're lucky, you might spot some local wildlife. Keep an eye out for hang-gliders too – this is a popular launch spot! Just be prepared for some classic Irish weather – high winds and rainstorms are pretty common up here.
The road itself is a beast. Starting from Nine Stones, a well-known landmark at the base, it’s a short but intense 2.6 km (1.61 miles) climb. Don't be fooled by the length; you're gaining 335 meters in elevation with an average gradient of almost 13% – and some sections hit a crazy 17%! This climb is so legit it's even been featured in the Tour of Ireland. Get ready for an epic drive!
Where is it?
Mount Leinster in Ireland: a steep road to the summit is located in Ireland (europe). Coordinates: 53.9092, -7.7720
Road Details
- Country
- Ireland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 2.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 786 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 53.9092, -7.7720
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is the GI-682 road?
🇪🇸 Spain
Cruising the GI-682 in Girona, Spain, a.k.a. the Ruta Costa Brava, is an absolute MUST for road trip lovers! Think exhilarating cliff-side drives with views that'll make your jaw drop. It's often called the "Road of 1000 Bends," but don't let the name scare you—there are only 365! For 21 kilometers, it's curve after curve, a thrilling dance between you, the road, and the breathtaking Costa Brava scenery. Picture this: you're hugging the coastline, the turquoise Mediterranean stretching out before you, as you navigate hairpin turns. Sea, beaches, mountains, cliffs, and forests blend into an unforgettable panorama. This paved road snakes uphill and downhill, hugging the rugged terrain. This magical coastal route stretches for 21.3 km between Tossa de Mar and Sant Feliu de Guixols. Weekends can get busy with bikers carving up the curves. On weekdays, you’ll find a calmer vibe perfect for exploring hidden coves, the harbor at Sant Feliu, or shopping in Platja d’Aro. Be mindful of the speed—some of those bends are tighter than they look! Keep an eye out for speedy bikers and stick to your side of the road. But don't worry, there are plenty of spots to pull over, soak in the view, and grab a photo of this European Monument. This road has it all, and is well-marked and maintained. So, buckle up and get ready for a coastal drive you won't soon forget!
extremeCan I drive to Formentor Lighthouse?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're on Mallorca, craving an adventure. Ditch the beach for a bit and head to the northernmost point of the island, the Formentor peninsula. There, perched dramatically, you'll find the Far de Formentor lighthouse, a stunning beacon built way back in 1863. The journey there is an experience in itself! The road, MA2210, starts from Platja de Formentor and clocks in at about 11km (6.8 miles). It’s paved, thankfully, but that doesn't mean it's a breeze. Get ready for some serious elevation gain, roughly 1,600m (5,200ft) total! The gradients are pretty manageable, averaging 7-8%, but expect short bursts of 10%+. Now, a word of caution: this road can be a tad…intense. It’s narrow, with some serious drop-offs into the sea. If you're not a fan of heights, maybe let someone else take the wheel. In the summer months (June 15th - September 15th), from 10 am to 7 pm, private vehicles are restricted to ease congestion. You'll need to park your car and hop on a public shuttle or embrace the challenge by cycling or walking. But trust me, the views are *so* worth it. You'll be winding through dramatic limestone cliffs, with the rugged Mallorcan coast stretching out before you. Keep an eye out for viewpoints along the way – you'll want to stop and soak it all in. This road has even been used as a filming location in movies and advertisements! The road was constructed in 1925, following the natural curves of the mountain. Once you reach the lighthouse, which opened in 1863, you'll be standing at the highest focal plane in the Balearic Islands. The panoramic views of the northern Sierra de Tramontana are simply breathtaking. You'll see why it has inspired so many artists. The lighthouse itself has a bar and a shop where you can relax and recharge. Give yourself 20-30 minutes to drive straight, but be prepared to spend longer, taking in the scenery. The route to the lighthouse has a privileged location far away from the main tourist hotspots in Majorca, which has inspired numerous artists to write poems and create paintings. Trust me, it's a drive you won't soon forget!
hardCapanna 2000 Refuge
🇮🇹 Italy
Rifugio Capanna 2000 is a high mountain hut at an elevation of 1.972m (6,469ft) above the sea level, located in the Province of Bergamo in the Italian region of Lombardy. The road is very steep, with some parts up to 12%. Starting from the village of Zambla Alta, the road to the hut is 9.4km long with 14 hairpin turns. The road is totally impassable in winters. There’s a high risk of rock slide, very steep (up to 12% parts) and forbidden to vehicles heavier than 3.5Tn. The road to the hut is mostly asphalted (7.2km). The paved part ends at a parking lot. The last 2.20 km are on an unpaved rough track closed to private vehicles. It’s very steep. Only 4x4 vehicles. Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
moderateWhere is Col d'Èze?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the French Riviera, wind in your hair, heading for the Col d'Èze. This mountain pass, sitting pretty at 532m (1,745ft), is a total must-do in the Alpes-Maritimes department. Why "Èze"? It's named after the charming village of Èze itself! The M2564 road is paved the whole way, winding for 15.4 km (9.56 miles) from Nice (yep, the capital of the French Riviera) to La Turbie. Seriously, the views are out of this world – think sweeping panoramas of Èze and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. It's a classic Route des Grandes Alpes experience. Cyclists, take note! This climb is a regular in the Paris-Nice and Tour de France races. It’s a popular training spot, with some seriously steep sections hitting a max gradient of 10.2% in places. Officially, it's graded as a category 2 climb, so be prepared to work those legs!