Road R319 Travels by Hairpins to the Edge of the Sea
Ireland, europe
35.4 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're on Achill Island, just off the coast of County Mayo in Ireland, ready for one of the world's best coastal drives! This is the R319, a total gem winding along the wild Atlantic shore.
This road clocks in at about 35 km, and get ready for some serious views! We're talking dramatic cliffs and the vast expanse of the ocean. The road's paved, but keep your eyes peeled – it can get busy with other drivers, walkers, and the occasional wandering sheep.
Expect some narrow sections and a few bridges to keep things interesting. It gets progressively tighter and twistier as you head towards the western edge of the island, eventually ending at a big parking area in Toorglass West. Basically, you'll be cruising from Mallaranny – that cute seaside village connecting Clew Bay and Blacksod Bay – all the way west. Trust me, this drive is pure magic!
Where is it?
Road R319 Travels by Hairpins to the Edge of the Sea is located in Ireland (europe). Coordinates: 53.1061, -8.0444
Road Details
- Country
- Ireland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 35.4 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 53.1061, -8.0444
Related Roads in europe
moderateDriving the paved road to Puerto de Izaña
🇪🇸 Spain
Puerto de Izaña is a high mountain pass perched at 2,263m (7,424ft) on Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands, and it's absolutely worth the drive. The route follows TF-24, also known as Carretera de la Esperanza, stretching 33.7 km (20.94 miles) from Las Cañadas del Teide to Las Rosas. The entire road is beautifully paved, but don't let that fool you—this isn't a casual cruise. You're looking at a winding mountain road with plenty of character, featuring numerous hairpin turns and natural viewpoints that'll have you reaching for your camera constantly. The real challenge? The gradient. This road doesn't mess around. You'll encounter plenty of steep sections where the incline pushes well into double digits, with some ramps hitting a serious 12.3% grade. The terrain is undulating throughout, meaning you're constantly climbing, descending, and turning. It's the kind of road that keeps you engaged behind the wheel—in the best way possible. If you're into mountain driving, dramatic scenery, and a road that genuinely tests your skills (while rewarding you with stunning Canary Island views), Puerto de Izaña is calling your name.
moderateA steep paved road to Bwlch y Cloddiau in Mid Wales
🇬🇧 Wales
Okay, road trip lovers, buckle up for Bwlch y Cloddiau in beautiful Mid Wales! This mountain pass climbs to a breezy 1,748 feet (533m), making it one of the highest drives in the country. The whole route is paved, but be warned: it gets *narrow*. Think "cozy" rather than "spacious." You might find yourself playing a polite game of chicken with oncoming traffic since it's often only wide enough for one car. Passing spots are rare, so patience is a virtue here. And hold on tight – there are some seriously steep sections with gradients hitting almost 12%! This scenic adventure stretches for just under 6 miles (9.17km), connecting Troedyrallt to Cwmystwyth. So, if you're looking for a thrilling drive with stunning Welsh views, add Bwlch y Cloddiau to your list!
moderateWhere is Cucurbăta Mare?
🇷🇴 Romania
Okay, so you're up for an adventure in Romania, right? Let me tell you about Cucurbăta Mare, also known as Bihor Peak. This peak straddles Alba and Bihor counties in the Bihor Mountains. First off, getting to the top is... intense. We're talking a 10.7 km (6.64 miles) dirt track from the DN75 highway, climbing 967 meters to an altitude of 1,829 m (6,000 ft). That's a 9.03% average gradient, so you will definitely want a 4x4. The road is a bit of a nightmare, honestly. Be prepared for a bumpy ride! But trust me, once you conquer it, those views are *chef's kiss*. You can see the whole Apuseni Mountains, the Arieș Valley, and on a clear day, even as far as Ștei. Keep in mind, this road is usually a no-go in winter. Even in summer, pack a jacket because it gets chilly up there! At the summit you will find a television and telecommunications relay.
moderateIs the F228 Road unpaved?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, picture this: F228, way up in the South Highlands of Iceland, northeast of the Fjallabak Nature Reserve. It's about 29 km (18 miles) of pure, unadulterated F-Road awesomeness, mostly unpaved, kicking off just northeast of Friðland að Fjallabaki. You'll climb to a whopping 627 m (2,057 ft) above sea level, so you know the views are going to be killer. This road's a seasonal beauty, usually open from late June until October, making it a summer dream. But heads up, this isn't a Sunday drive in your city car. You absolutely need a 4-wheel drive beast with mega ground clearance. Why? River crossings! You'll be splashing through a few of them, and while the first one is usually chill, the second one (closer to the Veiðivötn lakes) can be a real challenge. We're talking unpredictable, potentially deep, and definitely requiring some serious experience. Seriously, these rivers can be dangerous. Check the water levels before you even think about crossing, and maybe even ask a pro for some pointers. And a pro tip: rental car insurance likely won't cover water damage, so keep that in mind! But hey, the reward is worth it! You'll be cruising through the Veiðivötn lake area, a natural wonderland born from the Bárðarbunga volcano eruption. Imagine lakes shimmering in old volcanic craters – maars, baby! It's a photographer's paradise, and the whole area stretches about 20 km long and 5 km wide. So, if you're up for an adventure and have the right ride, the F228 is calling your name!