The Old Military Road through the Wicklow mountains of Ireland
Ireland, europe
38.6 km
500 m
moderate
Year-round
Hit the Old Military Road (R115) for a ridiculously scenic drive right through the heart of the Wicklow Mountains! This beauty straddles Dublin and Wicklow, and get this – it's one of the first purpose-built roads *ever* in Ireland.
Built way back between 1800 and 1809, mainly by soldiers (cool, right?), you'll even spot four old barracks from the road's construction crew along the way. Locals also call it An Bóthar Míleata. It’s paved the whole way, stretching nearly 40 km (almost 24 miles) from Rathfarnham, a Dublin suburb, down to the cute village of Laragh in Wicklow.
Now, fair warning: this route is narrow, winding, and can get a bit bumpy. Think permanent roller coaster! The bogs sometimes make the road sag, which is part of the fun, honestly. There are a couple of cliff edges, but nothing too crazy, so just drive smart. Visibility can be tricky on those curves. Oh, and it's been used in the Circuit of Ireland car rally, so that should tell you something!
Located inside Wicklow Mountains National Park, plan for at least an hour to an hour and a half if you’re driving straight through. Trust me, you'll want to stop. The views are incredible, no matter the weather. The landscape is rugged, and even in summer, be prepared for some serious crosswinds.
The road climbs up to Sally Gap, a mountain pass sitting pretty at 500m (1,640ft). In winter, be aware of potential road closures due to snow and ice. You might also find flooding or fallen trees sometimes. When it rains, the area turns into bogs and marshes, and yep, sometimes the road sinks a little! Adventure awaits.
Where is it?
The Old Military Road through the Wicklow mountains of Ireland is located in Ireland (europe). Coordinates: 53.7067, -8.1915
Road Details
- Country
- Ireland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 38.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 500 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 53.7067, -8.1915
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Collado de Llesba?
🇪🇸 Spain
Hey fellow adventurers! Let me tell you about Collado de Llesba, a sweet little mountain pass perched at 1,682m (5,518ft) in western Cantabria, Spain, practically hugging the border with Castile and León. What makes this spot special? Picture this: you're in the Picos de Europa, surrounded by stunning mountain views, standing at the Mirador del Oso (Bear Viewpoint). Seriously breathtaking. The road up? It's a quick jaunt – just 1.8 km (a little over a mile) from the Glorio pass. The road is paved (concrete at first), but hold on, it's narrow! You’ll climb 71 meters at an average gradient of around 4%. Heads up: the road can feel a bit wild near the top. It's narrow, and there's a drop-off on the right with nothing to stop you! But is it worth it? Absolutely! The panoramic views of the Picos de Europa are incredible. Plus, there's that famous bear statue – the Monumento al Oso Pardo. For hikers and climbers, this is your playground! Several trails start here, including the ascent to Coriscao peak (2234 m). From there, you’ll score some of the best views of the Picos de Europa and the Cantabrian mountains in Cantabria, Asturias, León, and Palencia. Trust me, this is a view you won't want to miss!
hardMonte Pizzoc
🇮🇹 Italy
# Monte Pizzoc: A Thrilling Alpine Climb in Northern Italy Looking for an epic mountain drive? Monte Pizzoc delivers. This stunning pass sits at 1,565m (5,135ft) in the Veneto region of Italy and makes for an absolutely exhilarating road trip. The route climbing up from Vittorio Veneto is no joke—we're talking 24.18 km of steep, narrow asphalt that'll keep your hands firmly on the wheel. The elevation gain totals a serious 1,406 meters, which works out to an average gradient of 5.8%. It's definitely a workout for your car and your driving skills, but that's part of the appeal. What really makes this worth the effort? At the summit, you'll find a cozy mountain refuge where you can catch your breath, refuel, and soak in those incredible Alpine views. Whether you're tackling this as a serious cycling challenge or cruising it in your vehicle, Monte Pizzoc offers the kind of authentic mountain experience that stays with you long after you've descended.
hardWhere is the road to Lac de Plan d’Aval?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're in the French Alps, specifically the Savoie department, ready for a quick but intense climb up to Lac de Plan d’Aval. This isn't just any lake; it's a shimmering reservoir perched way up at 2,041m (that's 6,696ft!). You'll find it snuggled within the stunning Vanoise National Park. The road itself, the D108 (or Route des Barrages), is a blast from the past, built back in the day for a hydroelectric project. Now, it’s your gateway to hiking and pure mountain bliss! Starting from the adorable village of Aussois, it’s a 6.8 km (4.22 miles) shot straight up. Don't let the short distance fool you. You're gaining 558 meters in elevation, so get ready for an average gradient that'll make your calves burn. We're talking about some serious ramps topping out at almost 12%! The pavement is smooth, but those hairpin turns demand your full attention. Your reward? A huge parking lot between two dams overlooking the turquoise waters of Plan d’Aval, surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Massif de la Vanoise. It’s an adventurer’s paradise! Just a heads-up, being on the south-facing slopes, this road gets buried in snow during winter, so plan your trip accordingly. Good news for all vehicles: it's paved all the way! But pro-tip: those steep downhills mean your brakes might get a little toasty. Cyclists, this is your Everest! The consistent climb makes it a legendary training spot in the Savoie region.
moderateTake the Scenic Route and Discover Madari Peak
🌍 Cyprus
Okay, adventure-seekers, let’s talk Madari Peak! Nestled high up in the Nicosia District of Cyprus, this beauty clocks in at a cool 1,577m (5,173ft). The road up, Madari Peak Rt, is mostly paved, taking you right into the heart of Cyprus' gorgeous Troodos Mountains. The last 800m? That's where things get interesting! Expect a narrow, steep, and uneven dirt track that winds its way through some seriously stunning scenery – totally worth it, though! Heads up – snow can be a factor in winter. Once you reach the top (after conquering some seriously steep sections with gradients hitting 19%!), you'll find a fire lookout and radio tower. The climb starts from the E931 road and stretches for 3.0 km (1.86 miles), gaining 239 meters in elevation. That’s an average gradient of almost 8% – not for the faint of heart!