
What are the highest roads in Ireland?
Ireland, europe
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, so Ireland: you probably picture rolling green hills, right? And yeah, there's plenty of that. But hold up! Did you know Ireland also has some seriously cool mountain roads? I'm talking about a ring of coastal mountains that might not be Alpine-level, but are still rugged and ready for adventure.
Think twisty routes snaking through the MacGillycuddy's Reeks or climbing into the Wicklow Mountains. These drives pack a punch with some decent elevation, challenging climbs, and drop-dead gorgeous views. We're talking remote, untouched landscapes begging to be explored. So, ditch the sheep pastures for a day and get ready to discover Ireland's wild side on these epic mountain passes!
Where is it?
What are the highest roads in Ireland? is located in Ireland (europe). Coordinates: 53.4635, -8.2705
Road Details
- Country
- Ireland
- Continent
- europe
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 53.4635, -8.2705
Related Roads in europe
hardA 5-star road to Manghen Pass in the Dolomites
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo di Manghen: A Dolomite Challenge Looking for a serious mountain pass adventure? Passo di Manghen sits pretty at 2,047m (6,716ft) in the heart of Trentino's stunning Dolomites, making it the southernmost paved pass above 2,000m in the range. This one connects the scenic Fiemme and Sugana valleys, and let me tell you—it's a beast from either direction. The 39.1km (24.29 miles) stretch of SP-31 winds its way north from Borgo Valsugana to Cavalese through some seriously remote terrain. Picture this: a narrow, paved road cutting through dense forest on both sides, with the pavement getting narrower as you climb higher. Those hairpin bends just keep coming, with gradients hitting 16% on the steepest sections. You'll feel like you're on a quiet forestry track more than a main road, and honestly, that's part of its charm—traffic is sparse (commercial vehicles are banned anyway). The real trick here? Watch out for wet larch needles on the forest sections—they can get surprisingly slippery. The road surface itself is typically excellent, and the challenge lies purely in the relentless climbing and tight corners. Local Giro d'Italia organizers clearly agree this pass is legitimately tough for its length; cyclists have cursed those switchbacks for years. The Rifugio Passo Manghen at the summit makes a perfect rest stop to catch your breath and take in the views. This isn't for the faint of heart, but if you're after an authentic, challenging Alpine experience, Passo di Manghen delivers.
hardThe military road to Monte Jafferau was built in 1886
🇮🇹 Italy
# Monte Jafferau: Italy's Wild Alpine Adventure Want to tackle one of Italy's most extreme mountain drives? Monte Jafferau sits at a jaw-dropping 2,805m (9,202ft) in the Piedmont region, right up near the French border in the Metropolitan City of Turin. This isn't just any peak—it's one of the highest roads you can actually drive in the entire country. The route, called Strada militare Fenil-Pramand-Föens-Jafferau (or Strada militare 79 if you prefer the shorthand), stretches 32.8 km (20.38 miles) of pure, unfiltered adventure. We're talking completely unpaved terrain running east-west from Eclause to Gleise. Seriously, this is 4x4 territory only—and even then, high clearance is absolutely essential. Fair warning: this drive demands serious mountain road experience. You're looking at constant 14% grades, a narrow 3-meter-wide ribbon of dirt, rocky sections that'll test your suspension, hairpin turns that'll make your head spin, tunnels carved into the mountainside, and rockfalls that pop up unexpectedly. More than 20 km of this route sits above 2,000 meters, so yeah, it's genuinely challenging. Nestled in the Massif des Cerces within the Cottian Alps, this historic 1886 military trail only opens late June or July through October—snow closes it the rest of the year. Bad weather? Don't even think about attempting it. The highlight waiting for you at the summit is Forte Jafferau, a military fortress built between 1896-1898 that held the title of Italy's highest military battery (and second-highest in the entire Alps). It protected the Bardonecchia basin during both world wars before being destroyed after WWII per peace treaty terms. This isn't a casual Sunday drive—it's an expedition.
moderateWhere is Lindesnes Lighthouse?
🇳🇴 Norway
Alright, road trip lovers, buckle up for a coastal cruise to Lindesnes Lighthouse! This legendary beacon perches right at the southernmost tip of mainland Norway, marking the spot where the North Sea crashes into the Skagerrak. This lighthouse isn't just a pretty face; it's been guiding ships around Norway's tricky southern bend for ages, keeping them safe from those wild waters where currents collide and storms brew. Dating all the way back to 1656, this historic landmark has been upgraded over the centuries, but its mission remains the same: to light the way. Today, it’s still a working lighthouse! The road that leads to it, Fv407, is a scenic gem, though a bit on the slender side. Think just over 26 km (16 miles) of pure coastal bliss, with the sparkling sea as your constant companion. Is it worth the drive? Absolutely! The lighthouse itself has a fascinating museum that tells its story, and the surrounding landscape is a raw, rugged masterpiece of rocky shores and crashing waves. Plus, parking is a breeze!
hardA 5-star road to Forcola di Livigno Pass in the Alps
🇮🇹 Italy
# Livigno Pass-Forcola di Livigno Pass Tucked away in the stunning western Rhaetian Alps, the Livigno Pass sits at a bracing 2,315m (7,595ft) and marks the border between Switzerland and Italy. This gem connects Graubünden in Switzerland with Sondrio in Lombardy, making it the perfect cross-border adventure. The 18.1 km (11.24 miles) route runs north-south from Livigno to La Motta along Road 29 (the Bernina Pass Road), and thankfully it's fully paved throughout. The Italian side keeps things relatively straightforward with long, flowing straights and minimal hairpins—perfect for building momentum. The Swiss side, however, tells a different story: expect more twists and turns that'll keep you engaged throughout the drive. Fair warning: this pass gets serious about winter. You can count on it being closed from November through June, so plan your visit for the warmer months if you want to actually cross it. When conditions are good, watch out for those steep sections that climb at gradients up to 13%—nothing outrageous, but enough to demand respect and proper driving technique. If you love alpine scenery, dramatic elevation changes, and a good mix of driving styles all in one route, this pass delivers exactly that.