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
moderateAn iconic road to Simplon Pass in the Swiss Alps
🇨🇠Switzerland
# Simplon Pass: A Swiss Alpine Classic Simplon Pass sits pretty at 2,005m (6,578ft) elevation in Switzerland's Valais canton, nestled between the Pennine and Lepontine Alps near the Italian border. It's one of those legendary Alpine routes that every road-tripper should experience at least once. The fully paved Route 9 (part of European Route 62) stretches 42.2 km from Brig down to the Italian border, and honestly, it's got some serious history behind it. Way back, this pass was the domain of smugglers and mercenaries, but things got official when Napoleon decided he needed a proper road to move his cannons into Italy. Construction kicked off in 1800 and wrapped up five years later—pretty impressive for the era. Fast-forward to the 1970s and 80s, and they added protective galleries and bridges to make it even safer. The drive itself is a masterpiece of mountain engineering. Yeah, you'll hit some steep sections (up to 10.7% gradient), but the road was built to follow the mountain's natural contours rather than bulldoze straight up it. That means gorgeous curves that reward you with stunning views—frozen peaks on the Swiss side, lush valleys with trees on the Italian side. In summer, cafés and restaurants dot the route, perfect for pit stops. You can usually access this pass year-round, though winter weather sometimes forces temporary closures. Traffic's lighter than you'd expect, and the road's wide enough to keep things comfortable. Don't miss the Ganter Bridge, which arcs 150 meters above the valley floor, or the Simplon Hospice, a 19th-century heritage site worth exploring. Pro tip: keep your camera fully charged—the views here are absolutely worth documenting.
hardTsouka Petsik
🇬🇷 Greece
# Tsouka Petsik: Greece's Wild Mountain Adventure Ready for some serious peak-bagging? Tsouka Petsik is calling—a stunning 1,990m (6,528ft) mountain perched right on the Greece-Albania border in the Gramos range, deep in Epirus's Ioannina region. This is legitimately one of the highest drivable roads you'll find in Greece, and it's absolutely not for the faint of heart. Here's the real talk: the road up is all gravel and rocky terrain that gets genuinely sketchy in spots. Bumpy, tippy, and relentlessly steep—you'll want serious mountain driving skills and honestly, a 4x4 is basically essential here. Winter? Fuggedaboutit. The road becomes completely impassable once the snow rolls in, so timing your visit is crucial. But if you're up for the challenge, the payoff is massive. You're trading smooth asphalt for raw, untamed nature and views that'll blow your mind. Just make sure unpaved mountain roads are actually your thing before you commit to this one. This isn't a casual Sunday drive—it's a full-on mountain adventure that rewards the brave and capable.
hardTravel Guide to the Top of Fort de la Marguerie in the Maritime Alps
🇫🇷 France
# Fort de la Marguerie: A High-Alpine Adventure Perched at 1,842 meters (6,043 feet) in the Maritime Alps, Fort de la Marguerie sits majestically near the legendary Col de Tende-Colle di Tenda, right on France's border with Italy in the stunning Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. This fascinating fortress—also called Forte Margheria, Fort de la Marguerite, or Forte Margaria—has quite the history. Built between 1882 and 1887 as an Italian military stronghold, it saw action during both World Wars before becoming French territory following the Paris Peace Treaties in 1947. Ready for the drive? Starting from Saint-Dalmas de Tende, you're looking at a 26.9-kilometer (16.71-mile) journey that's completely unpaved and seriously steep. The road narrows considerably as it climbs, so high clearance is essential—an SUV or similar vehicle is your best friend here. Fair warning: while the terrain itself isn't technically difficult, you'll need to take it slow and steady. Other road users (hikers, cyclists, locals on foot) share this route, so respect the space and keep speeds sensible. It's not a white-knuckle drive, but it demands your full attention and consideration. The payoff? Absolutely worth it for the alpine scenery and historical intrigue awaiting you at the top.
hardWhere is Alpage d'Eison?
🇨🇠Switzerland
Okay, picture this: you're in the Swiss Alps, Canton of Valais, headed to Alpage d'Eison, a legit high-altitude pasture where the cows chill all summer. We're talking classic Swiss vibes here, people! This place is tucked away in the Val d'Hérens, southwest of Sion, hanging out on the slopes above the village of Saint-Martin. Think postcard-perfect Pennine Alps with 4,000-meter peaks all around. Once you reach the top, it's like stepping back in time. Think old-school stone and wooden buildings, including the super cute Chapelle de L'A Vieille (you gotta snap a pic!). Some of the huts have been turned into cozy little guesthouses. Plus, there's a shop slinging local goodies – cheese, anyone? – and a snack bar to refuel after the drive. Speaking of the drive, buckle up! The road is unpaved and narrow – like, squeeze-by narrow. In fact it's practically a one-lane track. Get ready for some serious technical driving because you'll be navigating about 12 hairpin turns on a bumpy, rugged surface. The climb starts in Saint-Martin and stretches for about 10.7km. It’s a solid ascent of 952 vertical meters, with an average gradient of almost 9%. But keep in mind, some parts are steeper than others!