Where is Sally Gap?
Ireland, europe
38.6 km
500 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through County Wicklow in Ireland, just south of Dublin. You're smack-dab in Wicklow Mountains National Park, heading for Sally Gap – a mountain pass soaring to 500m (1,640ft)!
Now, getting there is half the fun. You've got two main routes:
First, there's the Military Road (R115). This one's a north-south beauty, stretching almost 39km (24 miles) from Rathfarnham, a Dublin suburb, down to Laragh. It’s got a cool backstory too, built way back in the early 1800s by the British Army!
Then you've got the Sally Gap Road itself (R759). This one cuts east-west for 27km (17 miles), connecting the R755 near Roundwood to the N81. Think winding, twisting roads that will keep you on your toes.
Both routes are paved, but get ready for narrow bits and plenty of curves. And a heads-up: while usually open year-round, winter can throw a curveball with snow and ice. This area gets seriously cold, and the roads aren't always treated. But if you're up for an adventure with stunning scenery, Sally Gap is calling your name!
Road Details
- Country
- Ireland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 38.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 500 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
hardThe road to Lago di Teleccio: be ready to make room for oncoming vehicles
🇮🇹 Italy
# Lago di Teleccio: A Mountain Drive That'll Test Your Nerves Tucked away in the Metropolitan City of Turin in Italy's Piedmont region sits Lago di Teleccio, a stunning artificial reservoir perched at 1,918 meters (6,292 feet) above sea level. But fair warning: getting there is an absolute beast of a drive. The Strada al Lago Teleccio has earned its reputation as a humbler of overconfident drivers. This paved mountain road (upgraded in 2006) is relentlessly narrow—so tight that two regular-sized cars literally cannot pass each other. You'll need nerves of steel, solid driving skills, and zero ego to tackle this one. Novices, this isn't your road. Starting from Casetti-Rosone, you're looking at 11.66 kilometers (7.24 miles) of pure climbing. That elevation gain? A hefty 1,189 meters, averaging a brutal 10.1% grade. But certain sections ramp up to a white-knuckle 15.7%, and you'll navigate 20 hairpin turns that demand your full attention. Expect to creep along at cautious speeds and be ready to pull over and yield to oncoming traffic at a moment's notice. Set within the spectacular Gran Paradiso National Park, the road typically opens May through October when snow clears. Just a heads-up: the final 6.3 kilometers are off-limits to private vehicles. If you're a confident driver craving an unforgettable alpine challenge, Lago di Teleccio delivers. Just approach it with respect.
hardWhere is Sveta Nedjelja?
🇭🇷 Croatia
Okay, picture this: you're on the Croatian island of Hvar, heading to the seaside village of Sveta Nedjelja. This place is famous for its vineyards clinging to the mountainside, tumbling all the way down to the sea. But getting there? That's an adventure in itself! The road in is about 6.7 km (4.16 miles) long, starting from the main D116 road. It's mostly unpaved, winding through fragrant pine woods with views that will absolutely knock your socks off. Think crystal-clear turquoise water and the scattered islands of the Adriatic shimmering in the sun. Seriously, breathtaking! But hold up, it’s not all sunshine and sea breezes. This road is NARROW. We're talking edge-of-your-seat narrow, with some seriously scary drop-offs straight into the Adriatic. There are no guardrails, so you're basically relying on your driving skills and a whole lot of faith. Also, watch out for potential rock slides and strong winds. Definitely check the weather forecast before you go! If you or your passengers are afraid of heights, this might not be the road for you. But if you're up for a thrilling drive with unbelievable scenery, this is one you won't forget! Just make sure your brakes are in tip-top shape and maybe chat with the locals about current road conditions before you head out.
moderateResia Pass is one of the lowest crossings of the Alps
🇮🇹 Italy
# Reschenpass-Passo di Resia: A Hidden Alpine Gem Looking for a way to cross the Alps without tackling the notorious Brenner Pass? Let me introduce you to Reschenpass-Passo di Resia, a stellar alternative sitting pretty at 1,522 meters (4,993 feet) in Italy's Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region, right near the Austrian border. This mountain pass has serious history. Built between 1850 and 1854, it's actually one of the lowest Alpine crossings around—which is exactly why smart travelers choose it over the busier Brenner to the east (the Splügenpass hangs out to the west, too). Fun fact: during WWII, Mussolini fortified this strategic spot with defensive barrages like the Passo di Resia and Plamort installations to guard against a potential Nazi invasion. The drive itself? Completely paved along the Strada Statale 40, running 22.4 kilometers (13.91 miles) from south to north between Malles Venosta and the Austrian border. Fair warning though—those steep sections crank up to an 8% gradient in places, so it's not a casual Sunday cruise. But with those Alpine vistas and the thrill of conquering a historic pass, it's absolutely worth the twists and turns.
hardHow To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Le Signal in the Provence
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies, because Le Signal in the French Alps is calling your name! Perched high in the department of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, at a cool 2,350 meters (that's 7,709 feet!), this peak offers views that'll make your jaw drop. Now, here's the thing: this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. We're talking a rough and rugged unpaved track – a chairlift access road, actually, so leave the family sedan at home! Private vehicles aren't technically allowed. The climb is short but intense, only about 500 meters long, but be ready for some serious gradients. We're talking ramps hitting a maximum of 19%! You'll gain 72 meters in elevation, making for an average gradient of 14.4%. This road is nestled west of the stunning Parc National du Mercantour, so the scenery is absolutely epic. Think classic South French Alps. Just a heads up: winters here are brutal, so this road is a no-go during the snowy months. Definitely a 4x4-only situation!