Where is Truskmore located?

Where is Truskmore located?

Ireland, europe

Length

9 km

Elevation

647 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Truskmore, at 647m (2,123ft), is supposedly one of Ireland's most challenging climbs! You'll find this beast straddling the Sligo and Leitrim county line in the northern part of the country. Yep, it’s the highest point in both counties.

The road? Paved, but hold onto your hat – it's seriously narrow. Think of it as one of the highest routes you can drive in Ireland. Plus, it's home to the Truskmore television transmitter.

Starting from Ballaghnatrillick, the road winds up for 9.0 km (5.59 miles), gaining a hefty 599 meters in elevation. Don't let the gentle beginning fool you. The average gradient is around 6.65%, but the last 4km are a real leg-burner, averaging 11% and hitting a max of 22%! Be aware that the final stretch is private property, owned by RTE, and blocked by a barrier.

The views, though? Totally worth it. You'll be treated to sweeping panoramas of the surrounding countryside, even catching glimpses of the Slieve League sea cliffs on a clear day. Parking is limited and the wind can be fierce, so check the forecast before you head up!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Ireland
Continent
europe
Length
9 km
Max Elevation
647 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

The dark galleries of Lac de Mauvoisin: A tunnel carved into the Alpsextreme

The dark galleries of Lac de Mauvoisin: A tunnel carved into the Alps

🇨🇭 Switzerland

# The Mauvoisin Dam: A Wild Alpine Adventure Tucked away at the head of Switzerland's Val de Bagnes in Valais, the Mauvoisin Dam is one of Europe's most impressive arched dams—and it's the gateway to one of the Alps' most unforgettable tunnel drives. The service galleries hugging the shores of Lac de Mauvoisin offer a raw, no-frills experience that feels like you're driving straight through the mountain itself. Things get serious the moment you arrive. The entrance is marked by the Arbeiterdenkmal, a sobering monument honoring workers who died during the dam's brutal construction from 1951 to 1958. Past this stone memorial, the pavement disappears and you're plunged into a different world—dark, rocky, and utterly atmospheric. These tunnels were originally carved out for dam maintenance and access to the remote Cabane de Chanrion, but they've become a bucket-list destination for adventure seekers. Here's the reality check: the tunnels are pitch black. Zero light. The moment you leave daylight behind, you're driving or biking in complete darkness with just your headlamp to guide you. Add constant water dripping from above, slippery gravel underfoot, and you've got a properly intense experience. Bring serious lighting—it's non-negotiable. The passages are tooth-shatteringly narrow, originally built just wide enough for maintenance vehicles. Motorized access is tightly controlled these days, but mountain bikers and hikers still treat this route like a badge of honor. The real adrenaline spike comes from the rock-cut windows—massive openings in the tunnel walls offering dizzying views of the turquoise lake hundreds of meters straight down. No safety railings, no glass barriers. Just you and the raw mountain edge. The main gallery stretches roughly 400 meters from the dam crest before spitting you back into daylight, only to plunge you into more tunnels further along. The cold is surprising even in summer, and the symphony of dripping water echoing off stone walls creates an atmosphere that's equal parts beautiful and eerie. You'll need nerves of steel and zero fear of heights. Winter? Forget about it. Heavy snow and avalanche risk make the access road impassable until late June. The sweet spot is late June through early October when conditions are actually manageable. Beyond the main tunnels, the adventure continues along the lake's eastern shore toward the Pont du Lancet. This bridge, perched at the far southern end of the reservoir, is where the dam infrastructure meets genuine wilderness. Getting there isn't casual—the path is exposed to rockfall from the peaks towering overhead, and the bridge itself spans a dramatic gorge where glacial meltwater roars especially fierce during spring melt. This is the only crossing point to reach the Cabane de Chanrion or loop back along the even more remote western bank. The Pont du Lancet has a different vibe entirely. It's colder, quieter except for the sound of waterfalls thundering down cliff faces. The Grand Combin massif casts deep shadows here, meaning ice can stick around on the bridge well into summer. For most explorers, this is where you turn around—it's the perfect endpoint for a mountain bike or hiking adventure, and it's where you really feel the raw power of the Swiss Alps.

Glaspasshard

Glaspass

🇨🇭 Switzerland

# Glaspass: A Swiss Alpine Adventure Ready for some serious mountain driving? Glaspass sits pretty at 1,846 meters (6,056 feet) in the heart of Graubünden's Hinterrhein district, and it's absolutely worth the detour. The road itself is fully paved, and here's the fun part—it's packed with hairpin turns that deliver genuinely spectacular panoramic views around nearly every corner. This isn't a race track; it's made for savoring the ride and soaking in the scenery. Heading up from Thusis, the first stretch is smooth and generously wide, perfect for building confidence. But as you climb higher, things get a bit tighter—the pavement quality dips and the road narrows, adding to the adventure. Fair warning: the asphalt actually ends shortly after you summit. The numbers tell you what you're in for: an 11-kilometer climb from Thusis with a hefty 1,145-meter elevation gain and an average gradient of 10.4%. Translation? It's legitimately steep, but absolutely doable for anyone with decent driving skills and a sense of adventure. Here's the historical bonus: this pass has been connecting the Domleschg Valley (where Thusis sits) to the remote Safien Valley for centuries. You're literally following ancient trade routes while taking in some of the most breathtaking Alpine scenery Switzerland has to offer. Take your time, enjoy the curves, and make this one memorable.

The Road to Col de Chaviere is Not for the Faint of Hearthard

The Road to Col de Chaviere is Not for the Faint of Heart

🇫🇷 France

# Col de Chavière Tucked away in the heart of France's stunning Vanoise National Park, Col de Chavière rises to a impressive 2,477m (8,126ft) in the Savoie department. This alpine treasure sits in the southeastern Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, surrounded by some serious mountain scenery. The highlight? The Refuge de Peclet Polset perched at the summit, sitting right near Lac Blanc—a gorgeous glacial-fed lake with that distinctive milky-white color that only glacial meltwater can create. Fair warning: this isn't your typical mountain drive. The route is entirely unpaved and seriously narrow, with hefty rocks scattered throughout. Private vehicles aren't allowed, so you'll need to be on foot or bike for this adventure. Starting from a parking area at the end of the paved D124 road, you're looking at a 7.4km (4.59 miles) climb with an elevation gain of 703 meters—that's roughly a 9.5% average grade. Steep? Absolutely. But the payoff is incredible. Just keep in mind that the Massif de la Vanoise range locks this road down from October through June, so plan your visit for the warmer months when the route's actually passable.

Where is Fluela Pass?hard

Where is Fluela Pass?

🇨🇭 Switzerland

Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Flüela Pass! Nestled high in the Swiss Alps of Graubünden, this beauty sits at a cool 2,391 meters (7,844 feet). You'll find it in eastern Switzerland, straddling the Albula and Silvretta Alps near the lower Engadin valley. This epic road, Route 28, stretches 25.4 km (15.78 miles) from Davos to Susch. The pass was originally built in 1867, and it’s a smooth ride the whole way. Just a heads-up: it's usually closed from late December to early May thanks to heavy snowfall and avalanche risks. Sometimes, they only open it late at night when the sun's off the slopes! Get ready for some thrills – the road gets pretty steep, with gradients hitting 12% in places. Expect a mix of long straights, gentle curves, and a hefty dose of hairpin turns (37 to be exact!). It's not usually super crowded, so you can really enjoy the drive. Give yourself about 40-45 minutes to cruise this pass without stopping. Trust me, though, you'll WANT to stop at the top. There's a parking area where you can soak in the views of Lake Davorsee and the surrounding peaks. Don't miss the Flüela Hospice at the summit! Before or after your drive, explore Davos, the highest town in Europe. Check out the Kirchner museum or the local history museum. For a romantic touch, hop on a horse-drawn sled to explore the Sertig, Dischma, or Flüela side valleys. This place is a Swiss dream!