08 van Inchigeelagh naar Rosslare via het Hookhead Lighthouse
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RouteXpert Hans Lamers - RouteXpert
Last edit: 10-03-2025
Route Summary But be careful! The roads are generally good, but some rural areas can be narrow and winding. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially in mountainous areas.
Make sure you fill up regularly, especially in more rural areas where gas stations can be scarce.
5 stars for this route is well deserved in my opinion.
This route is the same for TT, Garmin, openstreet maps and MyRoute-App Navigation.
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Animation
Verdict
Duration
8h 53m
Mode of travel
Car or motorcycle
Distance
307.60 km
Countries
RouteXpert Review Morning breaks in Inchigeelagh, a peaceful village surrounded by rolling hills and lakes. You feel the cool morning air as you start your engine and make the first meters of what promises to be a beautiful journey. Today you ride from the heart of Ireland to the east coast, past villages, castles, cliffs and the iconic Hook Head Lighthouse. A day full of twists, stories and endless views.
The first few kilometres take you through the green, peaceful countryside to Coppeen and then to Béal na Bláth, a place with a historical charge. Here Michael Collins, a key figure in the Irish struggle for independence, was assassinated in 1922. You can stop briefly at the monument here and let the history sink in for a while.
The road winds further through the Irish hills to Crookstown, where you pass a mix of modern and old farmhouses.
You drive through Coachford and Dripsey, along small, winding roads surrounded by woods and fields. The smell of freshly cut grass fills the air, and you enjoy the peace of the countryside.
At Griffins Garden it’s time for a coffee break. This garden café is a hidden gem, surrounded by colourful flowers and a beautiful view over the valley. With a steaming cup of coffee and a freshly baked scone you can recharge yourself for the next stage.
A short drive takes you to Blarney, famous for Blarney Castle and the legendary Blarney Stone. Drive past the castle and see tourists queuing to kiss the stone – legend has it that it gives you the ‘gift of eloquence’.
After a few winding roads you pass Kilcully and Glenmire where the landscape changes. You are now near Cork and notice that the roads are getting wider and the traffic is a little busier.
You drive through Carrigtwohill and arrive in Midleton, famous for the Jameson Distillery. The smell of matured whiskey hangs in the air, but you stick to driving today.
Further on you reach Youghal, a historic coastal town with a long sandy beach and medieval city walls. The drive along the coast is a delight – the fresh sea air and ocean views give you the feeling of ultimate freedom.
Lunch in Ardmore: Enjoying the Sea
It is time to stop for lunch. This can be done in Ardmore, a picturesque fishing village. You park your bike at a small restaurant overlooking the ocean and order a plate of fresh fish with a pint of Guinness, of course non-alcoholic. The sun sparkles on the water while you enjoy the peace and friendly atmosphere.
After lunch, with a full stomach, set sail for Dungarvan, a bustling harbour town, and then on to Bunmahon, known for its rugged cliffs and copper mining past.
You continue to Waterford, Ireland's oldest city. Here you could stop to explore the historic Viking Triangle, but you decide to continue to one of the most iconic places on the route.
Hook Head Lighthouse: The Beauty of the Wild Coast
The road to Hook Head is one of the most beautiful of the day. The long, narrow path takes you to the lighthouse, which has guided ships for over 800 years. The waves crash against the rocks and the wind howls around you as you enjoy this rugged, unspoilt piece of Ireland.
A short break here gives you a chance to admire the lighthouse and let your mind wander for a while. This is why you travel by motorbike – the freedom to discover these hidden gems.
Some of the features of lighthouse are:
The World's Oldest Operating Lighthouse
Location: Hook Head, County Wexford, Ireland
Year of construction: 12th century
Height: 35 meters
Range: 23 nautical miles (approximately 43 km)
History of Hook Head Lighthouse
Hook Head Lighthouse is one of the oldest working lighthouses in the world and the oldest in Ireland. The lighthouse’s origins date back to the 12th century when Norman knight William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke, commissioned its construction. He employed monks from a nearby monastery to man the tower and signal ships entering Waterford Harbour.
In the 17th century the tower was taken over by the Irish government and the open fire source was replaced by an oil lamp. Over the centuries the lighthouse has undergone several renovations, but the original medieval stone structure remains largely intact. Since 1996 the lighthouse has been fully automated and no lighthouse keeper is needed.
The tower is built of massive limestone blocks and is almost 4 metres thick at the base. The striking black and white stripes were added in the 18th century to provide extra visibility during the day.
The light is generated by a modern LED lens and has a range of approximately 23 nautical miles (43 km). It flashes every three seconds and remains a vital navigational aid for vessels sailing along the south-east coast of Ireland.
Why Visit?
• Breathtaking views: From the top of the lighthouse you have a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged Irish coastline.
• Wildlife spotting: The cliffs surrounding Hook Head are a great place to see seals, dolphins and even whales.
• Rich history: The guided tours of the lighthouse let you discover the centuries-old history and the lives of the lighthouse keepers.
• Beautiful drive there: The narrow coastal road to Hook Head offers spectacular scenery with rugged cliffs and traditional Irish villages.
Hook Head Lighthouse is not only a technical and historical masterpiece, but also a magical place where the wild Irish Sea and ancient history collide. A must-see for anyone travelling through the south-east of Ireland!
The last bit, via Wellington Bridge to Rosslare
From Hook Head you drive through Wellington Bridge, a small village with rustic charm. You continue to Carrick, Duncormick, and Baldwinstown, where the roads become narrower and more winding.
The last few kilometres pass through Bridgetown and Tagoat, and then you see Rosslare harbour looming before you. You feel the fresh sea breeze and know that your adventure is almost over.
You park your motorbike close to the ferry terminal and look out over the Irish Sea. Here you can possibly spend the night to sail early the next morning with the ferry to England.
Today's ride has taken you through forests, over hills, along cliffs and through ancient villages. With a satisfied smile you take one last deep breath of the salty air and you know: this was a ride to remember.
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Use of this GPS route is at your own expense and risk. The route has been carefully composed and checked by a MyRoute-app accredited RouteXpert for use on TomTom, Garmin and MyRoute-app Navigation.
Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.
Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.
Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
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Leinster
About this region
Leinster ( LEN-stər; Irish: Laighin [ˈl̪ˠəinʲ] or Cúige Laighean [ˌkuːɟə ˈl̪ˠəinˠ]) is one of the provinces of Ireland, situated in the southeast and east of Ireland. The province comprises the ancient Kingdoms of Meath, Leinster and Osraige. Following the 12th-century Norman invasion of Ireland, the historic "fifths" of Leinster and Meath gradually merged, mainly due to the impact of the Pale, which straddled both, thereby forming the present-day province of Leinster. The ancient kingdoms were shired into a number of counties for administrative and judicial purposes. In later centuries, local government legislation has prompted further sub-division of the historic counties.
Leinster has no official function for local-government purposes. However, it is an officially recognised subdivision of Ireland and is listed on ISO 3166-2 as one of the four provinces of Ireland. "IE-L" is attributed to Leinster as its country sub-division code. Leinster had a population of 2,630,720 according to the preliminary results of the 2016 census, making it the most populous province in the country. The traditional flag of Leinster features a golden harp on a green background.
Read more on Wikipedia
Leinster has no official function for local-government purposes. However, it is an officially recognised subdivision of Ireland and is listed on ISO 3166-2 as one of the four provinces of Ireland. "IE-L" is attributed to Leinster as its country sub-division code. Leinster had a population of 2,630,720 according to the preliminary results of the 2016 census, making it the most populous province in the country. The traditional flag of Leinster features a golden harp on a green background.
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Route Collections in this region Complete tour of Ireland
Ireland is a beautiful country to drive. This collection contains 10 connecting routes that take you past the most beautiful, cities, villages, sights and wonders of nature.
All routes include reviews, route points for hotels, restaurants and POI.
The Irish population is very friendly and hospitable, in every village there are several pubs and restaurants where you can enjoy Irish cuisine.
There are several (historical) sights included in the routes, here is a summary overview per route, in the reviews of the routes you will find more details.
IRL1; Belvedere House & Garden Parks, Charleville Castle and the Ruins of Clonmacnoise
IRL2; Sky Road, Connemara Natural Park and Kylemoore Abbey.
IRL3; The Burren, the peninsulas Lettermore, Tiermee and Teach Mor, Blackhead and the Cliffs of Moher.
IRL4; Bunratty Castle, Folk Park and King Johns Castle.
IRL5; Ring of Kerry and Skellig Ring, this is without a doubt the most beautiful part of the Ring of Kerry. With a beautiful view of Little Skellig and Skellig Michael, the islands where the latest Star Wars film was shot.
IRL6; Ring of Beare, Glenngariff Woods Nature Reserve and one of the most beautiful panoramas in Ireland: "Ladies View".
IRL7; Killarney National Park with Molls Gap, Ladies View, the Healy Pass and Priest's Leap (very narrow winding route with partly very bad road surface) and Mizen Head.
IRL8; Blarney Castle, Cahir Castle, Killkenny Castle and Saint Canice's Cathedral.
IRL9; Dunmore Caves, SS Dunbrody Irish Emigrants ship, the ruins of Dunbrody Abbey and Garden and Kilkenny Castle.
IRL10; the ruins of the Black Castle, The Altamont Gardens, Powerscourt Gardens and Waterfall and St. Patricks Cathedral.
The routes are mainly country roads, often with beautiful curves, but sometimes very narrow or of poor quality. Driving experience is required, partly because of driving on the left side of the road.
You drive through nature parks and pass such as the Healy Pass, Conner Pass, Priest's Leap and Molls Gap. Two beautiful routes are the famous Ring of Kerry (IRL5) and Ring of Beare (IRL6). These are long journeys with many beautiful things along the way, so staying overnight while on the road is highly recommended. It can also be very busy on these routes in the weekends.
The other two routes in this collection is The Wild Atlantic Way from North-South and from South to North. This route is a sensational journey past towering cliffs and lively villages and towns, past hidden beaches and beautiful bays. This route follows the West Coast and you do multiple places from the other routes. The review of the route contains more details and for even more information I refer to https://www.wildatlanticway.com/home
All routes in this collection are all beautiful and challenging and can be driven by car or motorcycle.
Have fun with these routes.
All routes include reviews, route points for hotels, restaurants and POI.
The Irish population is very friendly and hospitable, in every village there are several pubs and restaurants where you can enjoy Irish cuisine.
There are several (historical) sights included in the routes, here is a summary overview per route, in the reviews of the routes you will find more details.
IRL1; Belvedere House & Garden Parks, Charleville Castle and the Ruins of Clonmacnoise
IRL2; Sky Road, Connemara Natural Park and Kylemoore Abbey.
IRL3; The Burren, the peninsulas Lettermore, Tiermee and Teach Mor, Blackhead and the Cliffs of Moher.
IRL4; Bunratty Castle, Folk Park and King Johns Castle.
IRL5; Ring of Kerry and Skellig Ring, this is without a doubt the most beautiful part of the Ring of Kerry. With a beautiful view of Little Skellig and Skellig Michael, the islands where the latest Star Wars film was shot.
IRL6; Ring of Beare, Glenngariff Woods Nature Reserve and one of the most beautiful panoramas in Ireland: "Ladies View".
IRL7; Killarney National Park with Molls Gap, Ladies View, the Healy Pass and Priest's Leap (very narrow winding route with partly very bad road surface) and Mizen Head.
IRL8; Blarney Castle, Cahir Castle, Killkenny Castle and Saint Canice's Cathedral.
IRL9; Dunmore Caves, SS Dunbrody Irish Emigrants ship, the ruins of Dunbrody Abbey and Garden and Kilkenny Castle.
IRL10; the ruins of the Black Castle, The Altamont Gardens, Powerscourt Gardens and Waterfall and St. Patricks Cathedral.
The routes are mainly country roads, often with beautiful curves, but sometimes very narrow or of poor quality. Driving experience is required, partly because of driving on the left side of the road.
You drive through nature parks and pass such as the Healy Pass, Conner Pass, Priest's Leap and Molls Gap. Two beautiful routes are the famous Ring of Kerry (IRL5) and Ring of Beare (IRL6). These are long journeys with many beautiful things along the way, so staying overnight while on the road is highly recommended. It can also be very busy on these routes in the weekends.
The other two routes in this collection is The Wild Atlantic Way from North-South and from South to North. This route is a sensational journey past towering cliffs and lively villages and towns, past hidden beaches and beautiful bays. This route follows the West Coast and you do multiple places from the other routes. The review of the route contains more details and for even more information I refer to https://www.wildatlanticway.com/home
All routes in this collection are all beautiful and challenging and can be driven by car or motorcycle.
Have fun with these routes.
View Route Collection
7 Beautiful Routes Through Ireland
"7 beautiful routes through Ireland"
You may have seen one of these routes before. There are seven routes driven and created in 2024. The routes are part of a 7-day trip through Ireland. You drive through landscapes that are very diverse. Especially the roads along the coast are breathtaking.
The roads are from reasonable to good, but you also drive on roads that are less maintained and there can be some gravel on the roads here and there. Also, grass often grows in the middle of the roads, so caution is required.
These are generally beautiful routes through a beautiful country. The routes are connecting and go along the west coast. The route starts in Belfast and ends in Rosslare.
The collection contains the following routes:
Day 1 Belfast to Carrick on Shannon via Enniskillen Castle (265 Km)
Day 2 from Carrick on Shannon to Cleggan towards the Wild Atlantic Way (216 Km)
Day 3 from Cleggan to Shannon via The Cliffs of Moher (254 Km)
Day 4 from Shannon to Waterville via the Kerry Cliffs (304 Km)
Day 5 Waterville to Inchigeelagh via Dursey Island Cableway (256 Km)
Day 6 of Inchigeelagh via Mizen Head Tour (214 Km)
Day 7 Inchigeelagh to Rosslare via Hookhead Lighthouse (307 Km)
All routes have been checked and made equal for Tomtom, Garmin, open streetmaps and MyRoute-App Navigation. The routes follow the original route as it was made at the time.
Have fun driving one of these routes. Enjoy all the beauty that Ireland has to offer.
You may have seen one of these routes before. There are seven routes driven and created in 2024. The routes are part of a 7-day trip through Ireland. You drive through landscapes that are very diverse. Especially the roads along the coast are breathtaking.
The roads are from reasonable to good, but you also drive on roads that are less maintained and there can be some gravel on the roads here and there. Also, grass often grows in the middle of the roads, so caution is required.
These are generally beautiful routes through a beautiful country. The routes are connecting and go along the west coast. The route starts in Belfast and ends in Rosslare.
The collection contains the following routes:
Day 1 Belfast to Carrick on Shannon via Enniskillen Castle (265 Km)
Day 2 from Carrick on Shannon to Cleggan towards the Wild Atlantic Way (216 Km)
Day 3 from Cleggan to Shannon via The Cliffs of Moher (254 Km)
Day 4 from Shannon to Waterville via the Kerry Cliffs (304 Km)
Day 5 Waterville to Inchigeelagh via Dursey Island Cableway (256 Km)
Day 6 of Inchigeelagh via Mizen Head Tour (214 Km)
Day 7 Inchigeelagh to Rosslare via Hookhead Lighthouse (307 Km)
All routes have been checked and made equal for Tomtom, Garmin, open streetmaps and MyRoute-App Navigation. The routes follow the original route as it was made at the time.
Have fun driving one of these routes. Enjoy all the beauty that Ireland has to offer.
View Route Collection