What to do and see in Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland’s Ancient East: The Best Scenic Drives

May 19, 2022 Layne Dawes

Discover the best top things to do in Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland including The Vee, Military Road, Comeragh Drive, Sally Gap, Ring of Hook, The Wicklow Gap.
Restaurants in Ireland’s Ancient East

1. The Vee

Clogheen Ireland
Excellent
88%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 49 reviews

The Vee

on the R668 between Clogheen and Glenaknockaun West

Reviewed By MT1 - Aurora, United States

We made this drive after leaving Waterford and heading to Cahir. It is a beautiful drive full of nice vistas out in the country - well worth a trip. We made several scenic drives somewhat similar to this during our 16 days in Ireland - Caha Pass, Conor Pass, etc. It's nice to take some time to get away from all the tour busses and major crowds at all the big tourist attractions and just enjoy some quieter time in the beautiful Irish countryside. Make the effort to get here - you won't be sorry ...

2. Military Road

Enniskerry Ireland +353 1 605 7700 http://www.discoverireland.ie/Activities-Adventure/military-road-drive-wicklow/46860
Excellent
65%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 151 reviews

Military Road

3. Comeragh Drive

Comeragh View Killrossanty, Waterford Ireland http://www.dungarvantourism.com/welcome/web?task=Display&art_id=35&pagenum=1
Excellent
74%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 133 reviews

Comeragh Drive

Reviewed By DrJohnMS - Washington, United States

A single lane, one way loop drive up to Mahon Falls is worth the effort. The falls in the distance flows with vigor, and is an easy traverse up the side of the hill for those a little more adventurous. No facilities in the parking lot. Bountiful sheep roaming the countryside to keep you company with their excrement not too far behind so be wary where you walk. As you walk up, take time to look back at the valley below, and the Celtic Sea farther out. On a semi clear day like we had, it was a lovely view.

4. Sally Gap

Wicklow Mountains, Wicklow Ireland +353 404 69117 http://www.discoverireland.ie/Activities-Adventure/sally-gap/8817
Excellent
76%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 288 reviews

Sally Gap

Reviewed By Catsnuts - Bangor, United Kingdom

This drive takes you through stunning scenery. The roads though narrow are very good and visibility is excellent due to the lack of hedges. First class.

5. Ring of Hook

Hook Peninsula, New Ross Ireland +353 51 389 530 http://www.hookpeninsula.com
Excellent
73%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 196 reviews

Ring of Hook

Less than one hour in length take the Ring of Hook Coastal Drive to soak up the stunning coastal rural scenery this beautiful part of Ireland has to offer, while catching sight of some of our county’s most important built heritage. Follow Ring of Hook Signage starting from Tintern Abbey, on to Fethard village, Baginbun Head, Loftus Hall, Hook Lighthouse, Templar’s Church ruins and finish in Duncannon Village. Full map and brochure available May 2015.

Reviewed By Gewitty

The Hook Peninsula is just packed with history. On the tip is the world's oldest working lighthouse; 800 years and still going. A couple of miles further inland you will find a Templar's church, a bay where sunken Spanish treasure washes up from time to time, Duncannon Fort, the remarkable Tintern Abbey, Colclough Walled Gardens, and even a shipwreck! Throw in a few great pubs (Roche's in Duncannon village is a favourite), plus possibly the best restaurant in Ireland (Aldridge Lodge) and you have the makings of a great holiday. Definitely one of the great undiscovered parts of Ireland and only 45 minutes from Rosslare ferry port.

6. The Wicklow Gap

Wicklow Gap Road Ireland http://visitwicklow.ie/attractions/the-wicklow-gap/#
Excellent
64%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 11 reviews

The Wicklow Gap

Reviewed By Q7840EUdanl - Bunbury, Australia

The sun was shining as we set out from Laragh but within 15 minutes it has become cold and overcast as we ascended the road to the Gap. This route is one of only two routes crossing the Wicklow Mountains from East to West and luckily asphalted. Its barren in places, elsewhere you have various mountain vegetation and pasture, and sheep. Spectacular views in both sunshine and overcast conditions and great for photos when you get the opportunity to park the car for a few minutes. The road is not overly wide and yet you have to be aware of the occasional formula 1 driver and the tour buses whose drivers feel that they own the road. Shame on the litter louts including those responsible for election signage. Lovely drive of just over an hour, including stops.

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