Such is the scenic splendour of the Foyle and Carlingford areas – both designated as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – that they host three long and scenic driving ways: the Wild Atlantic Way, the Causeway Coastal Route and the Mourne Coastal Route.
These spectacular journeys pass through breath-takingly beautiful landscapes and seascapes, with plenty of stop-offs for having picnics, tasting the fresh air, taking photos or visiting famous places and landmarks.
Drive the Wild Atlantic Way, from Ireland’s most northerly point at Malin Head along the Inishowen coastline and into the Foyle estuary. Then, take the ferry across the Lough and connect with the magnificent Causeway Coastal Route, on through County Antrim into Belfast.
Often, fun can be had leaving the main routes and driving the minor roads and laneways that wind through our coastlines and valleys. In Carlingford, a gently meandering two-lane road hugs the shores of the Lough for virtually its entire length.
Breath-taking scenery, good surfaces, little traffic and plenty of stopping places appeal to the cyclists and motorcyclists who’ve discovered this lesser-known way but it’s also an ideal car-touring route, with plenty to see, visit and do.