Hitting the open road is a great feeling no matter where you're heading. Lucky for us, we're spoilt for beautiful areas to explore on wheels.

Here's our pick of the ten most scenic drives in Ireland. How many have you been to?

1. The Copper Coast, Dungarvan

Stretching from Tramore Bay to Dungarvan town, this is the best scenic drive in Waterford. Magnificent cliffs, bays, panoramic seascapes and coves are all dotted along the coast.

Noteworthy stops: Kilfarrasy Beach, Ballyscanlon Forest, Copper Coast Mini-farm, stone-age remains in Annestown, Dunhill Castle and Dunabrattin Head near Boatstrand.

2. The Burren

A spin through the heart of The Burren is something every Irish person should do at least once in their lifetime. The full drive spans 83km, and you'll pass through some of the prettiest villages in the country including Lisdoonvarna and Kilfenora.

Noteworthy stops: A stroll along the shore at Fanore beach, or a brisk walk along the incredible Flaggy shore in New Quay (followed by the most delicious seafood you'll ever taste in Linnanes) are worth driving out of the way to experience.

3. The Causeway Coastal Route, Antrim

The 120 mile route between Belfast and Derry is packed full of incredible scenic highlights, certainly living up to its reputation as one of the world's great drives. Along the route you'll find astonishing natural landscapes from hills, streams, waterfalls, cliffs, golden strands, and the highlight: the Giant's Causeway. Noteworthy stops: The Giant's Causeway, Bushmills Distillery, Portrush, Carrick-a-reed rope bridge

4. Glengesh Pass, Donegal

After you take the sharp ascent up Glengesh, pull in, get out of the car and breath in your surroundings. The view back towards Ardara will take your breath away. Twenty minutes further along and the road dips into Glencolumbkille, where there’s no shortage of spectacular mountain, coastal or cliff-top roads to enjoy. Noteworthy stops: Silver Strand beach, reached by descending 160-odd steps, is one highlight, and Slieve League sea-cliffs are another.

5. The Skye Road, Clifden

One of the most popular routes of the many scenic drives in Connemara, this is one of the most impressive coastal drives in Ireland. The steep ascent along the coastal edge offer panoramic views of the extensive Clifden bay and its many, many islands. The overall distance is just 15.2km. Totally worth a trip west.

6. The Sally Gap, Wicklow

A straight road leading to the peat bogs of the Wicklow mountains, a trip along the Sally Gap includes a view of the stunning Lough Tay. And before you know it, expansive fields and bog turn to lush, green valleys and you'll find yourself in the heart of the incredible beauty of Glendalough. 7. The Ring of Kerry This is a great choice for a day out - with stops it can take up to five hours to complete the entire ring. The best place to start your journey around the Ring of Kerry is in the lovely village of Kenmare. It's easy to get lost in the stunning scenery, and these roads are not for amateur drivers. Take it handy! You'll drive along the N70 passing through Tullig Beg, Ballynakilly Lower and Turret Field. The final hour of the drive is easily the most beautiful, and you'll finish up in beautiful Kenmare. Noteworthy stops: Killarney National Park, Valencia Island, Kenmare. 8. Sheep's Head Peninsula, Bantry

The other ring drive on the south coast of Ireland. Startin Bantry and loop around the Sheep's Head Peninsula before arriving in Durrus. This gorgeous route takes in the entire peninsula, and comes with breathtaking views of the Atlantic on either side throughout the drive. The whole drive is just 40km long, so breathe in the beauty for every minute of it.

9. The Atlantic Drive, Achill Island, Mayo

Achill Island and the Currane Peninsula on the west coast of Mayo are among the most remote and scenic areas in the country. With spectacular views of Clew Bay, Croagh Patrick, the Maamturks in Connemara and the village of Mulranny along the route, this is one drive that won't disappoint.

10. The Yeats' Driving Tour, Sligo

The spectacular sights of Sligo inspired much of Yeats' poetry, and it's not surprising when you take a drive around the county. From Lough Gill and Innisfree to Drumcliffe and Lissadell, there are so many beautiful spots to take in on a spin in Sligo.

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