Chill Insurance have recently produced an ebook of Musical Drives, it’s a really interesting read containing Irish music videos, music-inspired landmarks and much more. Chill contacted me to collaborate on a blog post about my favourite drives in Ireland and in keeping with the musical theme I’m going to tie in some songs to go with it.
Sligo to Manorhamilton overlooking Glencar Valley and the Celtic Trinity Knot, as there’s a castle in Manorhamilton I suppose the song would be Castle on the Hill by Ed Sheeran.
The Gleniff Horseshoe Drive, if you only go on one drive in Sligo this is the one I would recommend. Stunningly beautiful, mystical and magical in all weathers and home to my ‘famous photo’. The photo features a derelict schoolhouse so the song is ‘School’s out’ by Alice Cooper.
Rosses Point, Sligo overlooking the Wild Atlantic Way. The statue of the lady waiting on the shore looks like she’s reaching out, the song is Reach Out – The Four Tops.
The drive to Doolin, Co. Clare, narrow roads, hairpin bends and a very colourful village. When you arrive in Doolin you can take the ferry over to the Aran Islands and experience the old Ireland. Sailing by Rod Stewart is the song for this one.
From Boyle to Collooney on the main N4 road you will see the Gaelic Chieftain statue high on the hill. This statue commemorates the Battle of the Curlews and is just a beautiful piece of art. For me it signals that I’m almost home. So the song? Homeward Bound – Simon and Garfunkel.
Take a trip to Achill Island, once again narrow, Irish roads, you’ll need to slow down to cope with the bends. When I see the sheep walking right along the edge of the cliffs Aerosmith Living on the Edge springs to mind.
Dun Briste, Downpatrick Head, Ballycastle, Co. Mayo. Dún Briste is a sea stack which was part of the mainland until 1393 when it was severed by heavy seas. This is an absolutely stunning drive along from Ballycastle to the Ceide Fields and on to Erris. Whenever I see the sea stack ‘I’m still standing’ by Elton John plays in my head.
Erris in County Mayo, rural Ireland at its best and voted the ‘Best place to go Wild’ in The Irish Times. I had a ball of a time here, I drove across a beach – well I say I drove – I got stuck in the sand and had to be towed out backwards by a tractor!!! So it’s ‘Down on the Beach’ Chris Rea.
Slieve League in County Donegal, some of the highest cliffs in the world. I was too scared to drive too far up these though so I parked near the bottom and walked up, singing ‘Top of the World’ by The Carpenters.
Take the Sky Road in Clifden, Connemara. If you are a fan of rugged beauty this is the place to go. The views are just spectacular and as you are looking over the Wild Atlantic Way the song is ‘Home by the Sea’ Genesis. It’s years since I’ve been there so unfortunately there isn’t a photo but I’ll just have to go back again 🙂
Thanks for reading and I hope you’ve been inspired to take a musical drive around Ireland. This post was sponsored by Chill Insurance so thank you to them for collaborating with me.
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