Posted on July 27, 2010 by Fiona Hilliard

Image by Athena's Pix via Flickr

There are some places in Ireland that you’d never see with a tour bus. Ireland’s “magic roads” are a case in point.  Without Ireland car hire, you’d certainly never get to experience the phenomenon of rolling up hill.  Yep, you read that correctly, that’s rolling UP hill.

Only in Ireland!

So What Happens?

You drive to the bottom of a hill (it has to be on a magic road) and switch off your engine. Put the car into neutral and let the brakes off- as if by magic, your car will roll gently up the hill!

Locals might try to convince you that it’s the native fairies and leprechauns making mischief. Even though it’s fun to play along as the gullible tourist, the truth of the matter is that it’s all an optical illusion, albeit a very convincing one. You are in fact rolling down the hill.

How to get to Ireland’s Magic Roads:

Comeragh Mountains, Co Waterford

From Clonmel in Tipperary, head to Dungarvan and look out for the little village of Rathgormack.  From here, follow signs for the Comeragh Drive. Follow the signs for Mahon falls and take a right turn at Power’s Foddstore.  Driving a little further along, you’ll come to a signpost for Mahon Falls, turn right here and soon the road will start to wind downhill.  At the base of the hill you’ll find a single tree. You can stop here and allow the car to roll.

If you’re still unsure about how to get there, ask for directions in Power’s store – locals wil point you in the right direction.

Dundalk, Co Louth

Driving from the town of Dundalk, take the R173 to Carlingford for around 6-7 miles. Take a left turn just after the Texaco petrol station. Continue on until you reach the T junction, then turn right, then immediately left.  You will be heading uphill at this point – go to the top of the hill, then down the other side until you reach a small hut at the side of the road.  Bring the car to a halt here let the brakes off and then you’ll roll back up the hill.

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