Posted on June 23, 2010 by Fiona Hilliard

Writing this blog, I’m forever looking at scenic drive guides, road-trip ideas and recommended itineraries but I have to say I’m pretty impressed with the Irish Independent’s latest series of travel articles that examine how to get off the beaten track from Ireland’s newest motorways.

It’s a really fresh approach to a rather oversubscribed subject.  This week Pol O Conghaile looked at the possibilities of the M/N11 which passes through Dublin, Wicklow and Wexford.  The route takes you from motorway to dual and single lane carriageways.  Just so you know, the motorway sections include a link to the M50 that bypasses Shankhill and Bray and a 14km stretch bypassing Ashford, Rathnew and Wicklow.

If you haven’t been to Wicklow and you’re renting a car in Dublin, you’ll find his suggested pit-stops to be a breath of fresh air, especially if you’re not planning to go too far but you’d like to get a change of scenery.

There’s a reason why Wicklow is known as the Garden of Ireland…

It might be just a 20-minute drive from Dublin, but the contrast is incredible.  It’s like somebody tore up a very green piece of Donegal or Kerry and dropped it straight onto Ireland’s east coast, just far enough from the capital for people to appreciate its beauty.

Wicklow’s National Park is the icing on the cake. Over 400 square miles of heathery mountains sparkling lakes and sandy beaches give it the look and feel of a lush oasis.

Need further inspiration? Why not check out our video guide to Powerscourt and Enniskerry, two of Wicklow’s best bits.

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