SCORE

by **Danny Skehan**

Hi All

During the year the “Irish Times” newspaper has been running an excellent series in the Motoring Section called “Great Irish Roads” by Bob Montgomery. In the series he describes some of the wonderful drives afforded to Irish drivers on the quite backroads of Ireland, both North and South. Bob has completed such attractions as The Wicklow Gap, Dundrod racing circuit in Ulster, the moonscape that is The Burren in Co Clare and hidden gems such as The Cut in Co Offaly. His “wheels” for his adventure was a Lotus Elise.

He goes on to explain the lure of the open road as follows

“Great roads, a great car and good company - what more could an enthusiastic motorist want? Time was when the open road had an attraction for all lucky enough to own a car. The freedom that went with that ownership was never better enjoyed than when "touring", exploring distant corners of this island or simply enjoying the freedom of travelling the uncluttered open road.

That was then, this is 2005 – overcrowded roads, speed limits, taxation that seems more than ever to target the struggling motorist and cities snarled up with traffic because road investment was ignored for years.

So, where's the enjoyment in modern motoring? Perhaps it's waiting to be re-discovered with a little effort and planning. After all, by comparison with other countries, Ireland's roads remain among Europe's least crowded. So, for this new series, we set out to find the roads that can still bring a smile to the face of readers of The Irish Times”.

Although I had travelled many of the routes described before in a variety of other cars, I decided it was time to let loose the Cappuccino on these revered roads. Fired with Bob’s enthusiasm and a map I set off in the Cappuccino to retrace his wheel tracks. I managed quite a few this Summer, and plan to continue the quest during the Autumn and into next year.

All the routes he recommends were a joy and totally suited for the Cappuccino, especially with the top down.

I am posting a few “snaps” – (Unfortunately, forgot my camera on some of the trips) hopefully it will tempt a few of you over for a trip to the Emerald isle next spring and help me to discover some more of Bob’s Great Irish Roads! Thanks to my son Nick for the Connamara pics!

Danny

BTW. Copies of Bob’s roads articles are available on-line on Ireland.com –- go to “take me to” today’s “Irish Times” and then to the free to access content – “Motors”. The series is every fortnight so you will have to scroll back using the “newspaper by day” function.
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