Home > Tips > Odd & Unusual Things > Magic Roads

Magic Roads

These will make your mind numb!

Basically this is the deal. You drive to the bottom of a hill and turn off the engine of your car. You slip the car into neutral and let off the brakes and..... your car rolls gently up the hill. Impossible, yet you can feel it happening and see it happening with your own eyes!

Of course it is impossible to roll uphill and the truth is that the upward slope of the road is an optical illusion, albeit a totally convincing one, and you are rolling down a hill. Still, it's a weird feeling.

Where to find a Magic Road

There are two very well known ones, there may be more and if so I would love to hear about them!

Comeragh Mountains, Co Tipperary

View Map

This is a bit tricky to find, but the Comeragh Mountains are incredibly beautiful and you will enjoy the search!

From Clonmel in Tipperary, head for Dungarvan and look out for the village of Rathgormack. From there follow the signs for the Comeragh Drive. Follow signs to Mahon Falls, turning right at Power's Foodstore. A little further along is another signpost for Mahon Falls, turn right here and soon the road starts to descend. At the bottom of the hill there is a single tree - stop here and let the car roll!

If you get lost ask in Power's store - they know where it is.

Near Dundalk, Co Louth

View Map

From the town of Dundalk take the R173 towards Carlingford for about 6-7 miles. Just after a Texaco petrol station take a left turn. Continue until you come to a T junction, turn right, then immediately left. You will be going uphill at this point - go to the top of the hill, then down the other side until you reach a hut by the side of the road. Stop here, let off the brakes and back up the hill you will go!

One man's experience of a magic road is well worth reading for a first hand account of how truly weird the feeling of rolling uphill can be.

Your Comments

Please note: To prevent spam all comments are moderated. Promotional or advertising comments will not be published. If you want to ask a question or start a discussion rather than post a comment, please so so in the forum. Thank you!

Posted by: rachael
14 Mar 2007, 18:15
The first one I ever seen was at Silent Valley in Northern Ireland (County Down). It's in the Mourne Mountains so it is an illusion but that one in Omeath (near Dundalk - the one you mentioned) is great. That's in no mountains. Someone said it has to do with water. Silent Valley is the resevoir that provides water to Belfast and the one in Omeath is next to a massive water tank. Either way the Omeath one is the best thing ever.

Posted by: mark holt
08 May 2007, 11:50
there is also one near aughrim co.wicklow well worth a visit

Posted by: Jay
23 Aug 2007, 13:19
There is also a magic road in the Dublin Mountains 10 minutes from Tallaght/Rathfarnam at a place called view point. On the road towards Johnney Foxes that goes downhill theres a tree on your left stop your car with your front wheels just before the treewith your car in neutral turn off your engine and release your brakes and the car will roll uphill. Enjoy

Posted by: Mel
18 Jun 2008, 16:03
I also hear there is one in Cypress. Not sure where but saw it on You Tube.

Enjoy this Article? Tell a Friend! | Bookmark This Article: