Backroad Bliss at Drive The Lake | Cruising a Classic 4x4 Around Lough Derg

Every once in a while, you get a day that just reminds you why you love cars. No mad stress, no crowds, no egos — just like-minded people, the open road, and that buzz you only get from a good drive. That was exactly the vibe at Drive Ireland’s “Drive The Lake” event.

For this one, I wasn’t even in my own car(long story, thankfully its back!) — I had the keys to my mate Brian’s Mk2 Pajero, and honestly, it was the perfect rig for the day. Old-school 4x4, proper presence on the road, and loads of character. It’s not your typical vehicle for bombing the beautifu lakeside roads of East Clare, but it turns heads and puts down vibes all the same. And let’s be real — there's something special about cruising an old Pajero along winding lakeside roads with the windows down and the camera gear packed in the back.

The event kicked off early, with the lake still covered in a bit of morning mist. From there, we looped around Lough Derg, hitting spots like Dromineer, Killaloe, and across to Williamstown Harbour. All of it was pure Irish scenery — quiet country roads, rolling hills, and the kind of views you just don’t get tired of.

This wasn’t about polish or performance — it was about enjoying the drive. There was a bit of everything on the day: clean drift builds, time attack spec cars, old school JDM, and a few rare 4x4s thrown in. I had the cameras rolling the whole way and was able to capture the event in a way that I feel I’ve failed to do so during my prior participations. Just proper roads, beautiful locations and real cars being used.

Massive credit to David and the crew at Drive Ireland for organising something that felt this genuine. “Drive The Lake” is exactly the kind of event we need more of — laid back, well-run, and focused on the actual driving, not just standing around in a car park acting the bollox(I’m looking at you Morris’ DIY hooligans!).