N22 road

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The N22 is a road in Ireland through Kerry and Cork counties, from Tralee in the west through Killarney, Macroom and Ballincollig to Cork City in the east.

Sections of the N22 have been substantially upgraded in recent years. During the 1980s and 1990s a 25km section between Killarney and the border with County Cork was rebuilt and widened. An auxiliary climbing lane is provided on the steep grade sections. The late 1980s saw a 3km bypass of Killarney. In 2004 the Ballincollig bypass west of Cork city has been completed. This is a 11km dual carriageway road built to Motorway standards that connects with the N25 Cork South Ring Road. In 2005 4km of the road between Tralee and Farranfore has been upgraded. This adds to a 4km section opened in 2002. 3 major projects in planning for the N22 are the Ballyvourney - Macroom bypass, the Killarney - Farranfore scheme and the Tralee Eastern bypass with a spur to Ballingrelagh. Additionally there are proposals for 2 plus 1 upgrades to the Killarney - Ballyvourney section. The Farranfore - Killarney and Ballyvourney - Macroom schemes are to be developed as 2 plus 1 roads also. The Cork Northern Ring Road is currently in planning, and consists of 17km of dual carrigeway.

It is famous for 'The Sculpture Road to Killarney' where the internationally respected sculptor, Tighe O'Donoghue/Ross and his son, Eoghan, were commissioned to place sculpted stones along the new part of the road between Killarney and the county bounds to Cork. Most of the stones were excavated during the building of the road, varying between one to three tons in weight. The most popular sculpture is that of a rearing horse, set atop a rise along the road near Clonkeen. Made from ferro-cement over a steel infrastructure, Capall Mor accoutered with a helmet featuring a unicorn horn, typical of the war horses used by the Celtic chiefs during their battles. Considered a landmark by the local people, some families travel to show the sculpture to their children, who are particularly fascinated with it. There are broken chains around its front legs, signifying freedom.

National primary roads of the Republic of Ireland
N1(M1) - N2 - N3(M3) - N4(M4) - N5 - N6(M6) - N7 (M7) - N8(M8) - N9(M9) - N10 - N11(M11) - N12 - N13 - N14 - N15 - N16 - N17 - N18 - N19 - N20 - N21 - N22 - N23 - N24 - N25 - N26 - N27 - N28 - N29 - N30 - N31 - N32 - N33 - M50
Roads in Ireland - National secondary roads - Regional roads
See also: National Development Plan, National Roads Authority