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WE DON’T HAVE too many of them in Ireland, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t appreciate a good dose of fear on a stomach-turning, death-defying rollercoaster.
Part of the fun for thrill seekers is that each one is a little different. Will it have a steep drop? Could it hang you upside down? Or maybe it just causes your heart to race because it feels too rickety to handle that next loop?
From the sharpest drops to the fastest rides, these coasters are an adrenaline junkie’s dream.
The Wicked Twister
Riders face epic 450-degree spirals at more than 110 kph on this ride in Ohio in the US.
(Image: Wikimedia Commons)
The Colossos
This gigantic wooden coaster in Germany lives up to its name as the highest wooden rollercoaster in Europe at 60 metres high, and is said to be a “smooth as steel” ride.
(Image: Heide Park)
The Kingda Ka
This rollercoaster in New Jersey’s Six Flags adventure park is the tallest in the world.
(Video: sixflgs15/YouTube)
Top Thrill Dragster
This ride, also in Ohio, goes from zero to 190 kph in just four seconds, and you’re shot 128 metres into the air. It’s all over in just 17 seconds, but it’s worth it. Probably.
(AP Photo/Paul M Walsh)
Tower of Terror II
Because apparently one wasn’t enough – the second Tower of Terror in Queensland, Australia, shoots 115 metres into the air (backwards) at 160 kph before dropping you back down to earth.
(Image: Dreamworld)
El Toro
Translate as ‘The Bull,’ the wooden El Toro at Six Flags Great Adventure park in New Jersey has a 76 degree drop and nine separate weightless ‘airtime’ opportunities. Who said steel coasters were better?
(Image: Six Flags)
Volcano: The Blast Coaster
This winding coaster shoots riders out of a volcano at Kings Dominion in Virginia in the US, and has one of the world’s tallest inversions at almost 50 metres off the ground.
(Image: Kings Dominion)
Superman Krypton Coaster
The Superman ride at Six Flags Fiesta Texas in the US throws you for one of the biggest loops in the world – 360 degrees at 45 metres in the air.
(Video: wwwCOASTERFORCEcom/YouTube)
Formula Rossa
Abu Dhabi is home to the world’s fastest rollercoaster, topping out at 240 kph in under five seconds. Protective eyewear is required since passengers will experience what 4.8 Gs really feels like.
(Image: Ferrari World)
Coney Island Cyclone
Even Superstorm Sandy couldn’t destroy this New York City landmark and ancient hybrid coaster. The 1920s-era ride in Coney Island still whips riders into a frenzy – just don’t eat a hot dog before strapping in.
(Pic: AP Photo/Seth Wenig/File)
Takabisha
The Fuji-Q Highland park in Japan boasts the steepest drop in the world on its Takabisha coaster. It sends it riders tumbling at 121 degrees at 100kph.
(Screengrab via YouTube)
Texas Giant
The steepest Wooden coaster on the planet is this behemoth at Six Flags Over Texas in the US. It has a 79-degree drop, and shoots riders 14 stories into the air.
(Image: Six Flags)
Millennium Force
Named the best steel coaster in the world three years ago, the Millennium Force at Cedar Point in Ohio (yes, again) ranks in the top ten for the tallest, fastest and steepest rides in the world.
(Image: Cedar Point)
Oblivion
This steel roller coaster at Alton Towers was the first vertical drop rollercoaster in the world. It soars at 60 metres in the air with riders experiencing up to 4.5 Gs of force.
(IMage: Rui Vieira/PA Archive)
Full throttle
Opening this summer at Six Flags Magic Mountain in California, Full Throttle is going to set the record as the world’s tallest loop-de-loop at 160 feet in the air. It will also catapult riders from zero to 112 kph in the air on two forward launches.
(Source: Six Flags)
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Loss of a national treasure.
R.I.P. Paddy.
RIP Paddy. Right up there with Luke, Jim McCann, Ronnie Drew and so many others. A huge loss to not only the Irish music scene but much further afield also, to every corner of Europe, Asia and the Americas where they always seemed to have a following.
I am English by birth, but I always enjoyed the music of the Chieftains, especially Paddy Moloney. RIP genius of Irish music, your like will be hard to find again.
He looked great on the late late around the end of last year, new year’s special i think. He was on a zoom call and whipped out a tin whistle from his pocket and played a tune. A national treasure, rest in peace.
He gave so much enjoyment to so many people. A great loss to the Irish traditional legacy!
If there was ever a man who had Ireland in his soul…..
RIP Paddy.
ah jaysus! RIP
@Miriam: no Paddy.
He played at my Grandads funeral with a set of my Grandads pipes, I’ve seen him live a few times since, RIP Paddy. Thanks for everything.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.
He entertained the world, not just Ireland which he also helped to stand out internationally, in the field of music. Ireland now mourns a great loss. My condolences to his family and friends.
RIP
Rip Paddy. Long time family friend from the late 70′s and 80′s. My dad rescued him in the snowstorm in wicklow with a bottle of whisky. Those were the days.
A real national treasure, may his God bless him
Rip.
Great loss to all.
A musical genius.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a Anam dílis.
End of an era RIP. Condolences to his family.
His tin whistle solo on the lowlands of holland is a thing of beauty.
Ah another great legend of Irish music departs to the great concert in the sky. He was a true genius R.I.P. Paddy
Such a gentleman, may he rest in peace
RIP legend
Aww. Terrible loss. May he rest in peace.
One of irelands best loved musician. Rest in peace Paddy.
Brilliant man
Very sad news RIP Paddy
:(
Scíth a ligean
RIP. Was he part of Sean O’Riada music and influence in early years?
@Tim Oleary: Yes, the Ceoltoiri Chualann. If you look up the Nationwide episode on the RTE player from last Friday week when they did the special on Sean you will spot paddy a few times in the pictures.
A real legend of Irish music and a huge legacy left behind.
@Pete Trevaskis: Appreciated
@Tim Oleary: Yes. But in my opinion he is far more important than O’Riada, and is truly responsible for the revival of traditional Irish music. O’Riada was a brilliant academic. But Moloney was a pure musician to his soul. Ar dheis dé.
His Legacy to us will live on through the many many people he inspired. He is one of those people who always made you smile while tapping your feet and he always gave more than he received. He may have moved on but his music will always be with us. Ar dheis De go raibh a Anam dilis
A true gem, RIP.
My granny used to live next door to him. Very nice neighbour. He brought her in cooked meals when she couldn’t cook any more
Sad news.
RIP.
One of the all time greats. He was the original collaborator always thinking outside the box. He is highly regarded across the world and will continue to be so. Music, particularly Irish music, has lost a true legend. Rest easy Paddy.
He brought joy to all who embraced his music style. What an inspiration to all. He and Liam Og O Floinn were the architects of the transition from the old traditional Irish music to the broader outward looking style of today. RIP.
Great musician and entertainer rolled into one. His commentaries between playing were always interesting and jovial…RIP
Such a sad week for traditional music with the loss of Paddy Moloney and Tony McMahon.
RIP Paddy.
RIP a true legend.
What a legend RIP
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