
If You Love to Drive, You’ll Love the Road to Caha Pass in Ireland
Ireland, europe
27 km
320 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the N71, straddling the border between Cork and Kerry in southwest Ireland. You're on the Caha Pass, a seriously cool mountain road that climbs to 320 meters (that's 1,049 feet!). Locals call it "The Tunnels," and for good reason.
This beauty was built way back in 1842—they called it The New Line back then. The whole thing is paved, stretching for about 27 kilometers (or almost 17 miles) from Glengarriff up to Kenmare. You'll probably want to budget more than the 25-30 minutes it takes to drive it straight through, because, trust me, you'll be stopping for photos.
The views are unreal—pure, raw Irish wilderness. Just a heads up, it gets pretty popular during the summer months.
Now, the road itself? It's carved right into the Caha Mountains, so expect some serious curves and a narrow path. It gets a little steep too, hitting a 9% gradient in places. And on the Kerry side, prepare for multiple tunnels blasted right through the rock. Sometimes the fog rolls in, adding an extra layer of awesome (and maybe a little bit of spookiness!). It's an unforgettable drive.
Where is it?
If You Love to Drive, You’ll Love the Road to Caha Pass in Ireland is located in Ireland (europe). Coordinates: 53.2334, -7.6586
Road Details
- Country
- Ireland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 27 km
- Max Elevation
- 320 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 53.2334, -7.6586
Related Roads in europe
hardZ1 Aussichtsplattform
🇦🇹 Austria
# Z1 Aussichtsplattform: An Alpine Adventure Perched at a breathtaking 2,575 meters (8,448 feet) in Austria's Tyrol region, the Z1 Aussichtsplattform observation deck offers views that'll make your Instagram followers jealous. But getting there? That's half the adventure. The route to the summit is a chairlift access trail that's definitely not for the faint of heart. Think rocky, gravel-covered terrain that gets progressively steeper and more treacherous as you climb—especially in the upper sections where loose stones dominate the landscape. This isn't a year-round destination, either; you've got a narrow window in late August if you want to attempt it safely in summer conditions. Fair warning: the mountain doesn't play nice. Expect relentless wind at altitude—it's basically a constant companion up here, regardless of the season. And while it might be summer down in the valleys, don't be shocked if you encounter snow at the summit. Winter? Brutally cold doesn't even begin to cover it. The actual road is a ski-station service route that climbs steeply, with some sections hitting gradients up to 30%. It's technical, it's demanding, and it absolutely requires respect. But if you time it right and come prepared, you'll earn some of the most spectacular Alpine views Tyrol has to offer.
moderateBocco Pass is an epic climb in the Apennines
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo del Bocco: A Mountain Pass with Stories to Tell Nestled at 962 meters (3,156 feet) along the border between Emilia-Romagna and Liguria, Passo del Bocco is a gem hidden high up in the Apennines. This isn't your typical gentle scenic drive—expect steep climbs, plenty of hairpin turns, and a completely paved road that'll keep you alert the whole way up. When you finally reach the summit, you'll find a welcoming restaurant and parking area to catch your breath and soak in the views. This pass has some serious cycling pedigree. It was the stage that made Yevgeny Berzin a champion during the 1994 Tour of Italy, but it's also marked by tragedy—it's where Belgian cyclist Wouter Weylandt tragically lost his life during the 2011 Tour of Italy in May. **Two Ways to the Top** There are two routes to choose from depending on where you're starting: **Via SP26bis**: The shorter option at 18.5 km (11.49 miles), this route runs from Borgonovo up to the Emilia-Romagna border. Perfect if you want a quicker, more direct assault on the pass. **Via SP49**: The longer route at 34.7 km (21.56 miles), this one winds from Varese Ligure through Borzonasca. More road time means more time to appreciate the stunning Apennine scenery.
moderateWhere is Vielha Tunnel?
🇪🇸 Spain
Nestled high in the Spanish Pyrenees, in Catalonia's wild northwest corner, you'll find the Tunel de Vielha. This isn't just any tunnel, though. We're talking about a 5.2km (3.25 mile) stretch of paved road boring through the mountains, connecting Vielha, the Aran Valley's main hub, with the Alta Ribagorça region. A bit of history: Before this tunnel, the Aran Valley was pretty cut off, especially in winter. The original tunnel, once the world's longest, got a bit dicey safety-wise, so the updated Juan Carlos I Tunnel was opened in 2007. The road itself? It's part of the N230, with two lanes heading south and one going north, so be aware of the traffic flow! Expect some steep climbs inside, with gradients hitting up to 7.5% in places. The elevation peaks at 1,635m (5,364ft) above sea level. You can usually cruise through year-round, but keep an eye on the weather – it might close briefly in heavy winter storms. If you're coming from Vielha, it's a 12.3 km climb, gaining 664 meters in elevation (averaging 5.4%). Coming from Villaler, it’s a longer, gentler 18.7 km climb with an elevation gain of 656 meters (averaging 3.5%). Prepare for some beautiful mountain scenery!
moderateIs the road to Cankurtaran Geçidi paved?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, road trip lovers, let's talk about Cankurtaran Geçidi! This high mountain pass punches through the Eastern Anatolia region of Turkey, specifically in Ardahan Province. We're talking serious altitude here, topping out at 2,150 meters (that's 7,053 feet for my imperial system friends!). The entire 59 km (36 miles) route from Ardahan to Göle is paved and generally in good condition, so no need for a monster truck. Think wide roads, mostly straight, but be prepared for some seriously steep climbs. Nestled within the Mehmetçik Hatıra Ormanı national forest, the scenery is fantastic. Keep an eye on the weather, though; winter can bring closures. But if you catch it right, you're in for a treat!