Where is Slea Head Drive?
Ireland, europe
47 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Ireland, ready for an adventure, and someone whispers, "Slea Head Drive." Trust me, you need to do it. This loop starts and ends in the adorable town of Dingle, and it's like someone took all the best bits of the Dingle Peninsula and strung them together.
We're talking about the far west of County Kerry, so get ready for some wild Atlantic views. The R559 is about 30 miles long, a full circle that brings you right back to Dingle. The pavement is generally good, but keep your eyes peeled for the odd pothole trying to jump out and surprise you. Insider tip: go clockwise, especially in summer, to avoid meeting tour buses head-on on the narrow bits.
Speaking of narrow bits, yeah, this drive isn't for the faint of heart. It's all twists and turns, and sometimes the road gets a little *too* close to those dramatic cliff edges. But hey, that's what makes it exciting, right? Plus, the views are absolutely worth it. Think endless ocean, the mysterious Blasket Islands looming in the distance, and a coastline so green it looks like it's straight out of a fairytale.
You'll find incredible beaches, hidden coves, and even a cool religious site along the way. The Blasket Islands are a must-see, and the towns of Dunquin, Ventry, and Dingle itself are all begging to be explored. National Geographic once called the Dingle Peninsula "the most beautiful place on earth," and honestly, they might be right. It's a photographer's dream.
My advice? Go early in the morning or later in the day to avoid the crowds. Weekdays are your friend here. Give yourself at least three hours to really soak it all in – you'll want to stop a *lot*. Oh, and if you're a "Star Wars" fan, keep an eye out – parts of "The Last Jedi" were filmed here! So, buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable Irish road trip. You won't regret it.
Road Details
- Country
- Ireland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 47 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
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