Why is it called Healy Pass?
Ireland, europe
12.7 km
298 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're cruising along the R574 on the Beara Peninsula, straddling the Cork and Kerry border in southwest Ireland. This is Healy Pass, or Bealach Scairte in Gaelic, a twisty ribbon of asphalt named after politician Timothy Michael Healy.
Originally built during the famine years (think 1847), this 12.7km (almost 8 miles) route climbs to 298m (977ft). Give yourself at least 20-25 minutes for the drive from Adrigole (Cork) to Lauragh (Kerry), but honestly, you’ll want longer – trust me!
The scenery is unreal. We're talking breathtaking views over Bantry Bay and the Kenmare River. It's a desolate, almost lunar landscape sandwiched between some seriously impressive peaks of the Caha Mountains. Seriously, you'll be snapping panoramic pics at every turn.
Word of caution: this is Ireland, so expect unpredictable weather. Fog and mist can roll in quickly, especially morning and evening. Also, this road is WILD! Super steep in sections (up to 18%!), with hairpin turns and seriously narrow spots. The good news is, there's usually not much traffic. So, take it slow, enjoy the views, and get ready for one of Ireland's most epic drives.
Road Details
- Country
- Ireland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 12.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 298 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardTake the Scenic Route and Discover Desfiladero de La Yecla
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're in northern Spain, specifically the province of Burgos. You absolutely HAVE to check out Desfiladero de La Yecla, a ridiculously cool canyon carved out by the Arroyo del Cauce. The BU-910 road here is paved (thank goodness!) and takes you right through it. Seriously, the limestone cliffs are STUNNING. Pro tip: Park up past the second tunnel – there's a well-marked path to walk *inside* the gorge. It’s a tight squeeze on the walkway if it’s busy. Keep your eyes peeled for vultures soaring above as you drive this 8.4 km (5.21 mile) stretch of road, which runs between Santo Domingo de Silos (that famous monastery is worth a visit!) and Espinosa de Cervera. Be aware: there's a high risk of rock slides, so drive carefully and enjoy the views!
extremeHow long is the road from Lefkes to Kamari on Paros island?
🇬🇷 Greece
Cruising through Paros, you absolutely HAVE to check out the road from Lefkes to Kamari! Seriously, the views are unreal. This 12km (7.45 mile) stretch winds its way north to south, offering insane coastal vistas of the Aegean Sea. Heads up, it's a bit of an adventure – mostly unpaved, with some concrete sections thrown in for good measure where things get a little steep. It's totally doable in most cars and even RVs, but be prepared for a narrow, winding route as you climb to 593m (1,945ft) above sea level. Those views though? Totally worth it.
extremeRoad trip guide: Conquering the Arch of Freedom in Bulgaria
🌍 Bulgaria
Way up in the northern-central Bulgarian mountains, straddling the Lovech and Plovdiv provinces, you'll find the Arch of Freedom. This concrete behemoth, also called the Arch of Liberty, stands proud at the top of Goraltepe peak, a cool 1,585 meters (5,200 feet) high! It's a 35-meter tribute to Bulgaria's liberation struggle, built to honor the Russian army's victory back in 1878 and the later Bulgarian-Russian unity after World War II. The views from the top are insane! On a clear day, you can soak in panoramic vistas of the Beli Osam and Troyan valleys, Sredna Gora, the Rhodopes, and Rila mountains. Plus, you'll get a sweet view of the Balkan Mountains' iconic peaks, including Botev, the tallest of them all. Now, here's the heads-up: the 1-kilometer (0.62-mile) road that winds up from Beklemeto-Troyan Pass is no longer the smooth ride it used to be. It's pretty rough now, almost like an unpaved trail, and super narrow – definitely a one-car-at-a-time situation! But hey, there's a parking area right by the monument, so you'll have a spot to leave your ride while you explore.
moderateDriving the international Heihe-Blagoveshchensk Ice Road
🌍 Russia
Okay, picture this: a road that only exists in winter, connecting China and Russia! We're talking about the Heihe-Blagoveshchensk ice road, a truly unique route that transforms the frozen Amur River into a temporary highway. Starting in Blagoveshchensk, the heart of the Amur Oblast where the Amur and Zeya Rivers meet, this icy path heads north towards Heihe, a bustling city in northern China. Every winter, when the Amur River freezes solid, this incredible road comes to life. It's become a vital trade route, especially for trucks dealing with cargo limitations. This isn't just some small path, though! The ice road spans 614 meters in length and 13 meters wide. What's super interesting is that back in the day, this river was heavily guarded by Chinese and Soviet soldiers. Now? It's a frontline for trade and a symbol of connection. Open for just 60-70 days each winter, the road is supported by floating objects to handle the weight. It can even hold trucks weighing up to 40 tonnes.