Guide To Slea Head Drive: Ireland’s Most Breathtaking Coast

Get ready for a thrilling ride! Slea Head Drive, perched on the edge of the world, is nothing short of spectacular.

Around every corner, you’ll be met with jaw-dropping views that leave you breathless.

This scenic loop has it all — rolling green hills, ancient stone ruins, rugged cliffs, and the wild Atlantic crashing below. It’s Ireland at its most magical!

So grab a map, keep an eye out for a cheeky lamb or two, and let’s hit the road. In this guide, I tell you everything to see on Slea Head Drive.

Quick Tips:

Here are some must know tips to help you plan your drive:

For the best views, you should drive clockwise.
Try to pick a clear day for the drive, but expect some rain.
Plan to spend at least 3-4 hours. Add more time if you’re planning a meal in Dingle.
Bring some cash. Stops along the way cost 1-3 euros.
The drive is about 30 miles long.

Be on a sharp lookout for Dunquin Pier. It’s easy to miss.
Slea Head Drive > the Ring of Kerry IMO!
The best stops are Dunmore Head, Dunquin Pier, and Sybil Head.

If you don’t have your own wheels, or simply don’t want to drive the narrow roads, no problem!

You can book a guided day tour from Killarney, from Dingle, or from Cork.

Guide To Slea Head Drive: What To See

Dingle Town

The colorful town of Dingle is the starting point of the Slea Head Drive.

To get there, most people pass through Tralee, which is the official gateway to the Dingle Peninsula.

If you have extra time, take the scenic route west past Inch Beach. This stunning 4 mile stretch curves into Dingle Bay and is worth every second.

Or, like we did, you can take the dramatic drive through Conor Pass.

Driving the pass can be a bit of a white-knuckle experience!

With narrow roads hugging the cliffside and sharp drops below, it’s best tackled in a small car. Two cars can barely squeeze past each other without the risk of scraping or crashing.

If you decide to brave the twists and turns, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views. Plus, you can proudly pick up an “I Survived Conor Pass” magnet as a badge of honor.

Once in Dingle, you’ll find plenty of shops, art galleries, great pubs, and delicious eateries. You’ll definitely be tempted to go shopping!

We came home with an Aran sweater, some yarn, and a stack of books from Dingle Bookstore.

We also grabbed a bunch of chocolate bars with name “feckin’ eejit”— classic Irish slang — at Dingle Chocolates.

For some lively trad Irish music, head to The Small Bridge or John Benny’s. Both spots are local favorites.

If you’re looking for lunch, we loved Solas Tapas on Strand Street. My brother couldn’t resist settling in at Dingle Pub.

And, of course, we topped it all off with some delicious Murphy’s Ice Cream.

I’ve also heard the Fish Box is amazing for fresh fish. But in August, the line was too long for us.

Don’t miss Dingle’s famous bottlenose dolphin, Fungie! There’s a bronze sculpture of him right in the harbor, a fun tribute to the town’s beloved mascot.

And, by the way, Dingle is a great place to take a sea safari, with plenty of playful mammals to find.

From Dingle, you head west and follow the signs for Slea Head Drive R559. Alternatively, you can opt for a guided ebike tour from Dingle.

Ventry

Just a few miles west of Dingle, the charming town of Ventry is calling your name. This little gem welcomes you with open arms and that unmistakable Irish warmth.

The star of the show? Ventry’s breathtaking golden, crescent-shaped beach.

Stretching over 2.5 miles, it’s the perfect spot for a stroll, a splash in the sea, or simply soaking in the jaw dropping views.

Ventry may be small, but it’s full of character! Pop into one of the cozy pubs or local shops.

White Cross

The white cross on Slea Head Drive is a memorial overlooking the vast Atlantic Ocean.

Crosses are common sights in rural Ireland. They’re often called a holy cross or wayside cross.

They’re usually placed to honor religious events or local people. Some also mark historical moments.

This particular cross marks the official start of Slea Head Drive. If traffic is light, pull over and enjoy the incredible views.

Fahan Beehive Huts

There are a two spots on Slea Head Drive to stop and see beehive huts. These early Christian structures likely date back to around 1200 AD.

The huts were built using a dry-stone technique, where stones were stacked without mortar.

Their walls taper inward, forming the beehive shape that gives them their name.

This method created sturdy, weather-resistant homes using local materials. It also provided excellent insulation against the harsh Atlantic winds.

The huts were often attached to each other via a common doorway. And the outline of the huts formed a circle.

The stones intentionally had a downward turn to shed water and a small hole at the too to let out smoke.

It’s super interesting to get a small glimpse of how people lived so long ago.

I recommend a stop! it’s 3 euros to visit and it won’t take much time.

Good To Know: There are also beehive huts on Skellig Michael, if you are driving the Ring of Kerry. This is another Star Wars filming location.

Hold A Bay Lamb & Feed The Sheep

There are a few family-run farms that offer a cool experience: the chance to hold baby lambs and feed sheep.

This is a popular activity, especially for families and animal lovers who want to experience rural Irish farm life firsthand.

At the hold a lamb place, the farmer will introduce you to his sheepdogs and show you how to hold a lamb right proper.

At the feed the sheep stop, you’ll be given a can of food. You can feed plenty of sheep, goats, and llamas.

The goats are somewhat aggressive, though they don’t bite or anything. You may even see goats butting horns.

Dunmore Head

Dunmore Head, the westernmost point of the Dingle Peninsula, is a must-visit stop. It feels like stepping into a galaxy far, far away.

From the parking area above the beach, follow the path over the headland. A small donation of one euro is requested at the access gate.

At the top, you’ll reach a little wall with stone slabs to help you climb over.

the stone wall you'll shimmy over — the stone wall you’ll shimmy over

view of the cliffs and water from Dunmore Head

The hike is well worth it. The views in this wild, remote area are simply breathtaking.

You can spot the Blasket Islands, see an old WWII lookout tower, and inspect an ancient Ogham stone engraved with script.

If it’s windy or raining, avoid standing too close to the edge. Plan to spend at least an hour here.

For Star Wars fans, Dunmore Head appeared in The Last Jedi, as the planet Ahch-To where Luke Skywalker lived.

Coumeenoole Beach

Coumeenoole Beach is a stunning, dramatic spot right near Dunmore Head. It’s known for its rugged beauty and incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Blasket Islands.

The beach is framed by towering cliffs, and boasts golden sands and turquoise waters. It’s a perfect place for a peaceful stroll.

However, swimming is not allowed due to strong currents and unpredictable tides. This beach also gained fame as a filming location for the 1970 movie Ryan’s Daughter.

To visit, use the Dunmore Head parking lot.

Dunquin Pier

A bit further along after the drive is the famous Dunquin Pier.

Pay attention or you could easily miss this iconic stop on Slea Head. It’s not visible from the road.

This winding path snakes its way down the cliffs, leading you straight to the Atlantic.

Dubbed Ireland’s “Sheep Highway,” this pier, with its sweeping views, is a favorite on social media for a reason. The vantage point from above is spectacular.

The walk down to the pier is worth the effort. Turquoise seas and incredible scenery await.

From there, you can catch a ferry to the Great Blasket Island. If weather permits, ferries depart April through September.

Don’t drive down the pier, though. Many cars get stuck or wrecked, requiring emergency services.

You can park on the cliff edge. There’s no designated parking lot. Be cautious on rainy days, as the path can be slippery.

The Blasket Islands

At the top of the Dunquin cliffs, you’ll find ticket booths for boat trips departing from the pier every hour.

The ferry ride to the Blasket Islands takes about 20 minutes. Once you arrive, you’ll be surrounded by the untouched beauty of this remote place.

After the short ride, you’ll have a few hours to explore the island’s wild charm.

Keep an eye out for puffins, seabirds, and even gray seals during the right season.

Great Blasket Island once had a population that spoke only Irish. It’s rich in history, scenery, and birdlife.

In the 1920s, the island produced three of Ireland’s most respected writers: Tomas O’Crohan, Maurice O’Sullivan, and Peig Sayers. They lived simple lives on the island.

However, in 1953, the island was evacuated due to poverty. To learn more about life on the island, you can visit the Blasket Centre in Dunquin village on the mainland.

>>> Click here to book a Blasket Islands tour from Dingle

Sybil Head

Sybil Head is simply gorgeous — cliffs, beaches, crashing waves, and views of the Blasket Islands. You can park your car along the side of the road, with everyone else.

This area offers scenic walking routes, with some uphills, that provide excellent vantage points to get your snaps of the landscapes.

This was also a filming location for Star Wars: The Last Jedi. The headland and surrounding cliffs were transformed into the planet Ahch-To, where Luke Skywalker is found.

Gallarus Oratory

The Gallarus Oratory is one of Ireland’s most important early Christian sites. This chapel is around 1,500 years old, dating back to the 7th or 8th century.

The oratory was built entirely without mortar. Its dry-stone construction has kept it standing and watertight for centuries, despite harsh weather.

Shaped like an upside-down boat, it may have been used as a place of worship or a shelter for pilgrims. It’s small, but you can still step inside and experience its history.

Kilmalkedar Church

Just further along, is Killmaledar Church. It’s a Romanesque church and ancient site.

Legend holds that if you can squeeze yourself through the very narrow east window (9 inches wide), you’ll never suffer from a bad back.

Where To Stay

Want to stay on or near the Dingle Peninsula? There are plenty of optoins.

I stayed at an amazing bed and breakfast, Barrow House. It’s outside the town of Tralee, and perfectly sited for exploring County Kerry.

If you’d like a luxe stay in the town of Dingle, I recommend checking out Dingle Skellig Hotel & Peninsula Spa, Emlagh House, or Dingle Benners Hotel.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to Slea Head Drive. You may find these other Ireland travel guides useful:

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