Scenic driveEasyHalf to full day
The Ring of Beara Scenic Drive
Full loop around 140 km; half-loops shorter · Climbs over the Healy Pass elevation
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About
The Ring of Beara is the quieter cousin of the Ring of Kerry, a scenic loop around the Beara Peninsula that starts near Kenmare and runs out over the dramatic Healy Pass and around a rugged, less-touristed coast of small villages and open moorland. It is worth knowing that the loop straddles two counties: Kenmare and the north shore are in Kerry, but the peninsula's far end, Castletownbere, Allihies and the Dursey cable car, lies in Co. Cork. Even a half-loop over the Healy Pass gives you the best of it without the full day. The roads are narrow and slow, so allow more time than the distance suggests, and go clockwise or anticlockwise to suit the light.
Photos
Highlights
- ✓The dramatic Healy Pass over the spine of the peninsula
- ✓A rugged, less-touristed coast of small villages and moorland
- ✓A quieter alternative to the busy Ring of Kerry
- ✓A loop that crosses from Kerry into Co. Cork
Tips
- →The roads are narrow and slow; allow more time than the map suggests.
- →Even a half-loop over the Healy Pass captures the best of the drive.
- →Fuel up in Kenmare; services on the peninsula are limited.
Best Season
SpringSummerAutumn