A Guide to Slea Head Drive
Read our travel guide on Slea Head Drive in Ireland. Includes best things to do and see, tips on where to stay, how to get, or when to go.
Without any doubt, Slea Head Drive is the main attraction on Dingle Peninsula.
This 42-kilometer circular scenic drive features some of County Kerry's finest scenery and perhaps even the entire Ireland.
Sure, this is highly subjective, but for us, it was one of the highlights of our epic Ireland road trip.
With stunning ocean views on every corner, dramatic mainland scenery, and an abundance of amazing stops, this is the road trip in its peak form.
If you want to know what the typical rugged Irish coastline is about, you've come to the right place.
So here's everything you should know about Slea Head Drive before you go.
How to Visit Slea Head Drive
Like many great Ireland road trips, a visit to Slea Head Drive is very straightforward.
Rent a car, make your way all the way to Dingle, and then drive along this scenic route. It can't get any easier than that, right?
Still, here are some tips you should find helpful to plan your trip better.
Clockwise or Counterclockwise
In the main summer season, it's recommended to travel along Slea Head Drive in a clockwise direction, as the majority of visitors (including tour buses) take this route.
Furthermore, this should also be considered a safer option unless you start super early to beat the traffic when going counterclockwise.
We are going to talk about the driving part later in the article, so stay tuned.
Don't forget that you will drive on the left side of the road in Ireland, which means you will have easier access to many pull-offs when driving clockwise.
On the other hand, the cliff edge is way closer, so we'll leave it up to you.
Starting Point
Slea Head Drive is a circular route that starts and ends in Dingle.
So unlike some other scenic drives, you don't have to decide whether it's better to start at point A or B this time.
Here is an overview of a Slea Head itinerary with our recommendations of places to visit and the best stops along the way in this order.
Dingle
Known as a gateway to Slea Head Drive, the little town of Dingle is a perfect place to kick off your adventure and come back after a tiring day.
This is the only town in the area (don't worry, there are smaller settlements along the way), so it won't come as a surprise that it's a great place to base yourself for exploring the peninsula.
You will find there plenty of accommodations, pubs, and restaurants.
The waterfront is lined with traditional Irish houses, and you will find there also a few offices of local tour operators organizing boat trips that allow you to see the Dingle Peninsula from a different perspective.
If you want to know more, read our guide on what to see and do in Dingle.
Ventry Beach
From Dingle, take R559 and drive west along the road, which will take you to the Ventry Bay area.
This is a super short drive, so it's only a matter of minutes to arrive at Ventry's main attraction.
A horse-shoe-shaped Ventry Beach is a long sandy strip known for relatively calm waters and great swimming conditions.
In the summer season, lifeguards are on duty here, so it's a great destination even for families with kids.
Whether you visit Ventry in summer or winter, this is a perfect place to stroll along the beach while admiring the views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Unlike Inch Beach, cars are not allowed on the beach.
After leaving Ventry Beach, you will have an opportunity to make several stops along the way.
Many of the pull-offs are tiny (usually fit one or two cars) and unmarked, but they give you access to amazing views.
Ring Forts and Beehive Huts
Only a few kilometers west of Ventry near Fahan can be found several beehive huts and stone ring forts.
Whether you go to Cashel Murhpy, Fairy Fort, or Dunbeg Fort, we believe it makes not much of a difference.
These stone structures sit on private properties, and you need to pay a small admission to see them.
Honestly, you should probably just go to Gallarus Oratory or Riasc Monastic Settlement to see some ancient history for free.
Some of these places also offer lamb-feeding activities, which are popular, especially with families with kids.
By the way, if you want to see our favorite stone forts in Ireland, visit Cahergall and Leacanabuaile Stone Forts on the Iveragh Peninsula.
The White Cross at Slea Head
Even if you're not a fan of big religious crosses, this is a great place to pull off your vehicle, stretch your legs, enjoy the views, and take pictures of Dingle's coast.
There is tiny parking across from the statue, so it might not be possible to park there, as this one is often full.
However, this is still a great reference point to help you orientate yourself here. Don't worry.
There are a few more stops along the way featuring almost identical views.
Radharc na mBlascaoidi
Despite its rather hard-to-remember name, Radharc na mBlascaoidi is one of the best viewpoints on Slea Head Drive.
Besides the impressive views, you will have a chance to learn more about the Blasket Islands.
As the parking area is larger, this is a fantastic place to pull over and take in the scenery.
By the way, if you want to explore more similar scenic drives in Ireland, don't forget to visit the Sheep's Head Peninsula or Sky Road.
Dunmore Head
One of our favorite places on Slea Head Drive is Dunmore Head, simply because the landscape in this area is breathtaking.
This is the westernmost point of Ireland's mainland and offers two attractions you shouldn't miss.
The Dunmore Head Loop and Coumeenoole Beach.
And if you're a Star Wars movie fan, you should know that this area was also used as a filming location in the new trilogy.
As you can clearly see, there are many reasons to visit Slea Head Drive, ranging from ancient monastic history, stunning coastal trails, epic views, and Irish literature to an epic space opera.
Coumeenoole Beach
Once you arrive at the large parking area at Slead Head Drive, you will face a fairly simple question of whether you should go first to Coumeenoole Beach or walk the Dunmore Head Loop.
As it rained pretty hard, we chose to hit the beach first.
A narrow paved road leads all the way from the parking to the beach, so it's accessible for all ages and abilities.
The tide was in when we got there, so most of the sandy area was covered with water.
However, if you get a chance to visit Coumeenoole Beach during the low tide, you can go a bit further and explore some of its semi-hidden coves.
This golden strip of sand is often considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland.
If you're looking for more awesome beaches on Dingle, don't forget to visit Minard Beach.
Dunmore Head Loop
Despite the weather, Dunmore Head Loop turned out to be one of our favorite hikes during our entire road trip.
The 2-kilometer circular trail is easy and offers one of the best ways to explore the Dunmore Head.
This short hike also features a WW2 lookout outpost and an ancient Ogham Stone.
At the halfway point of the Dunmore Head Loop, you will come across one of the most spectacular viewpoints on the Dingle Peninsula.
By the way, the stretch of water between Dingle Peninsula and the nearby Blasket Islands is known as Blasket Sound.
Unpredictable weather, offshore rocks, and strong tides made this shortcut for vessels extremely dangerous.
Blasket Islands
Technically, the isolated Blasket Islands are even further out in the west.
This rugged archipelago comprising six islands (Na Blascaodai) is not as accessible as Dursey Island or Valentia Island, so only a fraction of tourists visit them.
Today, they can be explored (or at least the Great Blasket Island) on a boat trip during the summer, but only if the weather conditions are good enough.
By the way, the harsh weather played a huge role in why the islands are uninhabited. Obviously, there is not much to do in terms of sights.
However, there are still a few things to do in Blaskets Islands, such as the Blasket Islands Looped Walk.
You can even stay in one of the three restored cottages known as Great Blasket Island Accommodation (Great Blasket Island Experience).
To get there, there are two ferry services to choose from.
Blasket Island Ferries departs from Dunquin Pier, while Blasket Islands Ferry Eco Ferry leaves from Ventry.
If you have time and want to explore some of the best off-the-beaten-path places in Ireland, Blasket Islands are a great choice.
In case you don't have time to visit Blasket Islands, head out to Blasket Islands Center to learn more about its culture and history.
Dun Chaoin Pier
Also known as Ce Dhun Chaoin or simply Dunquin Pier, this nice little stop features one of the best picture-postcard views in Ireland.
The views feature a secluded bay, rocky cliffs, an old pier, and the Atlantic Ocean. It can't get any better than that.
The parking area is only a few hundred meters off Slea Head Drive, so it's well worth the detour.
Leave the car at the top, read about the history first, and then walk along the steep and winding pathway down the cliff.
Soak up the views, catch a breath, and don't miss a Spanish Armada memorial at the top of the cliff on the way back.
By the way, the tiny village of Dunquin is one of the most westerly settlements in Europe.
If you're fortunate enough to secure a spot on the ferry to Blasket Islands from Dunquin, the seasonal ferry departs from here.
The Blasket Centre
If you want to learn more about this remote region and how people used to live in the area and on the islands in the past, you must visit Blasket Centre Island Visitor Center.
This heritage museum tells the fascinating story of the community who lived on Blasket Islands through audio-visual exhibitions and has a bookshop, restaurant, and large parking area.
Despite the challenging weather conditions, fishing and farming were primary activities in this area.
By the way, some local writers documented life in the community, and their works left a big mark on Irish literature.
The museum was recently renovated and is Wild Atlantic Way Signature Discovery Point.
The entry fee to Blasket Centre is €5.
Clogher Strand
If you can't get enough of Irish beaches, Clogher Strand should be your next stop.
Nestled between the cliffs, the setting of Clogher Strand is quite dramatic, and the sand is as golden as ever.
Unfortunately, it has dangerous currents, so swimming is not safe there.
As it's not as popular as other swimming beaches on Dingle, it's often overlooked by travelers, meaning it's not that crowded.
There are two more things you should know about the Clogher Strand area.
From the beach, you can also hike the Cosa Chuas na Nae. This 3-kilometer trail is mostly flat and rated as easy, so it's great even for non-experienced hikers.
If you don't have time to go all the way to Clogher Beach, you can at least make a quick stop at Ceann Sratha, a great viewpoint featuring this beach about three kilometers north of Dunquin Village.
Riasc Monastic Settlement
If you still have time, you can take a short detour to Riasc Monastic Settlement.
It's off the main road when driving from Ballyferiter Village to Gallarus Oratory, and it takes only a couple of minutes to get there.
Very little is known about this site's history, and unlike some of its more popular counterparts, it's very quiet.
What is known, though, is that all the structures were built without mortar.
There is an oratory in the eastern part, an earlier graveyard, and remains of beehive-shaped stone buildings that were part of the enclosing wall.
The site is also home to Reask Stone, a famous slab decorated with spiral designs and carved with the letters DNE (meaning Domine - Lord).
While this is no Glendalough Monastic Site, Clonmacnoise, or Bru na Boinne, it's still a fairly interesting place to visit.
Gallarus Oratory
While this structure's setting is not as dramatic as the beehive huts you can see on Skellig Michael in Skelligs Region, Gallarus Oratory is one of the best places to visit if you're interested in the early Christian history of Ireland.
Built using the dry-stone technique between the 7th and 8th century CE, this well-preserved structure is surely a must-see site while driving along the Slea Head.
The Oratory has two openings, and its shape resembles an inverted boat when standing outside.
The site is a bit confusing and has two entrances.
If you want to learn more about the history of this site, you should access this site through a visitor center, which charges a small fee.
The second entry point allows you to see Gallarus Oratory for free, but you will skip the visitor center experience.
From here, you can slowly return to Dingle and then explore, for instance, Conor Pass on the way out.
Opening Hours
Slea Head Drive is open 24/7. Obviously, it's worth visiting during the daylight.
Entrance Fee
There is no entry fee to Slea Head Drive, though a few places along the way require a small admission.
Still, Slea Head Drive is a fantastic place to visit if you're doing Ireland on a budget, as all the scenic views are free of charge.
How Much Time Do I Need
If you visit most of the places we've mentioned in this post, you will need at least four to eight hours for Slea Head Drive.
However, you can easily spend an entire day in this area (or even two). As usual, estimating how long travel might take is very hard as every trip is unique.
For those of you who prefer slow travel, we suggest staying in Dingle overnight and exploring Slea Head Drive and surrounding areas on a couple of day trips.
Plus, there are several beaches along the way ideal for swimming, walking, and relaxing, where you can spend a significant amount of time.
When to Go
You can drive along the Slea Head any time of the year. However, you should be aware of each season's pros and cons.
Therefore, make also sure to read our guide on when to visit Ireland, which will help you make an informed decision on this topic.
Thanks to long and warm days, summer is generally considered the best time to visit Slea Head Drive.
However, be prepared that most of Ireland's top attractions get busy during this period.
Still, there are always ways to avoid crowds, even in the peak season, and Slead Head Drive is no exception.
A general rule of thumb is to start early, usually before the local bed and breakfasts start serving their filling Irish breakfast.
We explored Slea Head Drive in mid-spring on an especially rainy and windy day. Even though the weather didn't cooperate, we still had a great time out there.
One of the main reasons was that we had pretty much the entire Slea Head Drive and other attractions, such as Conor Pass, for ourselves.
When visiting Slea Head Drive in winter, always check the weather forecast for weather warnings before you go.
What to Pack
As you're going on a road trip, your packing list should reflect that.
Make sure you have comfortable clothing for the driving part and functional gear for short stops and walks.
A rain jacket is a must-have item, together with proper footwear and a comfy daypack.
We were also glad we brought our rain pants for the short hike along the Slea Head.
By the way, we also used them in Connemara National Park and Glenveagh National Park.
As this will probably be a long day on the road, make sure to stay hydrated and bring your favorite water bottle.
If you want to learn more about this topic, read our guide on what to pack for Ireland.
How to Get There
There are several ways to explore Slea Head Drive, so choose the one that matches your travel style and preferences.
We rented a car in Ireland, as we wanted to explore this island at our own pace.
Car
Having said that, the best way to get to Slea Head Drive is by car. The reason is very simple.
Driving is also the best way to get around this scenic corner of Ireland.
While you can visit Slea Head Drive without a car - see the options below - you will lose a chance to explore some of its hidden places.
Having your own transport for this area allows you also to have a relatively flexible itinerary and the freedom to take as many stops as you want along the way.
Slea Head Drive starts at Dingle, which is about 65 kilometers east of here. It takes about two and a half hours to get from Limerick to Dingle.
That's about the same amount of time you will need for a journey starting at Cork. The journey takes about four and a half hours from Dublin.
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Public Transport
Bus 275 (Bus Eireann) runs daily, leaving about every two hours, between Tralee Bus Station and Dingle Town.
However, you still need to take a taxi, rent a bike, or join an organized trip to explore Slea Head Drive from there.
Tours
Taking an organized trip to explore Slea Head Drive is a great option for those who don't want to drive in Ireland.
Whatever your reason, it's good to know you can still explore this area.
This popular Dingle Peninsula Tour also includes Slea Head Drive.
Bike
If you prefer being active on holidays, then you can consider cycling around Slea Head Drive.
Don't forget that this 42-kilometer route is not easy as it might seem at first due to ubiquitous wind gusts and the higher chances of rain.
As most traffic is going in a clockwise direction, we would consider cycling counterclockwise to avoid being squeezed between vehicles and tour buses.
Where to Stay
Dingle is a charming little town and a great place to stay while exploring the peninsula.
The town has a fantastic location, and if you want to stay longer, this is one of the best options in the area.
Of course, plenty of small family-run bed and breakfasts are scattered around the countryside in case you are looking for a more peaceful experience.
In case you're looking for a bit of luxury, you will most likely need to search for accommodation in towns such as Killarney or Tralee.
Here are the best hotels along Slea Head Drive.
Dingle | Dingle Bay Hotel - Situated right in the center of Dingle, this hotel is one of the most popular choices in this area. It has nice rooms, delicious breakfast, welcoming staff, and free parking. Great value for your money.
Ventry | The Plough - This nice bed and breakfast is located in the little village of Ventry near Dingle. It offers rooms with panoramic views, serves a full Irish breakfast, and provides free private parking.
Ventry | Old Irish Farmhouse - With a quiet location, clean rooms, private parking, a lovely breakfast, and a well-equipped shared kitchen, this farmhouse is a popular choice if you don't want to stay in the town.
Ballyferriter Village | Hotel Ceann Sibeal - One of the few hotels in the area, this accommodation offers spacious rooms with lovely decor, an ideal location, ample parking, and helpful staff.
Baile an Teampaill | An Portan - This lovely family-run guest house is located on the edge of Dingle Peninsula and has cozy rooms, an on-site restaurant, and free private parking.
Staying Safe
Slea Head Drive is generally a safe place to visit. However, you should still exercise common sense to stay safe while there - read our post on staying safe in Ireland.
The scenic road narrows down at certain places, and you should drive carefully, especially in rainy and misty conditions.
However, it goes without saying you should always keep your eyes on the road on a clear day as well.
There are multiple viewing points along the way where you can safely pull off the road. Plus, you can always read our guide on driving in Ireland to find out more about this topic.
Another major topic in this area is the weather. It can affect not only the driving conditions but also your outdoor adventures.
Ireland's coastal areas, such as Mizen Head or Beara Peninsula, are known for harsher weather conditions, and Slea Head is no exception.
Make sure you have proper clothing when going outdoors, especially when visiting the Emerald Isle in the off-season.
Once you visit one peninsula in this region, you will pretty much get an idea of what to expect from each of them.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is Slea Head Drive Worth Visiting?
When visiting Dingle Peninsula, Slea Head Drive is definitely worth exploring.
And from our experience, we can say that this is true for any time of the year and any weather conditions.
It features some of the finest scenery on the peninsula, amazing stops, and delivers a true road trip experience.
Of the five peninsulas in Ireland's southwest, Dingle is most likely the second most popular after the Ring of Kerry. And this scenic route is a huge reason behind it.
While it might sound like a cliche, we really do believe that no road trip to Dingle is complete without Slea Head Drive.
And if the Wild Atlantic Way road trip is on your bucket list, Slead Head should be somewhere at the top of the list.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
