The quieter, wilder rival to the Ring of Kerry, with switchbacks over Healy Pass and painted fishing villages. That is what Ring of Beara and Healy Pass promises, and it delivers. At about 85 miles (137 km), it is a drive best taken slowly, over 1–2 days, with time to pull over whenever the view demands it on the way from Kenmare to Glengarriff.
Open this route in XCRSNSetting out from Kenmare
Start early, with a full tank and a loose plan. Kenmare is where the road begins, and the first miles set the rhythm for everything that follows.
The first big moment is Healy Pass switchbacks. Give it the time it deserves; it is why many people make this trip at all.
Along the way
The road strings together Healy Pass, Castletownbere, Allihies and Eyeries. Each one makes a natural break, and Allihies sits close to the middle if you want to split the drive with a night's sleep.
Do not miss Dursey Island cable car.
Arriving in Glengarriff
Save energy for the final stretch: Allihies copper-mine village is still ahead.
By the end you will have seen Healy Pass switchbacks, Dursey Island cable car and Allihies copper-mine village, and you will understand why Ring of Beara and Healy Pass belongs on any list of great drives.
When to go and how to pace it
The best time to drive it is May–September. Plan on 1–2 days so the drive never feels rushed.
Roads are single-track in places; tour coaches are rare but tractors are not.
XCRSN prices fuel for every leg in the local currency, finds stops along the way and books overnights near each town.
