Satellite map of Slea Head Drive

County Kerry · Ireland

Slea Head Drive

R559Dingle to Dunquin

Distance12.8 mi21 km
Drive time27 minon the road
DifficultyModeratetightness 6 of 10
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The R559 loops the western tip of the Dingle Peninsula past beehive huts and golden strands, narrow enough that meeting a tour coach is the day’s main event.

The R559 Slea Head Drive loops around the western tip of the Dingle Peninsula, a narrow, dramatic coast road past beehive huts, golden strands and the Blasket Islands out in the Atlantic. Beautiful but tight; mind the single-track sections, the tour coaches, and walkers on the road.

This loop clings to the very edge of the Dingle Peninsula, hairpins above a crashing Atlantic, the Blasket Islands drifting in and out of the mist offshore.

Why we picked it

Scenery

CoastMountain

Best seasons

SpringSummerAutumn

In these collections

In these Grand Tours

Where it runs12.8 mi · point to point

DingleStart · County Kerry
DunquinEnd · County Kerry

Character

Corners36bends
Tightness6of 10
Max gradient7%≈ 1-in-14
Climb281 mtotal ascent
Summit74.2 mhighest point of the line · 243 ft

Corners

busiest around mile 9
3610 mi

Elevation

under 4%4–8%over 8%1.7 – 74.2 m
2550 m 0613 mi

From the road

Points of interest2 stops

  • Ceann SléibheViewpoint
    11 mi in
  • Fahan Beehive HutsLandmark
    9.0 mi in

Hazards

  • Single-track coast sections
  • Tour coaches
  • Walkers on the road

Sources

Verified route: mapped from real road geometry and fact-checked by a human editor. How roads get checked

Driving the Slea Head Drive: quick answers

How long does it take to drive the Slea Head Drive?
Slea Head Drive runs 12.8 miles (21 km) and takes about 27 min to drive without stops.
How difficult is the Slea Head Drive to drive?
We rate it moderate: 36 corners, a maximum gradient of 7%, and a tightness of 6 out of 10.
When is the best time to drive the Slea Head Drive?
Spring and Summer and Autumn are best.

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