Slea Head Drive
Slí Cheann Sléibhe
A roughly 47 km coastal loop from Dingle, linking cliffs, beaches, beehive stone huts and views of the Blasket Islands.
The Slea Head Drive (R559) is the classic loop around the western tip of the Dingle Peninsula. Starting from Dingle town and driving clockwise for about 47 km, it takes around 1.5 hours without stops; allow half a day if you want to stop and explore. Along the way are Fanta Stone Fort, the Fahan Beehive Huts (an Iron Age site on private land with a small entry fee), the Slea Head Cross viewpoint, Coumeenole Beach and the Dunquin cliffs, with views out to Great Blasket Island. The Blasket Centre explains the Gaelic literary tradition of the islanders. On the way back, pass through Ballyferriter and the Gallarus Oratory, a dry-stone church roughly 1,300 years old. The roads are narrow and winding, so driving clockwise is recommended, as tour coaches also go this way. This is a Gaeltacht area, and most road signs are in Irish.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Dingle
- Valentia Island
- Portmagee
- Kerry Cliffs
- Cahergall Stone Fort
- Ballycarbery Castle
- Skellig Michael
- Waterville