Slea Head and the Conor Pass

The end of the Dingle Peninsula is as far west as mainland Ireland goes. This drive goes round it clockwise, as the signs ask, by Slea Head and the Blasket Islands, then back through Dingle for lunch and over the Conor Pass to the beaches of Castlegregory.

The drive

Out of Dingle the R559 follows the bay to Ventry and its long beach, then climbs onto the cliffs. From Ventry it's a one-way loop for visitors, clockwise, and the signs mean it: part of the cliff road is barely wider than a car. Round Slea Head the Blasket Islands come into view off Dunquin.

At Dunquin a path zigzags down the cliff to the pier, where boats leave for the Great Blasket in summer. The road runs on past Clogher strand to Ballyferriter. On the way back to Dingle, turn off for Gallarus Oratory, a little dry-stone church shaped like an upturned boat, built without mortar centuries ago and still standing. Then it's into Dingle for lunch.

The R560 climbs north out of the town to the Conor Pass, one of the highest roads in Ireland. From the car park at the top you can see both sides of the peninsula, Dingle Bay behind you and Brandon Bay ahead. The north side is the narrow part, a ledge along the cliff above a lake, before the road runs down and out along the coast to Castlegregory.

Worth knowing

• Slea Head is clockwise for visitors, through Ventry first. Your satnav won't know that, so follow the signs.
• Caravans, campervans and lorries aren't allowed over the Conor Pass. On its narrow stretch, wait at a wider place for whoever's coming.
• The pass can close when there's snow.
• Leave time for the beaches: Ventry, Coumeenoole below Slea Head, and the long sands either side of Castlegregory.