Ring of Beara and the Healy Pass
The quieter neighbour of the Ring of Kerry: a tunnel pass, fishing harbours, a cable car to Dursey and the zigzags of the Healy Pass.
- Distance
- 140 km (87 mi)
- Driving
- 1 h 56 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 8
- Countries
- Ireland
- Updated
- June 26, 2026
At a glance: 3-day round trip of about 140 km (87 mi) with 8 stops, starting and ending in Kenmare. About 1 h 56 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Ireland
Route description
From Kenmare, the N71 climbs over the Caha Pass through a series of short rock tunnels and drops to Glengarriff on Bantry Bay. Boats leave from here for Garinish Island and its gardens, a pleasant half-day extra.
The R572 follows the south shore of the peninsula below Hungry Hill to Castletownbere, one of Ireland’s biggest fishing ports. The road narrows as it continues west to the tip at Dursey Sound, where the cable car to Dursey Island runs when it is in service.
Turn north to Allihies, a village of brightly painted houses below old copper mines, with a small museum about the mining community. The coast road to Eyeries is one of the most beautiful on Beara, but narrow and twisting: large motorhomes should take the inland road.
Follow the R571 along the Kenmare River to Lauragh and take the Healy Pass, whose hairpins climb over the mountains with views of both bays; drive to the summit and return, or cross to Adrigole and loop back. The R571 then leads back to Kenmare. The whole ring is about 140 km but deserves at least two days.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Kenmare
Ireland - 218 km
Glengarriff
Ireland - 334 km
Castletownbere
Ireland - 422 km
Dursey Sound
ViewsBallaghboy, IrelandThe tip of the Beara peninsula, where Ireland’s only cable car crosses a narrow sound to Dursey Island. It has had long closures for repairs, so check before you rely on it.
- 510 km
Allihies
Ireland - 610 km
Eyeries
Ireland - 717 km
Healy Pass
ViewsLauragh, IrelandA road of tight zigzags over the Caha Mountains, begun as famine relief work in the 1840s, with views over both Bantry Bay and the Kenmare River.
- 829 km
Kenmare
Ireland
Suggested stages and overnight stops
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Kenmare → Castletownbere · 52 km · 0 h 43 minOn the way: Glengarriff.Overnight nearby, for example: Berehaven Golf Club Camping (3 km); Hungry Hill Lodge (14 km).
- Day 2: Castletownbere → Eyeries · 43 km · 0 h 35 minOn the way: Dursey Sound, Allihies.Overnight nearby, for example: Berehaven Golf Club Camping (8 km); Creveen Lodge Caravan and Camping Park (15 km).
- Day 3: Eyeries → Kenmare · 45 km · 0 h 38 minOn the way: Healy Pass.Overnight nearby, for example: Beara Camping (12 km); Creveen Lodge Caravan and Camping Park (19 km).
Best time to go
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Ireland: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Barrier-free toll on the M50 around Dublin. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Ring of Beara and the Healy Pass?
3-day round trip of about 140 km (87 mi) with 8 stops, starting and ending in Kenmare. About 1 h 56 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Ring of Beara and the Healy Pass?
We suggest 3 days: about 1 h 56 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Ring of Beara and the Healy Pass start and end?
It is a round trip that starts and ends in Kenmare.
Which countries does Ring of Beara and the Healy Pass pass through?
Ireland.
Where can you camp along Ring of Beara and the Healy Pass?
OpenStreetMap lists 23 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Beara Camping, Creveen Lodge Caravan and Camping Park and Hungry Hill Lodge.
When is the best time for Ring of Beara and the Healy Pass?
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
