Healy Pass
Lauragh, Ireland
A 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.
The Healy Pass crosses the Caha Mountains on the Beara Peninsula and lies on the border between counties Cork and Kerry. The R574 road links Adrigole in Cork with the area near Lauragh in Kerry. The pass was originally called the “Kerry Pass” and was built in 1847, during the Great Famine, as a relief works scheme. It was later named after Timothy Michael Healy, the first Governor-General of the Irish Free State, who died in 1931 shortly after the road was improved. From the pass there are views towards Bantry Bay to the south-east and the Kenmare River to the north-west.
The road is very winding and narrow; drive carefully, and it is not recommended for large vehicles. There is a lay-by for one car and a larger place to stop at the top. According to one source, the drive from the Cork side is more rewarding, as you head towards Glanmore Lake. Allow time for photo stops.
- Nearest town
- Lauragh, Ireland
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 51.7070, -9.7640
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually June–July. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- 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.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Hungry Hill LodgeCampsite3 km from Healy PassTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Creveen Lodge Caravan and Camping ParkCampsite5 km from Healy PassTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Berehaven Golf Club CampingCampsite9 km from Healy Pass · 10 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Beara CampingCampsite14 km from Healy PassTentsCaravansMotorhomesShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Glengarriff Caravan and Camping ParkCampsite14 km from Healy PassTentsCaravansShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Eagle Point CampingCampsite21 km from Healy Pass · 125 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityWi-Fi
All campsites in Ireland · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Healy Pass?
Healy Pass is in Lauragh, Ireland, at GPS 51.7070, -9.7640. It is about 12 km from Castletownbere.
Can you camp near Healy Pass?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Hungry Hill Lodge, about 3 km away; within 25 km there are 21 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Healy Pass?
Healy Pass is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Ring of Beara and the Healy Pass.
What is there to see near Healy Pass?
Places worth a stop nearby: Mizen Head Signal Station (29 km), Dursey Sound (29 km), Baltimore Beacon (37 km) and Muckross House and Gardens (37 km).
When is the best time to visit Healy Pass?
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually June–July. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)