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Slea Head Drive: Route Map & the Best Stops! (2024)
By: Author Leah Shoup
Posted on Published: March 5, 2024
If you’re heading to Ireland for the first time , one of my favorite places to send people is to the Dingle Peninsula! Specifically, Slea Head Drive is an amazing hidden gem that tourists often skip.
This circular route includes everything from gorgeous landscapes to historical sites dating back to ancient times and adorable Irish villages. In this article, I’ll share the ultimate guide to Slea Head Drive, including a detailed map, the best stops, and where to stay in the region.
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission when you purchase a product or book a stay through these links at no extra cost to you.
What is Slea Head Drive?
![slea head drive tour Winding one-lane road along Slea Head Drive on the Dingle Peninsula, showing green hills and blue water in the distance](https://gringajourneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/slea-head-drive-dingle-peninsula-ireland.jpg)
Although Slea Head Drive is relatively short, it packs quite the punch between views of green hills, sea cliffs, and historical sites like the Beehive Huts, believed to be used by early Christian monks. For this reason, I think it’s highly worth a visit on any Ireland trip!
How long does it take to drive?
![slea head drive tour View from Dunmore Head Tail of Slea Head Drive and Coumeenoole Beach](https://gringajourneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/how-long-is-slea-head-drive.jpg)
At an absolute minimum, you’ll need four hours to appreciate the most popular stops along the drive, like Dunmore Head, Dunquin Pier, Coumeenoole Beach, and Dingle, without feeling rushed. Nonetheless, I believe this Dingle Peninsula drive is best explored in one to two full days.
Important tips for driving Slea Head
![slea head drive tour View of two-lane road on Slea Head Drive on the Dingle Peninsula, showing the coast next to the road and green hills in the distance.](https://gringajourneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/driving-slea-head-drive-ireland.jpg)
Drive clockwise around the loop.
By driving clockwise, you’ll flow in the same direction as the tour companies along the route. This will help you avoid meeting large tour buses head-on in sections of the road that become single lanes.
When you travel clockwise on the Slea Head loop drive, you’ll have unhindered views of the coast. By the same token, many pull-ins along this route are more easily accessed when driving in this direction.
You’ll drive on the left side of the road.
If you’re familiar with driving in Ireland, remembering to stick to the left side shouldn’t be an issue. Plus, Slea Head Drive is easier to navigate compared to other loop routes like the Ring of Kerry . It’s also more manageable than Conor Pass, one of Ireland’s highest mountain passes!
Slea Head Drive is well-marked with road signs.
![slea head drive tour Road sign for Slea Head Drive in Ireland, with the Irish translation](https://gringajourneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/slea-head-drive-road-signs.jpg)
The road is narrow and, in some places, only big enough for one car.
Like many areas in the country, some streets here aren’t big enough to have two marked lanes, resulting in two-way traffic on narrower roads. When encountering oncoming traffic, you’ll need to utilize lay-bys for passing.
Expect limited parking at some viewpoints.
As you drive Slea Head, you’ll notice that some stops only have enough parking for a few cars. So, what do you do if all the parking spots are full? Well, if it’s a viewpoint or attraction you really want to see, I recommend continuing to the next stop and then looping back later.
Make sure to bring some cash.
![slea head drive tour Entrance gate to Dunmore Head Trail on Slea Head Drive, showing a donation box that asks visitors to donate one euro before entering](https://gringajourneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/tips-for-driving-dingle-peninsula.jpg)
Map of Slea Head Drive
This Slea Head Drive map highlights popular stops and optional places if you have extra time. Key attractions include Dunmore Head, Dunquin Pier (Cé Dhún Chaoin), and The Gallarus Oratory.
Moreover, optional stops include the FairyFort Ringfort, Dunbeg Fort, and Caifé Na Trá (for a snack). Depending on your interests, you can tailor your journey to include scenic views, historic sites, or beautiful hikes!
Pro tip: You can add this map to your Google Maps account by clicking the star to the right of the title.
The best stops on Slea Head Drive
Dingle town.
![slea head drive tour Photo of one of the main streets in Dingle Town, showing the Dingle Pub and other small businesses.](https://gringajourneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/dingle-town-slea-head-drive.jpg)
Before hitting the road, I suggest grabbing a coffee at Bean in Dingle and checking out one of our favorite souvenir shops, Dingle Candle . When you’re ready to begin, simply head west on Slea Head Drive R559.
![slea head drive tour Photo of the inside of the Bean in Dingle coffee shop, showing a hand holding a coffee cup, pastries, and more](https://gringajourneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/bean-in-dingle-slea-head-drive-coffee.jpg)
Ventry Beach
![slea head drive tour View of Ventry Beach, showing the beige sand, ocean, and the grasslands backing up to the beach](https://gringajourneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/ventry-beach-slea-head-drive-dingle-peninsula.jpg)
This crescent of white sand, stretching about 1.7 miles (3 km), is especially popular in the summer months when lifeguards are on duty. Backed by a small dune system, lake, and wet grasslands, Ventry Beach offers a great outdoor space for swimming or a peaceful walk.
Fahan Beehive Huts
![slea head drive tour One of the Fahan Beehive Huts, a structure built out of stone with a corbelled roof. These ancient structures can be found along the Dingle Peninsula.](https://gringajourneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/beehive-huts-dingle-peninsula.jpg)
This location is home to 19 souterrain and 18 beehive huts. Parking is convenient, and from the top, you can see an incredible view of Dingle Bay and the Blasket Islands . Just make sure to carry some euros in cash with you–a small entrance fee covers maintenance for this historic site!
Hold a Baby Lamb
![slea head drive tour Two baby lambs on a farm along Slea Head Drive on the Dingle Peninsula in Ireland](https://gringajourneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/hold-a-baby-lamb-dingle-peninsula.jpg)
Slea Head Viewpoint
![slea head drive tour A seagull sitting along the rocky road edge at Slea Head Viewpoint along Slea Head Drive on the Dingle Peninsula in Ireland](https://gringajourneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Slea-Head-Viewpoint-dingle-peninsula-drive.jpg)
Cross at Slea Head
![slea head drive tour The white cross located at Slea Head, showing this statue scene across from the ocean on a rocky cliff](https://gringajourneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/white-cross-at-slea-head-dingle-peninsula.jpg)
It’s important to note that the road here is pretty narrow, allowing only enough room for a few cars at a time. However, if there’s an open parking spot, I recommend taking a photo and admiring the view of the Blasket Islands in the distance.
Radharc na mBlascaoidí / Blasket’s View
![slea head drive tour The view at Radharc na mBlascaoidí / Blasket's View, showing Coumeenoole Beach, Dunmore Head, and an incredible view of the Atlantic Ocean](https://gringajourneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Radharc-na-mBlascaoidi%CC%81-Blaskets-View-Slea-Head-Drive.jpg)
Of course, since Slea Head is one of Ireland’s best scenic drives, you can expect some pretty incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean, and this is an excellent spot for photography. The parking lot here holds about 6-7 cars, so it’s a quick and easy stop to make.
Caifé Na Trá
![slea head drive tour Food set on a table at Caife Na Trá, with a view of Coumeenoole Beach in the distance](https://gringajourneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Caife-Na-Tra-driving-dingle-peninsula.jpg)
Coumeenoole Beach
![slea head drive tour View of Coumeenoole Beach, showing blue water, crashing waves, sea cliffs, and houses on the rolling green hills above](https://gringajourneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Coumeenoole-Beach-slea-head-drive-dingle-peninsula.jpg)
This sandy beach is known both for its views of the Blasket Islands as well as as a filming location for the movie Ryan’s Daughter . While it’s 100% worth a visit, please note that swimming is not allowed due to the strong currents.
Dunmore Head
![slea head drive tour View from the Dunmore Head Loop Trail of the Atlantic Ocean and Great Blasket Island](https://gringajourneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/hiking-dunmore-head-dingle-peninsula.jpg)
However, even if you don’t like Star Wars, the 1.6-mile Dunmore Head loop trail , which takes about an hour, is still worth a visit. Just remember to bring €1 per person for a donation to Dunmore Head and wear comfortable shoes with good traction.
Cé Dhún Chaoin / Dunquin Pier
![slea head drive tour View of Dunquin Pier from above, showing winding road](https://gringajourneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/dunquin-pier-slea-head-drive-dingle-peninsula.jpg)
Don’t miss the sharp turn leading to the parking lot! The most popular place to take pictures here is standing on the grassy cliffs overlooking the winding road to the ferry entrance. Remember to exercise caution as there’s no fence–avoid standing too close to the edge!
The Blasket Centre
The Blasket Centre , situated at the midpoint of Slea Head Drive, is a museum dedicated to the history and culture of the Blasket Islands, a remote group off the coast of Kerry. Although currently uninhabited, Great Blasket Island had an Irish-speaking population until 1954.
The Centre showcases permanent and temporary exhibitions on the islands’ traditions and way of life, along with a Viewing Platform offering panoramic views. Additionally, it includes a shop with books, souvenirs, and local crafts, as well as a small café.
Clogher Head
![slea head drive tour View from Clogher Head of Sybil Head (Ceann Sibéal), Clogher Beach, The Three Sisters, and Mount Brandon](https://gringajourneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/clogher-head-slea-head-drive-dingle-peninsula.jpg)
For those who enjoy Star Wars, you won’t want to miss the Jedi Temple viewing point here! Or, f or an even more breathtaking view of Blasket Sound and the Blasket Islands, don’t miss the chance to hike west up to the top of Clogher Head.
The entire hike takes about 30 minutes and features tons of wildflowers. You’ll just want to make sure you’ve packed appropriate footwear and take care when parking, as the area can get quite busy during peak season.
Gallarus Oratory
![slea head drive tour Gallarus Oratory, an ancient stone church on the Dingle Peninsula](https://gringajourneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gallarus-oratory-slea-head-drive-ireland.jpg)
Where to stay near Slea Head Drive
Dingle bay hotel.
Dingle Bay Hotel is centrally located in Dingle, making it easy to walk to all the shops and restaurants. Moreover, a hearty Irish breakfast is included in the room rate, and free parking is available on-site.
Click here to book your stay!
Base Dingle
Base Dingle is a boutique hotel situated in the heart of Dingle Town. Newly refurbished, it offers a modern and stylish base from which to explore Slea Head Drive and the Dingle Peninsula.
Dingle Benners Hotel
Dingle Benners Hotel is a classic boutique hotel located in the center of Dingle. Its 52 guestrooms feature free wifi, an award-winning Irish breakfast, complimentary parking, and spacious en suite bathrooms.
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This post was first published in June 2022 and has since been updated.
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Slea Head Tour of the Dingle Peninsula
About the slea head and dingle peninsula tour.
Enjoy the stunning views of the Dingle Peninsula which has some of the most spectacular scenery on the Wild Atlantic Way. See views of the Atlantic Ocean, Cliffs, Beaches, Islands and Headlands that will take your breath away.
The Dingle Peninsula has numerous early Christian sites from the 6th century including beehive huts as well as ancient stone forts, ring forts, standing stones and ogham stones.
Visit a Sheep Farm and hold a baby lamb – one of Dingle’s most popular tourist attractions.
Taking in a beautiful lunch in a traditional Irish pub.
See some of the film locations for movies such as: Ryan’s Daughter – Far and Away – Star Wars
Choose from a full day tour (7 hours) or a half day tour (4 hours). Both options include collection from your holiday base.
Slea Head Drive Tour
"the most beautiful place on earth" - national geographic, highlights of the tour include:.
- Ventry Beach
- Fahan Beehive Huts
- Slea Head Drive
- Coumeenoole Beach
- Dun Chaoin Pier
- Gallarus Oratory
- Kilmalkedar Church
- Dingle Town
Available as a half day or full day tour
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- [email protected]
- Make an Enquiry
Our Wild Atlantic Way Tours
- Slea Head / Dingle Peninsula Tour
- Ring of Kerry Tour
- Killarney Tour
- Cliffs of Moher Tour
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Chauffeur Transfers
- Airport Transfers
- Train station pick up and drop offs
- Golf Transfers
- Accommodation / Hotel Transfers
- Make a Payment
Privacy Overview
![slea head drive tour Rocky coastline along Slea Head Drive, Dingle Peninsula drive Ireland](https://www.ourescapeclause.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Ireland-392-768x506.jpg)
Slea Head Drive: The Ultimate Guide to Dingle Peninsula’s Epic Road Trip
Rocky cliffs, beautiful sea views, adorable villages, and small, winding roads: these are just a few things you’ll find when driving Dingle Peninsula’s Slea Head Drive, which is arguably home to some of the best scenery in all of Ireland.
While the Ring of Kerry is crowded and the Ring of Beara can feel quite remote, Slea Head Drive is the Irish ring road that feels Just Right.
We loved exploring Slea Head Drive so much that we drove it two days in a row, taking our time to not only savor every view we could find, but also to conduct plenty of research to make sure we could put together an incredibly thorough Slea Head Drive guide when we were done.
Heading to the Dingle Peninsula and want to make sure you don’t miss a thing along Slea Head Drive? Here’s everything you need to know to pull off the perfect Slea Head Drive road trip.
![slea head drive tour Coast of Slea Head Drive on the Dingle Peninsula with red flowers in the foreground](https://www.ourescapeclause.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Ireland-344-1024x683.jpg)
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Table of Contents
How Long is Slea Head Drive?
What to see along slea head drive, more fun things to do along slea head drive, map of slea head drive highlights, other things to see on the dingle peninsula, where to stay when visiting slea head drive, exploring slea head drive: booking a tour vs. self-drive, how long to spend along slea head drive, tips for getting around slea head drive.
Slea Head Drive is roughly 47km, or 30 miles, long, and is a loop drive that begins and ends in the village of Dingle.
If you drive it straight through with minimal stops, it only takes about 3 hours to complete–but to make the most of a trip to Slea Head Drive, you’ll definitely want to spend longer here than that!
![slea head drive tour Jeremy feeding lambs along Slea Head Drive Ireland](https://www.ourescapeclause.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Ireland-334-1024x683.jpg)
Colorful Dingle, the namesake of the Dingle Peninsula, is an adorable, bustling port town that keeps itself busy with tourists and locals alike.
You’ll find the largest population and biggest concentration of restaurants, shopping, and tourism along Slea Head Drive in Dingle, and if you’re looking for an easy base to explore the peninsula, you can’t go wrong with Dingle.
![slea head drive tour Colorful street in Dingle Ireland with a bright yellow building. Dingle is the starting point for Slea Head Drive.](https://www.ourescapeclause.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Ireland-409-1024x683.jpg)
Cashel Murphy
Comprised of five stone huts dating to an ancient Celtic settlement, Cashel Murphy is an easy and interesting stop (there’s a 4000-year-old sphinx carved in one place!) along Slea Head Drive.
Slea Head Beach
Also known as Coumeenoole Beach, this beautiful spot is absolutely worth pausing to visit while touring Slea Head Drive!
![slea head drive tour Jeremy Storm standing in front of Slea Head Beach on the Dingle Peninsula in Ireland](https://www.ourescapeclause.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Ireland-390-1024x683.jpg)
Beehive Huts
Hundreds of round beehive huts–or in Irish, clochán–dot Slea Head Drive, hinting at the long history of civilization on the peninsula.
While dating the huts is notoriously difficult, some may date to the 12th century.
You can visit beehive huts in several places along Slea Head Drive, but Fahan is among the best-preserved and most popular spots to see them.
Dunbeg Fort
The exact age of Dunbeg Fort, like many structures along Slea Head Drive, remains a mystery–but this stone fort has likely been looking out over the sea since the Iron Age!
While much of the fort has been lost to time, it’s still a fascinating experience to visit what’s left.
![slea head drive tour Ruins of Dunbeg Fort along Slea Head Drive, Dingle Peninsula drive Ireland](https://www.ourescapeclause.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Ireland-415-1024x683.jpg)
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Blasket Islands
Look off the coast when you’re near Slea Head Beach or Slea Head itself, and you’ll see the Blasket Islands.
Though uninhabited now, the Blasket Islands were populated until the 1950s, when population decline and harsh living conditions forced the community onto the mainland.
Up until then, though, the Blasket Islands were home to a longstanding, Irish-speaking community that passed its traditions down for centuries–and anthropologists remain captivated by the small islands.
![slea head drive tour View of Blasket Islands off the coast of Slea Head Drive, Dingle Peninsula Ireland](https://www.ourescapeclause.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Ireland-357-1024x683.jpg)
Slea Head (Itself)
The rocky cape that makes up Slea Head itself is marked with a large white crucifix and is home to some incredible views–be sure to pull over here (but be cautious of the traffic jam, we found this spot to be one of the most congested along Slea Head Drive).
![slea head drive tour Slea Head crucifix along Slea Head Drive, seen on a Dingle Peninsula tour](https://www.ourescapeclause.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Ireland-384-1024x683.jpg)
Dunmore Head
Are you a Star Wars fan? If so, be sure not to miss Dunmore Head when driving Slea Head Drive–a few scenes in The Last Jedi were filmed here!
Sleeping Giant + Three Sisters
Near Dunmore Head, you can spot three beautiful sloping mountains–aka the three sisters–and if you look out to sea, an island in the shape of a giant sleeping on its back.
Even if you don’t manage to spot the formations, though, the area is magnificent and well worth a stop.
![slea head drive tour Kate Storm in a yellow raincoat at Dunmore Head Ireland, with the Three Sisters visible in the background](https://www.ourescapeclause.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Ireland-6-1-683x1024.jpg)
Ballyferriter Village
This tiny village is the perfect place to stop for lunch along Slea Head Drive, as the road passes right through it.
It’s blink-and-you’ll-miss-it levels of tiny, but absolutely adorable!
![slea head drive tour Main street in Ballyferriter Village with colorful buildings on either side and a cloudy sky](https://www.ourescapeclause.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Ireland-376-1024x683.jpg)
Gallarus Oratory
Not much is known about the history of Gallarus Oratory. Major details like who lived there, what their lives were like, and when it was built either elude or are disagreed on by scholars–but there’s no doubt that this small chapel is both hundreds of years old (perhaps even more than a thousand) and quite unique.
Despite its impressive age and the fact that the small chapel is built entirely of stone, it is still almost completely impermeable to water–an impressive feat of engineering.
![slea head drive tour Gallarus Oratory as seen along Slea Head Drive Dingle Peninsula Ireland](https://www.ourescapeclause.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Ireland-404-1024x683.jpg)
Dunquin Pier
This pier, which winds dramatically down the cliff as it reaches toward the sea, is one of the most famous sights along Slea Head Drive–and with good reason. Just look at that view!
![slea head drive tour Dunquin Pier on a sunny day along Slea Head Drive Ireland](https://www.ourescapeclause.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Ireland-406-1024x683.jpg)
Watch a sheepdog demonstration.
Watching adorable sheepdogs get down to work and show off their herding skills was one of the highlights of our Slea Head Drive tour–and the views from the farm we stopped at were phenomenal, too!
And don’t worry–the dogs are muzzled and no sheep are hurt in the process.
![slea head drive tour Sheepdog demonstration on Dingle Peninsula Ireland, farmer, sheepdog, and small herd of sheep are visible](https://www.ourescapeclause.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Ireland-340-1024x683.jpg)
Cuddle some lambs.
Ever wanted to hold a lamb? On Slea Head Drive, you can–there’s even an aptly-named business called Hold a Baby Lamb (though there are other farms you can stop at as well).
![slea head drive tour Kate Storm and Jeremy Storm feeding lambs along Slea Head Drive Ireland](https://www.ourescapeclause.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Ireland-417-1024x683.jpg)
Grab a cup of coffee and browse in pottery shops.
Slea Head Drive is littered with adorable pottery shops that make their own wares with local materials–and most of them act as coffee shops as well, serving up tasty baked goods and cups of joe.
We’re particularly partial to Penny’s Pottery near Ventry, but there are plenty of shops to choose from.
![slea head drive tour Penny's Pottery exterior near Ventry along Slea Head Drive](https://www.ourescapeclause.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Ireland-411-1024x683.jpg)
Go horseback riding.
The perfect trip to Ireland definitely involves at least one horseback ride in our opinion–and you can’t ask for better scenery on your ride than what you’ll find along Slea Head Drive.
Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.
While touring Slea Head Drive is an absolutely unforgettable experience, there are also several sights on other parts of the Dingle Peninsula worthy of your attention–here are a few of them.
Connecting the town of Dingle to towns along the northern part of the Dingle Peninsula is Conor Pass.
As one of the highest mountain passes in Ireland, Conor Pass can be a bit nerve-wracking to drive–think tiny roads and very careful maneuvering required in order to pass other vehicles–but the views are absolutely fantastic.
![slea head drive tour Jeremy Storm carrying a pacsafe backpack and wearing a gray jacket, looking out over Conor Pass in Ireland](https://www.ourescapeclause.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Ireland-319-1024x683.jpg)
Gorgeous Inch Beach stretches around 4 miles down the coast of the Dingle Peninsula and is quite a sight to behold.
Located in Daingean Bay, it’s impossible not to appreciate the power and rugged beauty of the Atlantic Ocean here.
If you’re the athletic sort and cold water doesn’t bother you, Inch Beach is also a popular place to surf along the Dingle Peninsula in Ireland!
![slea head drive tour Kate Storm standing next to Inch Beach on Dingle Peninsula Ireland near sunset](https://www.ourescapeclause.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Ireland-289-1024x725.jpg)
Minard Castle
Built in the mid-16th century and later destroyed by Cromwell’s army, the ruins of Minard Castle may not look much different than many other castle ruins in Ireland at first glance–but their beautiful location along a small bay, complete with an eye-catching boulder beach, makes them absolutely worth a visit.
![slea head drive tour Kate Storm standing on a pebble beach on Dingle Peninsula, Ireland. Minard Castle is behind her. This is a great example of what to wear in Ireland!](https://www.ourescapeclause.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Ireland-273-1024x683.jpg)
Plus, Minard Castle is located only a short drive from Inch Beach, making it an easy additional stop when completing a Dingle Peninsula drive.
The most important thing to keep in mind when deciding where to stay to explore Slea Head Drive is whether you want a more rural experience along the drive itself, or you’d rather stay in a town with access to plenty of restaurants, shops, and tours.
For the latter, staying in Dingle is an excellent choice.
For the first, the sky is the limit–country inns and bed and breakfasts dot the small villages along and near Slea Head Drive.
We stayed in Meelin View Bed & Breakfast , just a bit to the east of Dingle, and found it cozy, welcoming, and incredibly clean. We’d be happy to stay again!
Check rates & book your stay at Meelin View Bed & Breakfast!
![slea head drive tour Kate Storm in a red dress walking along a cliff on Slea Head Drive Ireland](https://www.ourescapeclause.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Ireland-354-683x1024.jpg)
Absolutely, without a doubt, the best way to explore Slea Head Drive is to drive it independently.
This is Ireland road-tripping at its finest: world-class scenery, endless points of interest to pull over for, quaint villages, and open roads.
We recommend hiring a car via Discover Cars and making the trip yourself… with some exceptions.
![slea head drive tour Street in small village along Slea Head Drive with a car parked on the edge of the street](https://www.ourescapeclause.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Ireland-374-1024x683.jpg)
If you aren’t comfortable driving on the left side of the road, aren’t comfortable navigating narrow roads, or don’t want the stress of driving, then a Slea Head Drive tour is the right choice for you.
A well-reviewed tour like this will take you to the biggest highlights that Slea Head Drive has to offer, while also taking on all the hassle of planning and executing the road trip–you can simply kick back and enjoy the views!
Book your rental car or Slea Head Drive tour today!
![slea head drive tour White horse looking over a wooden fence along Slea Head Drive Dingle Peninsula Drive Ireland](https://www.ourescapeclause.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Ireland-331-1024x674.jpg)
While you can easily drive Slea Head Drive in half a day, or explore it fairly thoroughly over a full day, if you have the time to spare on your Ireland itinerary, consider staying in the area a bit longer!
If you’d like to spend part of your time along Slea Head Drive on a longer activity, like a horseback riding trek or a trip to the Blasket Islands, that will dramatically eat into your time.
Plus, this is Ireland: if you want to give yourself the best chance to see Slea Head Drive without rain, giving yourself a couple of days allows for more flexibility (though no guarantees, of course).
We personally stayed in the area for almost five days during our latest trip to Ireland, and while that’s definitely overkill if you’re trying to see as much of the island as possible on a time crunch, we certainly didn’t get bored, either.
![slea head drive tour Rocky cliff seen along Slea Head Drive](https://www.ourescapeclause.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Ireland-414-1024x683.jpg)
Slea Head Drive is officially called R559.
If you’re looking at a map, or occasionally at some of the signs along the road, this is what you’ll see Slea Head Drive marked as.
When in doubt, trust the road signs.
There were definitely a few spots along Slea Head Drive where our GPS wanted to go one way and the actual, physical road signs suggested another–and following the road signs never let us down.
![slea head drive tour Small road along Slea Head Drive showing a car driving away](https://www.ourescapeclause.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Ireland-382-1024x683.jpg)
Remember this phrase: An Daingean.
An Daingean is the Irish word for Dingle (aka both the start and end point of your Slea Head Drive road trip), and while most signs along the route are in both English and Irish, we did notice a couple toward the end that were only in Irish.
Be extra cautious when driving.
The driving along Slea Head Drive was honestly the easiest of all the ring roads we drove in Ireland, but it still required very attentive driving.
The roads are quite narrow, and in many places, there are parking spots on one side of the road and an attraction on the other, so pedestrians may be crossing in front of you.
However, the number of tour buses is dramatically smaller than on the Ring of Kerry (as are the buses themselves), which made our entire Dingle Peninsula driving experience far less stressful!
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About Kate Storm
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In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.
12 thoughts on “Slea Head Drive: The Ultimate Guide to Dingle Peninsula’s Epic Road Trip”
This is a fantastic article Jeremy and Kate.. thank you for sharing it did go a long way in helping us plan for Ireland’s west coast.
Thank you so much, Nicholas! Hope your trip to the Dingle Peninsula is amazing!
Kate: My son and I will have 11 days to travel around Ireland from 8/30 to 9/10 before he starts school outside Dublin. We’ll spend 8/30 & 8/31 in Dublin. We’ll leave early AM on 9/1 to start your suggested itinerary. We are a bit confused on what towns to stay in during your trip. Do we spend 2 nights in Macroom on 9/1 & 9/2? Or just one? What other towns should we spend 1 or 2 nights in? We will spend Thursday 9/9 in Belfast and returning to Dublin on 9/10. Any advice you can provide on which towns to stay in and for how long would be helpful. Your blog is great. My son introduced me to it. Best regards,
Hi, Mike! Sounds like a fantastic trip.
I intentionally left the towns/places to stay a bit open on this itinerary because so much of where you stay on an Irish road trip is at country BnBs, and if you find one that looks good and has availability, it’s not too big of a deal to stay 20 minutes in one direction or the other throughout most of this itinerary. You’ll be driving through rural areas almost every day regardless.
That being said, spending those two nights in or closer to Cork, Cobh, and/or Blarney Castle would also work just as well for the itinerary!
The unique Stonehouse Cafe & Restaurant is the ideal stop for great food and stunning scenery of the ocean and its landscape. The Stonehouse provides outdoor dining and indoor old world charm experience. Check out its incredible stone roof, its truly unique to complement Dunbeg 500 BC fort and which is right across the road. Its also has a visitor centre and Gift shop. The views alone at this stop are truly stunning.
I would 2nd that. Uts a beautiful little spot. I was down in Kerry from Belfast and stopped off at the Stonehouse when I was on the slea head drive. Beautiful views and great food. I had the Stonehouse cheese burger and chips. Had a nice chat with the owner and a local fisherman. And had a picture taken outside. Will stop again on my next trip for sure
I’m a tour guide and found your article better than most. However, I have one suggestion. When driving the Slea Head drive please do it Clockwise, i.e Dingle, Ventry, Coumeenole Dunquin, Ballyferriter, back to Dingle. Otherwise you will be met by tour coaches coming towards you at places where there is no room to pull in. Coaches always travel clockwise on this route. There are tiny warning signs, but they’re in Irish which isn’t much help.
Great tip, thanks Henry!
Hi Kate, we are planning a trip to Ireland and this was super helpful! Do you have details on the name/address of the businesses for the sheepdog demonstration and lamb feeding?
We visited Dingle Sheepdog Demonstrations near Dunbeg Fort, which was delightful.
The most popular lamb feeding spot is literally named “Hold a Baby Lamb”, which makes it easy to find.
I’ll be sure to update the post to include those details soon! 🙂
Thank you very much for your article. We are planning a bike trip from Dingle and your bits of info are extremely helpful. Thanks very much David K
Happy we could help! Have a great time on the peninsula. 🙂
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TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Eask tower view.
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A truly beautiful wild place and one of Ireland’s deepest harbors.
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An unforgettable twisting road leads to a unique little pier. Can you see the Sheep!!
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One of the finest examples of an ancient early Christian church.
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Proclaimed by numerous publications as a destination not to be missed, the Dingle Peninsula offers the most superb and readily accessible coastal scenery anywhere in Ireland, as well as a wealth of scenic archaeological and ecclesiastical wonders. As a photographer I’ve explored the dramatic coastline extensively and have discovered many amazing vistas and locations that only the locals get to see. This tour begins in Killarney and takes a scenic drive onto the Dingle Peninsula, where we follow the Slea Head loop during the morning. Following lunch and a break in the fishing town of Dingle, we explore the Conor Pass and follow a network of single-track lanes that bring us past standing stones, castles and wonderful vistas on our way to Inch Strand. We return to Killarney around 5 – 6 pm.
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Key things to know:.
- Available from March – October
- Explore back roads that lead into remote valleys or meander down towards the ocean, leading to small rocky coves or sandy beaches
- Discover spectacular castles and historical sites, as well as atmospheric abandoned farmhouses
- Capture incredible landscapes over the rolling hills and along the Wild Atlantic Way
- Bring along any camera or phone and receive expert tuition, guidance, and tips on how to improve your photography
- All locations on this tour are easily accessible using paths directly from the minibus and there's no strenuous walking or climbing
- This tour can begin and end anywhere in Co. Kerry, as I can customize this tour to your exact requirements on request.
Explore the Dingle Peninsula with a locally acclaimed photographer and tour guide
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Explore Ireland With Our Dingle Slea Head Tours! Immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of Ireland, discovering its rich history and meeting the locals as our guides showcase those hidden corners and must-see spots.
This circular route includes everything from gorgeous landscapes to historical sites dating back to ancient times and adorable Irish villages. In this article, I’ll share the ultimate guide to Slea Head Drive, including a detailed map, the best stops, and where to stay in the region.
Enjoy the stunning views of the Dingle Peninsula which has some of the most spectacular scenery on the Wild Atlantic Way. See views of the Atlantic Ocean, Cliffs, Beaches, Islands and Headlands that will take your breath away.
Exploring Slea Head Drive: Booking a Tour vs. Self-Drive. Absolutely, without a doubt, the best way to explore Slea Head Drive is to drive it independently. This is Ireland road-tripping at its finest: world-class scenery, endless points of interest to pull over for, quaint villages, and open roads.
BOOK NOW. Experience unforgettable sea views, the diverse mix of archaeological sites, and rich history, from Iron age settlers to early Christianity. This Dingle Peninsula tour explores the region top to toe, from vibrant Dingle Town to the wild spaces with their abundance of flora and fauna.
Discover picturesque Slea Head Drive, one of Ireland’s most scenic routes and part of the Dingle Peninsula, on this chauffeur-guided tour. Travel comfortably in a luxury vehicle as you visit historic sites such as Kilmalkedar Church, pass by villages and beaches, and take in stunning views of the Blasket Islands and the Skellig Islands.
This tour begins in Killarney and takes a scenic drive onto the Dingle Peninsula, where we follow the Slea Head loop during the morning. Following lunch and a break in the fishing town of Dingle, we explore the Conor Pass and follow a network of single-track lanes that bring us past standing stones, castles and wonderful vistas on our way to ...
Day Trips in Killarney: Check out 35 reviews and photos of Viator's Private Full-Day Dingle Peninsula Slea Head Drive Tour.