Distance:- 53 Km
Time:- 1-2 hr
Times are for driving and stops are not accounted for.
The Slea Head Drive from Dingle is one of the best and most spectacular driving routes in Ireland if not the world with breathtaking views of the coastline, offshore islands, cliff top roads and awe inspiring things to see and do along the way. Drive or hire a bike from Dingle and take your time exploring and soaking in the stunning views along Irelands most westerly point on Wild Atlantic Way and a route loved by the Top Gear team on the BBC. The Slea Head road trip is a must for any visitor on a short day trip, weekend break or on vacation and please remember travelling clockwise is best to avoid oncoming buses. The Slea Head Drive (Slí Cheann Sléibhe) is not only one of the best drives in the world, the area itself is one of Irelands biggest concentrations of heritage including ancient monuments and forts, standing stones, megalithic tombs, early Christian sites, ancient neolithic paths, ancient pilgrim paths and the famous Gallarus Oratory built between the 6th and 9th century. Towards the end of the loop where it turns south to Dingle is Cuas an Bhodaigh or Brandon Creek, overlooked by the Brandon Mountain range, the second highest in Ireland, where it is said that the voyage of St Brendan ‘The Navigator’ to America started around 520 AD nearly 1,000 years before Columbus. If you have more time the famous Dingle Way Walking Trail also roughly follows the Slea Head Drive and it too is one of the best walks in Ireland. A hike Faha on the eastern side to the summit of Mount Brandon 952m/3123 ft, the 9th highest mountain in Ireland is considered one of the top 10 walking routes in Ireland and on a good day you will have probably the best 360 degree scenic views in all of Ireland. Another option is Cosán Na Naomh a sacred Pilgrim Trail from near Ventry to the summit of Mount Brandon. Courtesy of www.activeme.ie/
Best Places to Visit and See on Slea Head Drive:
1-Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium, Play at Height Climbing Wall, Ventry Blue Flag Beach, Dunbeg Fort. https://www.dingle-oceanworld.ie/
2-Coumeenole Beach where they filmed Ryan’s Daughter, Dún Chaoin harbour – famous picture perfect pier road
3-Visit the Great Blasket Island by Ferry,http://www.blasketisland.com/
4-Blasket Heritage Centre, https://www.greatblasketisland.net/
5-Gallarus Oratory. http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/south-west/gallarusoratory/
6-Star Wars film location on Ceann Sibéal, Dingle – recreated the Skellig Island bee hive huts. This location is not readily open to the public at this time.
7- Corca Dhuibhne Regional Museum/ Dingle Whiskey Distillery/ Fungi Dolphin Boat Tour
