The Ultimate Ring of Beara Road Trip: A Scenic Loop from Kenmare.
- The Kick Team
- May 15
- 4 min read
The Ring of Beara is one of Ireland’s most breathtaking coastal drives, a rugged peninsula shared by Cork and Kerry where mountains, sea, and ancient history come together in a landscape that feels untouched and wonderfully wild. Beginning in the colourful town of Kenmare, this looped journey takes you through some of the most authentic scenery in the southwest. For travellers seeking a quieter alternative to the Ring of Kerry or Dingle, Beara is the hidden gem that always feels like a discovery.
Leaving Kenmare: The Start of the Beara Peninsula
Leaving Kenmare, the road follows the edge of Kenmare Bay, winding gently through the peaceful parish of Tuosist. The scenery begins immediately: mountains rising to one side, the Atlantic opening out to the other, and that unmistakable Beara stillness settling in around you. It’s the kind of road that invites you to slow down and simply enjoy the moment.
Derreen Garden: A Subtropical Oasis on the Ring of Beara
A short detour brings you to Derreen Garden, a lush, almost subtropical woodland filled with giant ferns, moss‑covered paths, and glimpses of the sea through the trees. It feels like a secret world tucked into the peninsula, a place where time seems to pause and nature takes centre stage.
Climbing the Healy Pass: One of Ireland’s Greatest Scenic Drives
From here, the road leads to Lauragh and the start of the legendary Healy Pass. This is one of Ireland’s great mountain drives, a twisting ribbon of road climbing through rocky peaks and open sky. At the summit, the views stretch endlessly in every direction, revealing lakes, valleys, and rugged slopes that define the Beara Peninsula. It’s a moment that stays with you long after the journey ends.
Adrigole & Hungry Hill: Wild Landscapes and Towering Peaks
Descending into Adrigole, Hungry Hill dominates the skyline. Its waterfall, one of the highest in Ireland, tumbles down the mountainside. Even from the roadside, the scale of the landscape is striking, a reminder of how raw and powerful this peninsula truly is.
Castletownbere: The Heart of the Beara Peninsula
Further along lies Castletownbere, Ireland’s largest whitefish port and the beating heart of Beara. Fishing boats line the harbour, and the town buzzes with life. It’s the perfect place to stop for fresh seafood or to catch the ferry to Bere Island, a peaceful place dotted with Martello towers, military ruins, and quiet coastal roads that feel far removed from the mainland.
Dunboy Castle & Puxley Mansion: History on the Water’s Edge
Just outside the town sits Dunboy Castle, the site of a dramatic siege in 1602. Beside it stands the restored Puxley Mansion, a gothic landmark overlooking the bay. Together they offer a glimpse into Beara’s turbulent past and make for a memorable stop on the route.
Allihies: Colourful Village and Copper Mining Heritage
The road continues west to Allihies, one of the most colourful villages in Ireland. Bright houses stand against a backdrop of cliffs and Atlantic views. The Copper Mine Museum tells the story of the miners who once worked these hills, and the nearby beach is a stunning stretch of sand washed by turquoise water — a surprise for many first‑time visitors.
Dursey Island Cable Car: Ireland’s Only Ocean‑Crossing Cable Car
At the tip of the peninsula, the Dursey Island Cable Car awaits. It’s Ireland’s only cable car and the only one in Europe that crosses open ocean. Suspended above swirling Atlantic tides, it carries you to one of Ireland’s most remote islands — a place of long walks, open skies, and complete silence. It’s a journey that feels like stepping off the edge of the map.
Eyeries: Ireland’s Most Colourful Village
Turning north, the road leads to Eyeries, a village famous for its brightly painted houses and mountain backdrop. It’s one of the most photogenic places on the peninsula, full of charm and colour.
Ardgroom Stone Circle: Ancient History in a Wild Landscape
A little further on, near Ardgroom, stands one of Ireland’s best‑preserved stone circles. Surrounded by open landscape and sweeping views, it offers a powerful connection to the people who lived here thousands of years ago.
Returning via the Healy Pass: A New Perspective on Beara
As the loop begins to close, the Healy Pass appears once more — this time from the Kerry side. The return journey offers a completely different perspective, with softer light and sweeping valleys that seem to stretch on forever.
Gleninchaquin Park: A Hidden Valley Near Kenmare
Before reaching Kenmare again, there’s one final hidden gem: Gleninchaquin Park. This quiet valley is home to a towering waterfall, peaceful lakes, and forest trails that feel far removed from the modern world. It’s a place to breathe, to wander, and to take in the beauty of Beara at its most serene.
Completing the Ring of Beara: Back to Kenmare
Eventually, the road leads back to Kenmare, completing the loop around one of Ireland’s most spectacular peninsulas. The Ring of Beara may not have the fame of other Irish routes, but its quiet beauty, dramatic landscapes, and welcoming villages make it one of the country’s most unforgettable journeys — a place where every turn reveals something new, and every moment feels like a gift.
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For mor information see the Beara Way Tourism Page
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