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There are Only Two Roads into Dingle

The Dingle Peninsula stretches into the the Atlantic Ocean, windswept and dramatic, as if it were trying to escape County Kerry.

There Are Only Two Roads into Dingle

Map of the Dingle Peninsula
Map courtesy of Dingle-Peninsula.ie

As you can see by the map above, only two roads will lead you onto the Dingle Peninsula:  the N86 and the R561.

The N86

The N86 enters the Dingle Peninsula from Tralee and, near the village of Camp offers two routes into Dingle town.  

For a dramatic view you won't soon forget, take the exit for R560 which will lead you over Conor Pass, the highest mountain pass in Ireland.  Views are incredible, no matter which way you look.  

Dingle Town from Conor Pass, Dingle Peninsula, Ireland
Heavy clouds cover Dingle Town as we look down from Conor Pass

Our view was a bit hampered by the heavy clouds.  We were high enough and the clouds so heavy, that it felt like you could pull off a chunk- almost like cotton candy.

Heavy Clouds on Conor Pass, Dingle Peninsula, Ireland
Heavy clouds prevented us from seeing the mountain tops as we crossed Conor Pass

Conor Pass, while steep and narrow, is really a nice road to drive and shouldn't cause much issue for drivers on vacation in Ireland.  Note:  large vehicles like camper vans and trucks are restricted on Conor Pass.

If you choose to follow N86 to the south, you'll have some incredible views as well as some fabulous switch-backs as you climb the mountains.

Note:  Even if it was a lovely day at the lower altitudes, be prepared for cooler temperatures and wind at the car parks on Conor Pass and the N86.  

View from N86 toward Dingle on the Dingle Peninsula, Ireland
Mountain top view looking toward Dingle

Both N86 and Conor Pass have car parks so you can safely take in the stunning views.

The R561

The faster route into Dingle town, the R561 follows the southern edge of the Dingle Peninsula where it meets with the N86 near Annascaul.  A popular stop on this route is Inch Beach.

Inch Beach on the Dingle Peninsula, Ireland
Inch Strand is 3 miles of lovely, sandy beach
Finding Shells on Inch Beach, Dingle Peninsula, Ireland
Finding Shells on Inch Strand

Leaving Inch, you'll enjoy a stunning cliff-top drive before joining the N86 and continuing into Dingle.

Find your perfect lodging in Dingle!

See more posts about visiting the Dingle Peninsula.

 

 

Jody Halsted
Follow Along

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5 Comments

  1. Pingback: Dingle Itinerary : 2 Days in Dingle - Ireland With Kids - Tips to Help You Plan Your Ireland Family Vacation
  2. IrishFireside iatraveler Here’s something to help you along if you happen to take either road :)https://t.co/SO9dJeBnvR

    1. fhayesmccoy I do wish we could have met when I was in Dingle… I suppose there is always next time. 🙂 IrishFireside