Comments on: Beara Peninsula Draws Cyclists Seeking a Less-Traveled Irish Coastal Experience

By: Carla

Carla — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:14:40 +0000

My husband and I have been back from Ireland almost a month now and the Beara Peninsula was part of our itinerary. Even though we were staying way out in Schull, a wee bit east of Glengarriff, we chose to drive to Kenmare to begin our drive of the Ring of Beara. This prevented us from driving *up* the winding road to Healy Pass, which would have been a pain with a manual shift car. Just thought I’d pass that hint along, as I appreciate that the hint was passed along to me.

By: Corey

Corey — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:46:39 +0000

Melissa,

Thanks for sharing your experience on the Beara Peninsula. You spotted a lot of sheep on that peninsula. I’m especially glad you shared your photos… Christy commented on Facebook that she would have loved to see more pics, and voila, you came through!

Truthfully, Beara and several other routes in Ireland (Connor Pass near Dingle, the Gap of Dunloe near Killarney are two that come to mind) where the driving can be nerve-wracking. Fortunately, drivers on those roads will likely be extra cautious, so as long as everyone is patient, it usually all works out.

Thanks again for sharing.

I must note that I forgot to add the credit for the article to Phil who submitted it… that’s been added now.

By: Melissa

Melissa — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:19:34 +0000

As Corey mentions, the Beara Peninsula can be experienced by car as well as by bike. But driving the Beara Peninsula isn’t for the faint of heart.

My afternoon of driving around Beara was the only time during my two weeks behind the wheel in Ireland when I thought I might have taken on more of a challenge than I could handle. The Healy Pass road has fabulous views but it’s narrow, windy, and mostly lacking in guard rails. The road out to the Dursey cable car is very, very narrow; I spent the entire trip praying I wouldn’t meet a car coming the other way.

The car and I survived unscathed, and in retrospect I don’t regret doing it. But nervous drivers should stick to the part of the peninsula closer to Glengariff, where the driving is more relaxed and the views are still gorgeous. (This is assuming the roads haven’t changed much since my visit in June, 2007.)

You can see my Beara Peninsula photos (including several of Healy Pass in the rain) at http://www.flickr.com/photos/8411322@N08/sets/72157600360905102/

Incidentally, if you stop in Glengarriff, you can also visit Garinish Island (which houses a lovely, peaceful botanical garden). You get there via a short boat trip across Bantry Bay. Photos (including some of the boat trip and the seals in the bay) are at http://www.flickr.com/photos/8411322@N08/sets/72157600360700746/