Safety Tips for Slea Head Drive in Ireland
One of Ireland’s most scenic roads, the Slea Head Drive consists of historic sites, old villages, film locations, and beautiful views of the Blasket and Skellig Islands. But it doesn’t only have interesting sites and terrific views, the Slea Head Drive is known for being one of the most dangerous roads in the country.
A Circular Route
Formed on part of the Wild Atlantic Way, the Slea Head Drive begins and ends on the Dingle Peninsula, which has a large number of attractions and gorgeous vistas. While the road is clearly labelled with signs throughout, it can be quite narrow and often only has a single lane. Most people find the road most enjoyable when driving it over a significant amount of hours or days. It is recommended that a half-day at minimum should be set aside to finish the route safely.
Furthermore, travelers are advised to travel clockwise to avoid the large tour buses that are often on this route. According to McGinley, a law firm specialised in personal injury claims, it is best to avoid summer on the Slea Head Drive because it’s when there are large buses and cyclists on it. This increases the likelihood of an accident. You can’t have a good time if you get in an accident.
Things to Know
Located on the southwestern coast of Ireland, the route is famous for the Wild Atlantic Way. With rugged coastlines, green pastures, beautiful beaches, and small villages waiting to be explored, it’s a great idea to establish a home base in one of the little towns along the route. Some options are the towns of Dingle, Tralee, and Killarney. If you are vacationing and choosing to stay in this beautiful area, you can also take the boat trip to Skellig Michael Island. Ireland is a great country to take a drive. This is a bucket list route, but it is important to follow road signs and watch the weather. That way, you will be better able to enjoy the scenery and activities.
Staying Safe
In addition to driving the road clockwise, avoiding summer, paying attention to signage, if you are not from Ireland you should remember that the driver is on the right side of the car and that the car drives on the left lane. It is also key to make sure that you’re not low on gas because there are no filling stations along the route.
On the Dingle Peninsula, weather can be extreme and unpredictable. It is intermittent so you need to be prepared for anything. While summer isn’t the best season to go, winter isn’t either. Not only are certain attractions, accommodations, and restaurants closed during the winter months, the weather is much more dangerous. Some mountain passes are very winding and narrow. There are also rocky cliffs and beautiful scenery that may distract you. While the drive is short, about 47 km (30 miles), the loop should be driven quite slowly.
Things to See
The town of Dingle is a quaint port that is often busy with tourists and locals. Here you’ll find the most people on the peninsula, with restaurants, shopping, and more. It is a great place to take a break from driving and have some fish and chips. Cashel Murphy is another attraction. It is five stone huts that date back to an ancient Celtic settlement. Some people around here still speak Gaelic. It is an easy stop that is full of history, tradition, and culture. Finally Slea Head Beach is a gorgeous spot to take a photo and feel the wind through your hair.
With so many different variables on the route, it is important to plan ahead and stay aware of your surroundings. It is beautiful and serene, but the beauty comes at a price. The road is dangerous, narrow, and can be crowded with other drivers, motorbikes, and cyclists one seasons and covered in rain the next. There are so many things to do and see, it is best to take it slow. A great option is to stay for a while and take your time riding through this gorgeous area. When you take precautions and be careful, you can have an amazing on this lovely Irish peninsula.
Ryan Beitler is a journalist, writer, and blogger who has written for Paste Magazine, The Slovenia Times, New Noise Magazine, Deadline News, and various travel sites.