Conor Pass in County Kerry: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
Conor Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 410m (1,345ft) above sea level located in County Kerry, in Ireland. It’s one of the highest roads in the country. The road to the summit snakes through verdant vistas, and its view of the lakes below is the stuff of fairy tales.
Where is Conor Pass?
The pass is located in County Kerry, in the peninsular southwest region of Ireland.
Can you drive through Conor Pass?
The road to the summit, also known as Connor Pass and An Chonair, is a twisty one-lane paved road. It’s called R560 (Conor Pass Road).
How long is Conor Pass Drive?
The road to the summit is 12km (7.45 miles) long and runs from the town of Dingle on the southern end of the peninsula to Brandon Bay and Castlegregory in the north.
Is Conor Pass open in winter?
Despite the fact that this narrow and twisting road climbs up one of the highest mountain passes in Ireland, this road is usually open all year round. Due to its many twists and turns, driving the pass is not recommended in bad weather, and it’s impassable during severe weather. There aren’t many bright sunny days along the Conor Pass road, but there aren’t many stormy days either. More than likely, you’ll be driving through a light drizzle, a fine mist, or just an overcast sky. At any rate, the beauty of the road is the green all around and the views of the valleys below.
How steep is Conor Pass?
The road is very steep and hits a 23% maximum gradient through some of the ramps. From Dingle Town, the road runs some 4½ miles rising to 1500 ft as it winds its way to the pass.
Is Conor Pass of Ireland dangerous?
Due to the nature of the road (with some very narrow sections where two cars cannot pass), there are length and weight restrictions, and vehicles such as caravans, camper vans, and trucks cannot use the road over the pass. Vehicles over two tons in weight are prohibited from using the road to avoid difficulties in passing. It becomes very bendy at a certain point. While this road is nowhere near the top of the list of dangerous roads, it is very narrow so you have to take every curve slowly, and when two cars come from different directions, it can get somewhat sticky. If you’re not confident driving on narrow mountain roads, better avoid it.
Is Conor Pass road scenic?
It’s said to be one of the most beautiful drives in the country. The pass is situated on the Dingle Peninsula and offers drivers the breathtaking, cliff-hanging experience of navigating through Ireland's highest mountain pass, on a road tight and precarious, weaving its way around the sharp cliff faces. At the highest point of the Conor Pass, there is a small car park where you can stop and admire the dramatic views. The views from the road are breathtaking, as the glaciated landscape of mountains and corrie lakes comes into view. From the scenic car park at the summit, there are views as far as the Aran Islands off County Galway.