Healy Pass is one of Ireland's best drives
Ireland, europe
12.7 km
298 m
hard
Year-round
Nestled on the Beara Peninsula, straddling Cork and Kerry in Ireland's southwest, lies the Healy Pass. This incredible road, originally built during the famine, snakes its way up to 298m (977ft) above sea level.
The R574, as it's officially known, stretches for 12.7km (7.89 miles) between Adrigole and Lauragh. You could technically zip through in 20-25 minutes, but trust me, you'll want to take your time. This is one of Ireland's most scenic drives, offering insane views over Bantry Bay and the Kenmare River.
Picture this: you're winding through a desolate, almost alien landscape, flanked by the highest peaks of the Caha Mountains. It's breathtaking! Just be warned, this high up, the weather is a wild card. Fog and mist can roll in quickly, especially in the mornings and evenings.
The road itself is a beast – seriously bendy, with hairpin turns and narrow sections clinging to the mountainside. Expect some steep climbs, with gradients hitting up to 18% in places. The traffic is light, thankfully, but you'll still need to concentrate. Tight spots abound, but so do photo opportunities. Trust me, you'll be reaching for your camera at every turn!
Where is it?
Healy Pass is one of Ireland's best drives is located in Ireland (europe). Coordinates: 52.9174, -7.8887
Road Details
- Country
- Ireland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 12.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 298 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 52.9174, -7.8887
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Col de Caron?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up for an epic adventure to Col de Caron! This insane mountain pass climbs to a dizzying 2,996m (that's 9,829ft!) in the French Alps, near Orelle. We're talking about one of Europe's highest drives here! You'll find this gem in the Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France. Forget smooth asphalt – this is a rugged, unpaved service road that stretches 28.3 km (17.58 miles) between Val Thorens ski resort and the village of Orelle. The "Val Thorens-Orelle road" isn't for the faint of heart. It throws a staggering 55 hairpin turns at you, each one numbered as you climb! Be warned: this route is strictly 4x4 territory. You'll be hugging the chairlift line as you grind your way up, tackling average gradients of 10.4% with some sections spiking to a crazy 17-18%. The views, though? Unbelievable! Think panoramic vistas of a thousand summits across France, Switzerland, and Italy. Just remember, this alpine beast is usually only accessible in July and August.
easyB6277 is said to be the highest B-road in Britain
🇬🇧 England
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the B6277 in County Durham, England! This isn't just any drive; it's rumored to be the UK's highest B-road, so you know it's going to be epic. Picture this: you're cruising through the North Pennines, climbing to a whopping 1,965 feet above sea level. Yeah, you're up there! This paved beauty stretches for about 31.5 miles, connecting the charming towns of Alston and Barnard Castle. Expect a rollercoaster ride, though – this road loves its ups and downs, so be ready for some seriously steep sections. But trust me, the views are worth it! The landscape is strikingly beautiful, with panoramic vistas of the Pennines unfolding before your eyes. Think bleak, but in that breathtaking, "wow, nature is amazing" kind of way. Get ready for an unforgettable road trip!
hardTake An Unforgettable Drive to Dom Śląski Schronisko Górskie
🌍 Czech Republic
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Wanna find a mountain hut way up high? Head to the Polish-Czech border and search out Dom Śląski Schronisko Górskie. Perched at nearly 4,600 feet, it's a trek to get there. Forget your sedan! This isn’t a Sunday drive. We're talking rough gravel, littered with potholes. You'll need a 4x4 to even think about making it. Seriously. And the weather? It's a wild card. Sunshine one minute, blizzard the next. Road closures? Yeah, those happen a lot. Fair warning: this summit's often lost in cloud or fog. Winter? Forget about it! Deep snow sticks around well into spring. This track is tough in good conditions, a total nightmare when it's wet or dark. Altitude and crazy weather are always in play, no matter what time of year you visit! But if you are up for the adventure, the views and sense of accomplishment will be unparalleled!
hardWhere is Ouninpohjantie?
🌍 Finland
Okay, picture this: Finland. Middle of nowhere. And a ribbon of road called Ouninpohjantie. Rally legend Mikko Hirvonen called it "the best road in the world," and honestly, he's not wrong! This epic stretch winds for about 17.4 km (that's just over 10 miles) between Velu and Mutanen, straddling Central Finland and Pirkanmaa. It’s all unpaved, adding to the raw, untamed feel. Expect some seriously steep sections and places where it gets pretty narrow, but most cars can handle it. So, why the hype? This isn't just any backroad—it's a legendary stage in Rally Finland (aka the 1000 Lakes Rally). They say it’s the fastest, toughest stage, and a highlight of the entire World Rally Championship. Think crazy speeds (over 200 km/h!), massive jumps, and blind crests that test every driver's skill and nerve. Driving it is wild. The surface is surprisingly firm, with bend after bend and crest after crest. There are famous spots like the "Yellow House Jump" where cars literally fly. And the scenery? Forget about it! Lakes pop up through the trees, and you're surrounded by classic Finnish countryside. Beyond rally, Ouninpohjantie has seeped into Finnish culture, even showing up in video games. It’s a driving experience you won't soon forget.