Beara Peninsula Lauragh to Eyeries Mountain Track

The old mining road from Lauragh village climbs steeply through stone-walled farmland before hitting the real challenge: a series of rocky switchbacks that’ll test your clutch control and line choice. The track follows the ridge spine between Knocknagree and Cummeengeera, passing abandoned copper mine shafts that once fed the Allihies mining operation. Stone walls crumble alongside the route, and sheep tracks crisscross the main line, but stick to the tire ruts carved by local farmers accessing high pastures.

This is proper technical driving — loose stone over bedrock with steep drop-offs and no guardrails. Stock vehicles with good clearance can handle most sections, but a few rocky steps demand careful wheel placement. Best tackled April through October when weather cooperates; winter brings ice and zero visibility. No permits required, but respect farm gates and livestock. You’ll earn sweeping views of the Skellig Islands and Kenmare Bay that’ll make every scraped undercarriage worth it.