Beara Peninsula — Healy Pass Summit Road Viewpoint

The Healy Pass (Bealach Acha) links Adrigole in County Cork to Lauragh in County Kerry, climbing through a series of tight hairpins to a stone statue of Christ at the summit. The views from the top span Bantry Bay to the south and the Kerry mountains to the north — on a clear day it’s genuinely spectacular. The road is narrow, rough in places, and a genuine driving challenge with a loaded rig. Named after Tim Healy, first Governor-General of Ireland — a road with history and altitude to match.

The pass is open year-round but the upper section can ice up fast in winter. Summer weekends bring motorhomes and cyclists who have no idea what they’ve gotten into, so patience is required. No facilities at the summit — just a small turnout and the statue. Nearest fuel and resupply is in Castletownbere or Kenmare on either side. Any vehicle can do it with care, but wide loads will suffer on the hairpins.

Hairpins, holy statues, and Bantry Bay below.