How to Visit Conor Pass
Read our travel guide on Conor Pass in Ireland. Includes tips on what to expect, how to get, where to stay, or when to go.
Sitting on R560, Conor Pass (An Chonair) is the most scenic way to get from the south to the north of Dingle or vice versa.
Together with Slea Head Drive, it's one of the most popular routes among travelers on the peninsula.
So, if you've enjoyed Slea Head Drive, this scenic drive should also be on your Ireland road trip itinerary.
This time, you won't be driving along the coast but rather climbing up to a mountainous pass at approximately 450 meters above sea level and then descending back to the other side of Dingle Peninsula.
The road via one of Ireland's highest mountain passes across the Brandon Mountains is narrow, winding, and popular during the summer.
It's often regarded as one of the best things to do on Dingle Peninsula. On a picture-perfect day, this is one of the best drives in County Kerry.
Due to poor weather, our trip across Conor Pass was far from ordinary, but more about it later.
While it's not the only way to get from one side of Dingle to another, it's a great alternative to a bit dull N86.
The drive itself is very straightforward, but there are a few things you should know about Conor Pass before you go.
How to Visit Conor Pass
Due to constant rain, we knew the chances of getting decent views along the way to Conor Pass were slim, probably close to zero.
So, while making a stop in the town of Dingle, we debated whether the journey across the mountainous pass was worth it or not.
We both brought up valid arguments about why it's worth it and why not, but in the end, we were not any closer to the conclusion.
Not surprisingly, the only way to find out actually was to drive this scenic road.
A quick look into Conor Pass revealed that the pass is narrow but stunning on a clear day, but the drive can be quite stressful in poor weather.
What pushed the tip of the scale in favor of taking this journey was the fact that we've met only a few cars in the past few hours.
Our intuition was telling us that this road should be deserted even more. And we were right.
While the weather along the coast was bad, at least we could still enjoy all the amazing views and attractions such as Dunmore Head or Gallarus Oratory. But Conor Pass was another story.
Conor Pass
Starting from Dingle, we slowly made our way to the top. Don't forget that Dingle is a seaside town, so this is a relatively steep climb.
The fog was so thick by the time we reached the pass that the visibility was reduced to the point we barely saw behind the next corner.
On the other hand, we road-tripped Ireland at the beginning of May, which is considered a shoulder season, and things were still slow.
As the bad weather discouraged everyone visiting West Kerry on this day, we had this drive basically for ourselves.
It really made the trip easier, especially as we were driving on the left side of the road with sheer dropoffs.
Don't worry. There is a stone wall making the drive less hair-raising.
Traveling vice versa, from Tralee to Dingle, the drive is less scary if you're unfamiliar with similar roads.
After visiting places such as Healy Pass, Skellig Ring, or Priest's Leap, the drive to Conor Pass didn't seem that scary.
It's often described as one of the most dangerous roads in Ireland, but this is probably due to its popularity and true only during the winter or in poor weather.
In fact, the narrow part of the road is relatively short and starts at the top of the pass and only goes to the waterfall.
The main viewpoint is on the left-hand side and has a relatively large parking area.
On a clear day offers amazing views, but that was not our case. It's also one of the Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Points, so don't skip it.
From this point, the road turns into a single-lane track, but this narrow part is only 1.5 kilometers long and has plenty of pull-offs.
However, no oversized vehicles, such as tour buses or RVs, are allowed beyond this point.
If you're following in our footsteps, the end of this part is marked by another parking area with a waterfall and a glacial lake.
Conor Pass Waterfall
Yes, there is also a small waterfall along the way. The parking area is right next to the waterfall, and you will also find a trailhead to Peddler's Lake here.
While this waterfall is no Powerscourt, Torc, or Glencar, it still makes a nice stop.
Peddler's Lake
Plenty of small lakes are along the way, but only Peddler's Lake is easily accessible from R560.
This glacial lake can be found about 100 meters from the main road and offers dramatic scenery and epic views.
The trail is short but relatively steep and can be slippery after or during the rain.
If the weather is good, this is a must-do activity when driving along the Conor Pass. In foggy conditions, the climb is not worth it.
Beyond this point, the road turns into a regular one with two lanes, and you will slowly descend back to the coast.
Opening Hours
The Conor Pass is open all year round, but you should always check current weather and road warnings, especially during the off-season.
Furthermore, the road leading to Conor Pass can be closed in winter due to snow or ice.
If the R560 is impassable, you will need to take N86 instead.
Entrance Fee
Conor Pass is a public road, and there is no entry fee.
If you're visiting Ireland on a budget, including scenic drives such as this is a great way to keep your expenses relatively low.
How Much Time Do I Need
The R560, known as Conor Pass Drive, is about 12 kilometers long.
It starts at Dingle and ends at Ballyhoneen, a junction where R560 meets R550. Therefore, this is a relatively quick trip.
We believe you should allow yourself about 30-60 minutes for Conor Pass, depending on how many stops you want to do along the way.
When to Go
You can visit Conor Pass any time of the year.
Obviously, you can argue that the best time to visit Conor Pass is summer but be prepared that Dingle Peninsula gets busy, and accommodation gets expensive during this period.
If you're looking for a quieter experience, spring and autumn are excellent seasons when to go to Ireland, but the weather is way more unpredictable.
As we mentioned earlier, the road can be closed in winter due to icy and snowy conditions.
Obviously, similar roads, such as Sally Gap in the Wicklow Mountains, can be affected during this period.
What to Pack
This is a road trip, so make sure to have comfortable footwear, sunglasses, and your camera ready.
As you will need to pull over to take photos, a rain jacket should also be on your Ireland packing list in case of rainy weather.
How to Get There
The best and easiest way to get to Conor Pass is by car.
Luckily, renting a car in Ireland is not difficult. Plus, we believe it's the best way to get around Ireland.
Conor Pass is not the only scenic drive in Ireland, so having your own vehicle gives you a massive advantage wherever you go.
In case you want to avoid driving in Ireland, there are a couple of other options.
Car
Conor Pass is only seven kilometers north of Dingle, so this is a relatively short trip.
Killarney is about an hour and a half drive east of Conor Pass, but the journey usually takes longer as there are plenty of stops along the way.
See Minard Castle and Inch Beach for more inspiration. A trip from Tralee takes about 45 minutes.
You can get there in about four hours from Dublin.
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Cycle
If you are up to a challenge, consider cycling from Dingle via Conor Pass and beyond.
However, at least a medium fitness level is required to tackle this winding road.
Tours
Even though large tour buses are not allowed on R560, it doesn't mean there is no option to join an organized trip.
In fact, you can take a guided tour that features the Conor Pass and plenty of other amazing sights on the Dingle Peninsula.
Alternatively, you could hire a driver for a day, for instance, in Dingle.
Here you can reserve Dingle Tour in advance.
Where to Stay
Dingle, Tralee, and Killarney are among the best options when searching for a hotel in this area.
These towns offer the widest range of accommodation for all budgets and travel styles. Plus, they have good restaurants and traditional Irish pubs.
There are also plenty of family-run bed and breakfasts on Dingle Peninsula, a great option for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
Dingle | Murphy's Hotel - This family-run bed and breakfast with a traditional Irish pub sits in the center of Dingle town just by the waterfront. It features clean rooms, delicious breakfast, and welcoming hosts.
Tralee | Ashe Hotel - Situated in the heart of Tralee, this beautiful boutique hotel features modern rooms, a casual dining experience, helpful staff, and great breakfast options.
Killarney | Earls Court House - Set in a quiet suburb, this hotel features spacious rooms with stylish decor, rustic charm, and an extensive buffet breakfast.
Staying Safe
As we mentioned several times in this article, the road at the pass area is narrow and requires a bit of confidence from your side.
If you're not the most confident driver in the world, N86 proves to be a safer alternative to R560.
Also, remember that the car size restrictions at the beginning of the narrow stretch exist for a reason.
However, buses and RVs are not allowed to Conor Pass, making the drive much more stress-free.
Here you will find tips on staying safe in Ireland.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is Conor Pass Worth Visiting?
Conor Pass is a beautiful place to explore and is definitely worth visiting, though the experience will be much better on a clear day.
If you're visiting Dingle in the peak season and the weather doesn't cooperate, we would think twice about whether this adventure is worth it or not.
In our opinion, it's probably not worth it as you won't get any views, but you will still most likely meet ongoing traffic in the narrow part.
Otherwise, it's one of the top attractions on Dingle and one of the highlights of every Ireland road trip.
For us, this trip was more about the journey itself than about the views.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
