The Conor Pass is a fantastic mountain pass that promises some of the most beautiful scenery in Ireland! Located about 8 minutes’ drive from Dingle town, the pass lies between Dingle to the south and Kilmore Cross to the north. And believe us: the site is well worth exploring! Its rugged terrain and exceptional panorama make it a popular destination for hikers and bikers, photographers and travelers looking for breathtaking views. It has to be said that the area is splendid, far from civilization. The very essence of Ireland’s wild soul!
The Conor Pass – © MNstudio
If you’re afraid of heights, don’t bother: Conor Pass is a rather high pass, culminating at 457 metres!
And let’s face it: the place is as magical as it is over-the-top. Conor Pass stretches from the lively town of Dingle to Brandon Bay and Castlegregory.
Access is via a winding road that winds its way up the mountain. Along the way, you’ll encounter nature in all its triumphant splendor: rock piles, rocky moorland, verdant expanses and breathtaking views of the Irish wilderness.
The Conor Pass can be explored in a variety of ways: on foot, by bike or even by car. But the slope is rather steep and demanding, so we advise you to take a vehicle for your comfort. You’ll get the most out of it, without being totally exhausted by the climb!
If you decide to opt for the car option, here are a few tips to help you have a great time!
The Conor Pass has some rather steep sections, where the road remains narrow. Big people will also find it difficult to negotiate the bends.
There are certain areas where it is clearly impossible for two cars to pass each other. It’s best to anticipate, to pull off to the side of the road as close as possible, and to facilitate access to the car in front of you.
We therefore advise you not to take a camper van or any other large vehicle out on the road. Prefer a car that’s easy to drive, that turns easily and has a tight turning radius!
Your experience will be all the more enjoyable!
It goes without saying that the Conor Pass route deserves your undivided attention… and that’s why it’s best to keep your speed down! With its steep gradients, rocky sides and sometimes narrow sections, it’s best to take it easy and not press the accelerator pedal!
Besides, the road can be slippery, especially after a shower! In any case, there’s little point in speeding down the road: it’s not only dangerous, it’ll also deprive you of the time you need to admire the scenery! So take your time!
Don’t stress, even if it’s crowded: here, everyone’s on the same page, and it’s more than appreciated to be cautious, respectful of the rules of the road and the situations this road demands!
But rest assured: it’s all doable, and there’s nothing insurmountable about it! All you have to do is keep your eyes on the road, drive at low speed and anticipate oncoming traffic as much as possible. There’s plenty of space for you to park while the other car manoeuvres… so you can sit back and admire the beauty of the surroundings!
The Conor Pass – © MNstudio
The Conor Pass offers spectacular views of mountains, lakes, cliffs and a majestic valley.
The scenery is simply breathtaking, with breathtaking views over Tralee and Brandon bays, the Rough Point peninsula and Dingle Bay.
The valley is punctuated by deep-water lakes, red moorland and rocky deserts. A surprisingly lush, wild landscape that’s sure to get your camera going!
The Conor Pass is all about superb views of breathtaking wilderness panoramas. From the very first meters, you’ll be able to overlook the entire valley, and it’s even possible to stop here via parking lots.
Not far from the road is Lough Doon (or Pedlar’s Lake), and a tiny waterfall. Set in a canyon at the foot of Conor Pass, the lake is superb, and is still considered one of the most beautiful high altitude lakes in the region!
The panorama of Brandon Mountain and the whole valley is incredible. To get there, the path remains narrow and lined with rocks that can impede passage in places. Parking for up to 8 cars is available.
Then there’s a path to take on foot: the slope is quite steep, and stretches for almost 70 meters. But it’s well worth the detour! You’ll feel like you’re all alone, in a World where only nature dominates!
Once at the top, it’s the apotheosis! The view is extraordinary, with its lakes, green expanses, Irish bays and Brandon Mountain.
The light is beautiful, transforming the landscape at will. Sky and earth seem to collide, between misty layers and spectacular colors that merge in places. Above all, take time to admire everything.
The Conor Pass is a vibrant testament to the majesty of Ireland’s great outdoors! An unforgettable, thousand-year-old view that will stay with you forever!
But beware: don’t plan to explore Conor Pass if the weather is uncertain. In such cases, the pass can be foggy and will undoubtedly block your view… making for difficult and dangerous progress. Enough to make you regret the trip! Choose a day with good weather, sunshine and bright skies: these are the best conditions to enjoy these landscapes! And let’s face it: a few clouds will bring incredible light to the valley!
Discovering Conor Pass is quick enough, and may leave you wanting more! And if you’ve enjoyed Conor Pass, don’t hesitate to follow it up with Slea Head Drive, a road on the Dingle Peninsula that will take you to other exceptional places of the same kind! Among the most beautiful sites, don’t miss :
WARNING: the Conor Pass is inaccessible to camping cars and all vehicles over 2 tons! This is because the road is sometimes too narrow, making it almost impossible for large vehicles to pass.