Conor Pass... drive it?!?!

Have driven it twice.

Once in 1997 with a clutch and two years ago in an automatic at age 63. Get the automatic and the smallest most comfortable rental you can.

Have never understood why some consider it terrifying. Then again I live in LA where driving anywhere is terrifying.

Its Not fun if you are stuck behind a tour bus but that reality holds true on any road anywhere.

Thankfully the invasion of tourists starts to diminish in Fall so they'll be fewer of those buses to contend with. I also found that by getting up early and heading out you missed those busses. On the road by 8am. Virtually had Slea Head to myself. It was wonderful.

If weather is good and you like a bit of a hike, follow Slea Head to Coumeenoole Beach. Park in the lot and follow the path to the top of the hill. Stellar views of the coast line and The Blasket islands.

Also do not miss having a pint at Foxy Johns in Dingle. Wander in around 4 or 5pm. Its small and it's odd charm will make you smile. Enjoyed a lovely couple of hours there with a few locals one November evening. It began with one man at one end of the tiny bar who was working a crossword. It was apparent he knew the man at the other end of the bar as they'd shared a bit of banter. Anyway, the man with the crossword puzzle asked aloud, " who shot Cock Robin," and I blurted out "Sparrow with his little bow and arrow." Silence. Then a smile, a thank you and conversation between the three of us and the barman began.

There's nothing like Ireland and the west coast is stunning. If you haven't heard of these places consider visiting the Gap of Dunloe. Hike it, walk it, take a trap ride. I walked half of it then returned to my car and drove over it. Again it was November so very few people, maybe 8 other vehicles and one admirable bicyclist. Mostly sheep. It was the favorite day of my visit!

Lastly, Killarney National park will be stunning at that time of year. Easy drive from Dingle to Killarney. I liked taking the path way located across from the St Mary's cathedral into the park. Just gorgeous.

Have fun.

Thank you! I will take all into consideration!!!

It is well worth the drive and not nearly as bad as people make it out to be. Have driven it numerous times, last time in SUV in the rain and it was still worthwhile.

Regarding Conor Pass: if you already have experience driving a LH shifter and driving on the left you should be fine. As you've seen by watching a video of the drive (and maybe previewing it by using the Google maps street view) the road gets pretty narrow at the top...only a single lane in places, so you'll need to be alert to oncoming traffic and be prepared to use the pullouts. Really no big deal.
It is a spectacular drive on a sunny day, though it's primarily the passenger who will be able to enjoy the pretty views since the driver will be pretty occupied on the narrow road. If it's rainy or foggy I'd recommend taking the longer way around (on the wider road) just to keep your heart rate within normal levels.
Slea Head Drive is gorgeous, as is driving in the rest of Western Ireland. Getting an early start each day will allow you to avoid much of the tour bus congestion.
Good luck.

Conor Pass is gorgeous, and absolutely worth it, as is the entire Slea Head drive. Do keep an eye out for sheep as you come around corners, etc. There are a several places where you can pull over to get out and take it all in, which I recommend. Some of the Dingle pubs we like include Foxxy John's, Dick Mack's, and O'Sullivan's, which has great music.

Love all the advice... I will definitely try Conor Pass (on a "clear" day)! Looking forward to the views!!!

We did this drive last summer and while it's easy for me to say it's worth it (my husband was driving), he didn't find it too overwhelming. It was certainly worth doing. We had a stick shift left hand drive and he had no problems. We had been driving for about a week at that point, which probably helped.

Greetings from Dingle
Conor Pass is a very enjoyable drive. its only 1100 feet, this is not Mt Everest we're talking about here.
It is the most beautiful introduction to Dingle, you wont meet any tour buses or trucks on it as by law they cant use it.
I drive it several times a month and it never ever ceases to amaze me. If you don't go to Dingle from Tralee via the Conor Pass then you're losing out, you've been warned :)
le meas/with respect
Stephen McPhilemy
Rick Steves Ireland Tour-Guide
Dingle and Derry

stephenmc, thank you for that tidbit of information regarding the trucks and tour buses on the Conor Pass. I will be driving the pass in September and I was wondering how to avoid the tour buses but now I do not have to worry. LOL....actually I guess if the tour buses could drive the pass I would not have to worry at all driving it in a compact car.

Thank you all for the advice! My mind is made up: Connor Pass it is!! Can't wait!

And don't worry about 'clear day'. It was cloudy when we left Dingle but headed to Conor Pass anyway and it was clear when we got there. The views are spectacular, as is the waterfall.