Slea Head

About this place

Slea Head is a promontory on the westernmost part of the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry, on the R559 road. It is a well-known landmark and viewpoint with a full view of the Blasket Islands in the Atlantic, and one of the finest stretches of the Slea Head Drive, the peninsula's best-known route. The headland and the southern slopes of Mount Eagle are formed of steeply dipping pebbly sandstone and conglomerate of the Devonian period, traditionally called old red sandstone. To the north-west lies Dunmore Head, the westernmost point of Ireland. On 11 March 1982 the Spanish ship Ranga was wrecked there in a storm after losing power. The narrow road winds along the slope between a stone wall and a drop, with coves of white surf ahead and the Great Blasket beyond. Sheep graze on green pastures running down to the sea under fast clouds. Small stopping places line the road, and seabirds wheel over the walls. At sunset the colour of the water and cliffs shifts. The headland is 13.9 km in a straight line west of Dingle. The road is narrow and buses use it, so drive slowly, follow the usual direction if signs ask, and stop only in safe places. Wind is strong and cliff edges are dangerous, so stay behind the wall. Bring a jacket, as rain arrives quickly here.