Ireland -- Slea Head Drive
 

Does anyone know whether there is a guiderail on this road? I've read many descriptions of the road as narrow and windy, but a guiderail sure would help. We are considering staying at Couminole Cottage, and I'm worried about driving up and down this road several times a day, and possibly after dark.

Thanks!

Solid stone wall on the seaward side. You might scrape your car if you are careless or unlucky, but it would be quite a feat to drive off the road.

We always took the mountain road to the cottage from town and Slea Head Dr. to town from the cottage.

We took Slea Head Drive from the cottage to and from Ballyferriter with no problem. I am the biggest chicken on cliff roads and I'm scared of heights but I had no problem.

Saying that I was only on Slea Head Dr. from Dingle to the cottage once. Your driving on the outside lane right next to the cliffs dropping off to the ocean. That is a very scary road and I would have gotten out and walked if there was room on the road. That's why we took the mountain road to the cottage everytime since.

It's fine, really.
You will have a wonderful time at the cottage, the views are unbelieveable.

Robbyn
P.S. Did you ever get my letter I sent wrote a while back? I replied to a few of your questions on what to do around the cottage and I never heard back from you.

I loved Couminole Cottage and had no trouble driving Slea Head Drive -- but I was a bit nervous. I never drove it at night ... but I would. However, I wouldn't consider it after a pint or two ;-)

There's the road, looking back towards Slea Head from Couminole. Do you reckon you are in danger of driving into the sea? http://profile.imageshack.us/user/pa...scf0267jt1.jpg

Although it has been some time, I do not remember being particularly concerned while driving on this road. But then it was raining and foggy, so maybe I just could not see well enough to be frightened by the cliff. If you drive sensibly and respect the road conditions, I think you will be just fine and have a great time.

Padraig: love the squirel.

Many thanks to you all for your very helpful information about this drive. Having the stone wall by the road should help ease my nerves a bit, but it's good to know there is an alternate route.

Fisher-Marie, no, I didn't get your letter -- do you mean more posts on Fodors? I'll do a search on your name in a moment. Your trip report was so helpful and I enjoyed it immensely.

Couminole Cottage is really calling to me. I haven't been to Ireland since hitchhiking there as a college student. My husband and I have been traveling to Italy in recent years, but Ireland is up next. Thanks again for all the responses!

Hello Enewell,

I'm sorry, I got you mixed up with someone else who wrote to me. I feel foolish...

Anyway, the mountain road I talked about is called, Mam’ Clasach. You take Slea Head Drive to the North Ventry Town. To your left will be Paidi O’ Se’s Pub, you want to turn right at that point and then you'll be on Man' Clasach Rd. If you pass the Stone House Restaurant, on Slea Head Drive, you've gone too far. Turn around.

Just stop to ask where Man' Clasach Rd. is if you need to. It's a beautiful road and not scary at all. I wrote about it in my trip report.

At the end of Man' Clasach Rd. you will be on the other side of Slea Head drive, just turn left and in about 5 minutes you will be at the cottage. This was the way we took and found it to be the best.

Have a great time I am missing the cottage and think we will have to go back next May.

Robbyn