Everybody has heard of the Ring of Kerry, and the Dingle Peninsula.....they are famous for the beauty of the scenery,
dramatic shoreline, beautiful beaches and friendly pubs.
However, if I was asked to recommend a beautiful drive with spectacular scenery I would say....head South West,
go to the Beara Peninsula and drive the Healy Pass. Starting in Kenmare, take the R571 West, then the R573 which hugs the coastline, until you meet the R571 again.
Then take the R574 which becomes the Healy Pass, a series of hairpin bends, with a dramatic Calvary statue on a hillside.
(Yes, you may need a prayer!)
You might have the road to yourself, so make sure you have enough gas.
It is more remote than the Ring of Kerry, the "road less travelled" and it's a very pretty drive especially in Spring,
when the wild flowers are blooming,
or in Fall when the heather and furze transform the landscape into a sea of purple and yellow.
When you reach the R572 you have a choice.....turn left to Glengariff which is another beautiful area, or my choice would be turn right and carry on around the coast of the peninsula.
Try to time it so you see the sunset from that dramatic West coast.
Then find a pub, good food, Guinness and a bed for the night.
It's possible to find all of those in one place:
http://www.bearatourism.com/about.html
A scene on the Beara Peninsula: 
From the Healy Pass:
The Healy Pass snakes through the mountains: 
A spiritual moment:
