From Adrigole (23 ft / 7 m), on the shore of Bantry Bay, to the Healy Pass (974 ft / 297 m) it’s 4.1 miles (6.6 km) at an average of 4.4%: 951 ft (290 m) of climbing. It’s an easy climb, but the scenery, with the bay on one side and the Kenmare River estuary on the other, has made it one of the best-known climbs in Ireland.
What the climb is like
You climb the R574, which crosses the Caha Mountains between County Cork to the south and County Kerry to the north. The grade builds gradually and never spikes:
- The first 1.2 miles (2 km), 1-3%. An almost flat start from the coast, among fields and scattered houses.
- Km 2 to 4.5 (miles 1.2-2.8), 3-5%. The road climbs the Adrigole valley, gaining height smoothly.
- The last 1.2 miles (2 km), 5-6%. The steepest part, with a few hairpins up to the pass. Climbfinder measures 7.6% for the hardest 330 ft (100 m).
CyclingCols gives 4.1 miles (6.6 km) and 951 ft (290 m); Climbfinder, 4.0 miles (6.5 km) and 932 ft (284 m) at 4.4%. The north side, from Lauragh, is very similar: 3.9 miles (6.2 km) at 4.5%.
History
The first road, called the Kerry Pass, was built during the Great Famine of 1845-1849 as a public works project to give people jobs. The road was improved shortly before 1931 and named after Tim Healy, the first Governor-General of the Irish Free State, who died in 1931. Its Irish name is still Bealach Scairte.
When to go, water and traffic
You can ride it year-round, though the Atlantic weather rules: rain, wind and low clouds are common. Summer is the calmest season, but also the busiest with tourists. The road is narrow: watch for cars on the bends. Stock up on water and food in Adrigole and always bring a rain jacket.
What gearing to use
A 34x25 is more than enough. At 3 W/kg and 159 lb (72 kg), you’ll ride about 9.9 mph (16 km/h) on 5%: with a 34x25 that’s over 90 rpm. Many riders climb it in the big ring. Check your combinations in the gear calculator.
Tips
- Ride the full crossing: climb from Adrigole, descend to Lauragh and return along the Ring of Beara coast.
- With a headwind, the last part can be harder than the grade suggests.
- Use it for 20-25 minute intervals: its steady grade makes it ideal.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb the Healy Pass?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 23 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 27 min at 2.5 W/kg and 19 min at 4 W/kg from Adrigole. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
Is the Healy Pass hard?
No: it's 4.1 miles (6.6 km) at 4.4%, and the steepest section is under 8%. From Lauragh, to the north, the climb is similar: 3.9 miles (6.2 km) at 4.5%.
Why is it called the Healy Pass?
After Tim Healy, the first Governor-General of the Irish Free State, who died in 1931, shortly after the road was improved. Before that it was called the Kerry Pass.