Travelling through Dursey Road, the only road in Dursey Island

Dursey Road is the only road in Dursey Island, at the southwestern tip of the Beara Peninsula in the west of County Cork, in Ireland.

Dursey Road

The road is totally unpaved. It’s 5.3km (3.29 miles) long running east-west from Clonmore to Ardatedaun. This gravel, steep and narrow road runs most of the way along the southern side of the island. The island is separated from the mainland by a narrow stretch of water called the Dursey Sound. This peaceful island, with only a handful of permanent residents, and no shops, pubs or restaurants, is connected to the mainland by Ireland's only cable car.

 

The drive is definitely worth it. There are many excellent photo opportunities here. Don’t forget your camera! Dolphins and whales are regular visitors to the rich waters that surround Dursey, in addition to a wide range of different types of seabirds and butterflies. Dursey, which is only 6.5km long and 1.5km wide, provides the tourist with some lovely walks and breathtaking views of the nearby West Cork coastline. The island is popular with day-trippers and walkers during the summer months. The scenery, nature and wonderful ambiance of the island are stunning.