Overview
Coomanaspig Pass is a dramatic mountain pass on the Skellig Ring in southwest County Kerry, sitting between Ballinskelligs and Portmagee on the Iveragh Peninsula. At 797 feet (248 meters) above sea level, it is widely regarded as one of the highest points in Ireland reachable by car.
The pass is an official Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point, and the drive up and over it is one of the most memorable moments on the entire Skellig Ring route. The views from the top take in Valentia Island, Puffin Island, the Skelligs, the Kerry Cliffs below, and, on a clear day, across to the Dingle and Beara Peninsulas.
Unlike the more crowded Ring of Kerry, the Skellig Ring remains a quieter route, and Coomanaspig is often one of its most worthwhile views.
What You'll See
The ascent from either direction is steep and winding, and the descent on the western side toward Portmagee is frequently cited as the best section - the road drops dramatically toward St. Finian's Bay and the Kerry Cliffs with sweeping views feeling, as one writer put it, like driving into an oil painting.
A Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point sits at the summit with an interpretive panel, and the scenery extends across rolling green hills, crashing Atlantic waves far below, and the jagged silhouette of Skellig Michael on the horizon. Nearby Skellig Falcon Tours operates in the area and offers wildlife experiences with birds of prey, which combines naturally with a Coomanaspig stop.
Visitor Essentials
Coomanaspig Pass is free to visit and accessible year-round. A larger parking area sits at the Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point, with a smaller pull-in space on a bend at another viewpoint - use caution and only stop where it's safe to do so.
The pass lies on the Skellig Ring roughly 8 minutes from St. Finian's Bay, 5 minutes from Portmagee, and 1 minute above the Kerry Cliffs entrance. Due to its elevation and exposed position, the pass can be extremely windy and weather changes quickly - bring a windproof layer even in summer. Most visitors spend 15 to 30 minutes at the top taking in the views.
Tips
The road over the pass is single-lane in sections with steep gradients and tight bends - drive slowly, use low gears on the descent, and be prepared to reverse if you meet oncoming traffic. Camper vans and larger vehicles should take particular care.
The view is best appreciated on the descent toward Portmagee, so aim to approach the pass from the St. Finian's Bay side if you can. Combine the visit naturally with the Kerry Cliffs just a minute down the road, Skelligs Chocolate about 8 minutes away, and St. Finian's Bay beach for a strong sequence of Skellig Ring stops.
A full Skellig Ring itinerary moving through Waterville, Ballinskelligs, Skelligs Chocolate, St. Finian's Bay, Coomanaspig, the Kerry Cliffs, Portmagee, and onto Valentia Island makes for one of the best full-day drives in Ireland.
