Ring of Kerry: The Complete Guide
Read our travel guide on the Ring of Kerry in Ireland. Includes tips on best things to do and see, top attractions, itinerary, tips on where to stay, how to get, or when to go.
The iconic Ring of Kerry is often considered one of the best scenic drives in the world.
This 170-kilometer circular route around the Iveragh Peninsula in the west part of County Kerry is packed with top attractions, incredible stops, and epic views.
The scenery is incredibly diverse, and the journey that will take you from the mountains to the sea will often leave you speechless.
It's no wonder the Ring of Kerry is pretty much on every Ireland road trip itinerary.
On top of that, this road is part of a much larger scenic route called the Wild Atlantic Way, which features some of the most incredible places in Ireland, including the Ring of Kerry.
So far, we have talked about the Ring of Kerry only in superlatives.
But with great hype comes great expectations.
And the reality can often be quite different. In this travel guide, we'll strive to help your plan your trip around the Ring of Kerry better and answer your most burning questions.
Is the Ring of Kerry worth visiting? What are the best things to see and do while there? And what to really expect?
So, without any further ado, here's everything you should know before visiting the Ring of Kerry.
Things to Know Before You Go
Before we dive into the article, there are a few essential things about the Ring of Kerry every traveler should know.
Ring of Kerry
As mentioned above, the Ring of Kerry is 170 kilometers long and encircles the Iveragh Peninsula.
It consists of three national roads, namely N70, N71, and N72, creating a circle around the peninsula.
This road has two lanes and is easy to drive on, even if you don't have much experience with driving on the left side of the road.
Side Trips
However, this is just the main circle, often referred to simply as the Ring.
The route can be easily extended by adding several detours to your itinerary, such as the Skellig Ring or Valentia Island.
Honestly, these extensions were by far the best places we visited while in this area.
If you have time, make sure to include at least some of the attractions that don't sit directly on the Ring.
The experience is worth the time and effort.
Geography
The next thing that is good to know about the Ring is that it basically consists of two different worlds.
The area around Killarney has majestic lakes, lush green woodlands, and rugged mountains.
The coastal drive features beaches, colorful seaside villages, and amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean.
It allows you to explore some of the finest landscapes in Ireland in a relatively short amount of time.
Starting Point
Killarney is often considered to be the starting point of the Ring of Kerry, but it doesn't mean that your journey has to start or end there.
It's completely fine to either start exploring the Iveragh Peninsula from either Killorglin in the northeast or Kenmare in the southeast.
Clockwise or Counterclockwise
One of the most frequently asked questions is whether you should drive the Ring of Kerry clockwise or counterclockwise.
So, the general advice is to do the Ring of Kerry clockwise, as you won't get stuck behind tour buses traveling around the Ring.
However, our opinion is that it really doesn't matter.
Due to their size, they have to stick to the main road, and you will often take one of the rural roads in order to reach attractions situated off this road.
We traveled around the Ring of Kerry in a clockwise direction, but only because we planned the trip around the entire of Ireland this way.
And at the beginning of May, there were basically no tour buses along the way anyway.
Crowds
Lastly, the Ring of Kerry is a top tourist destination and one of the most heavily visited places in Ireland.
The main road is popular with large tour buses and can sometimes be crowded during the peak season.
However, there are always ways to escape the crowds, and the Ring of Kerry is no exception.
As we mentioned earlier, try to include some less-traveled attractions to find a quiet moment.
Or avoid the summer season and explore Ireland during the shoulder or off-season. It's simple as that.
And lastly, start early. There is no way around it.
While it's always tempting to sleep in during your vacation, it's definitely worth it to hit the road early to beat the crowds.
Best Things to Do
Unsurprisingly, there are tons of things to do and see on the Ring of Kerry for all ages and abilities.
It's also one of the main reasons to visit the Ring of Kerry in the first place, as you won't simply get bored here.
Whether you're a solo backpacker, a family with kids, or a couple on a honeymoon (or anyone else), you couldn't choose a better destination in Ireland.
One of the main appeals of traveling the Ring of Kerry is that the more time you spend there, the more you discover and the more you will enjoy this area.
But even when pressed for time, Ring of Kerry is worth visiting.
We visited the Ring of Kerry on our way to Dingle Peninsula and eventually the Cliffs of Moher, and these are some of the best stops we visited along our way.
Killarney National Park
For many, the town of Killarney and the adjacent Killarney National Park is the starting point of their Ring of Kerry road trip.
And with places such as Ross Castle, Torc Waterfall, Muckross House, or Muckross Abbey, you couldn't choose a better place to kick off your journey.
This is Ireland at its finest, and it's no wonder why this area has gained so much in popularity over the years.
It truly is one of the most beautiful national parks in Ireland.
By the way, this is also the oldest national park in Ireland, and tourism has been playing a vital role in this area since the 19th century.
Killarney National Park offers great hiking trails, stunning landscapes, and many amazing sights.
There is no entry fee, which is great even for travelers doing Ireland on a budget.
Ladies View
After twenty minutes of driving south along the N71, you will come across one of the best viewpoints on the Ring of Kerry.
This is a relatively quick stop unless you want to spend more time in the local cafe. On a clear day, the views from the Ladies' View are simply stunning.
A short trail will take you to an even better viewpoint above the parking area if you prefer being more active.
Gap of Dunloe
After another few kilometers, you will reach Molls Gap, from where you can start your Gap of Dunloe adventure.
This mountainous pass, nestled between MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountain range in the west and Purple Mountain mountain range in the east, is one of the most popular places in entire Ireland.
There are a few essential things you should know about Gap of Dunloe before you go, so make sure to read our guide.
In a nutshell, you can drive, walk, cycle, or take a jaunting car tour along this scenic road.
Due to its proximity to Killarney and the undeniable beauty of a traditional Irish mountainous landscape with lakes, the Gap of Dunloe is often crowded, especially during the peak season.
Start early to avoid disappointment.
Kenmare
The small seaside town of Kenmare is probably not the most distinctive attraction on the Ring, but it has a fantastic location for those seeking accommodation on their journey.
Killarney indeed gets busy during the summer, and while Kenmare shares the same destiny, we believe there is a less hectic pace around the town.
Kenmare offers a great selection of hotels and pubs, and as a result, it gets really lively during the peak season.
By the way, one of the best things to do in Kenmare is seal spotting, as you can join one of the Seafari Wildlife Cruises departing from the local marina.
If you're looking for a megalithic monument that is easy to visit, head out to Kenmare Stone Circle, situated only a short walk from the main street.
Sneem
Surrounded by mountains, the vibrant and colorful town of Sneem is a popular stop on the Ring of Kerry.
The small-town vibe, combined with an excellent location and a few good hotels, makes Sneem a great place to stay overnight.
The traditional Irish pubs get lively during the summer months and often provide live music and, not surprisingly, a good selection of refreshing beverages.
While there is not much to see and do in Sneem itself, the town is ideally located and makes a great base for exploring the Ring of Kerry.
Staigue Stone Fort
This ancient stone fort, entirely built without the use of mortar, was the first place of this kind we visited on the Ring of Kerry.
An especially narrow road will take you to a parking area, from which it's only a short walk to the fort's entrance.
The Staigue Stone Fort has a typical circular shape (30 meters in diameter), massive six meters high and three meters thick walls, and a strategic location.
The fort is situated in the hills above Kenmare Bay, and the views are pretty awesome.
Once again, not much is known about Staigue Stone Fort, but it seems it was used for the security of a wealthy landowner.
Even though the fort had houses and some additional structures, none of them have survived to the present.
Derrynane Bay
One of the most surprising things we learned about Derrynane Bay on our journey around the Iveragh Peninsula was that there is so much more about it than meets the eye.
It has a great sandy Blue Flag Beach, a fantastic nature trail, ancient Ogham Stone, and a well-preserved Derrynane House, where a local politician named Daniel O'Connell used to live during the 19th century.
The house is open to the public and offers a great insight into the life and work of this famous Irish public figure.
On top of that, you can walk to a nearby Abbey Island, at least when the sea is out.
The island is home to an ancient monastery and graveyard and offers fantastic views of the Derrynane Bay area.
Before the trip, we thought this would be a relatively quick stop, but in the end, we spent more time there than initially planned.
Waterville
This little village is known for its lovely beach, freshwater Lake Currane, golfing opportunities, and great accommodations.
And due to its excellent location, staying in Waterville is a great option for those who want to split their journey along the Ring into several days.
No wonder Waterville was one of Charlie Chaplin's favorite vacation destinations.
There are plenty of great accommodations in Waterville to choose from, and if you decide to stay here overnight, make sure to pay a visit to the beach during the sunset.
Watching the sun dip below the horizon after a tiring day on the road will definitely help you recharge your internal batteries.
And tasting seasonal specials with amazingly fresh seafood in one of the restaurants near the waterfront also sounds like a great idea.
Skellig Ring
In our opinion, places such as the Skellig Ring make the Ring of Kerry so special.
This is the Ring of Kerry at its finest, even though you could argue it's technically an extension, not the Ring itself. Anyway.
Jutting out into the rough waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the westernmost tip of the Iveragh Peninsula is an area just waiting to be explored.
Luckily, a short but dramatic scenic route that winds along the Skelligs coastline allows you to see this area in its full glory.
Skellig Ring is home to amazing places such as picturesque Ballinskelligs Beach, remote St. Finian's Bay, or the impressive Kerry Cliffs.
But most importantly, it's the place where you won't see tour buses as the roads in this area are simply too narrow for them.
Without any doubt, Skellig Ring is one of the best extensions of the Ring of Kerry, and it was one of the highlights of our road trip.
Portmagee
With its picturesque harbor, charming setting, a bridge to Valentia Island, and traditional colorful houses, Portmagee is one of the best stops on the Skellig Ring.
Even those travelers who don't want to take any side trips off the Ring of Kerry might eventually end up in this seaside village.
Portmagee is one of the best places to catch a boat tour to the Skellig Islands.
Due to its convenient location, Portmagee is a great departure point for the Skellig Michael tours.
The landing boat tours, known simply as Skellig Michael Landing Tours, are available between Portmagee and Skellig Michael only in the summer season.
Don't forget that this activity is weather dependent and might be canceled due to bad weather.
In case these tours are sold out, you can join a regular tour, usually named Skellig Michael Eco Tour, that cruises around both islands.
While you won't get a chance to step on the island during this trip, it's a great alternative for people traveling in the off-season or travelers with reduced mobility.
Skellig Michael
The Skellig Islands, consisting of Skellig Michael and Little Skellig, are among the most incredible places you can visit in Ireland.
The Skellig Michael is a World Heritage UNESCO site known for its rugged landscape and 6th-century monastic settlement.
It features steep stairs, epic views, a serene atmosphere, and typical beehive dwellings.
The Little Skellig is not accessible to the public and is home to one of the largest gannet colonies in Ireland.
This UNESCO site was used as a filming location for the Star Wars trilogy and became so popular that you need to book your landing boat trip well in advance.
As we mentioned a few times already, don't leave it for the last minute.
Valentia Island
Once you reach the small village of Portmagee, you will face a decision of whether to visit nearby Valentia Island or not.
If you have enough time, we suggest you should go for it.
Unlike places such as Aran Islands, Valentia is connected with the mainland by a road bridge. It means it's easily accessible by car, and the visit doesn't require extra planning.
Valentia Island is known for its stunning Geokaun Mountains and Fogher Cliffs, Bray Head, a lighthouse, tetrapod footprints, and telecommunications history.
Honestly, the story of the Transatlantic Cable, which shortened the amount of time needed for a message to travel between Europe and North America from two weeks to minutes, is simply mindblowing.
It's the surviving testimony of human ingenuity and perseverance that helped to shape the modern world as we know it today.
Despite its potential, Valentia Island remains still very quiet, and that's what we liked about it probably the most.
On the way out, catch a ferry from Knightstown to Reenard Point to save time and make your journey even more exciting.
Cahersiveen
The small seaside town of Cahersiveen is known as a gateway to the Skellig Ring and Valentia Island.
Similar to Kenmare, this is a great place to spend a night or two.
With a peaceful atmosphere, colorful houses, a few accommodations, and traditional pubs, Cahersiveen is a great option for most travelers.
The town also has a few interesting places worth visiting, such as the ruins of a monastery, the Old Barracks, the birthplace of Daniel O'Connell, and the St. Brendan the Navigator monument.
Outside the town can be found a few lovely beaches, a medieval castle ruin, and a couple of ring forts.
Cahergall and Leacanabuaile Stone Forts
Only a few kilometers north of Cahersiveen are sitting the stunning Cahergall and Leacanabuaile Stone Forts.
These forts are technically two different sites, but as they're basically next to each other, we listed them together.
Unfortunately, the history of these stone forts is not as clear as the well-documented history of places such as Blarney Castle or the Rock of Cashel.
It seems that the Cahergall Fort was home to an important person and his family, while Leacanabuaile was used as a farmstead.
However, these ring forts are arguably even more impressive than the Staigue Fort in the south, and Leacanabuaile even has remains of the original structures.
The parking area for both forts is less than four kilometers north of Cahersiveen, so this is a great detour from the main Ring.
Way of Kerry
While the majority of travelers prefer to explore the Ring of Kerry on a road trip, there is a fantastic alternative for all outdoor lovers.
It's called the Way of Kerry and will allow you to explore some of the finest landscaped of County Kerry in a completely different way.
This 200-kilometer long-distance trail loops around the Iveragh Peninsula and is renowned for one of the best hiking experiences in Ireland.
The main downside is that you will need a good fitness level and about nine days to complete this circular route.
However, the reward for testing your physical and mental endurance will be well worth the effort.
Entrance Fee
The Ring of Kerry is technically just a national road, and there is no fee to drive along it.
Even admission to Killarney National Park is free.
If you're coming from North America, where most national parks, such as Banff National Park or Yellowstone National Park, charge an entrance fee (require entrance pass, to be precise), this is a nice change.
However, some attractions do require a small admission fee, such as the stone forts located on private properties.
How Much Time Do I Need
The Ring of Kerry scenic driving tour covers 170 kilometers, and you can easily do the whole loop in one day.
1 Day
If your time is limited, a full day will allow you to see most of the Ring of Kerry's top attractions, though you will need to start super early and finish super late.
Honestly, this approach is mostly doable only in summer, when the days are the longest.
2 Days
However, we strongly recommend allowing yourself at least two full days for the Ring of Kerry.
This is one of Ireland's most beautiful regions, and two days will allow you to travel in a more relaxed manner.
Simply put, doing this scenic drive is not all about ticking attractions off the list and rushing through all the sites in a short amount of time.
3 Days
Three days would be optimal; however, we understand that the majority of international travelers don't have that much time for a single area.
The Ring of Kerry in three days will give you plenty of time to spend a day in the Killarney area, and then you will have one day for the Ring and another day for the Skellig Ring and Valentia Island.
4 to 7 Days
If you prefer slow travel, you can obviously stay even a full week here and still won't see everything. That's the beauty of the Ring of Kerry.
When to Go
The Ring of Kerry can be explored all year round. Thanks to long, sunny, and warm days, summer is often considered to be the best time to explore the Ring of Kerry.
Summer
Obviously, this season attracts many travelers, and some places might get crowded.
The hotels are full, and the prices for accommodation skyrocket.
The main advantage is the highest chance of great weather and ideal conditions for water sports.
However, with a little bit of planning and patience, we believe the summertime won't disappoint.
Spring and Autumn
A great alternative to the summer season is either spring or autumn, especially the months of May and September.
We arrived at the Iveragh Peninsula at the beginning of May and were surprised by how few tourists we met along the way.
After reading how busy the Ring gets, that was one of the best discoveries of our road trip adventure.
The main disadvantage was that the weather was still not warm enough for water activities.
Honestly, we didn't come to Ireland to find Tayrona National Park there, so that was not a big issue for us.
Winter
While you can visit the Ring of Kerry in winter, don't forget that the days are often wet and cold, and there is less daylight.
However, if you plan your itinerary right, you will get a chance to have many places along the way just for yourself.
Read this guide on the best time to visit Ireland to learn more about this topic.
What to Pack
The Ring of Kerry is incredibly popular and accessible. It might give you the impression that the weather here is less severe, but that's simply not true.
Regardless of the season you want to explore the Ring, make sure to have a good quality rain jacket with you. Or at least bring some basic rain poncho.
As you will drive a lot, proper footwear is another must-have item.
If you plan on doing some hikes, don't forget that you should also have another pair of hiking shoes just for this activity. Driving in muddy and wet shoes is not comfortable.
As the days on the Ring of Kerry are often long, make sure to bring plenty of water with you, together with your favorite water bottle, to stay hydrated.
In the summer, bring good sunscreen, insect repellent, and swimwear.
For more information, here's our Ireland packing list.
How to Get There
There are several ways to get to the Ring of Kerry.
Don't forget that you will also need to decide not only how to get there but also how to get around the Ring.
Car
In our opinion, the best way to explore the Ring of Kerry is by car. Furthermore, we believe it's the best way to get there.
Driving in Ireland is not as daunting as you might think, and renting a car in Ireland is very straightforward.
To make things easier, we set the town of Killarney as the reference point for this section's purposes.
Killarney is only 90 kilometers west of Cork, and the journey between these two towns takes about 90 minutes.
Limerick is about 110 kilometers northeast of Killarney, and you will need about 2 hours to get from one place to another.
Dublin and Dublin Airport are more than 300 kilometers east of Killarney, and the trip via M7 takes about 4 hours.
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Train
Unlike some more remote peninsulas, you can reach the Ring of Kerry by train, at least if you want to start at Killarney.
The train to Killarney runs from popular places such as Cork, Limerick, Dublin, or Galway, though you will most likely need to change train at some point.
Getting to Killarney by train might be a good option for those planning to rent a car or join an organized tour from there.
Bus
You can also get to Killarney by bus from Cork or Limerick and then catch a local bus that links the villages along the Ring (or rent a car there).
This option may be appealing to budget travelers, but we believe it's not very convenient.
While getting to Killarney is relatively easy when relying on public transport, the following journey will most likely require a change of mode of transport.
Here you will find more tips on how to get around Ireland.
Tour
One of the best ways to explore the Ring of Kerry without your own transport is with a guided tour.
There are tons of Ring of Kerry tours, starting from different towns and cities.
Here you can reserve a Ring of Kerry Guided Day Trip from Cork.
Alternatively, here you will find a Ring of Kerry Full-Day Tour from Killarney.
How to Get Around
In the previous section, we've basically answered the question of what we believe is the best way to get around the Ring of Kerry.
Car
If you have your own transport, then you're all set. Without any doubt, having your own car for the Ring of Kerry is a huge advantage.
For instance, the local bus only follows a pre-decided route here, and you will lose a big chunk of your freedom when relying on this mode of transport.
There are tons of amazing sights off the main road, and having a car gives you an opportunity to explore them all at your own pace.
It might sound like a cliche, but as far as we know, it's the best option for exploring the Ring of Kerry.
Tours
If you don't want to drive in Ireland, taking a guided tour is your next best bet.
In our opinion, this is the best approach if you want to do the Ring of Kerry without a car.
Public Transport
Obviously, you could also use a combination of public transport and taxis, but it won't be cheap as you would probably expect.
As we already hinted above, the Local Bus Link or the Bus Eireann service (Route 279A - Killarney - Killorglin - Caherciveen - Waterville) is not ideal, especially if you're short on time.
On Foot
Of course, if you're an avid hiker, you can consider exploring the Iveragh Peninsula on foot.
Bike
Cycling around the Ring of Kerry might seem like an exciting idea, but don't forget that the main national roads are quite busy.
Therefore, we would probably explore only the less-traveled places, such as the Skellig Ring or Valentia Island.
Where to Stay
Without any doubt, choosing a great accommodation is one of the main keys to the success of your Ring of Kerry trip.
The best selection and range of hotels is found in Killarney, but even the capacity in this relatively large town is not endless.
One of the best alternatives is the little town of Kenmare or the Killorglin area (some people will stay even at Tralee).
If time and your travel plans allow, we recommend staying directly in one of the tiny villages and towns along the Ring.
These settlements are not known for large hotels or resorts.
And lastly. If you're visiting the Ring of Kerry in the peak season, make sure to book early to avoid disappointment.
The Ring of Kerry is a top tourist destination beloved by locals and international travelers, and hotels fill up quickly.
So here are the best hotels on the Ring of Kerry.
Kenmare | Brook Lane Hotel - This boutique hotel offers excellent service, spacious rooms, a top location, and fantastic food. Great value for money.
Killarney | Dunloe Hotel and Gardens - If you're looking for luxury, then you should stay in Killarney. This 5-star hotel boasts modern rooms, a 25-meter swimming pool, a sauna, a great restaurant, an amazing location, and much more.
Waterville | Butler Arms Hotel - With lovely views of the Atlantic Ocean, spacious rooms, a seafood restaurant, free parking, and a Charlie Chaplin's connection, this mid-range hotel is one of the most popular on the Ring of Kerry.
Sneem | Parknasilla Resort and Spa - This resort hotel is set within a lush green parkland just outside the town of Snemm. It features modern rooms overlooking Kenmare Bay, a seafood restaurant, a gold course, a spa with a swimming pool, outdoor hot tubs, and free parking.
Cahersiveen | Sive Hostel - This budget accommodation offers basic rooms but affordable rooms, laundry facilities, free WiFi, and an excellent location.
Kells | Kells Bay House and Gardens - Set in a beautiful garden with subtropical plants, Kells Bay House has direct access to a Blue Flag beach, serves a full Irish breakfast in the morning, and has charming and quiet rooms.
Killorglin | Kingston's Townhouse - This family-run guesthouse features spacious rooms with modern decor, welcoming staff, a great location, and a typical Irish pub.
Staying Safe
In general, the Ring of Kerry is a safe place to visit, but you should still use your common sense while there.
When driving, you will most likely make many stops along the way.
While the parking areas often seem remote and safe, the general rule of thumb is never to leave your valuables in your car.
Also, most of the rural roads outside the Ring are very narrow, so drive carefully.
In case you want to go swimming when exploring the Ring of Kerry, it's better to visit one of the Blue Flag Beaches that are known for safety and great water quality.
The bathing season at Ireland's Blue Flag sites runs from June 1st to September 15th.
It is only awarded for one season at a time, so you need to check each year if nothing has changed from the previous season.
We already talked about it above, but we have to repeat ourselves. When hiking in the countryside, make sure to bring proper gear.
The weather is often more severe in the coastal areas and mountains than in some inland regions.
For more information on this topic, read our guide on staying safe in Ireland.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is the Ring of Kerry Worth Visiting?
The Ring of Kerry is one of the finest scenic drives in the world.
It's the epitome of an Ireland road trip, and even though it gets busy during the summer, it's definitely worth exploring.
It boasts some of the most beautiful coastlines in Ireland and is a perfect destination for people on the lookout for an unforgettable vacation experience.
However, we strongly suggest also leaving the Ring from time to time, discovering the local rural roads of the Iveragh Peninsula, and visiting some not-so-heavily visited attractions.
This brings us to another topic.
The only small pet peeve we have with the Ring of Kerry is that its popularity overshadows some of the lesser-known nearby peninsulas, namely, Mizen Head, Sheep's Head Peninsula, and Beara Peninsula.
We know. It's not its fault. We just want to say that there are many amazing places to see in Ireland worth checking out as well.
And as everyone talks about the Ring, these places often remain overlooked.
So, if you're looking for more inspiration or just don't know where to go next, check out our travel guides that will hopefully inspire you to visit these incredible but not-so-famous places as well.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
