If you’re planning to explore the West of Ireland, you’ve come to the right place. Having lived in Ireland for a while, we’ve traveled extensively across the island. One of our favorite destinations is the Ring of Kerry, which we’ve visited multiple times. In this blog post, we’ll highlight must-see attractions along the Ring of Kerry. For more insights on the West of Ireland, check out our related blog posts: “West Ireland Road Trip” and “4 Days in Dublin.”
The Ring of Kerry is one of Ireland’s most famous drives, spanning 179 km (111 miles) around the Iveragh Peninsula. This stunning route showcases breathtaking views of beaches, lakes, waterfalls, and cliffs.
While the drive takes about 3-4 hours without stops, we recommend setting aside a full day to explore and soak in all the sights. Most travelers prefer to drive the ring and stop at their leisure. However, if you prefer guided experiences, various bus tours are available. Check out our selection of tours below for options that suit your needs.
Discovering Ireland’s Ring of Kerry by Car
While we typically prefer organized tours, we’ve also explored the Ring of Kerry in a friend’s car. Given the remote areas along the route, we recommend using a GPS, which is standard in most rental cars. Alternatively, pre-loading directions into Google Maps is a smart choice for navigation. Now, let’s dive into the highlights of our Ring of Kerry tour!
Killarney
Like most visitors, we began our tour in Killarney. If you’re planning to spend several days in the West of Ireland, making Killarney your base is a smart choice. This charming town has preserved its traditional Irish character and offers plenty to see and do. Be sure to catch an Irish music session at pubs like O’Connor’s and Jarvey’s Rest.
During our time in Killarney, we explored the National Park, a vast expanse of forests, lakes, and diverse wildlife. We entered through the main gate and drove to Ross Castle, where the views of the castle and the surrounding lake were breathtaking. It was refreshing to stroll around and unwind after a long drive. We even spotted some adorable baby deer along the way!
Gap of Dunloe
The Gap of Dunloe is a must-see gem when touring the Ring of Kerry. This scenic mountain pass boasts breathtaking views and stunning landscapes. While many visitors enjoy hiking or biking through the gap, we opted to drive. Despite the narrow road, the journey was well worth it, as we were rewarded with beautiful vistas of mountain ranges, rivers, and lakes along the way.
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Rossbeigh Beach
Rossbeigh Beach, situated on the outskirts of the village of Glenbeigh and overlooking Dingle Bay, is a stunning destination. This Blue Flag beach is recognized for its conservation efforts to protect local flora and fauna. Additionally, Rossbeigh is one of the best spots in Ireland for water sports. We stopped here for lunch and relaxation, taking in the beautiful surroundings.
Ballycarbery Castle
Ballycarbery Castle, a 16th-century ruin adorned with ivy, is perched on a hill and offers a glimpse into Ireland’s rich history. Located on private land, the castle can only be admired from a car park about 100 meters away. Although it’s a quick stop, it’s definitely worth checking out for its impressive views and historical significance.
Portmagee
Portmagee is a charming village conveniently located near the main Ring Road, making it a popular stop for refreshments or an overnight stay. We stopped at the Fisherman Bar, where we enjoyed delicious fish and chips. Additionally, Portmagee serves as the gateway to the Skellig Islands, adding to its appeal as a must-visit location along the Ring of Kerry.
Skellig Islands
The Skellig Islands are located just off the coast of Portmagee. Although we didn’t have time to visit them this trip, we look forward to exploring them on our next journey to Kerry. Skellig Michael, one of the islands, is home to the remains of a 6th-century monastery and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This impressive archaeological site was also featured in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. As a protected area, visitor numbers are limited each day, so if you plan to go, be sure to sign up early to secure your spot.
Kerry Cliffs
What makes Ireland truly unique are its stunning natural landscapes and breathtaking views. The Kerry Cliffs are among the most impressive cliffs we’ve encountered in Ireland. Rising over 1,000 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, these spectacular cliffs were formed in a desert environment 400 million years ago. Their dramatic beauty offers an unforgettable experience for visitors along the Ring of Kerry.
Eightercua Stones
Eightercua Stone Row is a fascinating stone alignment dating back to around 1700 BC. Believed to be part of a Megalithic tomb, it is thought to have served as a ritual site. If you’re passionate about archaeology and ancient remains, you’ll enjoy exploring this intriguing location!
Castlecove Beach
Castlecove village is a charming rural destination that features a sandy beach, making it an ideal spot to take a break while driving the Ring of Kerry. It provides an opportunity to stretch your legs and admire the stunning turquoise waters. This family-friendly beach is perfect for swimming and offers a delightful respite during your journey.
Staigue Fort
Staigue Stone Fort, located near the small village of Sneem, is a remarkable 5th-century circular fort built using dry-stone techniques. Believed to have served as a stronghold for a local king, its construction is impressive: 27 meters in diameter, with walls reaching up to 5.5 meters in height and 4 meters in thickness. Staigue Fort is one of the finest examples of stone forts in Ireland and ranks among the top attractions along the Ring of Kerry.
The Black Valley
The Black Valley is notable for being the last place in Ireland connected to the national electric grid in 1976. This wild and uninhabited valley offers unspoiled vistas and excellent hiking opportunities. It’s another fantastic spot to immerse yourself in the beauty of Irish nature.
Torc Waterfall
Torc Mountain and its waterfall are easily recognizable landmarks within Killarney National Park. Accessible via a pleasant 5-minute walk through picturesque woodlands, the waterfall and its surrounding peaks are natural spectacles and among the most photographed scenes in the Killarney area. A visit to Torc is an experience you won’t want to miss.
Where to Stay in the Ring of Kerry
In Kerry, you’ll find a variety of accommodation options, ranging from charming guesthouses to luxurious hotels. There are also campsites and caravan parks equipped with essential facilities. As a top tourist destination, the Ring of Kerry can become quite busy during peak seasons, so it’s wise to book your accommodation well in advance. Below, we’ve compiled some of the best places to stay in the Ring of Kerry based on our own experiences and reviews.
Situated on Kells Bay, near Rossbeigh Beach, this delightful house is nestled within 40 acres of unique gardens featuring subtropical plants. Offering luxury suites, some with stunning seafront views, it stands out as one of the top places to stay in the area for both price and service.
Nestled in Killarney, the starting point of the Ring of Kerry journey, these lodges emphasize peace and relaxation. Conveniently located near the town, they provide a picturesque natural setting surrounded by mountains and lakes.
With exceptional reviews on Booking.com, this stylish guesthouse in Kenmare village is a standout choice. It offers spacious ensuite bedrooms and a delicious breakfast, making it a convenient option for travelers. Additionally, the guesthouse provides a secure and sheltered outhouse for accommodating both motorcycles and bicycles.
If you’re still looking for the perfect place to stay, feel free to use the user-friendly map of the Ring of Kerry below.
Time for Conclusions...
County Kerry is one of the wildest and most enchanting counties in Ireland, offering a blend of rich history and unspoiled nature amidst stunning landscapes. For the adventurous traveler, there’s no shortage of activities, including water sports, horse riding, hiking, and biking. It’s no wonder that the Ring of Kerry attracts countless visitors each year.
Whether you choose to drive around the ring in a single day or spread it over multiple days depends on your schedule and interests. Navigation is relatively straightforward, with plenty of road signs along the route. However, it’s wise to preload your directions into Google Maps, especially in remote areas with limited signal. And if you happen to get lost, just keep driving—it’s a ring road, after all!
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