Ring of Kerry

Ring of Kerry, Ireland - Complete Travel Guide

The Ring of Kerry is Ireland's most famous scenic driving route, a 179-kilometer circular path that winds through County Kerry in southwestern Ireland. This spectacular journey takes travelers through some of Ireland's most impressive landscapes, including rugged coastlines, pristine lakes, ancient stone forts, charming villages, and the majestic MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountain range. The route traditionally starts and ends in Killarney, passing through picturesque towns like Kenmare, Sneem, Waterville, and Cahersiveen. What makes the Ring of Kerry truly special is its incredible diversity of scenery packed into a relatively compact area. Visitors can experience dramatic Atlantic Ocean views, explore Killarney National Park with its famous lakes and waterfalls, visit ancient archaeological sites like Staigue Stone Fort, and immerse themselves in authentic Irish culture in traditional pubs and villages. The route offers plenty of options, from outdoor enthusiasts seeking hiking and cycling adventures to those preferring leisurely drives with frequent stops for photography and exploration.

Top Ring of Kerry

Ring of Kerry Scenic Drive

Complete the iconic 179-kilometer circular route that showcases Ireland's most impressive landscapes. The drive takes you through charming villages, along dramatic coastlines, past pristine lakes, and through rolling green hills dotted with sheep. Plan for a full day to properly enjoy the numerous viewpoints, photo stops, and attractions along the way.

Booking Tip: Most visitors drive independently (€30-50 daily car rental), but guided bus tours are available from €25-45 per person. Start early (8-9 AM) to avoid crowds and tour buses. Drive clockwise from Killarney for the best traffic flow and scenic views.

Killarney National Park Exploration

Discover Ireland's first national park, home to the famous Lakes of Killarney, Torc Waterfall, and Muckross House. The park offers excellent hiking trails, traditional jaunting car rides, and boat trips on the lakes. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot red deer, and the park features some of Ireland's last remaining ancient oak woodlands.

Booking Tip: Park entry is free, but guided tours cost €15-25. Jaunting car rides are €20-40 per person for 30 minutes. Book boat trips (€12-15) at Ross Castle. Visit Muckross House (€9 adults) early morning or late afternoon for smaller crowds.

Skellig Michael Island Trip

Take a boat trip to this UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its 6th-century monastic settlement and as a filming location for Star Wars. The dramatic pyramid-shaped island rises 218 meters from the Atlantic Ocean and requires climbing 618 stone steps to reach the ancient beehive huts. Weather-dependent trips offer incredible wildlife viewing including puffins and gannets.

Booking Tip: Boats run May-October only, costing €55-75 per person from Portmagee. Book weeks in advance as only 180 visitors allowed daily. Trips are weather-dependent, so have flexible dates. Wear sturdy shoes and bring waterproof clothing.

Gap of Dunloe Adventure

Experience this spectacular mountain pass through traditional jaunting car rides, hiking, or cycling. The narrow gap between MacGillycuddy's Reeks and Purple Mountain features five pristine lakes, ancient bridges, and dramatic rock formations. The journey can be combined with a boat trip through the Lakes of Killarney for a full-day adventure.

Booking Tip: Jaunting car rides cost €40-60 per person one-way. Combined car and boat tours are €25-35. For hiking, allow 3-4 hours one-way. Book morning slots for better weather and lighting. Private cars are not permitted through the gap.

Traditional Irish Cultural Experiences

spend time in authentic Irish culture through traditional music sessions in local pubs, Irish language workshops, and storytelling evenings. Visit working farms to learn about traditional Irish life, try your hand at Irish dancing, or participate in whiskey and beer tastings featuring local distilleries and breweries.

Booking Tip: Pub sessions are often free but tip musicians €5-10. Cultural workshops cost €20-40 per person. Whiskey tastings range from €15-30. Check with local tourism offices for real feels and avoid overly commercialized options.

Getting There

The Ring of Kerry is most easily accessed through Killarney, which serves as the traditional starting point. Cork Airport is the nearest major airport (90 minutes drive), while Dublin Airport is 4.5 hours away by car. Kerry Airport in Farranfore is closer but has limited international flights. Train services run from Dublin to Killarney (4 hours, €25-45), and Bus Éireann operates regular services from major Irish cities. Many visitors rent cars in Dublin, Cork, or Killarney, as having your own vehicle provides the most flexibility for exploring the route at your own pace.

Getting Around

A car is essential for properly exploring the Ring of Kerry, offering the freedom to stop at viewpoints and explore side roads. Car rentals are available in Killarney from €30-50 per day, and the route is well-signposted. Alternatively, organized bus tours operate daily from Killarney (€25-45 per person) but limit your flexibility and time at each stop. Cycling the Ring of Kerry is popular among adventure travelers, though it requires good fitness levels and weather awareness. Local buses connect major towns but are infrequent and impractical for sightseeing. Many accommodations offer bicycle rentals for shorter excursions.

Where to Stay

Killarney Town Center

Kenmare

Sneem

Waterville

Cahersiveen

Dingle Peninsula

Food & Dining

The Ring of Kerry offers excellent dining opportunities showcasing fresh local ingredients, particularly seafood from the Atlantic and lamb from local farms. Killarney has the widest variety of restaurants, from traditional Irish pubs serving hearty stews and fresh fish to upscale establishments offering modern Irish cuisine. Kenmare is renowned for its gourmet dining scene, while smaller villages like Sneem and Waterville offer charming local pubs with authentic atmosphere and traditional dishes. Don't miss trying Kerry lamb, fresh oysters, black pudding, and locally caught salmon. Many restaurants source ingredients locally, and vegetarian options have improved significantly in recent years.

When to Visit

The best time to visit the Ring of Kerry is from May to September when weather is mildest and all attractions are open. July and August offer the warmest temperatures and longest daylight hours but also the largest crowds and highest prices. May, June, and September provide an excellent balance of good weather and fewer tourists. Winter visits (November-March) can be rewarding for dramatic storm-watching and cozy pub experiences, but many attractions have reduced hours and weather can be unpredictable. Spring (April-May) offers beautiful wildflowers and baby farm animals, while autumn (September-October) provides impressive colors and crisp, clear days.

Insider Tips

Drive the Ring of Kerry clockwise to follow the designated traffic flow and get the best coastal views from the right side of the road

Book accommodations well in advance for summer visits, as the area has limited lodging options and fills up quickly during peak season

Pack layers and waterproof clothing regardless of season, as Irish weather can change rapidly and coastal areas are often windy and cool