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Ireland’s most famous scenic drive is undoubtedly the Ring of Kerry. Those who set off on the narrow, winding road for 125 miles are rewarded with stunning cliff views, secret beach coves, and ancient stone structures. The Ring encircles the entire southern half of County Kerry, connecting Killarney to Portmagee.
Killarney represents the start of this scenic loop, with many of its highlights right near town: Muckross House & Abbey, Ross Castle, Killarney National Park, and Torc Waterfall. From there, the road twists and turns, passing by quaint towns, Celtic stone circles, and stunning beaches. The uncontested highlight are the Kerry Cliffs near Portmagee. Walk along the top of these soaring cliff faces, standing tall against the onslaught of harsh ocean waves, and catch a glimpse of two prominent islands in the distance: the Skelligs. Complete the loop to return towards Killarney and explore the single-lane, blind-turn paths of the Gap of Dunloe.
The Ring of Kerry is located in southwest Ireland and follows a scenic loop around the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry. Most visitors begin this 122-mile (196-kilometer) drive in Killarney, the region’s largest town and gateway to many of the route’s most popular attractions.
Rental cars are available throughout Ireland, including at major airports and in Killarney itself. Having a car is the best way to explore the Ring of Kerry and its many side trips. Travel times vary depending on which airport you fly into, with Dublin, Cork, Shannon, and Kerry Airport all serving as convenient gateways to the region.
DUBLIN Airport
Ireland’s largest airport is approximately 200 miles (320 kilometers) from Killarney. The drive typically takes four to five hours.
SHANNON Airport
Located near Limerick, Shannon Airport is approximately 80 miles (130 kilometers) from Killarney and about a two-hour drive away.
CORK Airport
For many visitors, Cork Airport offers the best balance of flight options and driving time. Killarney is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours away by car.
KERRY Airport
The closest airport to Killarney, Kerry Airport is only 20 to 40 minutes away by car. Flight options are more limited than at Ireland’s larger airports.
Most visitors start and end their journey in Killarney. The town is connected to the rest of Ireland by several major roads, including the N22 from Cork and Dublin. Roads along the Ring of Kerry can be narrow in places, particularly on side roads and scenic detours, so allow extra time and drive carefully.
Rental cars are available in Killarney, including near the railway and bus stations.
Killarney is easily reached by both train and bus from elsewhere in Ireland. Travelers arriving without a vehicle can pick up a rental car in town before beginning the Ring of Kerry. During the busiest summer months, it’s a good idea to arrange your transport and rental car in advance.
Many scenic viewpoints, villages, and historic sites along the Ring of Kerry are free to visit. Some attractions – including Ross Castle, Muckross House, Derrynane House, Kells Bay House and Gardens, and the Kerry Cliffs – may charge admission.
Hours and fees can change by season, so check with each attraction before you go. If you’re hoping to take a boat tour to Skellig Michael, plan ahead. These tours require separate reservations and often sell out well in advance, especially during busier travel seasons.
Killarney
The most popular base for exploring the Ring of Kerry, Killarney offers the region’s largest selection of accommodations, restaurants, and visitor services. Its central location also makes it convenient for exploring both the Ring of Kerry and nearby Killarney National Park.
Kenmare
Located on the southern side of the route, Kenmare combines a walkable town center with a good selection of accommodations, restaurants, and shops. It’s a convenient base for exploring the southern half of the Ring of Kerry.
Waterville
This seaside village offers a quieter pace and easy access to beaches, coastal scenery, and several Ring of Kerry attractions. Staying here can help break up the drive and provide more time to explore the western side of the peninsula.
Portmagee and Valentia Island
For travelers interested in Skellig Michael, Valentia Island, or Bray Head, staying near Portmagee can be a convenient option. Accommodation ranges from guesthouses and B&Bs to cottages and small hotels, with easy access to some of the area’s most distinctive attractions.
Campgrounds
Campgrounds can be found throughout the Ring of Kerry and accommodate tents, caravans, and motorhomes. Popular camping areas are located near Killarney, Valentia Island, and several coastal communities, offering convenient access to beaches, walking trails, and scenic viewpoints.
The best times to visit the Ring of Kerry are late spring (April to June) and early fall (September). During these months, temperatures are generally mild, daylight hours are long, and visitor numbers are often lower than during the peak summer season. As with much of Ireland, rain is possible at any time of year, so it’s a good idea to carry a rain jacket or umbrella.
Some attractions, including Ross Castle and Derrynane House, have seasonal opening hours and are typically open from spring through fall. Outdoor attractions such as stone forts, viewpoints, beaches, and coastal scenery can be enjoyed year-round.
Summer offers the warmest temperatures and longest days, but roads and popular attractions can be busier. If possible, consider traveling midweek, particularly during peak season,
Built in the 15th century for the O’Donoghue Ross clan, Ross Castle stands on the shores of Lough Leane in Killarney National Park. Visitors can tour the castle on a guided tour (admission fees apply), explore the surrounding grounds, or follow the nearby Governor’s Rock Loop for views of the lake and castle. Covering more than 26,000 acres, Killarney National Park is Ireland’s first national park and home to some of the oldest yew trees in Europe. Keep an eye out for one of the park’s most famous residents – the red deer, the only native herd remaining in Ireland.
Surrounded by woodland in Killarney National Park, Torc Waterfall cascades down a rocky hillside in a series of tumbling falls. It’s one of the park’s most popular stops and is especially impressive after rainfall, when the water is at its most powerful.
Just a short distance apart, Muckross Abbey and Muckross House tell two very different stories from Ireland’s past. The abbey’s ruins date back to the 15th century, while the Victorian mansion later welcomed Queen Victoria during her visit to Ireland in 1861. Admission fees apply for Muckross House, but it’s free to wander the gardens.
Carved by glaciers during the last Ice Age, the Gap of Dunloe is one of the Ring of Kerry’s most spectacular landscapes. With stunning views of mountain ranges including the MacGillycuddy Reeks and Purple Mountain Group, pristine lakes, and several popular walking trails, this scenic valley is a popular side trip.
Connected to the mainland near Portmagee, Valentia Island is known for its dramatic coastal scenery, fascinating geology, and rich history. Highlights include the famous Tetrapod Footprints, among the oldest known footprints in the world, as well as scenic viewpoints, coastal walks, and a historic lighthouse. Valentia Island could easily fill a day of exploring on its own.
Rising over 1,000 feet above the sea, the Kerry Cliffs offer some of the most dramatic coastal views on the Ring of Kerry. From the cliffs, you can see the jagged outline of the famous Skellig Michael. The walk to the viewpoint also passes Beehive Huts where monks once lived centuries ago. Kerry Cliffs is located on private property, and parking fees apply.
Dating back to the Bronze Age, the Kenmare Stone Circle has stood just outside the center of Kenmare for thousands of years. Once a place of rituals and burials, it remains one of the area’s most intriguing ancient sites. It’s believed if you wish upon one of these stones, you’ll have good fortune. All visitors must pay a small admission fee.
Built around 400 AD, Staigue Stone Fort is one of Ireland’s largest surviving stone forts. Its massive stone walls rise nearly 18 feet high, with narrow stairways and small chambers built directly into the structure. It remains a remarkable example of ancient stone craftsmanship, built entirely without cement or mortar.
Located near Caherdaniel, Derrynane House was once home to Daniel “The Liberator” O’Connell, one of Ireland’s most influential political figures. Today it’s a protected monument, and visitors can explore his ancestral home and surrounding parklands. The house is open from from mid-March to early November, and a small admission fee is required to enter the building.
Dating back to the 16th century, Ballycarbery Castle has a long history and remains one of the most striking ruins on the Ring of Kerry. Its ivy-covered walls and coastal setting make it a popular stop for photos.
Located right on the beach and just a short walk apart, Ballinskelligs Abbey and Castle offer a glimpse into the area’s past. Augustinian monks lived at the abbey for centuries, while a powerful clan later built the nearby castle, which also served as a toll station for boats entering the bay.
Thanks to its unique tropical microclimate, Kells Bay House and Gardens is the perfect spot for both sunbathers and subtropical plants. The Victorian-style country estate sits in a sheltered bay that has attracted fishermen, gardeners, and visitors for generations. An entrance fee is required to explore the house and gardens.
Choose from numerous walking trails throughout this 26,000-acre national park. Two of the most popular lead to Torc Waterfall and Old Weir Bridge, a 16th-century stone bridge and one of the oldest structures still standing in Killarney. Along the way, you’ll pass through peaceful woodland and some of the park’s most beautiful scenery.
Discover numerous trails throughout the Gap of Dunloe, one of Ireland’s most spectacular landscapes. The most popular route is a 7-mile hike through the mountain pass between the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and Purple Mountain. Other options include Strickeen Mountain and routes through the remote Black Valley.
Walk a steep quarter-mile path to tracks left by creatures nearly 385 million years ago. Among the oldest known footprints in the world, they offer a glimpse into life long before the dinosaurs.
Hike past purple cliffs, caves, sea stacks, and a Napoleonic Signal Tower dating to 1804. Along the easy 3.5-mile hike, enjoy sweeping coastal views from one of the area’s most scenic routes.
Follow this two-mile loop near Ross Castle through woodland and around Ross Island, with views of the castle and Lough Leane. The trail also passes the remains of old copper mines, where the valuable metal was extracted for thousands of years.
We could drive the Ring of Kerry in about a day, but it will be a long day without the leisurely detours that make the loop magnificent. Adding a second day, ideally with an overnight near Portmagee, gives you time to visit the ancient forts, crumbling castles, Celtic stone circles, and stunning beaches along the loop. Don’t miss the Kerry Cliffs, the highlight of the drive, and try to leave plenty of extra time for a slow drive through the Gap of Dunloe as well. Be sure to check the hours for Muckross House and Abbey beforehand.
A full day on the Ring of Kerry is enough time to experience many of the route’s most memorable sights and attractions. Depending on how long you spend at each stop, you can visit places such as Ross Castle, Muckross Abbey, Muckross House, Torc Waterfall, Ladies View, Kenmare Stone Circle, Staigue Stone Fort, Ballinskelligs Abbey and Beach, the Kerry Cliffs, and Ballycarbery Castle.
You’ll want to allow time to explore one or two towns along the route, such as Kenmare, Sneem, Waterville, or Portmagee. Along the way, you’ll also find countless viewpoints, beaches, and scenic pullouts that are worth a few extra minutes of your time.
With two days, you’ll have more time to explore beyond the major highlights and enjoy a more relaxed pace around the Ring of Kerry.
Consider spending your second day exploring Valentia Island, where you can visit the famous Tetrapod Footprints, explore the island’s historic lighthouse, and follow the hiking trail along the coast. Many visitors find there’s enough to see and do on Valentia Island to fill an entire day.
If you have extra time, other worthwhile options include a short hike in Killarney National Park, exploring the ancient Cahergal and Leacanabuaile Stone Forts, visiting Kells Bay House and Gardens, driving through the scenic Gap of Dunloe, and stopping at Auger Lake for its beautiful mountain views.
Umbrella: The weather in Ireland is mild, changeable and influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. It rarely experiences extreme heat or extreme cold, but rain falls year-round and mist and light showers are common. An umbrella and rain jacket are great to have on hand.
Footwear: Comfortable shoes are best for both driving and walking. Town sidewalks are paved, but grassy paths and dirt trails are common in fields or around castles. A good pair of trail runners or lightweight hiking boots are an excellent choice for most activities.
Snacks and Water: There are plenty of places to stop for a quick meal or drink, but it’s a good idea to have light snacks or water in the car just in case.
Portable Phone Charger and Cable: If you’re taking pictures with your phone, running out of batteries may result in missed opportunities. A DC car charger is best, so that you can charge your phone while driving.
Binoculars: For closer views of birds, or historic sites like Skellig Michael that are off in the distance.
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