In a country made for big road trips, Ireland’s Ring of Kerry manages to stand out as one of the most scenic drives. Across the countryside, along the sea, and through valleys and national parks, the unit offers a glimpse into what makes the Southwest, and County Kerry in particular, such a popular Irish destination.
If you were to drive the Ring of Kerry without stopping, the 111-mile (179-kilometer) loop around the Iveragh Peninsula would take approximately 3.5 hours to complete. However, planning the best stops along the route is one of the reasons to hit the road and take the scenic drive in the first place.
A road trip around the Ring of Kerry is best spread over more than a day to establish a more leisurely pace, however a road bus tour with a set itinerary is possible. Either way, the most popular place to start is in Killarney. If you are cruising, plan your route to drive counterclockwise around the Ring of Kerry to avoid traffic with buses going in the other direction.
Killarney National Park
You don’t have to travel far from the city of Killarney before making your first stop in the national park just outside the city. Pass through rolling green fields and take a short walk without losing sight of the deer. If time is short, drive straight to Ross Castle, one of Ireland’s finest castles. The perfect setting on the Lough Leane waterfront is a great place for a picnic, yet the most beautiful structure in the park is not a castle but a Victorian Tudor mansion. The majestic Muckross House was built in the mid 1800s and was eventually owned by Arthur Guinness. Today it is open for public visits and has a cafeteria for noon breaks.
Torc Waterfall
The first taste of Kerry’s natural beauty can be found just a few miles from Killarney at Torc Waterfall. The waterfall is a five minute walk up the road at the base of Torc Mountain. While it may not be the largest waterfall in the world, the lush green landscape makes it feel straight out of a fairy tale.
Ladies view
On a clear day, it’s easy to see why Ladies View is one of the most visited spots along the Ring of Kerry. The scenic lookout about 12 miles from Killarney overlooks the fields and mountains of the national park. The lookout takes its name from a historic visit by Queen Victoria in 1861 because it was there that her bridesmaids stopped to admire the beautiful views that the county is famous for.
Brecha de Dunloe
The road narrows to pass through the mountains on the way to Killorglin, but the decrease in traffic is probably caused by the impressive scenery. (Although horse-drawn jaunting wagons tend to slow down as well.) Take a break and walk alongside the crystal lakes or just stop at the marked areas to enjoy the lush greenery.
Glenbeigh
The town of Glenbeigh is sometimes referred to as the “jewel of the Ring of Kerry,” but its name actually means “valley of birches” in Irish. Surrounded by beautiful natural surroundings, Glenbeigh falls between the Caragh and Behy rivers. Nearby Carragh Loch is stocked with local fish and is a favorite stop for anglers. For ocean lovers, Rossbeigh Strand is a blue flag beach with 4 miles of golden sand. It makes the town a popular destination for outdoor sports enthusiasts, but it’s also a great place to stretch your legs during a short break from a road trip.
Cahersiveen
The town of Cahersiveen can also be spelled Caherciveen and Caherciveen, but however you type it, a Ring of Kerry is worth stopping by for the simple fact that tourism to one of Ireland’s most popular destinations hasn’t touched it. The old market overlooks the port of Valentia and is close to the ruins of Ballycarbery castle. The ancient stone fortress was once one of the most impressive castles on the peninsula and remains imposing despite its ruined state.
Cahergal’s Ring Fort
County Kerry is famous for its natural beauty, but the trip around the Iveragh Peninsula also has plenty of opportunities to soak up a bit of history. One of the oldest sites along the way is the Cahergal Ring Fort. The Irish stone fort near Ballycarbery Castle dates from around 600 AD. The fortified farmhouse has been well restored and is an excellent example of an early cashel. Climb to the top of the wall to enjoy views of the countryside that stretches out to the sea.
Portmagee
The charming town of Portmagee attracts Ring of Kerry drivers with its traditional flair and hearty pub lunches. The village is sometimes referred to as “the ferry” because it is the starting point for travelers heading to the Skellig Islands. It is also where the Maurice O’Neill Memorial Bridge connects the island of Valentia to the mainland.
The skelligs
While a trip to the Skellig Islands would require a boat ride (and thus a significant off-road detour), the rocky islands are clearly visible along part of the Ring of Kerry route. Skellig Micheal, sometimes referred to as Great Skellig, was once appreciated for its remoteness and became the impressive yet austere setting of a monastery. The religious retreat was built there in the 6th century and was in use for about 600 years. The fascinating rugged outcrop is one of Ireland’s finest islands, so plan to stop in Portmagee for a boat ride if you want to get a closer look.
Moll gap
One of the prettiest passes on the Ring of Kerry drive can be found between Kenmare and Killarney. The winding road offers a panoramic view of mountains dotted with red sandstone rocks. The viewpoint takes its name from a woman who established an unlicensed pub in the area when the N71 road was first built. While the illegal pub is no more, the gap is a good place for scones and tea before continuing.
