The Ring of Kerry is one of the most famous touring routes in Ireland, with thousands of visitors each year. The entire 179km route draws a wobbly circle around the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry, in the southwest corner of Ireland, and it became a popular tourism route with locals as well as tourists when people realised just how many special places were contained along this relatively small part of Ireland. While the Wild Atlantic Way has been the most popular new driving route in recent years, for many, the Ring of Kerry still reigns supreme.
This short guide is Overland Ireland’s attempt to offer some guidance and recommendations to anyone considering a trip to the Ring of Kerry. If we do our job right, we will inform, inspire, and enthuse you — hopefully enough to convince you to add the Ring of Kerry to your next Ireland trip.
If you decide you’d like to explore Ireland with us, check out our diverse collection of small-group tours of Ireland and our more personalized private guided tours of Ireland.
What is the Ring of Kerry?
The name ‘Ring of Kerry’ refers to the ring road that follows the contours of County Kerry’s Iveragh Peninsula. Most of the route consists of the N70 as it navigates the stunning coastal areas. To complete the ring, however, the N70 feeds into the N71 and N72 on either side of Killarney.
The Ring of Kerry is more than just a driving route. It’s an iconic, historic region in Ireland’s lush green hills. The area also contains diverse wildlife, including sheep and an incredible range of bird species.
How Long is the Ring of Kerry?
This circular route is around 111 miles (179km) long. When driving without stopping, the Ring of Kerry takes three and a half hours to complete. But most tourists make multiple stops as it’s the only way to soak up the picturesque scenery and culture in Kerry’s villages and towns.
To experience all the Ring of Kerry highlights, take your time. Savour every moment of your journey around this wonderful peninsula. For example, our own Ireland to Island 7-day Tour dedicates an entire day to the Ring of Kerry.
Where Does the Ring of Kerry Start and Finish?
The Ring of Kerry has no official start or finish point, and there’s no right or wrong way to drive around it. Put simply, the journey starts once you arrive on the ring road.
Given its size, facilities, and attractions, Killarney is the typical starting point for many laps around the circuit. We also advise driving around the ring clockwise as you’ll be on the left-hand side of the road. This makes it easier to pull over and stop when you see a point of interest for a breathtaking vista.
It’s important to note that some roads become quite narrow, so always take care when rounding a bend. If you feel uncomfortable driving on Irish roads, our Ireland custom tours can take you everywhere you want to go in comfort!
The drive ends whenever you decide to leave the Iveragh Peninsula. Most tourists return to Killarney after their adventure for its lively atmosphere, pubs, and restaurants.
Why is the Ring of Kerry Famous?
The Ring of Kerry is Ireland’s most celebrated drive for a reason. The route is lined with scenic villages and towns to explore, and it passes through some of our country’s most spectacular scenery.
Visit Muckross House
This has to be one of your stops as you travel the Ring of Kerry! Muckross House is found within Killarney National Park, just on the Muckross Peninsula between Lough Leane and Muckross Lake. Designed by William Burn and built in 1843, this mansion was built in the Tudor style, giving it an even greater sense of historicity than if it had been made in its contemporary Victorian style.
The house boasts 65 rooms and has been a prominent estate in Ireland for well over a century — Queen Victoria even visited in 1861. If you love taking in the grandeur and decadence of an earlier time, then Muckross House has to feature on your big Ring of Kerry adventure.
Visit Derrynane House
Derrynane House is one of Ireland’s official national monuments. This is because it is the ancestral home of one of the county’s most important politicians: Daniel O’Connell. Often referred to as ‘The Liberator’, O’Connell mobilised the Catholic population of Ireland, securing Catholic emancipation (removing many of the restrictions imposed by the British).
Widely regarded as a national hero who stood up for the Irish people, O’Connell’s home is revered by the Irish diaspora around the world; this alone makes Derrynane House worth visiting. But the house itself is also a treasure trove of history, with beautiful architecture set against a canvas of lush green Irish countryside.
Visit the Skellig Islands
For Star Wars fans, the Skellig Islands will require very little introduction, as one of them was the set for Luke Skywalker’s hideaway in the most recent trilogy of films. The real location might not house Jedi or animals that produce blue milk, but it does offer a large population of roosting puffins instead of the fictional porgs. In fact, the puffin population at Skellig Michael was so large and active that the filmmakers needed to change them in post-production, using CGI to transform them into porgs.
There are two Skellig islands: Skellig Michael and Little Skellig. The former is the one that people can visit, grabbing a boat from Portmagee, but the rough seas and treacherous rocks mean that visitors are only permitted to visit between mid-May and the end of September. The island itself looks like a huge rocky boulder that reaches high above the surface of the ocean.
The geography of Skellig Michael alone makes it worth visiting, but there is also an ancient monastery from the 6th century and 618 stone steps made by the monks that start at the water and climb all the way up to the top of the island. Overland’s Ireland to Island Tour contains a visit to Skellig Michael — read a little about it if this sounds like your kind of trip.
Visit Moll’s Gap
Moll’s Gap is a particularly beautiful mountain pass on the road from Kenmare to Killarney. This is one of the most memorable spots along the Ring of Kerry because it offers incredible views of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountain range. Due to the rich supply of iron oxide, the rocks on Moll’s Gap are mostly stained green, giving the place its own unique look and feel. This may be just a small stop on the Ring of Kerry, but it always leaves a lasting impression.
Visit Torc Waterfall
For many, ourselves included, Torc Waterfall is the most beautiful waterfall in Ireland. This alone ought to cement its place on everyone’s Ring of Kerry bucket list. This stunning cascading waterfall is found in Killarney National Park, formed by the Owengarriff River. If you plan to spend any time in Killarney National Park, then Torc Waterfall is a must—just make sure to bring lots of film/memory cards so that you can take plenty of photographs.
The Best Ring of Kerry Towns and Villages
There are plenty of warm and welcoming villages and towns along the Ring of Kerry. Killarney is the largest and most well-equipped for tourists, making it an ideal place to start and finish a journey on the longer side. But some of the other gems along the Ring of Kerry include:
- Beaufort
- Caherdaniel
- Cahersiveen
- Glenbeigh
- Kenmare
- Killorglin
- Portmagee
- Sneem
- Waterville
The Ring of Kerry is one of Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions, so you’ll find everything you need on the road.
Honourable Mention: Valentia Island
While technically not on the official Ring of Kerry route, many people consider Valentia Island to be an honourable member of the club. This island is beside the Iveragh Peninsula, just off the Ring of Kerry route, and it is accessible via the Maurice O’Neill Memorial Bridge and by ferry. Valentia is the perfect off-the-beaten-path location, offering up all the idyllic Irish island vibes you could want.
Despite the relaxed atmosphere, there is plenty to see and do to make your visit worthwhile. Make sure to check out the staggeringly diverse garden at Glanleam House (an estate dating back to the 1770s), Geokaun Mountain, and the Fogher Cliffs.
You Can Also Walk the Kerry Way Instead
If hiking and trekking are more your style, you might like to consider the Kerry Way instead of the Ring of Kerry. This is the walking route counterpart to the Ring of Kerry, and it runs more or less in the same lines as the driving route, stopping by most of the same points of interest along the way. The Kerry Way is 214 kilometres (133 miles) of idyllic Irish walking paths, with pubs, cafes, and restaurants scattered along the way to help you refresh and refuel.
The walking trail was conceived of and built in 1989, and it has been exceptionally popular in the 30+ years since. If you’re planning to tackle this trek, read our Ultimate Guide to Walking the Kerry Way ahead of your journey.
Book Your Small-Group Tour of Ireland with Overland!
That’s your lot! We hope you’re suitably convinced that the Ring of Kerry is an absolute must-see. We also hope you’ve already added it to your Ireland bucket list. Why not browse our range of small-group Ireland tours and start planning your experience in the Emerald Isle?
If you have any questions about the tours mentioned in this travel guide, please feel free to contact us. What are you waiting for? Your next Irish adventure could be just a few clicks away!
