The Ring of Kerry isn’t simply considered one of Eire’s most scenic drives – it’s a full-on temper. It’s winding coastal roads, historical ruins hidden within the mist, sheep with no regard for site visitors guidelines, and infinite landscapes that demand you pull over only for a fast picture each 5 minutes.
Looping across the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry, this 179-kilometre circuit is full of pure drama and charming cities.
However don’t be fooled by its recognition – when you do it proper, there’s nonetheless area to search out your personal quiet second, a hidden cove or a rustic pub the place the Guinness comes with a aspect of conventional fiddle music and a neighborhood story or two.
You’ll be able to technically drive the entire thing in a day – however you actually shouldn’t. It is a highway journey meant to be savoured.
Route Overview
Killarney → Killorglin → Glenbeigh (optionally available) → Cahersiveen → Portmagee → Valentia Island (optionally available) → Waterville → Sneem → Kenmare
Superb journey size: 2–4 days
Finest time to go: Could to October – shoulder seasons are quieter, with wildflowers in spring and golden gentle in autumn.
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Begin: Killarney – lakes, castles & laid-back vibes
Begin in Killarney, the type of city that balances postcard-perfect magnificence with a pleasant, no-fuss attraction.
It’s typically busy – because of its location on the gateway to the Ring – however nonetheless manages to really feel welcoming somewhat than touristy.
Spend a bit of time in Killarney Nationwide Park, the place you’ll discover Muckross Home, Torc Waterfall, and the photogenic ruins of Muckross Abbey.
The Hole of Dunloe, simply west of city, is a slim mountain go that’s greatest explored on foot, bike, or by horse and entice – the 1-hour jaunting automobile horse and carriage tour is a basic approach to soak up the surroundings and lean into the old-school attraction.
Eat: Head to Quinlan’s for recent fish or Murphy Brownes for a relaxed native vibe. And positively seize an ice cream from Murphy’s – sea salt is the cult favorite.
Cease 1: Killorglin – fast cease with a wild aspect
A brief drive west brings you to Killorglin, a small city perched on the River Laune.
It’s most well-known for Puck Honest, Eire’s oldest pageant the place a goat is topped king – sure, actually.
In the event you occur to be there in August, it’s a raucous mixture of music, markets and late-night classes.
Exterior of pageant season, it’s a peaceable cease. Seize a espresso, stretch your legs by the river, and head on – the great things’s simply getting began.
Elective Detour: Glenbeigh & Rossbeigh Strand
Earlier than you hit Cahersiveen, you possibly can veer barely off the primary loop to Glenbeigh and Rossbeigh Strand – a protracted, windswept seaside with views throughout Dingle Bay.
It’s a well-liked spot for walkers and wild swimmers, and on a very good day, the sunshine right here is extraordinary. Even on a gray one, it’s nonetheless acquired that windswept Atlantic power.
Glenbeigh itself is tiny however value a cease for lunch or a fast drink – there’s often a fireplace going someplace.
Cease 2: Cahersiveen – castles, ring forts & hidden historical past
Subsequent up is Cahersiveen, a city with severe historic weight and fewer crowds than it deserves.
Begin with the spectacular Cahergall Stone Fort and Leacanabuaile, two historical ring forts perched above the city that really feel lifted from a fantasy novel.
Within the city itself, the Previous Barracks Heritage Centre offers you a stable overview of native historical past.
That features its hyperlinks to nationalist chief Daniel O’Connell – whose delivery home is a couple of minutes away at Derrynane, and likewise well worth the detour when you’re looping in the direction of Sneem later.
Eat: Attempt QC’s Seafood Bar – identified for regionally sourced fish and a laid-back vibe.
Keep: For a novel and highly-rated expertise, you may take pleasure in South Kerry Glamping. It provides cozy glamping pods with mountain views, non-public loos, and kitchenettes, all set in a tranquil backyard setting.
Cease 3: Portmagee & Valentia Island – Atlantic drama & quiet detours
Simply past Cahersiveen is Portmagee, a postcard-pretty fishing village and jumping-off level for boat journeys to Skellig Michael. The dramatic monastic island made much more well-known by its look in Star Wars.
If climate permits and also you’ve acquired the time (and a powerful abdomen for sea crossings), the journey is unforgettable.
Monks constructed a monastery right here within the sixth century on a rock in the midst of the Atlantic – it’s wild, distant and utterly charming.
Even when you skip the Skelligs, it’s value crossing the bridge to Valentia Island.
Go to the Slate Quarry, the lighthouse at Valentia Island Mild, or take within the view from Geokaun Mountain.
The island has a slower tempo and a uncooked, coastal magnificence that’s quietly addictive.
Cease 4: Waterville – seaside calm with movie star roots
Following the shoreline south brings you to Waterville, a small however storied seaside city.
Charlie Chaplin holidayed right here repeatedly, and there’s a statue in his honour on the waterfront promenade.
The city has a low-key attraction; a very good place to exhale a bit, stroll alongside the seaside, and possibly play a spherical of golf if that’s your factor.
There’s additionally glorious mountaineering close by at Derrynane Nationwide Historic Park, particularly the Derrynane Mass Path. It’s a quiet forest path with views over hidden coves and seashores.
Keep: Waterville makes an important in a single day cease – sufficient occurring to maintain you fed and watered, however nonetheless looks like a correct escape.
For an opulent and tranquil keep, take into account Seaclusion Luxurious Visitor Lodging, an excellent retreat after a day of exploration.
Cease 5: Sneem – vibrant, quirky & filled with character
Subsequent is Sneem, a kind of villages that one way or the other feels each picture-perfect and utterly lived in.
With its vibrant homes, two small squares (East and West), and riverside setting, it’s straightforward to see why it’s such a favorite.
Pop into the native outlets, seize a chew at D O’Shea’s or The Blue Bull, and when you’ve acquired time, stroll all the way down to the harbour or discover the Kerry Geopark trails close by.
It is a excellent spot to satisfy locals – pleasant, humorous and at all times prepared with a narrative.
Closing cease: Kenmare – the elegant end
Finish your journey in Kenmare, a small city with a barely extra polished really feel – artisan outlets, nice eating places and a few beautiful boutique stays.
It’s nestled between the Ring of Kerry and the Ring of Beara, and has lengthy been a favorite with these within the know.
Take a stroll down Henry Road, pop into one of many artwork galleries, or guide dinner at Packie’s or Mulcahy’s – each glorious.
The city’s additionally a hub for exploring Killarney Nationwide Park from the south aspect when you’re looping again to the place you began.
Keep: Gortamullen Home, Kenmare is a handy location with a brief stroll from the city centre.
Necessities
What to pack: Rain jacket, strolling boots, binoculars, snacks, and a flask of one thing heat.
Driving tip: Drive clockwise to keep away from getting caught behind tour buses that go the other approach – however go early within the day both approach to beat the push.
Closing Ideas
The Ring of Kerry isn’t a guidelines highway journey – it’s a journey constructed on temper, climate, and spontaneity.
It’s the type of place the place you cease for sheep on the highway, pull over for views that weren’t on the itinerary, and linger longer than deliberate in a pub as a result of the music’s simply too good.
Sure, it’s well-trodden – however with a little bit of flexibility and a slower tempo, it nonetheless feels wild and splendidly private.
One of the best recommendation? Don’t rush. Convey waterproofs, correct strolling sneakers, and an open thoughts. The highway will care for the remainder.
