Ring of Kerry Drive and Killarney National Park in 2 Days

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Discover Ireland’s famous Ring of Kerry and Killarney National Park. 

Our 2-day itinerary connects the highlights of Ireland’s most stunning coastal route and its first National Park.  From Kerry Cliffs and Skellig Michael to the Muckross Estate in Killarney National Park, we’ve got all you need to plan your perfect 2-day self-drive adventure.

2-Day Killarney National Park and Ring of Kerry Itinerary

Our two-day itinerary gives you enough time to enjoy the two highlights of southern County Kerry:  Killarney National Park and the Ring of Kerry.  Most travellers spend the first day exploring Killarney and the national park, then drive the Ring of Kerry on the second day for a well-paced introduction to Ireland’s scenic southwest.

Day 1:  Killarney National Park & Town of Killarney

• Enjoy a horse-drawn jaunting car tour through the woodlands of Killarney National Park.
• Tour the restored 15^th-century tower house of Ross Castle.
• Follow in 19^th-century royalty’s footsteps through Muckross House and the paths of its gardens and traditional farm.
• See the magnificent 500-year-old yew tree in Muckross Abbey‘s cloister.
• Hike to the spectacular 20-metre cascade of Torc Waterfall.
• Marvel at the Gothic Revival architecture of St Mary’s Cathedral, one of the most prominent landmarks in the town of Killarney.
• End the day with great food and traditional music at one of Killarney’s lively pubs.

Day 2:  Drive the Ring of Kerry

Drive the world-famous, 179-kilometre Ring of Kerry route, clockwise, starting and ending in Killarney.

• Visit Ladies View scenic overlook for photographs of the beautiful Upper Lake.
• Explore the Bronze Age stone circle in the colorful heritage town of Kenmare.
• Walk the Sneem Sculpture Trail and see The Way the Fairies Went art installation.
• Take the 18-kilometre scenic Skellig Ring Road.
• Explore 12^th-century abbey ruins in the coastal town of Ballinskelligs.
• Admire breathtaking views over the Atlantic from the 300-metre-high Kerry Cliffs.
• Discover Valentia Island’s scenic viewpoints and heritage sites.
• Enjoy a Skellig Islands boat tour to Skellig Michael, a UNESCO-recognized monastic site.
• Climb the interior stairs of 1,400-year-old Cahergall Stone Fort.
• Visit the town of Killorglin before returning to Killarney.

Ring of Kerry and Killarney Map

This attractions map outlines the full Ring of Kerry loop and Killarney National Park with scenic pullovers, villages, and optional loops like the Skellig Ring and Valentia Island.

Killarney National Park

Ireland’s first national park has over 10,000 hectares of interconnected lakes, ancient woodland and mountains including Ireland’s highest range, the MacGillycuddy Reeks.  Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Killarney National Park protects internationally significant oak and yew forests and a free-roaming red deer population.  

The park, on the southern edge of the town of Killarney, is renowned for its wildlife and historical landmarks.  The grounds and natural features are free for everyone to enjoy.  There are admission charges to several building interiors.

Muckross Jaunting Car Tours offer traditional horse-drawn carriage rides guided by local jarveys.  Several different routes ensure that all the major attractions in the park can be visited though not on the same route. Visiting both Ross Castle and Torc Waterfall by jaunting car requires taking 2 different routes, likely switching carriages. Carriages typically seat up to four people.

The park’s heritage buildings are easily reached by car, just off the N71.  Our first stop is Ross Castle, at the end of Ross Road, 2.5 kilometres from the main road.

Ross Castle

This 15^th-century tower house stands on the shores of Lough Leane.  Built by the O’Donoghue Mór clan, it was among the last strongholds in Munster to surrender to Cromwell in 1652.  Two circular flanking towers remain from the original defensive wall that once surrounded the structure.

Guided tours explore the four-storey tower’s furnished rooms, including the great hall.  Enjoy its lakeside setting offering broad views of Lough Leane, the largest of the park’s lakes.

From the castle pier, Ross Castle Boats offer traditional watercraft tours across Killarney’s legendary lakes.  The family business, operating since 1896, runs guided tours to Innisfallen Island’s monastic ruins and 90-minute trips through three lakes to Lord Brandon’s Cottage.  

Continue south to the Muckross estate, which was donated to the state in 1932 to create Killarney National Park.

Muckross House, Gardens & Traditional Farm

Built in the mid-19^th century, Muckross House is a 65-room mansion.  The Tudor-style residence features original period furnishings, elaborate architectural details, and artwork reflecting 19^th-century aristocratic life.

The estate’s formal gardens include a Sunken Garden, Rock Garden, and Stream Garden.  They were established for Queen Victoria’s 1861 stay, which prompted lavish upgrades throughout the property.  

The Traditional Farms recreate rural Kerry life during the 1930s and 1940s, complete with costumed staff, working machinery, and livestock.  

Enjoy a walk, following the signs, to the nearby ruins of Muckross Abbey, about a kilometre from the parking lot.

Muckross Abbey

The Franciscans first settled on the site in the 1440s, where there had been a 6^th-century monastery.  They maintained a presence at Muckross, on and off, until raids in the 1650s drove the Franciscan brothers to abandon the abbey.  Their community eventually faded out in the mid-19^th century.  A new chapter began in 1860 when Belgian Franciscans arrived and established the current church and friary in Killarney town.

The well-preserved abbey ruins include a roofless church, cloister, and domestic quarters arranged around a central courtyard.  A large yew tree, believed to be over 500 years old, stands in the cloister which is enclosed by an arcaded walkway with 22 arches blending Gothic and Renaissance styles.

We wandered through the church and the extensive graveyard where burial vaults remained in use long after the buildings were abandoned.  There is an old Irish monastery graveyard as well as a modern graveyard.

A short drive south of Muckross brings you to one of Killarney National Park’s most visited natural sites.

Torc Waterfall

The waterfall drops about 20 metres in a series of steps as the Owengarriff River descends from Torc Mountain.  A wide path leads from the parking lot by the road through native woodland to the viewing area.  The sound of the falls becomes noticeable before it comes into sight.  We spent a half-hour snapping photos and enjoying this peaceful retreat.

Killarney

The town of Killarney sits on the northeastern shore of Lough Leane, and works well as a base for exploring Killarney National Park and the Ring of Kerry.  Its compact, walkable centre features 19^th-century architecture, pubs hosting traditional Irish music, and a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafés.  

Historical Walking Tour of Killarney

The easiest way to see Killarney’s heritage is on a self-guided walking tour.  Our walking route (about 3 kilometre long) begins and ends in the heart of town, near lots of pubs and restaurants, making it easy to grab a bite and brew after your walk.  It’s the perfect way to end your day.

While there are several large parking lots in town, Glebe Public Car Park, off College Street is in the centre of town.  (College Street is one-way running east to west.)  From the car park, walk east on College Street to the top of Fair Hill.

On the left is the Franciscan Church and Friary.  The church opened in 1867 and the friary was established in 1879 by Belgian Franciscans.  The ornate Flemish-style altarpiece, impressive tile work and stained glass windows by renowned Dublin artist Harry Clarke are highlights.

Walk south on East Avenue (N71), through the traffic circle and the park gates on the right, to Killarney House and Gardens.

Killarney House is Killarney National Park’s visitor centre.  The restored manor features period rooms, historical exhibits covering the Kenmare family and the park’s ecology.  The formal gardens reflect French and Edwardian styles.

The house was originally the stable block for the first mansion built on the property in the late 18^th century.  That first mansion was demolished in the 19^th century and rebuilt but then was destroyed by fire in 1913.  After the fire, the stable block was converted into a residence, Killarney House.  After sitting empty for years, it was restored and opened to the public operating as the park’s visitor centre in 2016.

Our walking route continues west along the paths parallel to Mission Road to the beautiful Catholic cathedral on the west side of town. 

Construction of St. Mary’s Cathedral began in 1842.  Work was halted during the Great Famine with the unfinished building serving as a support centre for the local community.  The cathedral was consecrated in 1855.  Its 85-metre-tall spire, completed around 1912, is one of the tallest in Ireland.  Its height and central location make it a prominent feature of Killarney’s skyline, visible from many points around town.

Inside, the cathedral has a triple-height nave with stunning stained glass windows, including the rose window in the transept, and carved marble columns.

Walk New Street back to the centre of town and Main Street.  Turn right (south) and walk to another St. Mary’s Church.

The cruciform Gothic Revival St. Mary’s Church of Ireland was built in 1870 with a distinctive octagonal spire.  Inside, the impressive pipe organ captured my attention immediately with its distinctive painted pipes.  The church features stencilled walls, patterned tiles, and sacred texts written across the high arches. 

This is the last stop on our walking tour.  Walk north on Main Street and turn right onto Plunkett Street to return to your car.  Glebe Car Park is just up the street, on the left, and convenient to enjoy the bars and restaurants in the area.

Best Pubs and Restaurants in Killarney

Killarney’s dining scene blends cozy, music-filled Irish pubs and eateries with ultra-fresh local seafood, signature boxty, quality Kerry meats, global flavours, and standout whiskey bars.

Restaurant	Known For
J.M. Reidy’s	Began in 1890’s as a bar in the grocery store of this 1870s building.  Today pub serves up wood-fired pizza, Irish fare, and nightly live music.
Murphys Bar, Restaurant & Townhouse	Fresh, locally-sourced produce in classic meals including Beef & Guinness casserole, Kerry seafood chowder, and homemade desserts, since 1955.
The Laurels Pub & Restaurant	Traditional Killarney pub, variety of Irish dishes created with local products and a notably good dessert menu.
Khao Asian Street Food	Authentic Thai food including Pad Thai, Tom Yum soup, green curry, with vegan options.
Cronins Restaurant	Classic Irish dishes like shepherds pie, Kerry lamb, and Irish smoked salmon.
O’Connors Traditional Pub	Relaxing traditional Irish pub with live music and an upstairs restaurant.
Celtic Whiskey Bar & Larder	One of Ireland’s most extensive whiskey selections, whiskey flights, and standout fish and chips on a seasonal menu.
Kitty O’Se’s Seafood and Grill Restaurant	Exceptional, fresh local seafood: famed fish and chips, seafood platters and surf & turf selections.
Bricín Restaurant and Boxty House	Famous for the traditional Irish potato pancakes called boxty with local fillings and locally-sourced ingredients.
Hannigans Bar, Restaurant & Terrace	Century-old establishment with locally-sourced seasonal Irish cuisine, live music, and all-day dining.

Ring of Kerry

The 179-kilometre Ring of Kerry driving route around the Iveragh Peninsula combines dramatic Atlantic coastline, mountain passes, and centuries of Irish heritage.  The route winds through colourful villages, passes ancient monuments, and offers access to spectacular natural attractions including offshore islands and towering coastal cliffs.

We have designed our trip around the Ring of Kerry in a clockwise direction from the town of Killarney, on the N71, N70 and N72.  We are highlighting the major stops so that all can be visited in one (long) day.  With more time, enjoy a more leisurely drive.  Between Kenmare and Killorglin the drive is part of the Wild Atlantic Way and is well signed.

The first stop is about 10 kilometres south of Torc Waterfall, on the N71, at the southern end of Killarney National Park.

Ladies View

The Ladies View overlook offers uninterrupted views across the national park’s landscape.  Upper Lake and the edge of Muckross Lake are set against rugged hills and unspoilt wilderness.  This ranks among Ireland’s most photographed locations.

The viewpoint takes its name from Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting, who admired the vista during the 1861 royal visit.  A café and gift shop established in 1937 operates at the site.  Parking at the viewpoint is just off the road and limited but roadside lots exist about 200 metres from the viewpoint in either direction.

Continue southeast, past Moll’s Gap to the town of Kenmare, just off the Ring of Kerry.

Kenmare

Kenmare sits at the head of Kenmare Bay between the Iveragh and Beara Peninsulas. The heritage town features lively pubs, cafés, and artisan shops lining a compact triangle of one-way streets: Main, Shelbourne, and Henry.  They offer local crafts and produce, perfect for a morning stroll or afternoon pause. 

Before Killarney Road splits into Main and Henry Streets, turn right onto Market Street to discover one of the largest stone circle in southwest Ireland.  Dated between 2200 and 500 BCE, the Kenmare Stone Circle features 15 boulders arranged in an egg shape, 17 by 15 metres.  At its centre, a boulder burial is capped by a stone nearly 2 metres long, a feature almost unique to this region.

Continue southeast out of town to Sheen Falls, where a series of small cascades on the River Sheen flow beside its historic riverside estate.  Cross the 18th-century stone-arched bridge and enjoy woodland paths to scenic viewpoints.

After exploring Kenmare, drive back through town to the N70 and turn left.  Enjoy the drive along Kenmare Bay for about 25 kilometres to the village of Sneem.

Sneem

This village’s commercial centre runs along the main road and is split in two by a lovely stone bridge over the River Sneem.  Known for its vibrant artistic character, the village has become an outdoor art gallery.  Stroll riverside paths and find public art throughout town.

The Sneem Sculpture Trail features over 30 sculptures and memorials by local and international artists.  The well-marked trail winds through the village and countryside. 

Beside St Michael’s Church, The Way the Fairies Went (or The Pyramids as the locals call them) are four pyramid-shaped stone sculptures.  Created by Kerry sculptor James Scanlon, they were commissioned to celebrate Sneem’s 1987 Tidy Towns Competition win.  The entrances to each are only large enough to fit a small child or a fairy.

Continue south for 15 kilometres to Castle Cove.  Turn west (right) onto the L4012 and follow the signs for 4 kilometres to a massive dry-stone ringfort.

Staigue Stone Fort

This is one of the most striking ancient monuments on the Ring of Kerry.  The fort is nearly circular measuring about 27 metres in diameter.  Its walls reach up to 6 metres high and are about 4 metres thick at the base.  Enter through a narrow entrance passage and climb stone steps built into the walls for views of the surrounding valley and Kenmare Bay.

Return to the main road and continue along Kenmare Bay, through Caherdaniel where the Ring of Kerry runs parallel to the Atlantic coast.  Over the 15 kilometres between Caherdaniel and Waterville, there are a number of impressive viewpoints to see rolling green hills and the wild Atlantic coastline.  Stop at any of them for a great view but be careful as parking is limited. 

The Ring of Kerry Lookout, at the top of Coomakista Pass, has plenty of parking so it’s the perfect place to get out and stretch your legs.  From over 215 metres above sea level, see Derrynane Bay, Abbey Island, Deenish Island and Scariff Island and to the west another ancient stone fort. 

Continue on the N70 beyond Waterville for about 4 kilometres. 

Skellig Ring Road

The Skellig Ring is a scenic detour branching off the main Ring of Kerry, linking the village of Ballinskelligs and Valentia Island.  Typically the large coach buses do not take this ring route so it is a bit less crowded.

Turn right onto the R567 at Kenneigh and continue for 9 kilometres.  Enjoy the incredible coastal views.

Ballinskelligs

The Gaeltacht village takes its name from the Irish “Baile an Sceilg”, meaning “place of the Skellig”, reflecting its centuries-old connection to the island Skellig Michael, often visible across the Atlantic.  

Two stunning ruins are within easy walking distance of the southern end of the village’s Blue Flag beach where parking is available.

The closest, sitting on a narrow headland, is 16^th-century Ballinskelligs Castle.  Built to guard the bay from pirates, all that remains of the classic Irish tower house are a battered stone base with narrow defensive windows.  It is open for all to explore.

To the south of the castle, Ballinskelligs Abbey stands on the edge of the bay.  In the 12^th century, it became home to the monks of Skellig Michael who moved ashore from their rocky island home off the Kerry coast.  Atlantic storms, Viking raids, and changing church practices had made life on the island increasingly difficult.  They established a new Augustinian priory, building a simple rectangular church with modest domestic buildings arranged around a compact precinct. 

Most of what survives today comes from medieval rebuilding in the 13^th to 15^th centuries.  We wandered the abbey grounds which are an extensive graveyard including graves within the roofless church, and domestic halls.  A seawall now protects the grounds from coastal erosion.

Continue along the R566 for about 13 kilometres to the parking lot of the Kerry Cliffs.  It’s a short walk to the coastline.

Kerry Cliffs

These cliffs rise over 300 metres above the Atlantic.  From platforms, enjoy stunning views of Skellig Michael, Puffin Island and the rugged coastline.  Formed over 400 million years ago, the Kerry Cliffs host seabirds such as razorbills, choughs, and puffins, which nest in holes, crevices, and ledges created by coastal erosion in the soft layers of the sandstone bedrock.

Our visit to the Kerry Cliffs ended up being one of the highlights of the day.

The towering sea cliffs and vistas reminded us of the Cliffs of Moher, yet far quieter. Few tourists make it this far south, which makes the experience feel special.

On the path to the cliffs, stop at the Beehive Village, a collection of replica beehive huts.  These round, dry-stone buildings are examples the type of buildings used by the monks in the early medieval monastic settlement on Skellig Michael.  The walls are thick and their stones are laid such that they shed the water down and out, making the huts quite weather tight.

The village of Portmagee is less than 3 kilometres away.

Portmagee

This harbour village features a main street lined with houses painted a rainbow of colours.  With traditional Irish music and fresh seafood, the village pubs are popular places. 

Boat tours depart regularly from the harbour to see the Skellig Islands.

Skellig Islands

The Skellig Islands are two sharp, rocky peaks which are all that remains of a 400-million-year-old mountain worn down by time and the Atlantic’s constant force.

Both islands, about 13 kilometres offshore, have abundant seabird populations.  Little Skellig hosts one of the world’s largest gannet colonies with over 35,000 breeding pairs.  Visiting is prohibited.

The larger Skellig Michael, rising 218 metres, is known for its UNESCO World Heritage Site which is one of Europe’s most extraordinary early Christian sites.  The 6^th-century Christian monastic settlement’s dry-stone beehive huts and oratories remain in exceptional condition after over 1,400 years.  Over 600 ancient stone steps lead from the water to the monastery.  

The island gained a different type of international attention as a filming location for Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi.

The islands attract thousands of visitors annually.  Boat tours operate from May to September, weather permitting.  Boats are not allowed to land on Little Skellig at all.  With respect to Skellig Michael, only licensed boat operators, such as Skellig Michael Cruises in Portmagee, are allowed to land on the island and strict protocols are in place with respect to visitors’ conduct on the island.  The boat tours provide close views of both islands’ spectacular cliffs and wildlife.

For more information on the Skellig Islands and the monastery, visit the Skellig Experience Visitor Centre on Valentia Island just across the bridge from Portmagee.

If you are short on time, drive east from Portmagee on R565 to the N70 Ring of Kerry and north to Cahersiveen.

Valentia Island

The 11-kilometre-long island is connected to the mainland by bridge and seasonal ferry.  Enjoy scenic vistas and attractions with historical significance ranging from ancient fossils to 12^th-century telecommunications breakthroughs.

From the visitor centre, turn left at the first intersection and drive about 1.5 kilometres west to a plaque for the Valentia Island Telegraph Field.  It marks where the first permanent telegraph cable came ashore connecting Valentia Island with Newfoundland Canada.  The cable carried its first successful transmission in 1866, a major milestone in global communications, reducing message times between North America and Europe from two weeks to mere minutes.  Remnants of the original operations buildings can still be seen.  A larger permanent cable station was built 2 years later in nearby Knightstown.

This is Foilhommerum Bay.  Enjoy the view across to Portmagee’s colourful houses.

From Telegraph Field turn north and follow the signs to Geokaun Mountain. 

Valentia Island’s highest point, Geokaun Mountain reaches 270 metres above sea level.  Its northern face is the 180-metre-high Fogher Cliffs.  Viewing platforms offer 360-degree vistas of the Skellig Islands, Dingle Peninsula, and MacGillycuddy’s Reeks.

Return to the main road, turn left and continue to Valentia Heights.  Turn right onto Gortgower and continue to the automated Valentia Island Lighthouse on Cromwell Point.  Climb the spiral stairs to the lantern balcony for panoramic views.  Explore the restored keepers’ dwelling, housing a museum about the 19^th-century lighthouse’s 180-year history.  Look on the point for the outline of a 17^th-century fort.

For something much older, drive back 1 kilometre, turn right and drive to the Tetrapod Car Park.  Follow the signs to the water’s edge. The Tetrapod Trackways are visible in flat rocks along the water line depending on tide and sea conditions.  The trackways are fossilized footprints left by one of the earliest vertebrates to walk on land over 350 million years ago.

Between April and October, a daytime ferry service operates from Knightstown on the east end of the island to Renard Point near Cahersiveen on the mainland.  This is a great way to round out your tour of the island. 

Knightstown is about 5 kilometres away.  Drive back to Valentia Heights.  Turn left and drive via School Road to R565.  Turn left and follow the signs to the ferry dock.  The crossing takes less than 5 minutes. 

Back on the mainland, drive east to the N70 Ring of Kerry.  Turn left and drive into Cahersiveen.

Cahersiveen

The largest town on the western Iveragh Peninsula, Cahersiveen supports the communities of the Skellig coast and nearby Valentia Island.  The town has several interesting attractions.

Skellig Six18 Distillery, just outside Cahersiveen, crafts small-batch gin and Irish pot-still whiskey using locally foraged botanicals.  The Ring of Kerry’s only working distillery, its name honours the 618 steps carved by the monks on Skellig Michael.  Guided tours reveal the distillation process and include tastings.

The ruins of two churches are in what remains of a late medieval graveyard, beside the town’s car park.  Only the east gable and south side wall remain of the late medieval Abbey of the Holy Cross.  Just west are the ruins of a 19^th-century Protestant church.  Its walls are mainly intact but the roof is missing.

Just down the street, the Daniel O’Connell Memorial Church is Ireland’s only Roman Catholic church dedicated to a layperson, honouring his influence.  Built from local granite and completed in 1902, this Gothic Revival landmark features vaulted ceilings, polished black columns, and beautiful stained-glass windows.   Born in Cahersiveen, Daniel O’Connell was the 19^th-century Irish political leader who secured Catholic emancipation through peaceful public support and constitutional reform. 

On Bridge Street, the Old Barracks Heritage Centre occupies a striking 19^th-century Royal Irish Constabulary barracks overlooking the river, built to look like a Bavarian castle. Its exhibits trace the area’s social and political history, from Daniel O’Connell to the transatlantic cable era. It’s a compact and worthwhile stop to help understand Cahersiveen’s past.

On a grassy hill 2.5 kilometres to the west, across the River Fertha, Ballycarbery Castle is a photogenic 16^th-century, ivy-covered ruin overlooking the river.  It is closed to the public, so admire it from a distance.

Cross the one-lane bridge and follow Castlequin Road, driving north and curving west for 3 kilometres.  Follow signs for the ring forts to the parking lot.

Cahergall Stone Fort

This remarkably preserved, early medieval ringfort was constructed between 600 and 700 CE.  The fort’s massive dry-stone walls, ranging 2 to 6 metres high and 3 to 5 metres thick, enclose a circular area 25 metres across.

Climb the internal staircases to the terrace atop the walls for panoramic views of Ballycarbery Castle, the harbour, and surrounding hills.

Just a short walk away, Leacanabuaile Stone Fort dates to the 9^th or 10^th century.  A circular wall over 2 metres high and 3 metres thick encloses the 30-metre-diameter area.  The fort contains three stone beehive huts and a subterranean chamber. Excavations uncovered iron knives, bone combs, and millstones.

Return to the N70 and drive 40 kilometres northeast to Killorglin.

Killorglin

The town of Killorglin is known for its excellent salmon and trout fishing on the River Laune.  The town also hosts one of Ireland’s oldest street festival, the 3-day Puck Fair, held every August.  It features a parade, horse fair, and the ceremonial crowning of King Puck.

The beautiful two-toned-stone St. James’ Roman Catholic Church sits at the corner of Mill Road and Castleconway, dominating the top of the hill.  The late-19^th-century Gothic Revival building follows a cruciform layout with a nave and aisles, transepts, and a decorative chancel.

Drive across the River Laune and turn right onto the N72.  After almost 16 kilometres, turn left onto the R563 and then right onto Aghadoe Road.  Watch for a parking area just before the Aghadoe Heights Hotel. 

The Aghadoe Overlook provides a panoramic view of Killarney National Park’s Lough Leane and the MacGillycuddy Reeks mountain range.  This is a perfect place to end the day.

The Aghadoe Cathedral Ruins are just down the road from the overlook.  All that remains is a small roofless medieval stone church, with partial nave and chancel walls, surrounded by a graveyard.

Return to the N72 and continue east to Killarney completing our Ring of Kerry tour.

Accommodations in Killarney and Ring of Kerry

Looking for a hotel in Killarney?

Make Killarney your home base while exploring the Ring of Kerry.  Check out these great options:

• Earls Court House – We stayed here!  Spacious rooms with great balcony views.
• Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa – Exceptional 4-star hotel overlooking Killarney National Park.
• Explore more great hotels in Killarney.

If you are staying overnight along the Ring of Kerry, check out these options in Kenmare and Portmagee:

• Kenmare Bay Hotel & Luxury Lodges Resort – This excellent resort is a short 5-minute walk from the heart of Kenmare.
• The Moorings Hotel & Seafood Restaurant – Very good hotel in Portmagee with sea and garden views, located near Valentia Island.

Know Before You Go – Visiting Ring of Kerry

What is the Ring of Kerry, and why is it famous?

The Ring of Kerry is a 179-kilometre (111-mile) scenic loop around Ireland’s Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry.  It’s one of Ireland’s most famous drives, known for its stunning coastal views, ancient stone forts, charming towns and a highlight of the Wild Atlantic Way. 

What is the Skellig Ring, and should you add it to your Ring of Kerry itinerary?

The Skellig Ring is a picturesque detour off the main Ring of Kerry.  It branches off between Waterville and Cahersiveen, and links Ballinskelligs, Portmagee, and Valentia Island.

Although not part of the official Ring of Kerry, it should definitely be added to your Ring of Kerry itinerary.  Highlights include the dramatic Kerry Cliffs, a visit to Valentia Island and views of Skellig Michael.

We include the Skellig Ring in our Ring of Kerry drive.

How long does it take to drive around the Ring of Kerry?  Can you drive the Ring of Kerry in a day?

Yes, you can drive the Ring of Kerry in one day! 

The Ring of Kerry takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours to drive without stopping.  However, most travellers spend 7 to 10 hours completing the circuit, allowing time for stops at key attractions and viewpoints.

Some visitors prefer to take two days to fully explore the route and its numerous scenic detours.

Which direction should you drive the Ring of Kerry?

We recommend driving the Ring of Kerry in a clockwise direction, as tour buses generally travel counterclockwise.

Begin early in the morning, ideally before 9 am, to help avoid some of the tour bus crowds.

What should you not miss on the Ring of Kerry?

In Killarney National Park, famous for its stunning lakes and mountains, don’t miss Muckross House, Torc Waterfall and Ladies View. 

Along the Ring of Kerry, visit the towns of Kenmare and Sneem. Be sure to see two impressive stone forts:  Staigue Stone Fort and Cahergall Stone Fort.

Take the Skellig Ring and stop at the Kerry Cliffs which offers spectacular ocean views.

In season, consider a Skellig Michael boat trip (mid-May to September, weather dependent) for an unforgettable experience.

Where to sleep on the Ring of Kerry?

Killarney is the most popular base with abundant accommodation options, restaurants, and nightlife, making it ideal for exploring the Ring of Kerry.

Kenmare offers a more intimate, upscale experience with excellent restaurants and is perfectly positioned on the southern section of the route.  Stay in Portmagee, if taking a Skellig Michael boat trip, to be close to your departure point.

Is the Ring of Kerry crowded?

The Ring of Kerry can be crowded in peak season, especially June to August and midday when tour buses run.  To avoid crowds, start early and go midweek.  Travel in shoulder season; April, May, September or October.  Also, include the coach-free Skellig Ring drive.

Ring of Kerry vs. Dingle Peninsula:  Which should you choose?

Both routes offer spectacular scenery, but they differ in character and scale.  The Ring of Kerry is larger, more majestic, and offers diverse landscapes with more tourist infrastructure however it attracts more crowds.  The Dingle Peninsula’s Slea Head Drive is much shorter, more intimate, and dramatically rugged with fewer tourists and a stronger Gaelic culture.

If time allows, do both.  If choosing one, select Ring of Kerry for variety and iconic Irish scenery, or Dingle for a more authentic, less commercialized experience.

Are the Kerry Cliffs part of the Ring of Kerry, and how do they compare to the Cliffs of Moher?

The Kerry Cliffs are located on the Skellig Ring, a detour off the main Ring of Kerry route between Ballinskelligs and Portmagee.  While less famous than the Cliffs of Moher, many visitors find them equally impressive.

The Kerry Cliffs offer dramatic 300-metre drops into the Atlantic, with views of the Skellig Islands.  Unlike the highly developed Cliffs of Moher, the Kerry Cliffs provide a more rugged, authentic cliff viewing experience with fewer crowds and lower admission costs.

Explore All of our Ireland Road Trip Guides

Discover our complete series of detailed Ireland Guides to help you plan your perfect 7 to 14-day adventure around the Emerald Isle.

Main Article: Ireland Self-Drive Tour – Your 7 to 14-Day Itinerary

Part 1: Dublin – Historic Capital and Traditional Pubs
Part 2: Best Dublin Day Trips – The Ancient East and Historic Sites
Part 3: County Cork – Blarney, Cork City & Cobh
Part 4: Killarney and Ring of Kerry – The National Park and Scenic Drive (You’re reading this guide now!)
Part 5: Dingle Peninsula Drive – Rugged Coastline and Irish Culture
Part 6: Wild Atlantic Way – Cliffs of Moher, Limerick to Sligo
Part 7: County Donegal – Remote Landscapes and Northern Beauty
Part 8: Coastal Causeway Route – The Giant’s Causeway and Dramatic Cliffs
Part 9: Belfast – Titanic History and City Life