The Ring of Kerry – Tours, Map & Best Views

Kerry has three peninsulas, which are the Dingle Peninsula, the Iveragh Peninsula, and the Beara Peninsula from north to south.

The Ring of Kerry drive is located on the Iveragh Peninsula County Kerry, in the southwest of Ireland. Tucked along part of the Wild Atlantic Way, the Iveragh Peninsula is southwest Ireland’s most popular and iconic site.

The Ring of Kerry is actually the ring road (the N70) that circumnavigates the Iveagh Peninsula. Running from Killarney to Kenmare, along Kenmare Bay passing the villages of Sneem and Caherdaniel, then heading north along the Skellig Road and along the northern shores of the peninsula before circling back to Kilarney.

For many people, driving the Ring of Kerry is the ‘classic’ way to visit, but for those seeking a more active and off the beaten track experience, a great alternative method is to hike the mountains of Kerry on a guided tour. Not only will you get to scale Ireland’s best mountains including the incredible Carrantouhil, Ireland’s highest peak by day, you’ll also get to relax in some of southwest Ireland’s finest deluxe accommodation. What a reward for scaling Kerry’s impressive peaks!

Another really cool way to experience Kerry’s gems is by cycling the Kerry Peninsulas – this challenging route is full of exhilarating climbs and descents contains several of Ireland’s top bike routes.

While you’re in this part of the world, visit the Skellig Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Once home to monks who lived on the isolated rocks as penance between the 6th and 12th century, Skellig Michael is full of the monks’ beehive huts, chapels and more. Little Skellig, the smaller of the two islands, is home to huge colonies of gannets, puffins, seals, dolphins and basking sharks. Catch a boat to the Skelligs from Portmagee, but remember that they are 11km offshore, and therefore boat sailings are weather dependant. Also, due to their popularity and protected nature, the number of boats are limited, so book your spot early.

The Gap of Dunloe

Take a short detour from the road to the famous mountain pass, the Gap of Dunloe, which slices through the MacGillycuddy Reeks. The narrow road winds through the pass into the Black Valley passing five beautiful lakes.

The Gap of Dunloe is approximately 11 km from north to south. You could drive it but the best way to travel the Gap of Dunloe is by bike. Take a boat ride from Ross Castle in Killarney National Park with your bike to Lord Brandon’s Cottage and cycle back through the Gap of Dunloe to Kate Kearney’s cottage.

Moll’s Gap

The glacial valleys of Moll’s Gap are one of the most dramatic views on the Ring of Kerry route. On the road between Killarney and Kenmare, Moll’s Gap boasts the ultimate view of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountain range, the predominant mountain range of the Iveragh Peninsula. It derives its name from Moll Kissane who set up an illicit bar here during the 19th century. Moll’s Gap is the highest point on the Ring of Kerry with a 235 metre climb.

Ladies View

Ladies View is the first viewing point you’ll meet – or the last, depending on which direction you drive the Ring of Kerry. Ladies View is named after Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting who saw it in 1861 and gaped in awe at the majestic valley spreading out before them. Just 16km from Killarney, it provides a panoramic painting of the lakes and mountains of Kerry.

Derrynane Beach