The Ring of Kerry – Tours, Map & Best Views

In essence, the Ring of Kerry is the ring road that follows the coastal contours of Kerry’s Iveragh Peninsula. The Ring of Kerry is one of Ireland’s most famous circuits and a popular holiday route to drive. Much more than a simple driving route, the Ring of Kerry is an iconic destination wrapped in a stunning visual history, with diverse wildlife scattered across Ireland’s lush green hills.

To make the most of your experience along this scenic route, we suggest you dedicate most of your day to discovering the local culture and nature in order to shorten your driving time. Take a break from driving and visit amazing places such as the world-famous Skellig Michael, filming location of 2015 & 2017 Star Wars movies, before journeying on a relaxing boat ride through the beautiful lakes of Killarney.

Driving the Ring of Kerry is the ‘classic’ way to visit, but for those seeking a more active experience, we also offer an alternative method – hike within the Ring of Kerry on a guided tour and scale Ireland’s best mountains including the incredible Carrantouhil – which is Ireland’s highest peak.

In theory, you could drive around the Ring of Kerry in one full day – but it seems a shame to cram such wondrous sightseeing opportunities into a small amount of time. You’ll find it far more rewarding to take the time to explore this iconic location savouring each moment and creating unforgettable lifelong memories.

With our scenic self driving tour you can dedicate a whole seven days to exploring the beauty of the Ring of Kerry. You will also have the luxury to hike some of the most beautiful areas in Ireland. Include a cultural trip to the Skellig Islands, filming locations for Star Wars Episode VII and VIII as well as home to 7th century monastic ruins, then head off to Valencia Island to walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs! On your journey, stop at castles, historic sites and ancient stone circles.

While our self drive trip of the Ring of Kerry starts at Shannon Airport for the sake of convenience, the real Ring of Kerry starts once you arrive on the ring road – often in Killarney. There’s no right or wrong way to drive the Ring of Kerry. That said, we recommend that you drive the ring road clockwise as the views are on the left hand side of the road (and we drive on the left in Ireland!), which makes it easier to pull over and stop. The buses leave early in the morning from Limerick and Shannon, and tend to drive counter-clockwise. Do keep in mind that the roads can be narrow, so take care when driving around bends. If you’re not comfortable driving on Irish roads, we recommend doing a guided trip instead; there are private and small group options.

The route ends wherever you decide to leave the peninsula, but the most popular end is the same place you started: Killarney. The town is lively with plenty of choices for food, music and pubs, and Killarney National Park is literally right on the town’s doorstep.

Carrauntoohil

The Ring of Kerry is a driving route, which you can explore at your own pace. However, if you do choose to explore the wild and off the beaten path landscapes at the interior of the ring road, you’ll need to be an experienced hiker with the proper equipment, as this is where you’ll find Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest mountain, as well as the mountains of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, the Gap of Dunloe and more – meaning that this is a region best explored with an experienced mountain guide.

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

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. 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

Derrynane Beach

Explore the Ring of Kerry with our self drive trip – letting you visit the Ring of Kerry at your own pace. Find more info here.

Travelling with your family? Learn more about our new Family Adventure – Legends of the Southwest.

Looking for a guided trip? Check out more below: