Ring of Kerry Scenic Drive and Cycle, Route Map and Guide, Co. Kerry, Ireland – Top 10 Things to Do

  • Author: ActiveME
  • Created: April 30, 2013 1:08 pm
  • Updated: May 13, 2021 8:18 am
Location: Kerry
  • Distance Instructions
Label
  • Distance 282 km
  • Time 0 s
  • Speed 0.0 km/h
  • Min altitude 1 m
  • Peak 256 m
  • Climb 1862 m
  • Descent 1873 m

The world famous Ring of Kerry is a 'must do' scenic tourist drive or cycle in County Kerry, in the south west of Ireland. The Ring of Kerry is a 180 to 200 km driving and cycling loop with follows the coastline along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Starting from Killarney, cars should drive clockwise around the Ring of Kerry (Iveragh Peninsula) to avoid any delays from Tour Buses which MUST travel anti-clockwise around the Ring of Kerry due to narrow roads. Take our route map, Gps directions and guide with you by downloading our Free App on iPhone and Android. This is the also the route for the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle held in July each year.


Best Top Scenic Drives Driving Cycling Routes In Ireland Kerry Cork Wild Atlantic Way Route Map 27.05.16

The official Ring of Kerry signs the route from Cahersiveen to Waterville but DO NOT 'miss' the 'unmissable' Skellig Ring scenic drive which takes in the wonderful Valentia Island accessed by ferry just outside Cahersiveen and a bridge near the picturesque village of Portmagee. From there visit the Glen and Ballinskelligs with its great Blue Flag beach and all things these places offer.  Valentia Island is a holiday in itself with all the things to see and do, so don't miss it (see photos).

P1010133

If you need to Rent a Car to experience the Ring of Kerry then visit www.carhire.ie. If you find a better price elsewhere they will beat it.

carhirelogos 600x200

Remember...Take your time to experience everything on offer by staying overnight along the Ring of Kerry

From Killarney, the Ring of Kerry passes through Kenmare, Sneem, Caherdaniel, Waterville, Ballinskelligs, Portmagee, Valentia Island, Cahersiveen, Glenbeigh and Killorglin and back to Killarney. Here are just some some popular attractions and points of interest you can visit clockwise around the Ring of Kerry from Killarney. Click on the links for more information, maps and photos. 

  1. Killarney - Ross Castle - fish, boat or kayak, Killarney National Park and The Blue Pool Ross Castle, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Ireland
  2. Killarney - Muckross House and Lakes and Muckross AbbeyMuckross House, Killarney National Park, Ring of Kerry, Ireland
  3. Killarney - Torc Waterfall and climb Torc Mountain in only 2 hours with stunning views Torc Waterfall, Killarney National Park, Ring of Kerry, Ireland by Valerie O'Sullivan
  4. The Kerry Way walking trail (210km / 140 miles) – the world’s best long hikeBridia Valley Black Faced Ram, The Kerry Way Walking Trail, Ireland - Wild Atlantic Way
  5. Enjoy Ladies View and Molls Gap (scenic viewpoints) and mouth watering Pancakes Ladies View Sunset, Killarney Valley, Ring of Kerry, Ireland by Valerie O'Sullivan
  6. The wonderful Kenmare Town - Music, Watersports and 4,000 year old stone circleKenmare Town, Ring of Kerry, Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
  7. The friendly Sneem Village - Geopark, Walking, Storytelling Festival and ancient Church Sneem River, Ring of Kerry, Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
  8. Staigue and Loher Ancient Stone fortsStaigue Fort - Stone Ring Fort - Parknasilla Sneem - Ring of Kerry, Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
  9. Derrynane House home of Daniel O’Connell and Derrynane Blue Flag beach derrynane Beach and-abbey-island-1024, Caherdaniel, Ring of Kerry, Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
  10. Bolus Head and Hogs Head Loop WalksAerial Hogs Head on the Wild Atlantic Way by Valerie O'Sullivan
  11. Ballinskelligs Blue Flag Beach and Castle and Skellig’s Chocolate factoryBallinskelligs Beach, Ring of Kerry, Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
  12. Coomanaspig Mountain scenic viewing spot and the colourful Portmagee VillageView from Coomanaspic Mountain above Portmageee Village with views of Valentia Island and Blaskets Islands, Ring Of Kerry, Wild Altantic Way,Ireland
  13. Portmagee and Valentia Island - Boat trip to the Skellig IslandsThe Skelligs Aerial on the Wild Atlantic Way by Valerie O'Sullivan
  14. Valentia Island – Skellig Experience Heritage Centre and Knightstown VillageValentia Knightstown_The Foot, Ring of Kerry, Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
  15. Valentia Island – Bray Head walk, Natural Swimming Pool and Culoo Fishing Cliffs  Bray Head
  16. Valentia Island – Lighthouse and Geokaun Mountain and Fogher Cliffs (600ft)Valentia Island Lighthouse, Ring of Kerry, Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
  17. Valentia Island – Knocknadobar Mountain, Valentia Slate Quarry and Glanleam House, Gardens and BeachView of Valentia Island from the pilgrim mountain of Knocknatobar, Cahersiveen, Ring of Kerry, Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
  18. Valentia Island – 385 million year old Tetrapod footprints fossilTetrapod Footprints 365 million year old, Valentia Island, Ring of Kerry, Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
  19. Valentia Island - the nearby uninhabited Beginish and Church Island. Take a spectacular boat tour with Kerry Aqua Terra .  
  20. Cahersiveen - Cahergal and Leacanabuaile Ancient Stone Forts Cahergal Fort, Cahersiveen, Ring of Kerry, Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
  21. Cahersiveen - White Strand Beach, Cuas Crom Harbour and Ballycarbery Castle Ballycarbery Castle Caherssiveen, Ring of Kerry, Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland Marcella Bona
  22. Glenbeigh - Mountain Stage scenic views, Rossbeigh Beach and Drung HillDrung Hill, Glenbeigh, Co. Kerry Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland - Copy
  23. Killorglin - Puck Fair in August and fishing on Caragh LakeCaragh lake, ring of Kerry, Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
  24. MacGillycuddy Reeks Mountains and Irelands highest Mtn. Corrán Tuathail (1,039m)Mountains of the MacGillycuddy's Reeks, Peaks and Walking Routes, Killarney, Kerry, Ireland - Aerial Image - ActiveMe.ie and Valerie O'Sullivan
  25. Take a horse and cart trip or go rock climbing in The Gap of Dunloe, and finish back in KillarneyTurn Pike Gap of Dunloe

There is also an established long distance walking route named The Kerry Way, which takes its own route, and a signposted Ring of Kerry cycling path which uses older quieter roads where possible. The Kerry Way roughly follows the scenic driving route of the Ring of Kerry.

In short, the Ring of Kerry scenic drive on the Iveragh Peninsula has everything. From the mountains to the shoreline, the walks to water sports, the eating, drinking and other entertainment you can't go wrong. Stop off in any of the towns along the way and you'll be in heaven.

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Great Places to Stay on the Ring of Kerry (coming soon)

  • Killarney
  • Fossa
  • Killorglin
  • Glenbeigh
  • Cahersiveen
  • Valentia Island
  • Portmagee
  • Waterville
  • Caherdaniel/Derrynane
  • Sneem
  • Kenmare
  • Other Places to stay near the route

Special Places to Eat and Drink on the Wicklow Way (coming soon)

  • Killarney
  • Fossa
  • Killorglin
  • Glenbeigh
  • Cahersiveen
  • Valentia Island
  • Portmagee
  • Waterville
  • Caherdaniel/Derrynane
  • Sneem
  • Kenmare
  • Other Places to stay near the route

Other great Things to See and Do on the Wicklow Way (coming soon)

  • Guided Climb to Carrauntoohil
  • Boat Trip to the Skelligs


To get directions and to follow the route, use our Map of Ireland and Sat Nav tools on our website and our GPS maps on our free ActiveMe iPhone and Android App.  Feel free to send us your photos and add you own star rating, comments or suggestions below.

The world famous Ring of Kerry is a ‘must do’ scenic tourist drive or cycle in County Kerry, in the south west of Ireland. The Ring of Kerry is a 180 to 200 km driving and cycling loop with follows the coastline along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Starting from Killarney, cars should drive clockwise around the Ring of Kerry (Iveragh Peninsula) to avoid any delays from Tour Buses which MUST travel anti-clockwise around the Ring of Kerry due to narrow roads. Take our route map, Gps directions and guide with you by downloading our Free App on iPhone and Android. This is the also the route for the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle held in July each year.


Best Top Scenic Drives Driving Cycling Routes In Ireland Kerry Cork Wild Atlantic Way Route Map 27.05.16

The official Ring of Kerry signs the route from Cahersiveen to Waterville but DO NOT ‘miss’ the ‘unmissable’ Skellig Ring scenic drive which takes in the wonderful Valentia Island accessed by ferry just outside Cahersiveen and a bridge near the picturesque village of Portmagee. From there visit the Glen and Ballinskelligs with its great Blue Flag beach and all things these places offer.  Valentia Island is a holiday in itself with all the things to see and do, so don’t miss it (see photos).

P1010133

If you need to Rent a Car to experience the Ring of Kerry then visit www.carhire.ie. If you find a better price elsewhere they will beat it.

carhirelogos 600x200

Remember…Take your time to experience everything on offer by staying overnight along the Ring of Kerry

From Killarney, the Ring of Kerry passes through Kenmare, Sneem, Caherdaniel, Waterville, Ballinskelligs, Portmagee, Valentia Island, Cahersiveen, Glenbeigh and Killorglin and back to Killarney. Here are just some some popular attractions and points of interest you can visit clockwise around the Ring of Kerry from Killarney. Click on the links for more information, maps and photos. 

  1. Killarney – Ross Castle – fish, boat or kayak, Killarney National Park and The Blue Pool Ross Castle, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Ireland
  2. Killarney – Muckross House and Lakes and Muckross AbbeyMuckross House, Killarney National Park, Ring of Kerry, Ireland
  3. Killarney – Torc Waterfall and climb Torc Mountain in only 2 hours with stunning views Torc Waterfall, Killarney National Park, Ring of Kerry, Ireland by Valerie O'Sullivan
  4. The Kerry Way walking trail (210km / 140 miles) – the world’s best long hikeBridia Valley Black Faced Ram, The Kerry Way Walking Trail, Ireland - Wild Atlantic Way
  5. Enjoy Ladies View and Molls Gap (scenic viewpoints) and mouth watering Pancakes Ladies View Sunset, Killarney Valley, Ring of Kerry, Ireland by Valerie O'Sullivan
  6. The wonderful Kenmare Town – Music, Watersports and 4,000 year old stone circleKenmare Town, Ring of Kerry, Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
  7. The friendly Sneem Village – Geopark, Walking, Storytelling Festival and ancient Church Sneem River, Ring of Kerry, Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
  8. Staigue and Loher Ancient Stone fortsStaigue Fort - Stone Ring Fort - Parknasilla Sneem - Ring of Kerry, Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
  9. Derrynane House home of Daniel O’Connell and Derrynane Blue Flag beach derrynane Beach and-abbey-island-1024, Caherdaniel, Ring of Kerry, Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
  10. Bolus Head and Hogs Head Loop WalksAerial Hogs Head on the Wild Atlantic Way by Valerie O'Sullivan
  11. Ballinskelligs Blue Flag Beach and Castle and Skellig’s Chocolate factoryBallinskelligs Beach, Ring of Kerry, Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
  12. Coomanaspig Mountain scenic viewing spot and the colourful Portmagee VillageView from Coomanaspic Mountain above Portmageee Village with views of Valentia Island and Blaskets Islands, Ring Of Kerry, Wild Altantic Way,Ireland
  13. Portmagee and Valentia Island – Boat trip to the Skellig IslandsThe Skelligs Aerial on the Wild Atlantic Way by Valerie O'Sullivan
  14. Valentia Island – Skellig Experience Heritage Centre and Knightstown VillageValentia Knightstown_The Foot, Ring of Kerry, Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
  15. Valentia Island – Bray Head walk, Natural Swimming Pool and Culoo Fishing Cliffs  Bray Head
  16. Valentia Island – Lighthouse and Geokaun Mountain and Fogher Cliffs (600ft)Valentia Island Lighthouse, Ring of Kerry, Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
  17. Valentia Island – Knocknadobar Mountain, Valentia Slate Quarry and Glanleam House, Gardens and BeachView of Valentia Island from the pilgrim mountain of Knocknatobar, Cahersiveen, Ring of Kerry, Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
  18. Valentia Island – 385 million year old Tetrapod footprints fossilTetrapod Footprints 365 million year old, Valentia Island, Ring of Kerry, Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
  19. Valentia Island – the nearby uninhabited Beginish and Church Island. Take a spectacular boat tour with Kerry Aqua Terra .  
  20. Cahersiveen – Cahergal and Leacanabuaile Ancient Stone Forts Cahergal Fort, Cahersiveen, Ring of Kerry, Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
  21. Cahersiveen – White Strand Beach, Cuas Crom Harbour and Ballycarbery Castle Ballycarbery Castle Caherssiveen, Ring of Kerry, Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland Marcella Bona
  22. Glenbeigh – Mountain Stage scenic views, Rossbeigh Beach and Drung HillDrung Hill, Glenbeigh, Co. Kerry Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland - Copy
  23. Killorglin – Puck Fair in August and fishing on Caragh LakeCaragh lake, ring of Kerry, Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
  24. MacGillycuddy Reeks Mountains and Irelands highest Mtn. Corrán Tuathail (1,039m)Mountains of the MacGillycuddy's Reeks, Peaks and Walking Routes, Killarney, Kerry, Ireland - Aerial Image - ActiveMe.ie and Valerie O'Sullivan
  25. Take a horse and cart trip or go rock climbing in The Gap of Dunloe, and finish back in KillarneyTurn Pike Gap of Dunloe

There is also an established long distance walking route named The Kerry Way, which takes its own route, and a signposted Ring of Kerry cycling path which uses older quieter roads where possible. The Kerry Way roughly follows the scenic driving route of the Ring of Kerry.

In short, the Ring of Kerry scenic drive on the Iveragh Peninsula has everything. From the mountains to the shoreline, the walks to water sports, the eating, drinking and other entertainment you can’t go wrong. Stop off in any of the towns along the way and you’ll be in heaven.

Add your business to the AcitveMe Travel guide.png

Great Places to Stay on the Ring of Kerry (coming soon)

  • Killarney
  • Fossa
  • Killorglin
  • Glenbeigh
  • Cahersiveen
  • Valentia Island
  • Portmagee
  • Waterville
  • Caherdaniel/Derrynane
  • Sneem
  • Kenmare
  • Other Places to stay near the route

Special Places to Eat and Drink on the Wicklow Way (coming soon)

  • Killarney
  • Fossa
  • Killorglin
  • Glenbeigh
  • Cahersiveen
  • Valentia Island
  • Portmagee
  • Waterville
  • Caherdaniel/Derrynane
  • Sneem
  • Kenmare
  • Other Places to stay near the route

Other great Things to See and Do on the Wicklow Way (coming soon)

  • Guided Climb to Carrauntoohil
  • Boat Trip to the Skelligs


To get directions and to follow the route, use our Map of Ireland and Sat Nav tools on our website and our GPS maps on our free ActiveMe iPhone and Android App.  Feel free to send us your photos and add you own star rating, comments or suggestions below.