- Created: April 30, 2013 1:08 pm
- Updated: May 13, 2021 8:18 am
- Distance Instructions
- 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.
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).
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.
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.
- Killarney - Ross Castle - fish, boat or kayak, Killarney National Park and The Blue Pool
- Killarney - Muckross House and Lakes and Muckross Abbey
- Killarney - Torc Waterfall and climb Torc Mountain in only 2 hours with stunning views
- The Kerry Way walking trail (210km / 140 miles) – the world’s best long hike
- Enjoy Ladies View and Molls Gap (scenic viewpoints) and mouth watering Pancakes
- The wonderful Kenmare Town - Music, Watersports and 4,000 year old stone circle
- The friendly Sneem Village - Geopark, Walking, Storytelling Festival and ancient Church
- Staigue and Loher Ancient Stone forts
- Derrynane House home of Daniel O’Connell and Derrynane Blue Flag beach
- Bolus Head and Hogs Head Loop Walks
- Ballinskelligs Blue Flag Beach and Castle and Skellig’s Chocolate factory
- Coomanaspig Mountain scenic viewing spot and the colourful Portmagee Village
- Portmagee and Valentia Island - Boat trip to the Skellig Islands
- Valentia Island – Skellig Experience Heritage Centre and Knightstown Village
- Valentia Island – Bray Head walk, Natural Swimming Pool and Culoo Fishing Cliffs
- Valentia Island – Lighthouse and Geokaun Mountain and Fogher Cliffs (600ft)
- Valentia Island – Knocknadobar Mountain, Valentia Slate Quarry and Glanleam House, Gardens and Beach
- Valentia Island – 385 million year old Tetrapod footprints fossil
- Valentia Island - the nearby uninhabited Beginish and Church Island. Take a spectacular boat tour with Kerry Aqua Terra .
- Cahersiveen - Cahergal and Leacanabuaile Ancient Stone Forts
- Cahersiveen - White Strand Beach, Cuas Crom Harbour and Ballycarbery Castle
- Glenbeigh - Mountain Stage scenic views, Rossbeigh Beach and Drung Hill
- Killorglin - Puck Fair in August and fishing on Caragh Lake
- MacGillycuddy Reeks Mountains and Irelands highest Mtn. Corrán Tuathail (1,039m)
- Take a horse and cart trip or go rock climbing in The Gap of Dunloe, and finish back in Killarney
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
- Killarney – Ross Castle – fish, boat or kayak, Killarney National Park and The Blue Pool
- Killarney – Muckross House and Lakes and Muckross Abbey
- Killarney – Torc Waterfall and climb Torc Mountain in only 2 hours with stunning views
- The Kerry Way walking trail (210km / 140 miles) – the world’s best long hike
- Enjoy Ladies View and Molls Gap (scenic viewpoints) and mouth watering Pancakes
- The wonderful Kenmare Town – Music, Watersports and 4,000 year old stone circle
- The friendly Sneem Village – Geopark, Walking, Storytelling Festival and ancient Church
- Staigue and Loher Ancient Stone forts
- Derrynane House home of Daniel O’Connell and Derrynane Blue Flag beach
- Bolus Head and Hogs Head Loop Walks
- Ballinskelligs Blue Flag Beach and Castle and Skellig’s Chocolate factory
- Coomanaspig Mountain scenic viewing spot and the colourful Portmagee Village
- Portmagee and Valentia Island – Boat trip to the Skellig Islands
- Valentia Island – Skellig Experience Heritage Centre and Knightstown Village
- Valentia Island – Bray Head walk, Natural Swimming Pool and Culoo Fishing Cliffs
- Valentia Island – Lighthouse and Geokaun Mountain and Fogher Cliffs (600ft)
- Valentia Island – Knocknadobar Mountain, Valentia Slate Quarry and Glanleam House, Gardens and Beach
- Valentia Island – 385 million year old Tetrapod footprints fossil
- Valentia Island – the nearby uninhabited Beginish and Church Island. Take a spectacular boat tour with Kerry Aqua Terra .
- Cahersiveen – Cahergal and Leacanabuaile Ancient Stone Forts
- Cahersiveen – White Strand Beach, Cuas Crom Harbour and Ballycarbery Castle
- Glenbeigh – Mountain Stage scenic views, Rossbeigh Beach and Drung Hill
- Killorglin – Puck Fair in August and fishing on Caragh Lake
- MacGillycuddy Reeks Mountains and Irelands highest Mtn. Corrán Tuathail (1,039m)
- Take a horse and cart trip or go rock climbing in The Gap of Dunloe, and finish back in Killarney
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.
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.