Wild Atlantic Way, Co. KERRY Route Map and Guide, Ireland

  • Author: ActiveME
  • Created: March 14, 2014 3:12 pm
  • Updated: December 12, 2017 10:58 am
Location: Kerry
  • Distance Instructions
Label
  • Distance 623 km
  • Time 0 s
  • Speed 0.0 km/h
  • Min altitude 1 m
  • Peak 393 m
  • Climb 2739 m
  • Descent 2730 m

The Co. Kerry stage of the Wild Atlantic Way scenic coastal drive is nearly 450km long, stretching from the ideal tourist town of Kenmare and ending in scenic north Kerry at the Tarbert ferry to Co Clare. You can view and follow the Wild Atlantic Way route map below and on our Free App on iPhone and Android. 

This Kerry section of the Wild Atlantic Way is by far the most bang for your buck (time) with awe inspiring views and things to see and do at every turn. Drive or cycle the best peninsulas in Ireland including the famous Ring of Kerry, Dingle, Beara and in the north Kerry Head. The photo below is the stunning Valentia Island Lighthouse during a winter storm by Valerie O'Sullivan. 

Cool Atlantic breeze at Valentia Island Lighthouse. Photo by Valerie O'Sullivan

This Wild Atlantic Way drive along Kerry's coast takes at least 3 days to complete. However, you should try to slow down and spend at least 2 weeks visiting some of the top attractions below, getting out of the car for a walk or cycle, meeting the local people and experience the real Wild Ireland because you will not regret it. Don't just tick the tourist boxes, find hidden gems, find adventure and explore more, you will have some great stories to bring home. 

Some of the towns, villages and islands to visit on the Kerry stage of the Wild Atlantic Way include Kenmare, Sneem, Waterville, Portmagee, Valentia Island, Skellig Islands, Beginish Island, Cahersiveen, Kells, Glenbeigh, Killorglin, Anascaul, Dingle, Blasket Islands, Tralee, Ballyheige, Ballybunion and finishing in Tarbert.

If you need to Rent a Car to experience the Wild Atlantic Way then I would suggest visiting www.carhire.ie. If you find a better price elsewhere they will beat it.  

carhirelogos 600x200

The following is just a sample itinerary of the Attractions and ‘Things to See and Do’ on Kerry's Wild Atlantic Way route starting from Kenmare and ending in Tarbert with plenty more not mentioned here:

  1. Kenmare Harbour Tour, Old Kenmare Road, Star Watersports and a 4,000 year old stone circle 
  2. The Kerry Way walking trail (130km) – the world’s best long hike Bridia Valley Black Faced Ram, The Kerry Way Walking Trail, Ireland - Wild Atlantic Way
  3. Staigue and Loher Ancient Stone forts
  4. Derrynane House home of Daniel O'Connell
  5. Derrynane Blue Flag beach and Lough Currane Fishing in Waterville
  6. Bolus Head loop walk, Waterville village with its connection to Charlie Chaplin 
  7. Ballinskelligs Blue Flag Beach and Castle,
  8. Skellig’s Chocolate factory
  9. Coomanaspig Mountain scenic viewing spot
  10. Valentia Island - Knightstown and Boat trip to the Skellig Islands - see belowSkellig Boat Trip on the Wild Atlantic Way by Valerie O'Sullivan
  11. Valentia Island - Skellig Experience Heritage Centre and kayak to Beginish Island
  12. Valentia Island - Bray Head walk, Blue Pool Natural Swimming Pool and Culoo Fishing Cliffs  
  13. Valentia Island - Geokaun Mountain and Fogher Cliffs (600ft)
  14. Valentia Island - World famous Valentia Slate Quarry
  15. Valentia Island - 385 million year old Tetrapod footprints fossil
  16. Cahergal and Leacanabuaile Ancient Stone Forts, Beentee and Knocknadobar Mtn walks
  17. Rossbeigh Beach, Coomasaharn Loop Walk and view from Drung Hill Mtn.
  18. Killorglin - Puck Fair in August – Irelands Oldest Fair and Fishing in Caragh Lake
  19. Killarney: MacGillycuddy Reeks Mtns and Irelands highest Corrán Tuathail (1,039m) see belowCarrauntoohil Mountain, Kerry
  20. Killarney including The Gap of Dunloe, Killarney National Park, The Blue Pool, Muckross Abbey, Muckross House and Lakes, Ross Castle, Torc Waterfall
  21. Dingle: Inch Beach, Annascaul, Dingle Peninsula, Town and see the world famous dolphin Fungi
  22. Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium, Seal sanctuary and the great Play at Height Climbing Wall
  23. Ferry to unique Blasket Islands with amazing history, guided tour, walks, swimming and wildlife
  24. Gallarus 10th Century Oratory and Slea Head Coastal Drive
  25. Conor Pass scenic views and walks - drive Irelands highest mountain pass at over 400m
  26. Climb the unmissable Mt. Brandon Walk (952m), Sás Creek and Slieve Mish Mtn walks near Tralee
  27. See Tralee Bay from Brandon and walk on Irelands longest sandy beach at approx. 40km see below
  28. Tralee is Ireland’s family friendly capital. It has some of Irelands best beaches including Fenit, Banna, Kileltin and Derrymore. Also go visit the Aquadome, Playdium, Wetlands Centre, County Museum, Cinema, Tralee Town Park playground and cycle safely with kids in Ballyseedy woods 
  29. Tralee - Walking and Cycling, Caherconree mountain and the Rose of Tralee Festival in August
  30. Tralee – Start of the Dingle Way walking route and walk Irelands longest beach (see below)Brandon Bay from Beenoskee
  31. Tralee – Blennerville Windmill, Annagh Church, Fenit Beach and Lighthouse, Siamsa Tire Folk Theatre, Queen Scotia’s Grave, Tralee Town Park
  32. Worlds Best Links Golf – Tralee Golf Club, Waterville GC, Ballybunnion GC and Dooks GC. 
  33. Ardfert Cathedral
  34. Banna Strand beach walk
  35. Kerry Head peninsula coastal drive
  36. Rattoo Round Tower, Ballyduff
  37. Ballybunion Beach, Castle
  38. Bromore Cliffs and Stone Forts
  39. Carrigafoyle Castle
  40. Tarbert Ferry and lighthouse

Tralee-Bay-and-Beaches-small

The Wild Atlantic Way is Irelands new long distance scenic driving route along the entire west coast of Ireland from Donegal in the north to Cork in the south. If you are looking for a holiday itinerary from a few days to several weeks, look no further as the Wild Atlantic Way route has it all. From cliff top views to great hikes and from historic cities to picture perfect coastal villages and some of the best surfing in the world, the Wild Atlantic Way drive caters for tourists of all ages and tastes. Slow down and experience the real Ireland.

- the Wild Atlantic Way is the longest coastal tourist route in the world at approximately 2,750 km (1,700 miles) in length with plenty more side routes and loops.

- You can join the Wild Atlantic Way at any number of points along its length, complete it in either direction and enjoy the many shorter side loops and dozens of attractions, walks, cycles, golf, fishing, surfing, swimming and places to stay and see along the Wild Atlantic Way.

- A map of the Wild Atlantic Way is shown below and you can also download the gpx file (GPS) for your cars Sat Nav or follow it using GPS on our FREE Travel Guide App called ActiveMe Ireland on iPhone and Android App

 

The Co. Kerry stage of the Wild Atlantic Way scenic coastal drive is nearly 450km long, stretching from the ideal tourist town of Kenmare and ending in scenic north Kerry at the Tarbert ferry to Co Clare. You can view and follow the Wild Atlantic Way route map below and on our Free App on iPhone and Android. 

This Kerry section of the Wild Atlantic Way is by far the most bang for your buck (time) with awe inspiring views and things to see and do at every turn. Drive or cycle the best peninsulas in Ireland including the famous Ring of Kerry, Dingle, Beara and in the north Kerry Head. The photo below is the stunning Valentia Island Lighthouse during a winter storm by Valerie O’Sullivan. 

Cool Atlantic breeze at Valentia Island Lighthouse. Photo by Valerie O'Sullivan

This Wild Atlantic Way drive along Kerry’s coast takes at least 3 days to complete. However, you should try to slow down and spend at least 2 weeks visiting some of the top attractions below, getting out of the car for a walk or cycle, meeting the local people and experience the real Wild Ireland because you will not regret it. Don’t just tick the tourist boxes, find hidden gems, find adventure and explore more, you will have some great stories to bring home. 

Some of the towns, villages and islands to visit on the Kerry stage of the Wild Atlantic Way include Kenmare, Sneem, Waterville, Portmagee, Valentia Island, Skellig Islands, Beginish Island, Cahersiveen, Kells, Glenbeigh, Killorglin, Anascaul, Dingle, Blasket Islands, Tralee, Ballyheige, Ballybunion and finishing in Tarbert.

If you need to Rent a Car to experience the Wild Atlantic Way then I would suggest visiting www.carhire.ie. If you find a better price elsewhere they will beat it.  

carhirelogos 600x200

The following is just a sample itinerary of the Attractions and ‘Things to See and Do’ on Kerry’s Wild Atlantic Way route starting from Kenmare and ending in Tarbert with plenty more not mentioned here:

  1. Kenmare Harbour Tour, Old Kenmare Road, Star Watersports and a 4,000 year old stone circle 
  2. The Bridia Valley Black Faced Ram, The Kerry Way Walking Trail, Ireland - Wild Atlantic Way
  3. Staigue and Loher Ancient Stone forts
  4. Derrynane House home of Daniel O’Connell
  5. Derrynane Blue Flag beach and Lough Currane Fishing in Waterville
  6. Bolus Head loop walk, Waterville village with its connection to Charlie Chaplin 
  7. Ballinskelligs Blue Flag Beach and Castle,
  8. Skellig’s Chocolate factory
  9. Coomanaspig Mountain scenic viewing spot
  10. Valentia Island – Knightstown and Boat trip to the Skellig Islands – see belowSkellig Boat Trip on the Wild Atlantic Way by Valerie O'Sullivan
  11. Valentia Island – Skellig Experience Heritage Centre and kayak to Beginish Island
  12. Valentia Island – Bray Head walk, Blue Pool Natural Swimming Pool and Culoo Fishing Cliffs  
  13. Valentia Island – Geokaun Mountain and Fogher Cliffs (600ft)
  14. Valentia Island – World famous Valentia Slate Quarry
  15. Valentia Island – 385 million year old Tetrapod footprints fossil
  16. Cahergal and Leacanabuaile Ancient Stone Forts, Beentee and Knocknadobar Mtn walks
  17. Rossbeigh Beach, Coomasaharn Loop Walk and view from Drung Hill Mtn.
  18. Killorglin – Puck Fair in August – Irelands Oldest Fair and Fishing in Caragh Lake
  19. Killarney: Carrauntoohil Mountain, Kerry
  20. Killarney including The Gap of Dunloe, Killarney National Park, The Blue Pool, Muckross Abbey, Muckross House and Lakes, Ross Castle, Torc Waterfall
  21. Dingle: Inch Beach, Annascaul, Dingle Peninsula, Town and see the world famous dolphin Fungi
  22. Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium, Seal sanctuary and the great Play at Height Climbing Wall
  23. Ferry to unique Blasket Islands with amazing history, guided tour, walks, swimming and wildlife
  24. Gallarus 10th Century Oratory and Slea Head Coastal Drive
  25. Conor Pass scenic views and walks – drive Irelands highest mountain pass at over 400m
  26. Climb the unmissable Mt. Brandon Walk (952m), Sás Creek and Slieve Mish Mtn walks near Tralee
  27. See Tralee Bay from Brandon and walk on Irelands longest sandy beach at approx. 40km see below
  28. Tralee is Ireland’s family friendly capital. It has some of Irelands best beaches including Fenit, Banna, Kileltin and Derrymore. Also go visit the Aquadome, Playdium, Wetlands Centre, County Museum, Cinema, Tralee Town Park playground and cycle safely with kids in Ballyseedy woods 
  29. Tralee – Walking and Cycling, Caherconree mountain and the Rose of Tralee Festival in August
  30. Tralee – Brandon Bay from Beenoskee
  31. Tralee – Blennerville Windmill, Annagh Church, Fenit Beach and Lighthouse, Siamsa Tire Folk Theatre, Queen Scotia’s Grave, Tralee Town Park
  32. Worlds Best Links Golf – Tralee Golf Club, Waterville GC, Ballybunnion GC and Dooks GC. 
  33. Ardfert Cathedral
  34. Banna Strand beach walk
  35. Kerry Head peninsula coastal drive
  36. Rattoo Round Tower, Ballyduff
  37. Ballybunion Beach, Castle
  38. Bromore Cliffs and Stone Forts
  39. Carrigafoyle Castle
  40. Tarbert Ferry and lighthouse

Tralee-Bay-and-Beaches-small

The Wild Atlantic Way is Irelands new long distance scenic driving route along the entire west coast of Ireland from Donegal in the north to Cork in the south. If you are looking for a holiday itinerary from a few days to several weeks, look no further as the Wild Atlantic Way route has it all. From cliff top views to great hikes and from historic cities to picture perfect coastal villages and some of the best surfing in the world, the Wild Atlantic Way drive caters for tourists of all ages and tastes. Slow down and experience the real Ireland.

– the Wild Atlantic Way is the longest coastal tourist route in the world at approximately 2,750 km (1,700 miles) in length with plenty more side routes and loops.

– You can join the Wild Atlantic Way at any number of points along its length, complete it in either direction and enjoy the many shorter side loops and dozens of attractions, walks, cycles, golf, fishing, surfing, swimming and places to stay and see along the Wild Atlantic Way.

– A map of the Wild Atlantic Way is shown below and you can also download the gpx file (GPS) for your cars Sat Nav or follow it using GPS on our FREE Travel Guide App called ActiveMe Ireland on iPhone and Android App