Ring of Kerry
District

Ring of Kerry

Ireland's most scenic coastal drive through emerald landscapes

The Ring of Kerry isn't just Ireland's most famous drive – it's 179 kilometers of pure magic winding around the Iveragh Peninsula. You'll cruise past ancient stone forts, mirror-like lakes, and mountains that seem to change color with the light. Sure, the tour buses clog the route in summer, but here's what they don't tell you: start early or go clockwise, and you'll have stretches of this legendary loop almost to yourself. The drive connects Killarney to coastal gems like Waterville and Cahersiveen, with detours to the dramatic Skellig Ring that'll make your Instagram followers weep with envy.

Itineraries coming soon

We're working on adding amazing itineraries for Ring of Kerry. In the meantime, try the app to create your own!

The classic Ring of Kerry follows the N70 and N71 in a counterclockwise loop from Killarney. But here's the insider move: drive it clockwise. You'll avoid the tour bus traffic that dominates the standard route from 10am to 4pm. The full loop takes 3-4 hours of pure driving, but plan a full day – you'll want to stop at Ladies View, Moll's Gap, and the Kerry Cliffs near Portmagee. For a quieter alternative, take the Skellig Ring detour from Waterville. This 18km coastal route hugs dramatic cliffs and leads to Portmagee, where boats depart for Skellig Michael. The roads are narrow but well-maintained. Just watch for sheep – they own the right of way here.

Money-Saving Tips

  • 1.Fill up with petrol in Killarney before starting – rural stations charge 10-15 cents more per liter
  • 2.Pack lunch from SuperValu or Tesco in Killarney instead of buying roadside – saves €15-20 per person
  • 3.Skip the overpriced Kerry Cliffs viewpoint (€4 parking) and drive 2km further to free clifftop parking with similar views
  • 4.Buy a Heritage Card for €40 if visiting multiple historic sites – pays for itself after 3 stops
  • 5.Eat lunch at local pubs instead of tourist restaurants – expect to save €10-15 per meal
  • 6.Book accommodation in Killarney over smaller villages – more competition keeps prices lower
  • 7.Visit in shoulder season (May or September) for 30-40% lower hotel rates than peak summer

Travel Tips

  • •Drive clockwise to avoid tour bus traffic – they all go counterclockwise starting at 10am
  • •Download offline maps before you go – mobile signal drops out frequently along coastal sections
  • •Start early (8am) or late (after 4pm) to have viewpoints mostly to yourself
  • •Take the Skellig Ring detour from Waterville for dramatic coastal views without crowds
  • •Book Skellig Michael boat trips months ahead – they only run April to October and sell out fast
  • •Allow full day even though driving time is only 3-4 hours – you'll want to stop constantly
  • •Check weather before Conor Pass – it closes in high winds and fog
  • •Bring cash for small villages – many pubs and shops don't accept cards
  • •Stop at Molly Gallivan's Cottage near Bonane for proper Irish coffee and homemade brown bread

Frequently Asked Questions

The full 179km loop takes 3-4 hours of pure driving time, but plan a full day. You'll want to stop at viewpoints, take photos, and explore villages along the way. Most people spend 6-8 hours including stops.

Explore Ring of Kerry

Things to Do in Ring of KerryWhen to Visit Ring of Kerry3 Days in Ring of Kerry7 Days in Ring of Kerry

Ready to explore Ring of Kerry?

Get a personalized itinerary in seconds with Takeoff.

Free on iOS. No credit card required.