Stops on the Ring of Kerry Drive
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The Ring of Kerry drive takes in some of Ireland’s most treasured heritage sites. Popular stops on the Ring of Kerry drive include Ross Castle, Torc Waterfall, Muckross Abbey, and the Kerry Cliffs. Our article on things to do on the Ring of Kerry will cover these sites, and more.
Although the route’s castles and stone forts should not be missed, much of what make the Ring of Kerry drive so special are the hauntingly beautiful terrains in between attractions. Places where the hedges arc up over the pavement in a canopy of green, or the wind has weathered a row of Gaelic crosses sitting upon a hill.
The drive stretches for 111-miles (179km) over the western shore of Ireland’s Iveragh Peninsula. The roadway, along with the 11-mile (18km) Skellig Ring extension, is part Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way coastal route. Because the route is so spread out, many visitors choose to take a guided tour of the Ring of Kerry.
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IS IT WORTH DRIVING THE RING OF KERRY
A frequent complaint of the Ring of Kerry drive is that the route is too congested to be enjoyable. We disagree. With planning it is possible to avoid the crush of the crowd (leave early and avoid towns at mid-day - especially in July and August). We traveled the loop on a weekday in May and encountered only a handful of tour buses, and no wait times at attractions.
The Ring of Kerry drive is packed with interesting heritage sites and picturesque villages. In between attractions the remarkable scenery includes forests, mountains, glacial lakes, farmland, and miles of rugged coastline. In addition, the roadways are paved and well-signed.
The combination of fun things to do, gorgeous landscape, and good driving conditions make the Ring of Kerry drive more than worth it. In fact, this lovely route should be considered a must-do activity in Ireland.
If you would rather not chance meeting tour buses head-on while driving the narrow roads on the Ring of Kerry, try a guided tour. There are many. Here is a sampling of tours that begin in Killarney:
RING OF KERRY MAP
STOPS ON THE RING OF KERRY DRIVE
This list of stops on the Ring of Kerry is laid out in the order the towns and attractions would be visited if beginning the route in the town of Killarney. When planning a route, pick out your top 8-10 stops and concentrate on visiting them. Or, consider extending the visit by another day. There are so many things to do in Killarney.
Gap of Dunloe
(County Kerry, Ireland)
The Gap of Dunloe mountain pass cuts through the McGillycuddy Reeks and Purple Mountain ranges. A 7-mile (11km) one lane road follows the pass through the barren and beautiful mountain landscape. A popular way to experience the gap is pass through it by jaunting car (pony pulled cart), electric bike, or by walking.
Ross Castle
(Killarney National Park)
On the shores of Lough Leane in Killarney National Park sits Ross Castle. For a small entry fee, the ruins of the 15th century stronghold can be toured. The docks around Ross Castle launch tours to nearby Innisfallen Island, the Gap of Dunloe, and the Lakes of Killarney.
Muckross House and Gardens
(Killarney National Park)
Muckross House is a 19th century Victorian mansion that is a popular Ring of Kerry stop. Now a museum, the manor house and gardens once belonged to the wealthy Herbert family. The gardens are extensive and there are lovely views of Lake Muckross from the property. There is a small fee to tour the house’s interior. Parking is free.
Muckross Abbey
(Killarney National Park)
It is a short walk from Muckross House to Muckross Abbey. The abbey was once a thriving Franciscan friary, but after years of persecution the medieval monastery was deserted. Today, visitors can tour the ruins for free. Things to see include the abbey’s refectory, cloisters, and courtyard along with a 550-year old yew tree. The abbey is surrounded by an active cemetery. This was our favorite Killarney National Park attraction.
Torc Waterfall
(Killarney National Park)
From Muckross House, take a jaunting car ride to the Torc Waterfall (or a 2-minute car ride). The attraction is a 5-minute walk up a trail from the car park. The Torc Waterfall is the result of the Owengarriff River cascading down over 70-feet of rocks. The surge is most impressive after a rainfall. Parking is free.
Ladies View
(Highway N71, County Kerry)
Ladies View is a scenic overlook located on Route N71 about 12-miles outside of Killarney. The panorama takes in the surrounding mountains and Lakes of Killarney. The viewpoint gets its name from a group of ladies in waiting who fell in love with the lookout when Queen Victoria visited the area in 1861, There is free parking and a café onsite.
Moll’s Gap
(Highway N71, County Kerry)
A short distance from Ladies View is another lookout on Highway N71. Moll’s Gap is a scenic viewpoint of the McGillycuddy Reeks mountain range and the Lakes of Killarney. The mountain pass is named in honor of a local lady who produced illegal poitin-potato alcohol in the 1800s. There is free parking and a café onsite.
Kenmare
(County Kerry, Ireland)
Kenmare is a pretty coastal town about 27-miles (43km) south of Killarney. While Killarney bristles with energy, Kenmare has a more melodic rhythm. Downtown is characterized by colorful storefronts and craft stores. Kenmare is well-known for its lace and knitting industries. There is also a stone circle dating back to the Bronze-age just off the center of town which draws many visitors.
Sneem
(County Kerry, Ireland)
Sneem is a small town southwest of Kenmare. The village is bookended by two squares: South Square and North Square. There is a Sculpture Trail that runs through the downtown area which includes a series of statues and memorials.
Staigue Fort
(Staigue, County Kerry)
There are a several stone ring forts in Ireland; Staigue Fort is one of the largest. Built in a hilly area overlooking Kenmare bay, the fort is thought to date back to the Celtic period. Inside the 13-feet thick walls of the fortress a chieftain and his followers once lived. After passing through Staigue Fort’s front gate, visitors can climb its stairs and walk the outer walls. There is a 1-euro entry donation.
From the highway, a one lane road through rural farmland leads to the fort. If you visit (and we recommend you do}, reserve the smallest car you can for the narrow passage.
Derrynane National Historic Park
(Caherdaniel, County Kerry)
Be sure to make Derrynane National Park one of your stops on the Ring of Kerry. Onsite visitors can tour the ancestral home of the Irish statesman, Daniel O’Connell. After the tour, there is a 1.5-mile sandy beach to enjoy. In addition, at low tide, there are the ruins of an abbey and burial ground to explored on Abbey Island.
There is a small fee to tour the house. Parking is free. Beware, the road from the highway to the park attractions is long and one-lane. Be prepared to squeeze onto the shoulder (or back up) when meeting oncoming cars.
Waterville
(County Kerry, Ireland)
Waterville is a seaside town that is roughly at the drive’s halfway point. Stop here to shop on the town’s seaside promenade, and to locate the statue of Charlie Chaplin (the silent film star often visited).
Skelligs Chocolate
(Ballinskelligs, Skellig Ring)
Founded in 1996, a visit to Skelligs Chocolate has become a must-see stop for many day-trippers. The chocolate factory produces candy with “locally sourced ingredients and flavours that reflect the Atlantic coastline.” Enjoy!
Kerry Cliffs
(Portmagee, Skellig Ring)
The Kerry Cliffs rise 1000-feet up into the air on the western edge of the Atlantic Ocean. At the privately-owned attraction, a path runs between viewpoints along the top of the cliffs. On a clear day, it is possible to see for 30-miles with views of Puffin and Skellig Islands. There is a $5 Euro admission fee.
Portmagee
(Skellig Ring, County Kerry)
Portmagee is a colorful fishing village. Named after a local smuggler, the port was once a smuggler haven. Walk along the harbor, listen to a trad-music session at a local pub, or shop for souvenirs. The beautiful Portmagee and Skellig Ring area is the focus of some tours.
Portmagee is also known as the departure point for tour boats leaving for the Skellig Islands. If you have time and have booked ahead, take a cruise around the Skellig Islands. To tour Skellig Michael, book a separate day.
Valentia Island
(Skellig Ring, County Kerry)
Just over the bridge from Portmagee is Valentia Island. The tiny island is home to the Skellig Experience Visitor Center, the Valentia Lighthouse, and several scenic lookouts. From the village of Knightstown there is a car ferry linking the Skellig Ring back to the Ring of Kerry drive.
Cahersiveen
(County Kerry, Ireland)
In Cahersiveen, visitors will find the stone forts of Cahergal and Leacanabuaile as well as Ballycarbery Castle. The forts once protected medieval farming communities. The ruins of Ballycarbery Castle are deserted. The grounds are free to wander at your own risk.
Rossbeigh Beach
(Glenbeigh, County Kerry)
Rossbiegh strand is a 4-mile stretch of land that is surrounded by water on three sides. Rossbeigh beach is framed by sand dunes and has unparalleled views of the Dingle Peninsula mountains.
Killorglin
(County Kerry, Ireland)
Killorglin is a working-class town that is home to many pubs and shops. Every August the town hosts Ireland’s oldest festival, the Puck Fair (where a goat is crowned and paraded around).
Killarney
(County Kerry, Ireland)
The lively town of Killarney bustles day and night. It is full of souvenir shops and bars that tourists frequent. There are several pedestrian avenues in the blocks between High, Chapel, New, and Main Streets which make strolling the area fun. End your Ring of Kerry drive with a pint and some music in one of Killarney’s famous pubs.
Slán go fóill (Bye for now), Laura and Randy
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