Ultimate Ring of Kerry Itinerary: Best Stops, Views, and Tips
The Ring of Kerry is one of the quintessential stops on any Ireland itinerary. Located in County Kerry (shocking, I know), this scenic loop winds past historical sites, jaw-dropping viewpoints, beaches, and most importantly, the best bowl of beef stew you’ll ever eat.
The beef stew isn’t technically part of the Ring of Kerry, but trust me, it’s a must-stop.
Like many places in Ireland, the Ring of Kerry is a “choose your own adventure.” You can stop at every landmark or just a few. You can drive it yourself or take a guided tour. You can drive counterclockwise with the tour buses, or clockwise and risk squeezing past them on narrow roads. If you want a super detailed stop-by-stop map, check out The Irish Road Trip, or follow this guide for my personal favorite stops on the ring. But no matter how you do it, set aside a full day for the journey.
Tour Options:
If driving through the Ring of Kerry isn’t for you, there are a handful of great tours to take to see the ring. Check them out below:
Step by Step Guide
Step 1: Ladies Viewpoint & Moll’s Gap (~1 hour)
Head straight to the Ladies Viewpoint and Moll’s Gap. Both provide excellent views of Kerry’s rolling green hills. If you’re lucky you’ll have a day full of lovely weather, rather than our fogged out views.
Step 2: Kenmare (~10 minutes)
Take a stroll through this charming town and grab breakfast at Rookery Lane Food & Lodging.
Step 3: Dunkerron Castle (~6 minutes)
Built in 1596 it was the stronghold for the O’Sullivans (you know, those O’Sullivans). The castle is tucked behind Dunkerron Holiday homes.
Step 4: Sneem ( ~25 minutes)
A colorful, postcard-perfect town. Stop for coffee or a quick photo, or admire as you pass through.
Step 5: Staigue Stone Fort (~ 25 minutes)
This is one of the largest intact stone forts in Ireland. It was thought to have been built during the Iron Age, around 300 AD as a defensive stronghold for kings. Nearby, Caherdaniel Fort offers similar architecture.
Step 6: First Beach (~20 minutes)
Choose Castle Cove Beach or Derrynane Beach for your first taste of the Atlantic ocean. Nearby, you can also visit Derrynane House, once home to Irish political leader Daniel O’Connell. Please enjoy the photo of a very realistic beach stop in Ireland, tee hee.
Step 7: Waterville (~15 minutes)
A seaside town with a beach and statue of Charlie Chaplin, who vacationed here.
Step 8: Ballinskellig (~ 15 minutes)
This marks the start of the Skellig Ring (a smaller loop off the Ring). Visit Ballinskellig Castle and the impressive Ballinskellig Abbey overlooking the ocean. The Abbey was a super impressive stop and had great views overlooking the ocean.
Step 9: Viewpoints (~20-30 minutes)
Stop at Coomanaspig for sweeping views or head to the Kerry Cliffs (a short 10-minute walk with an entrance fee). Which are more great Irish cliffs (even when it is completely socked in, like it was for me). If you love chocolate, pop into Skelligs Chocolate Factory for handmade treats.
The completely socked in Kerry Cliffs
Fighting the rain and the wind at said Cliffs!
Step 10: Portmagee (~5 minutes)
This is your lunch stop: Moorings Guesthouse & Seafood serves an incredible beef stew. Star Wars fans will love the memorabilia, since nearby Skellig Michael was a filming location for Rogue 1 (you can take a ferry tour if you’re a mega fan).
Step 11: Viewpoints Part 2 (~ 7 minutes)
Pick between Bray Head and Geokaun Mountain & Cliffs. If you choose just one, Geokaun’s cliffs are especially stunning.
Wrapping Up
You are on the last section of the ring. Although there are a lot of stops, there are a lot of similarities to places you have already been. If you want a full list to not miss any stop, check out the link above. Otherwise head to these next stops.
Cahersiveen (~ 20 minutes)
Drive through this small town, or stop at Cahergall Stone Fort just past it.
Kells Bay House & Garden (~ 15 minutes)
A lovely botanical garden with waterfalls and walking paths. A perfect stop for stretching your legs !
Rossbeigh Beach (~ 20 minutes)
This is one last beautiful beach to check out before returning to the town. (One of my favorite in Ireland!)
Killorgin ( ~ 30 minutes- optional)
The town of Killorgin can be your final stop for the day. Here you’ll find the quirky King Puck Monument (a nod to Ireland’s oldest festival, where a goat is crowned king) and Kerry Woollen Mills for a shopping break. End the day with beer and pizza at Killarney Brewing & Distilling.
The Ring of Kerry is one of Ireland’s most iconic drives for a reason: castles, cliffs, colorful towns, ancient forts, and sweeping views at every turn. I hope you get clear skies, but remember, it’s Ireland, so temper expectations and embrace the foggy drama.
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