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Tour the Ring of Kerry by car
The Ring of Kerry is one of the world’s most celebrated driving routes, famous the world over and a top touring destination for visitors travelling to Ireland. Not only is it breathtakingly beautiful, but it also offers both a glimpse of history going back to the bronze age and a chance to sample the best that Ireland has to offer today.
In this guide we explore just what makes the Ring of Kerry, Ireland’s most talked about drive and what can be enjoyed along the way, from the wild landscapes to the local food and culture. We’ll uncover each section of the route and offer top tips on planning a Ring of Kerry road trip.
What is the Ring of Kerry?
So, what is the Ring of Kerry and where does it get its name? The Ring of Kerry is a famous driving circuit around the edge of Ireland’s southwest coast in the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry. It is renowned for its scenic beauty and is a hot favourite with the motoring press as well as tourists keen to test their skills on this stunning, wild stretch of coastline. The Ring of Kerry gets its name as it takes drivers on a complete, circular tour of the coast with the horseshoe-shaped section of the N70 linking up with the N71 and N72 to complete the tour. The landscape has received worldwide attention – featuring in films such as Star Wars and on TV’s Top Gear when presenter Matt LeBlanc cruised around the shoreline in a Rolls Royce Dawn. Audi came to ‘the Ring’ in 2019 to launch its Q7 bringing hundreds of journalists to try the circuit.
Where is the Ring of Kerry?
The Ring of Kerry route traces County Kerry's largest Atlantic peninsula, bringing breathtaking sea views around every corner. Towns along the route of the Ring of Kerry include Killarney, Killorglin and Kenmare and gems such as the village of Sneem. Looking inland you’ll see the brooding mountain range known as MacGillycuddy’s Reeks while out towards the sea, the route gives a great view of the Skellig Islands.
How to get to the Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry is in the southwest of Ireland. One of the appeals of this striking coastal location is its remoteness, however it is surprisingly accessible to international visitors. The nearest airport is Kerry Airport, 17km north of Killarney, probably the best place to start a road trip around the Ring of Kerry. This tiny airport has just one terminal and you’ll find an Avis rental office in car park 2 just after arrivals ready for an easy 20min drive along the N22 to Killarney. The other airport close to the Ring of Kerry is Cork Airport, the country’s second largest airport after Dublin. The Avis rental desk at Cork Airport is just after arrivals inside the main terminal building.
If you are looking to travel by train, there is a daily service from Dublin’s Heuston station to Killarney taking around 3hr20min.
How long is the Ring of Kerry?
In total, the Ring of Kerry route covers 111 miles or 179km.
How long does it take to drive the Ring of Kerry?
Driving the Ring of Kerry can take as little as 3hr30min depending on road and weather conditions. But what’s the hurry? Driving the Ring of Kerry can take a few hours, a single day or even a few days. Depending on your schedule and the season, there are so many points of interest, places to explore and festivals and events throughout the year that make it worth taking your time.
10 Key stops along the Ring of Kerry:Plan out your itinerary with some of our top places to explore along the Ring of Kerry.
Killarney National Park
No trip around the Ring of Kerry would be complete without a stop in the magnificent Killarney National Park. The first National Park in Ireland, the park encompasses 25,000 acres of ecologically important oak and yew forest, lakes and mountains. Killarney House in the park is open to the public and there is a visitor centre, trails for hiking and walking and even horse-drawn carriages to add to the sense of stepping back in time.
Gap of Dunloe
As you head along the N72, it’s worth taking a detour south to the Gap of Dunloe, a spectacular mountain pass through the MacGillycuddy's Reeks range formed during the ice age 25,000 years ago. You can drive through the gap, but it is also possible to walk it, so this is an opportunity to stretch your legs and get close to nature.
Derrynane Beach
The white sands of Derrynane Beach, a Blue Flag beach are a big draw on the Ring of Kerry road trip. Flanked by dunes, this sweeping, sheltered beach is popular for swimming in summer when there is a lifeguard station in operation as tides can be variable.
Caherdaniel
Dreamy Caherdaniel is the perfect place for a stop halfway on the Ring of Kerry drive. A small but beautiful village around the shore, it is named after 19th century Irish hero, lawyer, politician and statesman Daniel O’Connell whose childhood home Derrynane House is open to the public.
Sneem
Set against a backdrop of mountains, the brightly painted cottages of Sneem village are a splash of colour on the drive around the Ring of Kerry. Sneem - meaning ‘knot’ – is on the mouth of the river Sneem and is a centre for fishing, boating and kayaking as well as having a fairy trail and memorial to French President Charles de Gaulle.
Kenmare
Literally meaning ‘head of the sea’, the pretty town of Kenmare is described as the jewel of the Ring of Kerry. The colourful, pastel-painted houses in this heritage town add to the natural beauty of the landscape and the myriad of cafes and restaurants make it a big draw for foodies.
Torc Waterfall
A must-see on any tour of the Ring of Kerry, the spectacular 20 metre high and 110 metre long Torc Waterfall is in the Killarney National Park. Car parking is a 15min walk from the base of the waterfall at the foot of Torc Mountain.
Muckross House and Gardens
Right in the middle of Killarney National Park, Muckross House and Gardens offers a chance to experience a taste of life on a traditional farm in the 1930s and 1940s. The Victorian main house is furnished from the period and the sunken garden with its stream and rockland areas are a big attraction.
Ross Castle
On the shores of Lough Leane, Ross Castle is a photographic gem at any time of year. Once the stronghold of an Irish chieftain, Ross Castle has been restored and is open to visitors from April to October.
Skellig Islands
Boat trips to the magical Skellig Islands, Skellig Michael and Little Skellig are a highlight of a trip to this dramatic coastline and well worth extending your stay to visit on a drive around the Ring of Kerry.
Top tips for driving the Ring of Kerry
Our top tips for planning for driving the Ring of Kerry will help you make the most of your trip no matter how long or short your stay.
Killarney is the best place to start the Ring of Kerry. This bustling, friendly tourist town lies on the N22 within easy travelling distance of both Kerry and Cork airports. If you are planning to do the drive over several days, Killarney is also a great base to explore the Killarney National Park.
Elsewhere along the route there is an abundance of accommodation from farm stays and B&Bs to camping and glamping to apartments, pubs, hotels, woodland lodges and even spa resorts.
The best time of year to visit the Ring of Kerry depends on your wish list. Ireland is known for its rainfall, so if you want to catch the best weather and maybe head to the beach, hike or catch a game of golf, you should head there between May and August. However, if you want to take to the open road when there are fewer visitors, waiting until September can be a good option.
Finally, opinions are divided on which is the best way to drive the Ring of Kerry. Some travel experts suggest driving in an anti-clockwise direction, so that you follow the coaches rather than having to pass them face-on on some of the narrower, two-lane roads. Alternatively, driving the Ring of Kerry clockwise places you right next to the coastline offering the best views for passengers.
As you get set to drive the Ring of Kerry, don’t forget to find out what to expect with our handy guide to road rules in Ireland.
Beyond the Ring of Kerry
So, there you have it, the complete guide to driving the Ring of Kerry, one of the most iconic driving routes in Europe. If you want to extend your trip, why not take on the full length of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Coast or perhaps this has tempted you to explore other parts of the Emerald Isle including the Dublin Bay drive.
If you want to head across the border to Northern Ireland, the Game of Thrones road trip tour is sure to impress fans!