The Ring of Kerry, a breathtaking route tucked into the South West of Ireland, is a 179 kilometre ride that brings you by some of Kerry’s most charming towns, historical sites, and enchanting landscapes, both coastal and inland. With a vast variety of stops, the Ring of Kerry is suitable for people of all tastes. We’ve compiled a list of the 10 stops along the way that you simple cant miss!
The Gap of Dunloe:
Back to Top of ListThe world renowned Gap of Dunloe is a mountain pass which sits between Killarney and Killorglin. The pass which is carved out between the Purple Mountains and the McGillicuddy Reeks is a dotted with small lakes and streams, making it an idyllic scene. It’s possible to hire jaunting carts (horse-drawn carriages) to take you up and down the pass – making the experience truly feel like a journey through time!
Rossbeigh Beach
Back to Top of ListAs you head toward the Atlantic, Rossbeigh Beach will be one of the first coastal stops you’ll come across along the Ring of Kerry. A sand bar which reaches across the Dingle Bay, the beach is home to incredible sand dunes, and amazing views of both the Dingle and Iveragh Peninsulas. A short drive just past the beach and up the Rossbeigh Mountain provides an incredible viewpoint of the whole bay.
Cahergal Stone Fort
Back to Top of ListFor the history buffs, Cahergal Fort is an iron age just outside the town of Cahersiveen. The fort is in incredible shape, giving visitors a genuine feel for the lives of those once called the fort home.
The Skellig Islands
Back to Top of ListIt goes without saying that the Skellig Islands are a must see stop along the Ring of Kerry. One of Irelands three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the islands are home to a monastic settlement which originally landed on the island about 1400 years ago. The islands are also home to an incredible array of wildlife like the colourful Puffin, as well as the largest colony of Gannets anywhere in the world. If that’s not enough, the islands were also featured as Luke Skywalkers home in Star Wars. So whether you’re into history, nature, or even film, you can’t miss the Skellig Islands. There are regular boats both onto and around the Islands.
The Kerry Cliffs
Back to Top of ListKerry’s answer to the Cliffs of Moher, the Kerry Cliffs offer incredible vistas of our Wild Atlantic coast. Shooting 300 meters out of the ocean, the sheer and rugged cliffs are a sight to behold on their own, but they also look out on both the Skellig Islands and Puffin Island, further enhancing the views.
Waterville Promenade and the Charlie Chaplain Statue
Back to Top of ListSitting at the tip of the Ring of Kerry is the quant coastal town of Waterville, and it's shoreline makes for a great walk. The towns rich history is on show for all to see along it’s seaside promenade. Charlie Chaplin was a frequent visitor of the town. The pioneering comedian made such an impression on the village that he has been honoured with a statue in the centre of town, along the prom. The prom also features statues dedicated to famous footballer Mick O’Dwyer, as well as other art pieces.
Derrynane Beach, House, and Gardens
Back to Top of ListWith its radiant blue waters, Derrynane Beach feels like a tropical paradise that has been lifted straight out of the Bahamas and placed neatly on the South-Western tip of Ireland. Sitting just above the beach is the Derrynane House and Gardens, which was once home to one of Irelands most prominent political figures, Daniel O’Connell, in the 19th century.
Sneem Falls
Back to Top of ListTowards the end of the ring is the colourful village of Sneem, which is divided in half by an amazing series of cascading waterfalls known as Sneem Falls. This series of water features runs right through the middle of the picturesque town. A stone bridge joins either side of the town, and offers brilliant views of the falls.
Kenmare Stone Circle
Back to Top of ListJust outside the wonderful town of Kenmare is a Stone Circle consisting of 15 This prehistoric site dates all the way back to Bronze Age Ireland. Though the exact significance of ancient stone circles is unknown, it is believed that they were used to perform ceremonial and ritual celebrations related to solar and lunar trajectories. Nonetheless, the site has aura which gives visitors a sense of our prehistoric past.
Ladies View, Killarney National Park, and Muckross House and Gardens:
Back to Top of ListAs you come to the end of the Ring of Kerry, you’ll come across a breathtaking viewpoint known as Ladies View. It’s name comes from Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting who were stunned by beauty of Killarney National Park’s panoramic scenes during their Royal visit to Killarney in 1861. Continuing down the road, you can enter the park and stroll around the regal grounds of Muckross House and Gardens where Queen Victoria stayed during the aforementioned Royal visit. Sitting on the shores of the Muckross Lake, the parks lush greens and expansive paths are allow visitors to dive deep into the natural beauty of Kerry.
While this list includes some of Kerry’s most popular attractions, it is by no means exhaustive. The Ring of Kerry has something to offer for everyone. Whether it’s the natural beauty or the richness of culture you travel for, you’ll find it all along the Ring of Kerry. For more information on the attractions in this list, click through the slides below.
Learn more about these attractions:
Derrynane House
Sheltered within the woodland stands Derrynane House, the ancestral home of Daniel O’Connell…
Muckross House and Gardens
The internationally renowned Muckross House and Gardens is surrounded by a variety of walks and…
Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry is by far the most famous Day Tour in Ireland. Throughout its 216 kilometres, you…