Ring of Kerry Itinerary: Best Stops, Map & Travel Tips for 2025
The Ring of Kerry is a magnificent 179-kilometer (111-mile) loop on the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry, Ireland. The loop contains inspiring coastal views, beautiful towns, historic sites, and spectacular scenery. It is an ideal way to experience the best things to do in Kerry, in a single trip.
You will start your track in Killarney and drive through mountains and beaches along rugged Atlantic cliffs, looping back to Killarney. While driving is always possible in one day, you can plan a one-day drive or a two-day trip with overnight stays. In this guide, you’ll find an interactive map, with detailed stops and travel itinerary.
Some Quick Need-to-Knows
The Ring of Kerry is an incredible drive but a few essentials will make your trip even smoother. Here’s everything you need to know before hitting the road.
Where It Starts and Ends
The Ring of Kerry drive usually starts and ends in Killarney. It has good public transport connections and a good variety of places to stay.
However, from places like Kenmare or Killorglin you can also enter the loop. But Killarney is the most common base for tourist facilities and it also has good access to Killarney National Park.
How Long Is the Ring of Kerry Drive
The Ring of Kerry spans 179 km (111 miles). It loops through Killarney, Kenmare, Sneem, Cahersiveen, Waterville, Glenbeigh, and Killorglin before returning. This means it can be driven in one day, but if you would like to take your time and explore properly there is enough to fill two days of travel.
How Long the Drive Takes
Driving the Ring of Kerry without stopping takes about 2.5 hours. But most travellers will likely on average take well over 6–8 hours to really enjoy the Ring. This is because there is so much to see and do. You will be stopping at waterfalls, historical sites and beaches and viewpoints, so you’ll need the time for stops along the way.
You should start this drive early in the day when you can. If you want to take a more leisurely pace, then visit the Ring of Kerry over two days and stay overnight.
What Direction to Drive
When planning a Ring of Kerry trip, the question of direction arises often. Driving clockwise is generally preferred as you will avoid being stuck behind a convoy of tour buses on their route counter-clockwise. Whereas the counter-clockwise route will present you with the classic sightseeing order. Either way, both directions are equally beautiful. It all depends on whether you prefer traffic or scenery.
Two Route Variations
There are two main versions of the Ring of Kerry route. The regular loop simply follows the N70 and N71 highways. Otherwise, for a wilder trip, you can include a Skellig Ring detour, which is a fork off the main route, by Waterville.
The Skellig Ring is a very narrow coastal trail that offers unbelievable ocean views. It includes the Kerry Cliffs, and gets you to Valentia Island (which is very cool). But it will take time, and require fearless driving along the skinnier roads.
Ring of Kerry Map with Stops
Planning your route is easier with a clear Ring of Kerry map. This map highlights the main spots and stops.
Google Map with Stops
Having an interactive Ring of Kerry map for planning is really helpful. It should be marked with all major stops, sights, villages, and filling stations. So you can really see the route before you drive it. You can even download it for offline use if you have poor mobile coverage along some of the rural stretches.
Route Roads Explained
The Ring essentially consists of two main roads. The N71 is from Killarney to Kenmare and goes through Moll’s Gap and some magnificent mountain views.
The N70 is the coastal road from Kenmare through Sneem, Cahersiveen, and Killorglin with views of sea cliffs and beaches. There are also smaller roads that can take you on detours for the Skellig Ring or Valentia Island.
Landmarks to Watch For
As you continue driving, lookout for signs to Torc Waterfall, Ladies View, Derrynane Beach, and Kerry Cliffs. Along with these signs, there will also be stone forts, the ruins of abbeys, and slots to find hidden beaches.
There are plenty of these destination sign posts throughout the route. Most of them will also have small car parks or lay-bys to take some pictures.
Ring of Kerry Highlights and Stops
The Ring of Kerry is filled with breathtaking views, historic sites and charming towns. Here are some stops you should not miss at any cost.
Nature and Scenic Highlights
Nature is truly at the heart of the Ring of Kerry. For starters, explore Killarney National Park, a vast tract of lakes, woodland and wildlife. Stop at Torc Waterfall, just a stroll from the road, before hiking up the Ladies View for fabulous valley views.
Continue on to Moll’s Gap through serpentine mountain roads to stark scenery. Continue to Derrynane Beach to walk on the sandy beach with pebbles mixed in, at least to the kids’ joy.
At Coomakista Pass, the views of the Atlantic are jaw-dropping. In Valentia Island, climb Geokaun Mountain for unmatched 360-degree views.
If you have extra time in Killarney, consider hiking or taking a jaunting car ride through the Gap of Dunloe, one of Ireland’s most dramatic valleys.
Historic and Cultural Highlights
History lovers will love the Ring of Kerry. Check out Ross Castle, a 15th-century castle that contains impressive views of Lough Leane. Not far from it, Muckross Abbey contains unforgettable ruins, with beautiful nooks, crannies, and gnarled yew trees that show the beauty of age.
Further west, check out Staigue Stone Fort, an Iron Age fort constructed without mortar. The Heritage Centre in Cahersiveen gives local tales in a converted church.
While the Kerry Bog Village Museum illustrates life in rural 18th-century times. You can cap off your day with a visit to Derrynane House, the family home of political leader Daniel O’Connell.
Towns and Villages Worth Exploring
Every town on the Ring of Kerry drive has its good points too. Killarney is an inviting and exciting town to spend the night in. Kenmare is also a charming place filled with colourful streets and fantastic restaurants. Sneem features quaint little cottages and intimate little squares.
Caherdaniel is right beside Derrynane Beach (which everyone in Ireland should go to at least once.) While Waterville brings together a coastal little town and Charlie Chaplin.
Cahersiveen offers historic walking trails, Glenbeigh is just down the road from Rossbeigh Beach, and Killorglin is famous for its Summer Puck Fair.
One-Day Ring of Kerry Itinerary
If you are more constrained for time, you can do the Ring of Kerry in one day. Starting at 8 AM in Killarney, visit Ross Castle, Muckross Abbey, Torc Waterfall and Ladies View. Then press on over Moll’s Gap to Kenmare for a coffee break, then drive to Sneem for lunch.
After lunch, head over to Derrynane Beach, stop at Waterville to see the coast, and then follow the road over to Cahersiveen. You can drive through Killorglin and back to Killarney by early evening. This plan balances the most iconic highlights with manageable driving and rest breaks.
Timing and Logistics
Plan on short 20-30 minute stops. Lunch should definitely be in Sneem or Waterville. You need to be back in Killarney before sunset so you don’t have to drive on dark country roads.
Parking and Traffic Tips
There are many lay-bys where parking is free. Larger attractions, like Torc Waterfall, will have car parks, but these will fill quickly. Start early to get in front of the tour buses and avoid the busiest times from 10 AM to 4 PM.
Two-Day Itinerary
If you like a slower pace, a two-day itinerary is perfect for you. It allows time for scenic detours and relaxing coastal towns.
Day 1 – Southern Loop and Overnight
Start in Killarney and drive to Kenmare, then Sneem, and finally Derrynane Beach. Spend longer on the beaches and viewpoints and then stay overnight in Kenmare or Waterville. Both have great food and places to sleep.
Day 2 – Northern Route + Skellig Ring
On the second day, drive the Skellig Ring, stopping at Kerry Cliffs, Valentia Island, and Geokaun Mountain. Return through Cahersiveen, Rossbeigh Beach, and Killorglin and then end back in Killarney. It will be great to do everything at a slower pace for taking photos and some detours.
Skellig Ring and Valentia Island Detour
The Skellig Ring is an incredible area that extends the Ring of Kerry. The red roads weave the Atlantic coast and the beautiful landscapes lead to either windy cliffs or small hidden beaches. Very few buses come out this way, making for a much quieter and much more authentic experience.
What to See: Top spots include the Kerry Cliffs, which look out over Skellig Michael and Ballinskelligs Beach. This area has medieval abbey ruins right along the sea. On Valentia Island, there is Geokaun Mountain and the Valentia Lighthouse to climb and see. End at the Skellig Experience Centre, where you can read all about the islands.
The detour adds about 1.5 hours and requires confidence on narrow rural roads. But it’s well worth the effort for dramatic scenery.
Travel Tips for Driving the Ring of Kerry
Remember these tips while travelling there:
- Fill your tank in Kenmare or Cahersiveen as rural areas do not have petrol stations.Â
- Public toilets are available in the main towns.Â
- Take care on narrow roads with sheep crossings.Â
- Mobile phone Coverage may be patchy, so look at downloading maps before you go.Â
- Start early to pass buses and appreciate the quieter view points in the early morning.
Where to Eat Along the Ring of Kerry
Food stops can be found everywhere along the loop. Kenmare has gourmet dining at the Lime Tree. Sneem has cosy cafés like the Hungry Knight. Waterville has fresh seafood at Dooley’s and Cahersiveen has multiple good choices like QC’s Seafood.
If you prefer a low key option, pick up snacks from local shops. Arrange a picnic on the beach or eat overlooking Derrynane or Rossbeigh Beach.
Where to Stay
Luxury travellers can stay at Sheen Falls Lodge in Kenmare and the Parknasilla Resort in Sneem for coastal views. Mid-range hotel travellers can stay at Brook Lane Hotel in Kenmare, while budget travellers may find B&Bs in Cahersiveen and hostels in Glenbeigh.
For something different, try glamping in Ireland near the Ring of Kerry for scenic, cosy stays surrounded by nature.
With overnight stays, you can break up the driving stops. It might save you more time to enjoy the sights and sounds along the river without rushing.
