- The loop is about 179km and takes a full day with stops; two or three days is better
- Tour coaches drive anticlockwise, so most drivers follow the same direction to avoid meeting them on narrow bends
- Book Skellig Michael landing trips months ahead, and expect cancellations in rough seas
- Base yourself in Killarney, Kenmare or a village on the coast
- Airports
- Kerry (KIR), Cork (ORK), Shannon (SNN)
- Best time to go
- May-June and September
- Type
- Region
The Ring of Kerry is Ireland's most famous scenic drive, a loop of about 179km around the Iveragh Peninsula in the south-west. The road climbs over mountain passes, dips down to sandy bays and passes through brightly painted villages, with views out to the Skellig Islands and Valentia. It can be driven in a day, but it's far more rewarding taken slowly, with time for walks, beaches and a night or two along the way.
For UK drivers it's familiar territory: Ireland drives on the left, is on the same time as the UK and uses the same plugs. British citizens don't need a passport under the Common Travel Area, but airlines and ferries ask for photo ID. Speed limits and distances are in kilometres, and prices are in euros. For the wider picture, see our Ireland guide.
Where to stay
- Killarney – the classic base, with the widest choice of hotels, pubs and tours, and the national park on the doorstep.
- Kenmare – a pretty town of restaurants and craft shops at the southern end of the Ring.
- Waterville and Caherdaniel – seaside villages on the far south-west of the loop, with beaches and golf.
- Portmagee and Valentia Island – small harbour communities, handy for Skellig boat trips and the Skellig Ring.
- Cahersiveen and Glenbeigh – quieter villages on the northern side, with B&Bs and access to Rossbeigh beach.
Things to do
- Drive the loop – via Killorglin, Glenbeigh, Cahersiveen, Waterville, Sneem and Kenmare, with Ladies View near Killarney.
- Skellig Michael – a UNESCO-listed early Christian monastery on a rocky island 12km offshore. Landing trips run roughly mid-May to September from Portmagee and nearby harbours, with limited daily numbers.
- The Skellig Ring – a quieter detour from Portmagee, with views of the Skelligs and the Kerry Cliffs.
- Valentia Island – reached by bridge or a short car ferry, with a lighthouse, slate quarry and tetrapod footprints.
- Derrynane House and beach – the home of Daniel O'Connell and one of the loveliest beaches on the Ring.
- Staigue Fort – an impressive Iron Age stone fort up a narrow lane near Castlecove.
- Rossbeigh beach – a long sand spit near Glenbeigh, good for walking and sunsets.
- The Kerry Way – a long-distance walking trail; walk a section between villages.
The neighbouring Dingle peninsula is quieter and just as beautiful, and the whole area is part of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Best time to visit
May, June and September offer the best balance of long days, mild weather and manageable traffic. July and August are busiest, with coaches on the road from mid-morning. Skellig landing trips only run in the summer season and are often cancelled in poor weather. Winter is quiet and atmospheric, but some accommodation closes and days are short.
Getting there from the UK
Kerry Airport (KIR), about 20 minutes from Killarney and close to Killorglin, has a small number of direct UK flights. Cork Airport is about 1h30 from Killarney and Shannon about 2 hours, with more routes. You can also fly to Dublin and take the train to Killarney in about 3h15-3h30.
To bring your own car, take the ferry from Fishguard or Pembroke to Rosslare, then drive about 4 hours to Killarney.
Getting around
A car gives you the most freedom, but take it slowly: roads are narrow, winding and shared with coaches, cyclists and sheep. Coach tours run daily from Killarney in season, and are a stress-free way to see the highlights. Public buses run on parts of the route, mostly in summer, but aren't practical for a full loop.
Start early and stop for lunch on the far side of the loop, so you're at the main viewpoints before or after the coaches.
Top attractions in Ring of Kerry
Ring of Kerry on the map
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Ring of Kerry take?
About 3h30-4 hours of driving without stops, so most people take a full day. Two or three days lets you add Skellig Michael, the Skellig Ring and some walking.
Which direction should I drive the Ring of Kerry?
Tour coaches go anticlockwise from Killarney, and most visitors drive the same way so they don't meet coaches head-on on narrow stretches. Starting early helps either way.
Do I need to book Skellig Michael?
Yes, landing trips are licensed and numbers are limited, so book as early as you can. Eco tours that circle the islands without landing are easier to get on.
Ring of Kerry or Dingle?
The Ring of Kerry is bigger and more varied; Dingle is shorter, quieter and has a livelier town. If you have time, do both.
Written by
Anna Beach, family & practical travel editor
Anna knows which beach has shade at 3pm and which car hire excess is a rip-off. She covers sun, islands, family trips and practical travel tips.
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