THE Ring OF KERRY, IRELAND
When you talk about visiting Ireland, one of the best scenic drives you can take is the ring of Kerry. The name derives from the actual shape of the road, it is round in shape, just like a ring. The Ring of Kerry circles around some of the best lakes and mountains in County Kerry– arguably, these views are the main reason people flock to area.
Villages and towns are perfectly positioned on the outskirts of the Ring of Kerry. These towns work as resting stops for travelers. Descent accommodation is available in the towns around the Ring of Kerry. The whole ring is about 179 km long and can be completed in one day. Some drivers choose to take their time when circling the Ring of Kerry so they can enjoy the views and small towns.
When I drove on the Ring of Kerry I started from Killarney and went clockwise via Kenmare. By driving clockwise, you avoid delays caused by buses which travel anti-clockwise, from Killarney towards Killorgin. From Killarney, you take the N71 road and proceed to the N70 road which makes up most of the Ring of Kerry. After the last stop in Killorgin, you take the N72 back to Killarney.
KILLARNEY
Most people traveling on the Ring of Kerry start in Killarney as it is a lively and big enough town to find good hotels, big supermarkets, and good garages for fuel. Killarney town is known for its beautiful Killarney National Park filled with wild deer. Killarney’s high street is where you will find pubs and restaurants to taste Irish food. For more information visit the Killarney post.
LADIES VIEW, KILLARNEY
As you are leaving Killarney, there is a stunning spot you must see—Ladies View—it is about 12 miles from Killarney. Ladies View is part of the Killarney National Park. In 1861, Queen Victoria’s ladies in waiting visited this stunning area and they were impressed. Soon after the place became known as Ladies View. There is a parking spot where you can see the view from. The Ladies’ View Gift Store Cafe Bar & Roof Terrace has seating for a rest and food break.
MOLLS GAP
When you leave Killarney, but before getting to Kenmare, you will reach Molls Gap. Molls Gap is a mountain pass that presents beautiful views of mountains and the whole surrounding. This location is one of the favorites for tourists. Molls Gap bears its name from Moll Kissane, a pub owner in this area in the 1820s.
KENMARE
Kenmare is slightly off the Ring of Kerry, but so close that people usually make make a detour from the Ring of Kerry. Bold colors painted on the shops on the high street are a perfect backdrop for memorable photos.
When in Kenmare you will find nice pubs and restaurants to eat in the heart of the town, as well as small boutique shops. Make sure you visit a couple of interesting sights such as Kenmare Heritage Centre. Other interesting places are Stone Circle, Kenmare Lace and Design Centre, and Holy Cross Church. Activities to do in Kenmare include hiking, sailing, guided cruises, kayaking, and sea safari. For more information on what to do in Kenmare visit their official website.
SNEEM
Sneem is between Caherdaniel and kenmare. Sheen is also known as the knot in the ring of Kerry. Charles de Gaulle holidayed in Sneem in 1968 when Paris was burning. Look for the statue called ‘Le Gallstone’ which commemorates this visit. You will find nice pubs and hotels in Sneem so you can spend a night here if you don’t want to rush through the ring of Kerry. For more information on Sneem and the Ring of Kerry, visit the Sneem’s village website.
CAHERDANIEL
Caherdaniel is known for its Derryname National Historic Park, as well as its blue flag beach and water sports galore. Activities here include water sports, kayaking and horse riding. There is also Derrynane house here, a home to Daniel O’connell who was a campaigner for catholic emancipation. As you are approaching Caherdaniel, you will find the Black Shop Bar located at Castle Cove, in Scart, Castlecove. It’s a good place to stop for a drink and a snack.
WATERVILLE
Waterville is between Currane and Ballinskelligs bay with colorful houses. At the seafront you will find a statue of its famous guest at one point —Charlie Chaplin. You will find the Waterville craft market as well as ruins of medieval churches on church island. The Waterville golf course is where the likes of Tiger Woods have played. If you drive from Portmagee to Waterville, via Ballynahow, you will see unforgettable views of the coast and mountains. Coomanaspig Pass and The Glen are special places in Waterville.
SKELLIG RING
From the Ring of Kerry you can take a detour and travel around the Skellig Ring, which is 18 km in total. Detours can be taken from Portmagee and Waterville. Signs to Skellig Ring are visible from the main road.
PORTMAGEE
Portmagee overlooks Valentia island from the island’s south side. It has a single street with colorful houses. In the summer you can get a ferry from here to Skellig Islands. In the winter ferries don’t run. Skellig islands are perfect for bird watching. Skellig Michael is the most popular and the larger of the two islands, where you will find the 217m high rock (archangel Michael’s rock). It is a UNESCO world heritage site. Between the 6th and 13th centuries, Christian monks stayed here.
Between July and August is the busiest time at Skellig islands so it might be wise to book in advance. You can depart from Portmagee, Ballinskelligs, and Derrynane. The crossing times are 1.5 hours, 35 minutes and 1.45 hours, respectively. Most boats give you a good 2 hours at the islands before returning to the mainland.
CAHERCIVEEN
Cahersiveen town boasts of many walkways that are well known. The beauty of mountains such as Beentee Mountain and the serenity of river Fertha make this town a popular stop on the Ring of Kerry. Visit Ballycarbery Castle, Ring Forts (Cahergall and Leacanabuile), and the Barracks Heritage Centre. Cahersiveen is the birthplace of Daniel O’connell. From Caherciveen you can choose to take a boat to Valentia Island.
ROSSBEIGH STRAND
Rossbeigh Strand is a beach, 1.6km to the west of Glenbeigh. The beach is well known around the Ring of Kerry because people walk here and ride horses. Annually, a horse racing festival takes place at Rossbeigh Strand. Nearby, Glenbeigh is a popular place to see the sea and hills. You can enjoy walks in Glenbeigh woods.
KILLORGLIN
Killorglin is the first town you see when you are traveling anti clockwise from Killarney. The famous attraction there is the statue of a goat (King Puck) near the river. In August there is a famous festival called Puck Fair Festival. There is also a horse fair, a street theatre, concerts and fireworks.
How to get to the Ring of Kerry
Drive from wherever you are to Killarney, then take N71 road towards Kenmare.
Take a bus: Bus Eireann goes around Ring of Kerry, at a cheap rate, and stops in the towns on this circled road. Other companies such as Kenmare Coach and Cab also offer buses to the Ring of Kerry.
Kerry Airport is located a few kilometers to Killarney.
Killarney Train Station is the train stop in Killarney with trains from Dublin, Cork and other areas.
For more information on all the stops on the Ring of Kerry, see theringofkerry.com
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