August 16th 2016

Ring of Kerry, Killarney National Park, & Killarney Town, Republic of Ireland (6/26/2016)

Amazing Landscapes -
Ring of Kerry, Ireland

We were greatly looking forward to our day of driving Ireland’s Ring of Kerry and Killarney National Park... and we were not disappointed.

Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry is one of the most beautiful places in Ireland.

Emerald Pastures - Ring of Kerry

Located west of Killarney Town, the Ring of Kerry is the longest and most diverse of Ireland’s designed drives. It offers the visitor breathtaking emerald pastures, beautiful coastal views, and picturesque Irish villages – all with mountains in the background and numerous lakes.

Map of Ring of Kerry

Travel tip... Like many visitors, we stayed in the town of Killarney and started on this 110-mile drive from there (see more about Killarney below). It is recommended to go counter clockwise on the Ring of Kerry because that is the direction the numerous bus tours go. Because the road is narrow is some areas, it is better to be behind a bus then to be forced to closely hug the rock wall to make room for the buses coming from the other direction. The bus drivers know the route well and travel pretty fast. Also, going a bit slower is fine because you can better view the beautiful scenery.

Ocean Views -
Ring of Kerry

Driving west on N70, the first towns you will come across are Killorglin and Glenbeigh... a couple of pretty Irish towns to drive through. After you drive through the town of Cahersiveen, you have a choice. If you have time and enjoy seeing wild Irish countryside with less traffic and no tour buses, take the following diversion from the Ring of Kerry – don’t worry, it takes you back to it.

Beautiful Skelligh Ring

Interesting Skellig Ring diversion: Take the car ferry (turn off a couple of miles past Cahersiveen) to Knightstown on Valentia Island. Drive across Valentia Island to the bridge crossing over to Portmagge. Before you leave the island, you may want to stop at the Skellig Experience to learn about the history of Valentia Island and the time of the Skellig monks. Two-hour boat trips around the Skellig Islands are offered from April to September. Portmagee is a cute seacoast village and has some pubs to stop into if you are ready for a break.

Steps to Torc Waterfall

in Killarney National Park

Continue on the Skellig Ring to the town of Ballinskellingsand where you pick up R556 back to the Ring of Kerry (N70). The Skellig Ring is a beautiful drive of unspoiled countryside but be aware the roads are narrow in many places and travel is slow.

Waterville is the next town on the Ring of Kerry where many people, including the tour buses, stop for lunch. It does make for a good stop if you are ready for lunch but don’t expect much in the way of attractions. Fans of Irish history will enjoy the next town, Caherdaniel, the ancestral home of Daniel O’Connor, Ireland’s hero of the revolution.

View from Bridge - Sneem

Beautiful Lakes - Killarney National Park

We liked the next two towns on the Ring of Kerry the best - Sneem and Kenmare. Sneem is a cute small village with a beautiful river running through it. There is a public restroom here and some restaurants if you are ready for a break. The drive along the coast to Kenmore is beautiful. Kenmore is the largest town on the Ring of Kerry and you should stop, walk around, and may want to visit some of its attractions such as the Kenmare Heritage Centre. There are lots of restaurants, shops, and pubs to enjoy.

Pat Liking Hiking in
Killarney National Park

Killarney National Park

Easy to take in on your visit to the Ring of Kerry, we greatly enjoyed the Killarney National Park. The scenery and view are spectacular!

Located in the Killarney National Park is Ireland’s largest area of ancient oaks woods and views of its major mountains. The drive along N71 takes you by many beautiful lakes. Do take the time to stop and take in the views from the many opportunities available along the road. Some popular stops include Moll’s Gap and Ladies View.

Torc Waterfall -
Killarney National Park

Driving through the extremely beautiful woods was wonderful. There are many trailheads where you can take hikes. You should take a short walk through the woods to enjoy Torc Waterfall. There is a parking lot right off the road.

Muckross Estate and Gardens -
Killarney National Park

We liked our visit to the Muckross Estate and Gardens. Visiting the beautiful gardens is free and you can view the mansion from the outside. If you enjoy touring stately mansions with period furnishing, you should pay for the interesting 1-hour tour given by knowledgeable and friendly guides. Look for the sign to the Muckross Estate because it is about 2 miles off the road and you can drive right up to the mansion.

Killarney Town

Killarney Town -
Republic of Ireland

Killarney Town is an attractive town with loads of accommodations for visitors who come here to visit the Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, and Killarney National Park.

Many restaurants, shops, and pubs are located in town. High Street, New Street,and College Street are loaded with them. Traditional Irish music is offered at many places and it is fun to sit, have a pint, and enjoy this Irish tradition.

Bus tours to the Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, and Killarney National Park can easily be taken from Killarney if you don’t want to drive.

Beer drinkers: It is not a myth that Guinness beer tastes better in Ireland. It most certainly does! Although a wonderful beer anywhere in the world, a slightly different process is done for the beer made for export. So, drink up and enjoy.

Wonderful Irish Countryside

Travel advise about visiting Ireland:While visiting Ireland, we learned a few important lessons. The beauty of our Ireland experience was more about the genuine Irish people and beauty of the countryside and less so about how many important sites and buildings there are to visit. We found the best pub experience in the world in Ireland. So, slow down, enjoy the vibrantly green countryside, the Irish people, and visit a pub or two when you ‘fancy a pint’.

Please see our other 3 travel blog posts on Ireland:

Blarney Castle & Stone, Ireland

Galway City, Ireland

Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

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