Ring of Kerry
Discover the Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry is a celebrated scenic driving circuit around the Iveragh Peninsula in south-west County Kerry. Extending for approximately 179 kilometres, the route traditionally begins and ends in Killarney, although it can also be joined from Kenmare, Killorglin and the other towns along the way.
Its appeal lies in the changing character of the landscape. Killarney’s lakes, woodland and mountain slopes give way to the northern shores of the peninsula, the open Atlantic scenery of the west, the sheltered bays of the south coast and the mountain return through Moll’s Gap and Killarney National Park.
The route connects historic towns, beaches, islands, archaeological monuments and coastal communities. It can be travelled in one full day with carefully selected stops, while two or more days allow time to explore Valentia Island, the Skellig coast, Derrynane and the peninsula’s heritage sites in greater depth.
About the Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry is a touring route rather than a single attraction. The core circuit follows the N70 around much of the Iveragh Peninsula before returning from Kenmare to Killarney on the N71. Optional diversions lead towards Portmagee, Valentia Island, the Skellig Ring, Derrynane and numerous beaches, forts and viewpoints.
The peninsula extends into the Atlantic between Dingle Bay and Castlemaine Harbour to the north and Kenmare Bay to the south. Its landscape is shaped by mountain ranges, glacial valleys, lakes, blanket bog, woodland and an exceptionally varied coastline. The MacGillycuddy’s Reeks rise in the interior, although their highest summits are not part of the ordinary roadside circuit.
This is also a long-inhabited cultural landscape. Prehistoric monuments, early Christian sites, medieval churches, castles, historic estates, fishing communities and market towns reveal a history that reaches far beyond the development of the modern touring route. Places such as Cahersiveen, Waterville, Sneem and Kenmare each contribute a distinct character to the journey.
Killarney remains the traditional starting and finishing point and provides the largest concentration of visitor services. Elsewhere, Killorglin, Cahersiveen, Waterville, Sneem and Kenmare offer convenient places to pause, while smaller settlements and remote attractions may have more limited or seasonal facilities.
Top Experiences on the Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry brings together scenic driving, coastal viewpoints, historic towns, beaches, archaeological sites and the lakes and woodland of Killarney National Park. Visitors can follow the core circuit in a day or build a slower itinerary around Valentia Island, the Skellig coast, Derrynane and selected heritage attractions.
SCENIC DRIVE
Drive the Ring of Kerry
The journey around the Iveragh Peninsula is the defining Ring of Kerry experience. The approximately 179-kilometre circuit links Killarney, Killorglin, Glenbeigh, Cahersiveen, Waterville, Sneem and Kenmare before returning through Moll’s Gap and Killarney National Park.
Along the way, the scenery changes from lakes and oak woodland to beaches, Atlantic headlands, offshore islands, sheltered bays and mountain passes. A full day allows time for selected highlights, but optional extensions to Valentia Island, the Skellig Ring and Derrynane add considerable distance and should be planned carefully.
From Ancient Peninsula to Scenic Touring Route
The Ring of Kerry crosses a landscape shaped by thousands of years of settlement. Prehistoric monuments, stone forts, early Christian foundations, medieval churches and castles survive across the Iveragh Peninsula, reflecting successive communities that lived, farmed and travelled through this varied terrain.
Later centuries brought the development of estates, planned settlements, ports and market towns. Killarney grew into an important tourism centre around its lakes and demesnes, while Kenmare developed as an estate town. Cahersiveen became an important regional centre, and the communities around Portmagee and Valentia Island were shaped by fishing, quarrying, maritime activity and transatlantic communications.
The name Ring of Kerry belongs principally to the age of modern road travel and tourism. It brought a collection of much older landscapes and communities together as one recognised touring circuit. The route visitors follow today is therefore not an ancient ring road, but a modern journey through places whose individual histories extend far beyond its tourism identity.
EARLY SETTLEMENT
Prehistoric monuments across the Iveragh Peninsula show that communities occupied and travelled through this landscape long before the modern road circuit existed. Surviving remains form part of a much wider archaeological landscape of mountains, valleys, coast and farmed townlands.
EARLY CHRISTIAN LANDSCAPE
Religious communities established churches, monastic sites and coastal settlements across the peninsula. Their surviving remains form an important part of Iveragh’s heritage, from mainland foundations to the monastery on Sceilg Mhichíl, reached separately by sea.
FORTS, CHURCHES & CASTLES
Stone forts, churches and castles reflect centuries of local settlement, defence and political change. Sites around Cahersiveen, Ballinskelligs, Staigue and Killarney now help visitors understand the peninsula as a historic cultural landscape rather than simply a scenic route.
TOWNS, ESTATES & ATLANTIC TRADE
Market towns, estates, ports and fishing communities developed around the peninsula. Killarney emerged as a tourism centre, Kenmare as an estate town, and Valentia Island gained international importance through quarrying, maritime activity and transatlantic telegraphy.
THE MODERN RING
The Ring of Kerry became established as a scenic touring circuit with the growth of road travel and tourism. Today, it connects older towns, monuments and landscapes within one recognised route while each place retains its own history and identity.
Things to Do
From breathtaking coastal walks and boat trips to historic landmarks and family attractions, discover some of the best experiences and activities waiting to be explored.
Sneem Seaweed Baths
Skellig Six18 Distillery
Casey Skellig Islands Tours
Killorglin Golf Club
Kenmare Stone Circle
Parknasilla Golf Club
The Old Barracks Heritage Centre
Skellig Michael Tours
Reenagross Woodland Park
Portmagee Whiskey Experience
Kerry Cliffs
Emerald Outdoors
Star Outdoors Adventure Centre
Skellig Experience Visitor Centre
Kenmare Golf Club
Rossbeigh Strand
Kerry Bog Village Museum
Rossbeigh Hill Loop Walk
Dooks Golf Links
History & Heritage
Explore the rich history through ancient monuments, medieval ruins, historic buildings and places that tell the story of generations who shaped this remarkable corner of County Kerry.
Staigue Stone Fort
The Old Station House
Telegraph Field Valentia Island
Cahergall Stone Fort
Ballycarbery Castle
Shopping
Browse independent shops, local craft stores, galleries and speciality retailers offering everything from handmade gifts and artisan food to everyday essentials and unique souvenirs.
Where to Eat & Drink
Enjoy the flavours of Kerry with traditional pubs, cosy cafés, award-winning restaurants, artisan bakeries and local producers. Whether you’re looking for a quick coffee or an unforgettable meal, there’s something for every taste.
QC’s Seafood Restaurant
The Kenmare Brewhouse
D O’Shea Bar
Emilie’s Wood-Fired Kitchen
No. 35 Kenmare
The Moorings Restaurant
Dooley’s Waterfront Bar & Restaurant
Sacre Coeur Restaurant
The Oratory Pizza and Wine Bar
The Smugglers Inn Restaurant
Mulcahy’s Restaurant
The Glenbeigh Hotel
Fisherman’s Bar and Seafood Restaurant
Frank’s Bar and Bistro
O’Donnabhain’s Gastro Bar
The Lobster Bar and Restaurant
Ashes Bar
Maison Gourmet Café
Butler Arms Hotel Restaurant
Where to Stay
Discover carefully selected hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, self-catering cottages and unique places to stay. Whether you’re planning a short break or a longer holiday, you’ll find accommodation to suit every style and budget.
The Glenbeigh Hotel
Park Hotel Kenmare
The Moorings Guesthouse
Quinlan & Cooke Boutique Townhouse
The Towers Hotel
Sheen Falls Lodge
Butler Arms Hotel
Liosderrig House B&B
The Lansdowne Kenmare
Seagull Cottage B&B
Kerry Coast Hotel
O’Dwyer’s The Villa
Mountain View B&B
Emir View House B&B
Kenmare Bay Hotel and Resort
Foley’s Guesthouse
Discover More Towns & Villages
Explore more of County Kerry’s towns and villages, from colourful coastal communities and historic market towns to welcoming bases for discovering the county’s landscapes, culture and heritage.
Heritage Town & Literary Centre
Heritage Town & Skellig Ring
