Just What is The Ring of Kerry?
The Ring of Kerry is a 179km circular route around the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry in South Western Ireland (see map). It takes in the towns of Killarney, Beaufort, Killorglin, Glenbeigh, Cahersiveen, Waterville, Caherdaniel, Sneem, and Kenmare. You can read more about each of them in our ‘Towns & Villages’ section. It’s often a narrow, winding route that, with only brief stops, will take a day to drive but we don’t think that’s the best way to experience the Ring of Kerry. To fully appreciate it; for it to stay with you, you need to take 'The Ring' at a more leisurely pace.
Always travel anti-clockwise, and use the information on this site to discover the real Ring of Kerry.
The Ring of Kerry. See More…
You’ll find many of Kerry’s best-known visitor attractions on the route:
- The Gap of Dunloe
- Derrynane House
- Staigue Fort
- Molls Gap
- Ladies View
- Torc Waterfall
- Muckross House
The Ring of Kerry offers far more to those who get off the beaten track. You’ll find the smaller towns, villages and attractions every bit as rewarding as the larger ones.
See our Things To See section for more about attractions like:
- 6th century Skellig monastery
- Cahirciveen Stone Forts
- The village of Portmagee
- Valentia Island
- Waterville Lake
- Old Kenmare Cemetery
Our Alternative Route will give you a more authentic side of the Ring of Kerry. It will take you off the main roads to the less well-known sights. Don’t try completing this in one or two days. Take your time. Explore. Take what you want from our guide and build your whole holiday around it (and take a look at our top 5 recommendations too).
Activities on the Ring of Kerry
It’s not all about sightseeing. The Ring of Kerry, Ireland’s highlands, has the tallest mountains in the country just waiting to be climbed. Our ocean offers great surf, and our rivers and coastline some of the best fishing you’ll find anywhere.
Enjoy more of The Ring of Kerry and Ireland’s outdoors with activities like these:
- Surfing
- Cycling
- Riding
- Hill climbing
- Lowland walking
- Golf
- Fishing
See our Things To Do section for more and check out our Events Guide for festivals, sporting events, and fun!
Plan Your Journey Around the Ring of Kerry
Beachcombers or climbers; families and extreme sports enthusiasts; those who enjoy fine dining and sleeping in luxury and those who are happiest hostelling: whatever your idea of a great holiday you’ll find it on the Ring of Kerry, Ireland and you’ll find all you need to help you plan that vacation in Kerry here. Enjoy.
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