The Ring of Kerry is a scenic 111 mile route along the west coastline of the Iveragh Peninsula. This is Ireland’s famous Wild Atlantic Way. You will find panoramic views of the Wild Atlantic Way, rocky coastline, islands, colorful fishing villages, rolling green hills, mountains, castles, ring forts, sheep and puffin. Here are points of interest on the Ring of Kerry to consider for your self-guided Ring of Kerry one day itinerary.
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READ 2-Week Ireland Road Trip Itinerary: See it All!
Tip for Driving the Ring of Kerry
Although the scenic loop is only 111 miles, the roads are narrow and steep. If you are prone to motion sickness ensure you have pills and/or an acupressure bracelet. This is a popular day tour. Arrive before 9 am and drive clockwise to avoid being stuck behind a caravan of tour buses. It said to drive this route without stopping will take 3.5 hours. Allow a full day and plan well.
Points of Interest on the Ring of Kerry
Spend the night in Killarney
Begin in Killarney National Park. Points of interest are Ross Castle, Muckross House and Gardens, Muckross Abbey, Torc Waterfall, Old Weir Bridge, Dinis Cottage, and kayak to Innisfallen Abbey
Take a photo at the Ladies Viewpoint
Watch a sheepdog demonstration at Kissane Sheep Farm
Take a photo at the Moll’s Gap Viewpoint
Book a jaunting car tour through the Gap of Dunloe or hike to the Wishing Bridge
Stop in Kenmare for lunch, wander the colorful streets, visit the Kenmare Stone Circle, and photograph Cromwell’s Bridge
Photograph Dromore Castle on the hill
Visit the Staigue Fort near Castlecore
Stop for a swim at Derrynane Beach and enjoy the sand dunes
Walk to Abbey Island at low tide and check out the Derryname Abbey ruins
Do the Skellig Drive for stunning views of the islands and a beautiful scenic route
Stop at Skelligs Chocolate Factory for a coffee or hot chocolate
Take the boat to Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Star Wars: The Force Awakens filming site
Hike the 670 steps to St. Fionan’s Monastery and see the beehive huts
Visit the stunning Kerry Cliffs
Take the car ferry from Portmagee to the Valentia Islands
Hike the 4.3 mile Bray Head Loop to Bray Tower
Grab a coffee in Knightstown and visit the Valentia Island Lighthouse
Drive through the colorful town of Cahersiveen
See the Ballycarbery Castle ruins from the road
Visit the Cahergal Stone Ring Fort
Explore the Kells Bay House and Gardens
Walk on the Rossbeigh Strand
Photograph the Glenbeigh Towers Castle
Learn about Irish life in the late 19th Century at the Kerry Bog Village Museum
Stop for dinner in Killorglin
Spend the night at Ballyseede Castle Hotel
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