Cliffs, mountains and rugged rocks overlooking the ocean and plains in shades of green and deep blue… This is what awaits you if you decide to explore the Ring of Kerry, a 180km-long circuit offering unrivalled panoramic views of the Kerry mountains and Irish coastline.
Considered one of Kerry’s top destinations, this tour is well worth the detour, and is even ranked as one of the most beautiful routes in the whole of Ireland! Expect breathtaking scenery!
The Ring of Kerry usually translates into “Anneau du Kerry” in French. This is a loop circuit on the Iveragh Peninsula. Simply put: you start from point A, follow the route, then return to the starting point. All this over a distance of 180km.
This loop is particularly well signposted along the way. There are many signs and indicators on this subject.
But to sum up, this tour will take you on 3 routes:
As for the duration, the 180km can of course easily be covered in half a day… But we advise you to take your time: the Ring of Kerry is teeming with exceptional sites! These treasures require you to stop off regularly and take the time to enjoy them.
It’s best to do the route in 2 days, with an overnight stay halfway. The more time you take, the more you’ll see… And the more you immerse yourself in these magnificent landscapes!
The Oval of Kerry can only be visited by car, bus or bike (for the more courageous who aren’t afraid of steep hills). Don’t hesitate to fill up your tank before starting the tour: at 180km in length, the route has very few gas pumps in the vicinity.
For those who prefer to travel by bus, Bus Eireann and other private companies regularly operate this route. It’s easy to find low-cost transport at times that suit you.
For rental car owners, however, be aware that the roads in the Ring of Kerry are narrow and steep. They are also particularly busy with tourists (especially in summer), which can sometimes cause traffic jams (e.g. when an oncoming bus runs into them). We therefore advise you to be cautious and patient. Don’t hesitate to slow down, or even stop to make way for other road users (the Irish are quite courteous in this respect).
We start with Killarney!Ring of Kerry landscape – Alex Ranaldi – cc
To get started, we recommend you take the N70 from Killarney. In principle, you’ll find plenty of signposting along the Ring of Kerry route.
Along the way, you’ll pass through Kenmare, Sneem, Waterville, Caherciveen and Killorglin, small villages and towns on the water’s edge that live by the rhythm of the ocean, fishing and tourist businesses.
Don’t hesitate to stop off and visit their pubs, music stores and other tourist attractions…
It’s a pleasant place to be, and the Irish have the warmest of welcomes!
Don’t hesitate to stop and enjoy the scenery!
There are plenty of low-lying parking areas for you to stop and take photos along the way. You’ll be able to overlook the majestic mountains of Kerry, including Ireland’s highest peak, Carrauntuohill, at over 1038 meters.
And don’t miss the plains and cliffs that plunge into the Atlantic, not to mention the small villages clustered along the many bays, and the islands in the distance, tormented by the ocean’s fury.
For good walkers, there’s a 200km circuit called the“Kerry Way“, which starts in Killarney.
This tour allows you to discover the charm of the Irish countryside in a peaceful setting, passing lakes and rivers while overlooking the ocean from extraordinary vantage points.
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