Ring of Kerry

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 circuit over 180 km long, offering unparalleled panoramic views of the Kerry mountains and the Irish coasts.

Considered a flagship destination of Kerry, this route is well worth the detour and is even ranked among the most beautiful roads in all of Ireland! Expect breathtaking landscapes!

Visiting the Ring of Kerry

A brief context

The Ring of Kerry is generally translated as “Anneau du Kerry” in French. It is a loop circuit located on the Iveragh Peninsula. Simply put: you start from point A, follow the road, and return to the starting point. The entire loop covers a distance of 180 km.

This loop is particularly well signposted throughout the route. Numerous signs and markers indicate it.

To summarize, this circuit takes you along 3 roads:

• the N70,
• the N71
• and the N72

As for the duration, the 180 km can of course easily be covered in half a day… But we advise you to take your time: the Ring of Kerry is full of exceptional sites! These treasures require regular stops and time to enjoy them.

Therefore, the best approach is to do the route over 2 days, with an overnight stay halfway. The more time you take, the more you will see… and the more you will soak in these magnificent landscapes!

The Ring of Kerry is visited exclusively by car, bus, and bicycle (for the bravest who are not afraid of steep slopes). Be sure to fill up before starting the circuit: over 180 km, there are very few gas stations nearby.

For those who prefer the bus, know that Bus Éireann and other private companies regularly operate this circuit. It will therefore be easy to find low-cost transportation at times that suit you.

For rental car holders, be aware that the roads of the Ring of Kerry are narrow and steep. They are also particularly busy with tourists (especially in summer), which can sometimes cause congestion (such as meeting a bus coming the other way). We therefore advise you to be cautious and patient. Don’t hesitate to slow down or even stop to allow other users to pass (the Irish are quite courteous about this).
Starting from Killarney!

To start, we recommend leaving from Killarney via the N70 road. In principle, numerous signs will mark your route to indicate the Ring of Kerry circuit.

Along the way, you will pass successively through Kenmare, Sneem, Waterville, Caherciveen, and Killorglin, small villages and towns located by the water, living at the rhythm of the ocean, fishing, and tourist businesses.

Feel free to stop to visit their pubs, music shops, and other tourist stores…

The atmosphere is pleasant, and the Irish have a very warm sense of hospitality!

Don’t hesitate to stop to enjoy the scenery!

The many roadside parking areas will allow you to stop without problem and take some photos along your route. You will be able to overlook the majestic Kerry mountains, including the highest peak in Ireland, Carrauntoohil, rising over 1038 meters.

Also, don’t miss the plains and cliffs plunging into the Atlantic, the small villages gathered along the many bays, and the islands far away, battered by the fury of the ocean.

For good walkers, know that there is a circuit over 200 km long called the “Kerry Way” which starts from Killarney.

This circuit will allow you to calmly discover all the charm of Irish landscapes, passing lakes, rivers, while overlooking the ocean through extraordinary viewpoints.