Ring of Kerry

Travel Guide

Moll\'s Gap showing views, landscape views and tranquil scenes
Ring of Kerry
Ring of Kerry
Moll\'s Gap showing landscape views and tranquil scenes
Ring of Kerry
Visitors have taken this route through deep forest and rugged Atlantic coastline for hundreds of years.

The Ring of Kerry is a 110-mile (177-kilometre) trail through unspoiled County Kerry countryside. It winds through dense forests, over sandy beaches, along the rugged Atlantic coastline and past clear freshwater streams and tumbling waterfalls.

The Ring of Kerry has attracted visitors for centuries. Take in its breathtaking beauty and use the location as a base for outdoor pursuits, including golf, cycling, walking, running, riding and fishing.

The journey begins at Killarney town. Take a bus tour or rent a car from within the town. Many visitors prefer to go by private car to enjoy detours and stops along the way. Take the road to Killorglin and follow the signposts for “Ring.” This will lead you around the coastal road in a counterclockwise direction, which provides the most spectacular views.

You’ll come across larger towns as well as small traditional villages. Stop at Bog Village on the main road between Killorglin and Glenbeigh. This replica of a 19th-century village has displays and museum exhibits. Experience life as it was at the end of the 19th century and visit thatched cottages, hen houses, blacksmith’s quarters and an old forge.

Explore the quiet beaches and coves along the coastline, such as the long sandy beach at Derrynane Bay. Stop by one of the many seafood restaurants to try fish pie, seafood chowder and other specialities featuring local produce.

Other interesting sights along the coast include Skellig Michael, the site of an ancient Irish monastery that sits on top of a rock in the Atlantic Ocean. Take the slight detour from the main road toward Waterville to visit Valentia Island. The effects of the Gulf Stream mean the island is an unexpected haven for many subtropical plant species, which can be seen at Glanleam Gardens.

Finally, the road between Kenmare and Killarney opens onto rugged scenery, including the “Ladies' View” over Killarney Valley, one of the most photographed vistas along the route.

The Ring of Kerry is open year-round and has no fee or tolls.

Where to stay in Ring of Kerry

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Beenbane

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Beenbane and surrounding area, you can visit The Atlantic Telegraph Waterville and Waterville Beach.

Beenbane
Parknasilla Resort and Spa
Parknasilla Resort and Spa
4 out of 5
Parknasilla, Sneem, Kerry
The price is RM974 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
RM974
RM1,106 total
includes taxes & fees
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Sneem. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a private beach. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (353 reviews)
"Amazing stay"

Reviewed on 14 Mar 2025

Parknasilla Resort and Spa
Lansdowne Kenmare
Lansdowne Kenmare
4 out of 5
Main St, Kenmare, KY
The price is RM715 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
RM715
RM811 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Kenmare. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (72 reviews)
"Great hotel with fantastic breakfast"

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2025

Lansdowne Kenmare
Sheen Falls Lodge
Sheen Falls Lodge
5 out of 5
Kenmare, Kenmare, Kerry
The price is RM953 per night from 5 May to 6 May
RM953
RM1,081 total
includes taxes & fees
5 May - 6 May
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kenmare. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Carraig An Cappeen and Kenmare Golf Club ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (317 reviews)
"Grass tennis court, view, Brian the greeter , chauffeur to town, friendliness of staff"

Reviewed on 13 Mar 2025

Sheen Falls Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Park Place Apartments
Park Place Apartments
4 out of 5
High Street, Killarney, Kerry
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Killarney. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and concierge services. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (499 reviews)
"Park Place Apts was a great place for my family while on a recent week long vacation in Ireland, which includes 2 young-adult children. It allowed us to cook 2 meals and even do some laundry. The location is excellent for exploring Killarney and surrounding sights."

Reviewed on 31 Mar 2025

Park Place Apartments
The Reserve at Muckross
The Reserve at Muckross
4 out of 5
Muckross Road, Killarney, Kerry
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Killarney. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (137 reviews)
"This property was perfect! We were a group of 5, so we utilized the apart hotel. It was spacious and clean, allowed us to have communal space and private sleeping. Dining at the restaurant was fantastic. Jason was our server and he was amazing. Food was great, only a short 10 min walk to the Muckross ..."

Reviewed on 13 Nov 2024

The Reserve at Muckross
Wild Atlantic Apartments Killarney
Wild Atlantic Apartments Killarney
3.5 out of 5
1300 Block B, Hotel Killarney, Cork Road, Killarney, Kerry
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly apartment in Killarney. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Killarney National Park and ...
7.8/10 Good! (100 reviews)
"The property management manager was very helpful and responsive.However the property is on the outskirts of Killarney and a 20 min walk in case you are going out at night in the town."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2024

Wild Atlantic Apartments Killarney
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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