Overview
The Ring of Kerry (Irish: An Cuar Mór / An Cuar Chuain) is a 179 km (111 mi) scenic circuit that loops the Iveragh Peninsula in southwest County Kerry. The drive begins and ends in the lively town of Killarney, follows the N71 south to Kenmare, then the N70 along the coast through Sneem, Waterville, Cahersiveen, Glenbeigh, Killorglin and returns via the N72. In good weather the full loop can be driven in about 2½ hours, but most visitors allow a full day – 7 hours or more – to stop for photos, meals and a deeper exploration of the many attractions.
History & Background
The modern road was laid in the early 19th century; the famous Moll’s Gap is named after innkeeper Moll Kissane, who served poitín to road‑workers in the 1820s. The idea of a tourist loop dates back to the mid‑18th century when Viscount Kenmare promoted travel to his estate, and the route gained popularity after the railway reached Killarney in 1853. The landscape itself has been inhabited for millennia, from the late‑Iron‑Age Staigue Stone Fort (c. 300‑400 AD) to the 15th‑century Ross Castle. Notable historic sites include:
- Muckross Abbey (founded 1448) – a ruined Franciscan abbey with an ancient yew tree.
- Derrynane Abbey and Derrynane House, home of Daniel O’Connell, perched above a sheltered beach.
- The Kerry Cliffs (over 400 million‑year‑old rock) opened to visitors in 2025 as a less‑crowded alternative to the Cliffs of Moher. The loop forms part of the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s 2 500 km coastal tourism corridor, and the area around Portmagee is one of only three Gold‑Tier International Dark‑Sky Reserves in the northern hemisphere.
What to See & Do
| Stop | Highlights | Admission / Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Ross Castle (Killarney) | 15th‑century castle on Lough Leane with panoramic lake views. | Free to view exterior; guided tours €5 (optional). |
| Muckross House & Gardens | Victorian mansion, traditional farms, National Park centre. | Gardens free; house entry €8. |
| Muckross Abbey | 1448 Franciscan ruin with centuries‑old yew tree. | Free. |
| Torc Waterfall | 20 m cascade, short walk from car park. | Free. |
| Ladies View | Vista that impressed Queen Victoria’s ladies‑in‑waiting in 1861. | Free. |
| Moll’s Gap | Sweeping view of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks; named after innkeeper Moll Kissane. | Free. |
| Kenmare | Quaint town with galleries, stone circle and cafés. | Free parking in town centre. |
| Staigue Stone Fort (near Caherdaniel) | Iron‑Age ring fort, partially restored; coffee van in summer. | €1 entrance fee. |
| Blind Piper Pub (Caherdaniel) | Traditional pub serving hearty Irish fare – ideal lunch stop. | Free parking nearby. |
| Derrynane House & Beach | Home of Daniel O’Connell; sandy beach with Abbey Island ruins. | House €5; beach free. |
| Ballinskelligs Beach & Castle | White‑sand beach and 16th‑century tower. | Free. |
| Kerry Cliffs (Portmagee) | 1,000 ft sea cliffs, private‑land access with spectacular ocean views. | €5‑€7 entry. |
| Geokaun Mountain & Fogher Cliffs (Valentia Island) | Panoramic island views; steep walk to viewpoint. | €8 entry. |
| Skellig Ring (optional detour) | Scenic points such as Scenic Point, Waterville, Ballinskelligs and views of the Skellig Islands (featured in Star Wars). | Free; extra parking fees may apply at certain sites. |
| Dark Sky Reserve (Portmagee area) | One of only three Gold‑Tier International Dark‑Sky Reserves; perfect for stargazing. | Free. |
Practical Information
- Driving time: 2½ hours non‑stop; 7 hours+ recommended for stops.
- Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn for mild weather and longer daylight; winter can be spectacular for the Dark Sky Reserve but some attractions have reduced opening hours.
- Parking: Most major stops have small car parks (Ross Castle, Torc Waterfall, Moll’s Gap, etc.). Arrive early in peak season to secure a space.
- Fees: Many natural viewpoints are free; historic sites such as Staigue Fort (€1), Kerry Cliffs (€5‑€7) and Geokaun Mountain (€8) charge modest entry fees.
- Road conditions: The N70 includes narrow, winding sections and occasional one‑way bridges; drive cautiously, especially in rain.
- Facilities: Public toilets are available at Killarney National Park, Kenmare and several larger villages. Refreshments can be found in Killarney, Kenmare, and the Blind Piper Pub.
- Accommodation: Killarney offers a wide range of hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses; for a more remote experience, consider stays in Kenmare or Portmagee.
- Safety: Check tide times for Derrynane Beach and other coastal walks; mobile signal can be patchy on remote sections.
Nearby Attractions to Combine
The Ring of Kerry works well as a day‑trip base for exploring other highlights of County Kerry:
- Aghadoe – Overlooking the lakes of Killarney, the historic Aghadoe ruins and a scenic viewpoint are a short drive from the start of the loop.
- Ballinskelligs – Already on the route, the village’s beach and castle make a perfect stop for a picnic.
- Dingle Peninsula – A further 2‑hour drive north offers the rugged Slea Head drive and the famous town of Dingle.
- Killarney National Park – Beyond Ross Castle, the park’s trails, Muckross House and the Torc Waterfall provide ample walking opportunities.
Enjoy the Ring of Kerry’s ever‑changing scenery – from towering cliffs and tranquil lakes to ancient stone forts and vibrant Irish towns – all within a single, unforgettable loop.