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 journey begins and ends in the lively town of Killarney, following the N71 south to Kenmare, then the N70 along the coast through Sneem, Waterville, Cahersiveen, Glenbeigh, Killorglin and back to Killarney via the N72. The route showcases rugged Atlantic cliffs, sparkling lakes, rolling green hills, historic castles and charming villages. While the drive can be covered in about 2½ hours, most visitors allow a full day (7 hours or more) to stop for photos, meals and exploration.
History & Background
The modern road was laid in the early 19th century; Moll’s Gap is named after innkeeper Moll Kissane, who served poitín to road‑workers in the 1820s. The concept 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:
- Staigue Stone Fort – a late Iron‑Age defensive enclosure, now restored and open for a €1 entry fee.
- Muckross Abbey (founded 1448) – a ruined Franciscan abbey with a centuries‑old yew tree.
- Kerry Cliffs (over 400 million‑year‑old rock) – opened to visitors in 2025 for a €5‑€7 fee, offering a quieter 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, ancient 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 | Free |
| Kenmare | Quaint town with galleries, stone circle and cafés | Free (parking in central car park) |
| Staigue Stone Fort (near Caherdaniel) | Iron‑Age ring fort, interior walk‑through | €1 entrance |
| Blind Piper Pub (Caherdaniel) | Traditional pub serving hearty Irish fare | 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 | €5‑€7 |
| Geokaun Mountain & Fogher Cliffs (Valentia Island) | Panoramic island views, steep walk to viewpoint | €8 |
| Dark Sky Reserve (Kerry) | One of three Gold‑Tier International Dark‑Sky Reserves | Free |
| Skellig Ring (optional detour) | Scenic points such as Scenic Point, Waterville, Ballinskelligs, Skelligs Telephoto Spot – featured in Star Wars | Free |
Highlights in Detail
- Killarney National Park – Ireland’s first national park (1932) covers 10 000 acres of lakes, mountains and ancient woodlands. Walk the Gap of Dunloe (5‑6 h hike) or take a boat from Kate Kearney’s Cottage to Lord Brandon’s Cottage for a classic valley experience.
- Ross Castle – Built in the late 15th century, it dominates the eastern shore of Lough Leane. Parking is a short walk away; the site is free to explore on foot.
- Ladies View – The viewpoint earned its name when Queen Victoria’s ladies‑in‑waiting declared the scenery “the most beautiful view in Ireland”.
Practical Information
- Driving time: 2½ hours non‑stop; allocate a full day for stops.
- Roads: Primarily N71, N70 and N72 – narrow in places, with occasional one‑way sections.
- Parking: Most major stops have free car parks; a few (e.g., Staigue Fort) charge a small fee.
- Fees: Expect €1‑€8 for attractions; many natural viewpoints are free.
- Accessibility: Most car parks and short walks are suitable for families; some mountain passes (e.g., Geokaun) involve steep, uneven paths.
- Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn for mild weather and longer daylight; evenings in summer are ideal for dark‑sky stargazing.
- Accommodation: Killarney offers a wide range of hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses; many visitors stay overnight to explore the park and surrounding villages.
- Travel tips: Start early to beat the crowds at popular spots like Ladies View and the Kerry Cliffs; bring a rain jacket and sturdy shoes for occasional wet, uneven terrain.
- Website: The previously listed URL is currently unreachable; visitors should verify the official Ring of Kerry information before planning.
Enjoy the Ring of Kerry – a journey where dramatic coastline, ancient history and vibrant Irish hospitality converge in one unforgettable loop.