Ring of Kerry Road Trip
A road trip through the Ring of Kerry is an amazing way to explore the beauty of Ireland's west coast. Here is a suggested itinerary that includes some of the most scenic, food, beaches, and hidden gems along the route
Top attractions
| Name | Description | Interesting Fact |
|---|---|---|
| Killarney National Park | A beautiful park with lakes, mountains, and wildlife. | Ireland's first national park, established in 1932. |
| Muckross House and Gardens | A 19th-century Victorian mansion, surrounded by lush gardens and beautiful landscapes. | Queen Victoria visited Muckross House in 1861, which helped to popularize Killarney as a tourist destination. |
| Skellig Michael | A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this island is home to a 6th-century monastic settlement. | The island was used as a filming location for Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi. |
| Torc Waterfall | A majestic 20-meter high waterfall, located in Killarney National Park. | The waterfall is named after the Irish word "torc," which means "boar," inspired by a local legend. |
| Ross Castle | A 15th-century tower house on the edge of Lough Leane, offering stunning views and rich history. | Legend has it that the castle's founder, O'Donoghue Mór, is said to sleep under the waters of Lough Leane. |
| Ladies View | A scenic viewpoint along the Ring of Kerry, offering panoramic views of Killarney National Park and its lakes. | Named after Queen Victoria's ladies-in-waiting who visited the spot during the royal visit in 1861. |
| Gap of Dunloe | A narrow mountain pass with picturesque landscapes, formed by glacial activity. | The gap was named after the River Loe, which flows through it and into the Black Valley. |
| Derrynane Beach | A stunning sandy beach, surrounded by natural beauty and offering opportunities for water sports and relaxation. | The nearby Derrynane House was the ancestral home of Daniel O'Connell, a 19th-century Irish political leader. |
| Staigue Fort | A well-preserved, ancient stone fort located on the Iveragh Peninsula. | The fort is thought to have been built during the Iron Age, between 300 and 400 AD. |
| Kerry Cliffs | Spectacular cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, offering breathtaking views and coastal walks. | The cliffs are home to a wide variety of bird species, including puffins and guillemots. |
Five days Itinerary
Day 1:
Start your trip in Killarney, a charming town with plenty of accommodations and restaurants. After breakfast, drive to Muckross House and Gardens, a beautiful estate located within Killarney National Park. Explore the gardens, the traditional farm, and the historic house.
Afterward, drive to Ross Castle, a 15th-century tower house situated on the shore of Lough Leane. Take a boat trip from here to Innisfallen Island, an idyllic spot with the ruins of a 7th-century monastery.
Day 2:
Start early and drive to Killorglin, a charming town that hosts the famous Puck Fair every August. From there, drive to the Caragh Lake and take in the stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Afterward, continue on to Waterville, a picturesque village that's perfect for a leisurely lunch.
Visit Derrynane Beach, a beautiful beach with white sand and crystal clear water. Afterward, take a short hike to Staigue Fort, a 2,500-year-old stone fort that's one of the most impressive examples of Celtic architecture in Ireland.
Day 3:
Start the day by driving to the Gap of Dunloe, a narrow mountain pass that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. You can hike or take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the gap. Afterward, drive to Sneem, a colorful village that's known for its vibrant buildings and friendly locals.
Visit the Blueberry Hill Farm, a local farm that produces delicious blueberries and offers tastings and farm tours. End the day in Kenmare, a lovely town that's famous for its seafood.
Day 4:
Drive to the Beara Peninsula, a rugged and remote corner of Ireland that's home to some of the most stunning scenery in the country. Visit Garnish Island, a small island off the coast of Glengarriff that's home to a beautiful Italian-style garden.
Stop at Allihies Beach, a secluded beach with crystal clear water and breathtaking views of the Atlantic. End the day in Castletownbere, a charming town that's known for its fresh seafood.
Day 5:
Start the day by driving to Dursey Island, a remote island that's accessible only by cable car. The island is home to a few small villages and some incredible coastal scenery. Afterward, drive to Kenmare and stop at Killarney Brewing Company, a local brewery that produces some delicious beers.
Finally, head back to Killarney, where you can explore the town's restaurants, shops, and pubs before ending your road trip.
