Ring of Kerry a drive on the coast of Ireland

Ring of Kerry
Ring of Kerry

Take a drive on one of Ireland’s most well-known routes if you’re planning a visit. You may drive on an exhilarating route and witness some of the best coastal vistas while on the Ring of Kerry. You’ll see endless stretches of lush, vibrant Irish towns, undulating hills, breathtaking beaches, and much more. Aside from this, exploring Ireland’s untamed coastline by car is a unique experience. There are lots of turns and twists on this enjoyable road that you can enjoy while driving.

Where is Ring of Kerry?

The Ring of Kerry is a beautiful course in the Province of Kerry, Ireland. It’s a circular drive that takes you through a few of the foremost dazzling scenes on the Iveragh Landmass, counting coastal cliffs, mountains, lakes, and beautiful towns. The beginning and finishing point for the Ring of Kerry is regularly the town of Killarney, a prevalent traveler goal in southwestern Ireland. The course is roughly 179 kilometers (111 miles) long and offers breathtaking sees of the Atlantic Sea and the encompassing farmland. Travelers regularly take a relaxed drive or connect guided visits to completely appreciate the normal excellence and social attractions along the Ring of Kerry.

You can locate the road on the map below:


Enlarge the map

Some details about the road

Start the journey south of Killarney on the most rugged stretch of the Ring of Kerry route. You will go over the mountain passes in this location, which is part of the Killarney National Park, and you will enjoy vistas of lakes, mountains, and a forested environment. 32 kilometers of twists and turns pass through some of the most breathtaking locations. This is a great way to start driving this ring route.

Following this section, you can decide which way to go. The majority of tourists travel to Killorglin, but if you want to avoid the traffic, you can travel to Kenmare. You can travel from Kenmare in the direction of Sneem, and you will soon be to Castlecove. The most breathtaking beach views may be found when traveling south into Caherdaniel. It is known as the Ring of Kerry’s crown jewel.

Things to see on the Slea Head Drive:

The Ring of Kerry in Ireland is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and cultural attractions. Here are some notable things to see and experience along the Ring of Kerry.

Here is a list of photogenic points you can find on the road:

  • Killarney National Park: Discover the breathtaking scenery of Killarney National Park, which includes the tranquil lakes of Killarney, Torc Waterfall, and Muckross House and Gardens.
  • Muckross House and Gardens: Muckross House, a 19th-century estate with exquisitely designed gardens, offers insight into Ireland’s past and Victorian way of life.
  • Torc Waterfall: A short stroll will take you to the stunning Torc Waterfall in Killarney National Park, which is surrounded by thick flora.
  • Ross Castle: Ross Castle, a well-preserved medieval fortification on the shores of Lough Leane, offers guided tours for those interested in learning more about its past.
  • Gap of Dunloe: It is a small island that is part of the Blasket Islands. Its name comes from its shape, which looks a lot like a giant asleep on its back in the ocean. Here is an article about that road.

How to get to Ring of Kerry?

If you’re driving from Dublin, take the M7/M8 to Cork, and then follow signs to Killarney.

A preview of the drive:

If you want to have a preview of this scenic road, you can watch this YouTube video of the drive:

Is the Ring of Kerry open?

It is a public road that is open all year round.

Check with local authorities, visitor centers, or official County Kerry tourism websites to ensure the most recent information about accessibility to and potential closures of the Ring of Kerry. It’s also a good idea to verify the status of certain attractions along the route if you have any plans to visit them.

All in all, a drive around the Ring of Kerry is fantastic. There is no better driving experience than winding along the Irish shore and taking in some breathtaking scenery. The route is easy to drive on, and it’s even better if you happen to arrive when there aren’t many cars around because you’ll have more time to enjoy the scenery.

Pictures credits: By Tony Webster from Portland, Oregon, United States – Killarney National Park – Ring of Kerry, Ireland, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=39879388


Discover other roads in Ireland: click here or see our interactive road trip map!