By air
Kerry (KIR), ~20 km to Killarney
Europe · Ireland
Ring of Kerry, Ireland
A coastal loop of mountains and bays
Getting there
Best time to visit
May to September — the mildest months
Don't miss
Killarney National Park
Ladies View
The Skellig Islands
Kenmare
Things to do
Driving or cycling the ring
Boat trips to Skellig Michael in season
Where to eat
Sources: Photo: Sydneysailor · Public domain
What to pack
Rain gear
A quieter corner
The Skellig Ring detour
Questions travellers ask
When is the best time to do the Ring of Kerry?
May to September, the mildest months. Boat trips to Skellig Michael run in season, so plan around them if they matter to you.
Should I drive or cycle the Ring of Kerry?
Either works on this coastal loop of mountains and bays. Pack rain gear, and leave time for the Skellig Ring detour, the quieter add-on.
What should I stop for along the ring?
Killarney National Park, Ladies View, Kenmare and the Skellig Islands. When you break for lunch, Kerry lamb is the dish to order.
Which airport serves the Ring of Kerry?
Kerry (KIR). From there it's about 20 km to Killarney.
About Ring of Kerry
- Coastal
- Mountains
Where it is
The Ring of Kerry is a circular route of about 179 km around the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry, in south-west Ireland, running from Killarney past the MacGillycuddy's Reeks and along the Atlantic coast.
History
The Iveragh Peninsula is rich in ancient remains, such as the drystone Staigue Fort, and on Skellig Michael, an island offshore, early medieval monks built a monastery of stone beehive huts. Derrynane House, on the southern coast, was the home of Daniel O'Connell, the 19th-century leader who campaigned for Catholic emancipation.
People
Villages around the ring live from farming, fishing and tourism, and people speak English, with Irish still spoken in parts of the peninsula's Gaeltacht. Traditional music, Gaelic football and the Puck Fair in Killorglin, where a wild goat is crowned king each August, are local traditions.
Known for
- Atlantic coast views
- Skellig Michael's island monastery
- Killarney National Park
- Staigue stone fort
- The towns of Kenmare, Sneem and Waterville
Did you know?
Skellig Michael, off the tip of the peninsula, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and appeared as Luke Skywalker's island refuge in the Star Wars films The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi.
We haven't written a guide for this place yet — you can still plan a trip here.