If you enjoy cozy vibes, lush greenery, and stunning views, Ireland should be on your travel list. The Ring of Kerry is a whimsical 100-mile-long circuit through some of Ireland’s most enchanting landscapes. It runs along the Iveragh Peninsula, through rolling hills, rivers, and ancient woodlands. This place is nothing short of magical — almost reminiscent of a magical realm. The Ring of Kerry was my first taste of the Irish countryside, and now I’ll forever be on the hunt for the next road trip I can plan in Ireland. Below you’ll find our top 5 best stops on the Ring of Kerry.
When to Visit the Ring of Kerry
We took our trip in late September, which in my opinion, offered perfect weather. Autumn is a great time to visit and the slight drizzles (sometimes heavy rain, but it doesn’t last long) and colder weather add to Ireland’s charm and coziness. Additionally, September to November, as well as March to May, are off seasons for the Ring of Kerry, meaning it won’t be crowded during your visit. Part of the reason I think we were able to fit so much in just 4 days is because we had virtually no traffic during our trip — the roads were totally clear! Below I’ve listed out high and low temperatures for the recommended months when visiting the Ring of Kerry.
- March: High of 52ºF/11ºC and low of 41ºF/5ºC
- April: High of 54ºF/12ºC and low of 43ºF/6ºC
- May: High of 59ºF/15ºC and low of 46ºF/8ºC
- June: High of 63ºF/17ºC and low of 52ºF/11ºC
- July: High of 64ºF/18ºC and low of 54ºF/12ºC
- August: High of 64ºF/18ºC and low of 54ºF/12ºC
- September: High of 63ºF/17ºC and low of 52ºF/11ºC
- October: High of 52ºF/14ºC and low of 48ºF/9ºC
- November: High of 54ºF/12ºC and low of 44ºF/7ºC
Where to Stay in the Ring of Kerry
We took this Airbnb next to Kells Bay Beach. We also wanted to go to Dingle (which is technically not within the Ring of Kerry) so this Airbnb was a nice middle ground between Dingle and the Ring of Kerry. Depending on what your budget is, I’ve listed below a few options for lodging below. If you’re trying to stay on the lower end, I recommend checking out Airbnb as hotels were on the pricier side. Beware though: the windy, twisty roads of the area tend to make some of these Airbnbs a little harder to get to than your standard hotel. Convenience is the tradeoff you have between Airbnbs vs hotels in this part of Ireland. Below are a few options for you, wherever you are in your budget for this trip:
- This Ring of Kerry Retreat on Airbnb – $$ (~$120 a night, 3 night minimum)
- Traditional Cottage on Airbnb – $$ (~$100 a night, no minimum)
- Quinlan & Cooke Boutique Townhouse and QCs Seafood Restaurant – $$$ (~$175 a night)
- Sheen Falls Lodge – $$$$ (~$300+ a night)
Transportation in the Ring of Kerry
Rental Cars the Ring of Kerry
We booked our rental car through Rentalcars.com, specifically with Sixt, but any of the companies offered through the Rentalcars site will do. We recommend getting a car on the smaller side because the roads are sometimes so small that you’ll find yourself on two-way roads that can only fit one car at a time. The smaller your car, the easier it’ll be to navigate this.
I highly recommend renting a car when exploring the Ring of Kerry. It is a driving route after all! You’ll be able to enjoy the trip at your own pace and stop whenever you want for a photo op (and trust me, there are plenty).
Guided Tours the Ring of Kerry
If you don’t want to rent a car to explore the Ring of Kerry, there are guided tours that stop at some highlights on this scenic route. We saw many buses filled with tourists, particularly in Killarney National Park, so guided tours seem to be relatively popular methods of exploring at least some parts of the Ring of Kerry. Many of these guided tours are only day trips, however, so don’t expect to be able to see everything I’ve listed in this blog in just one day. This full-day tour has great reviews on GetYourGuide, which makes stops in Waterview, Killarney National Park, and Dingle all in one day. This other full-day tour through Viator makes stops in Killarney National Park, Dingle Bay, Molls Gap, and Sneem.
Driving in the Ring of Kerry
Yes, if you come from a country where you drive on the right side of the road, be prepared to drive on the left during your trip to Ireland. It was a little nerve-racking at first, but the rep at the car kiosk gave us a few pointers (like hugging the left side of the road vs. the right) which helped us adapt quickly. After about a few hours, you get used to it.
Top 5 Best Spots to Visit in the Ring of Kerry
#1 Torc Waterfall
This Top 5 Spots in the Ring of Kerry list starts off with one of my favorite and easiest stops on the road. Surrounded by lush greenery, the Torc Waterfall is a haven for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. The hike to Torc Waterfall is relatively short, taking only about 15-20 minutes to walk to from the parking area. The trail is also well-maintained and not very strenuous, making it suitable for a wide range of fitness levels. There are longer hiking options in the area, such as the Torc Mountain Loop, which can take several hours to complete. Visitors can choose the hike that best suits their preferences when exploring Torc Waterfall and its surroundings.
#2 Kerry Cliffs
The Kerry Cliffs are located near Portmagee on Ireland’s southwest coast. Rising dramatically from the Atlantic Ocean, these cliffs offer views of the roaring waters and the Skellig Islands in the distance. A Ring of Kerry road trip wouldn’t be complete without stopping at the Kerry Cliffs. Check out this blog to know all about visiting the Kerry Cliffs, how to get there, costs, and more.
#3 Ballaghbeama Gap
Ballaghbeama Gap was another one of my highlights from our 4 day trip in the Ring of Kerry.
Visiting the Ballaghbeama Gap is a little off the beaten path, especially as the road is quite narrow and only allows for one car to pass through at a time. The drive is only about 25-30 minutes, but depending how often you stop for photos, it can easily take up to an hour.
The sense of solitude of the Ballaghbeama Gap is unparalleled, making it a surreal spot to visit. For a perfect day on your Ring of Kerry itinerary, I’d grab a cup of coffee to go and drive the Ballaghbeama Gap in the morning.
#4 Staigue Stone Fort
In the heart of the countryside you’ll find Staigue Stone Fort, a relic of ancient Ireland that transports you back in time. This circular stone fortress, constructed over two millennia ago, feels like a portal to another era. Its massive, intricately built walls, which have withstood the test of time, beg exploration. Despite its age, you can still climb Staigue Stone Fort today and stand within its storied confines. Staigue Stone Fort is one of many great spots to hit on your Ring of Kerry road trip.
#5 Ladies View
Ladies View, located in Killarney National Park, is a renowned vantage point that offers breathtaking vistas of the world-famous Ring of Kerry. It’s name comes from Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting, who were awestruck by its beauty during their visit to Ireland in 1861. From this elevated spot, visitors can see Killarney National Park, Killarney Town and the sparkling Lakes of Killarney below. If its rainy season, take caution, as the walk to the viewpoint gets quite muddy – I regretted not wearing rainboots or some sort of waterproof boot. The view is picture-perfect though, and well worth the stop along the Ring of Kerry.
