Ring of Kerry

Background

The Ring of Kerry is in County Kerry in south-west Ireland and starts and ends in Killarney. Going clockwise, the route follows the N71 to Kenmare, then the N70 around the Iveragh Peninsula through Sneem, Waterville, Cahersiveen and Glenbeigh to Killorglin, and finally the N72 back to Killarney. Along the way are Muckross House, Ross Castle, Lough Leane, Torc Waterfall, Ladies View and Moll's Gap; Derrynane House was the home of the Irish statesman Daniel O'Connell, and Staigue Fort is an ancient stone ringfort. The route also passes many Wild Atlantic Way viewpoints, and the seaside town of Waterville is said to have been a favourite of Charlie Chaplin. The Kerry Way walking trail roughly follows the driving route, and a cycling route uses older roads where possible. Because the roads are narrow and passing is difficult, tour buses in summer travel anticlockwise by convention, going via Killorglin first.

Local customs

• Drive the full loop or join a local tour coach: about three and a half hours without stops, so allow a full day with stops
• take in Killarney's lakes and mountains from Ladies View and stop at Torc Waterfall and Muckross House
• if you are fit, walk sections of the Kerry Way.

Travel tips

• There is no single ticket for the Ring, and admission to sites along the way follows official information. Tour buses run anticlockwise in summer, so drivers who go clockwise avoid getting stuck behind them
• some car park exits at Ladies View and the narrow lanes to Staigue Fort and Derrynane have blind spots, so drive slowly. Mountain weather changes quickly, so bring a windproof, waterproof jacket and non-slip shoes. Killarney has rail and coach links to Dublin and Cork, and local operators offer Ring tours and car hire.
• June to August is peak season with the heaviest traffic, so allow extra time
• spring and autumn are mild and quieter, good for driving
• in winter days are short and some sites reduce their opening, so check before you go.