Ring of Kerry Highlights – Best Stops & Map [+ bonus detours!]

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The Ring of Kerry is positively awash with a fantastic variety of things to see, from the scenic to the historic – it can all become a little overwhelming when sitting down to plan your itinerary. In this post, discover the top Ring of Kerry highlights (plus a must-do diversion or two) that you need to include when driving the route. 

Set in glorious County Kerry, the Ring of Kerry drive is one of Ireland’s most established and well driven routes. Circuiting the Iveragh Peninsula, one of Ireland’s – and indeed Europe’s – most westerly points, this bountiful headland can present a challenge to would-be visitors.

For within quite a small geographical area, there’s an array of things to see that might pique one’s interest.

First up is Killarney National Park, a vast area that spans tens of thousands of acres and holds at its core the waters of three serene lakes, a view that moved Queen Victoria’s ladies in waiting so much that it was named after them and a magical abbey ruin that sits with an ancient yew tree in its cloisters.

Move further along the coastline where you will encounter ancient stone formations, many in locations tied closely to Ireland’s best-known folklore and legends. The undulating Kerry road weaves its way alongside luscious greens, broken up by old stone walls and interspersed with black-face sheep.

And how can it be forgotten – the many dazzling encounters you will have with the wild waters of the tempestuous Atlantic ocean, which has battered itself against the Kerry coastline for millenia and etched it deep with jagged cliffs and enchanting inlets, depositing golden sands on its expansive beaches. 

With all that in mind, just what are the best stops along the Ring of Kerry? Read on to discover the best of the Ring of Kerry, start putting those road trip plans in place and start exploring to your heart’s content. 

In This Post

1. Best Ring of Kerry stops in order of how to drive them
2. Ring of Kerry highlights map
3. Ring of Kerry best stops – FAQ
4. Ring of Kerry posts to read next

Best Ring of Kerry stops in order of how to drive them

The Ring of Kerry stops in this guide have been arranged in the order that I suggest you drive them. While the official Ring of Kerry goes in an anticlockwise direction, so do the many tour buses that circuit the route.

In order to avoid them, I suggest that you travel instead in a clockwise direction, which will also ensure that you keep the sea and the drive’s best views on the side that’s closest to the car. 

Muckross House

Today known officially as the Bourn Vincent Memorial Park, the 10,000 plus acres that made up the former Muckross Estate lay in the hands of the Herbert family for a number of centuries.

In 1843, the current Muckross House was built by its owner Henry Arthur Herbert and his wife, Mary Balfour Herbert who was a talented watercolourist. 

The estate, along with the house, was passed over to the Irish State in 1932 and today the house is open to the public. It’s fantastically well maintained and visitors can walk through its period-style rooms by way of a self-guided tour. 

Check here for up to date opening times and ticket prices.

Muckross Abbey

The origins of Muckross Abbey are fairly ancient, dating back to 1448 when it was founded as a Franciscan Friary. Used until Cromwellian times, the abbey is now in ruins, but it is a serenely beautiful place and especially lovely if you manage to visit while it is quiet. 

There is no entry fee and set within the centre of the abbey’s cloisters is a yew tree, which is said to be as old as the abbey itself. Take some time to wander through the grounds and buildings of the abbey to take in its special location and calm surroundings. 

Lough Leane

There are three beautiful lakes in Killarney – Lough Leane, the Upper Lake and Muckross Lake – but if you were to pick one to explore at a push I would suggest that it is Lough Leane.

In the middle of Lough Leane is the diminutively-sized Innisfallen Island where it is said that Ireland’s most famous high king, Brian Boru, was educated. On the island are the ruins of a monastery, which dates back to the 7th century.

From the monastery the Annals of Innisfallen, a major source of early Irish history, were written. 

On the shores of Lough Leane sits one of Killarney’s most well-known attractions – Ross Castle. The 15th-century castle is open to visitors and comes with a local legend.

The castle was built by an Irish O’Donoghue Mór chieftain, and local legend has it that every 7 years on the first morning of May, the ghost of O’Donoghue rises from beneath the waters. Anyone who is lucky enough to catch a glimpse of him is offered a lifetime of good luck. 

Lough Leane is also a good place to take to the water if that’s your thing. This kayaking tour includes a visit to Innisfallen Island and takes in Ross Castle from the water too.

Torc Waterfall

Torc Waterfall finds itself in a magical setting, reached via a short forest trail and surrounded by luscious, green foliage.

It’s by no means the largest waterfall you’ll ever see, coming in at 100m tall, but there is a special atmosphere in the air when visiting and several Irish legends are in fact set around the area. 

Beside the waterfall is the trail leading up to the summit of Cardiac Hill. Aptly named, this trail takes you up the hill via a stone-paved path and steps and leads to some spectacular views of the three Lakes of Killarney, the National Park and the McGillycuddy’s Reeks. 

If you’re looking to do a relatively short hike that packs a punch while on the Ring of Kerry, this 8km trail is a straightforward choice that is both easy to follow and find. 

Ladies View

Ladies’ View was given its name after Queen Victoria visited Killarney in 1861. Her ladies-in-waiting were so enamoured with the scene that it was named after them in honour. 

As you witness the mist evaporating over the lakes and see the way the light dances across the face of the mountains for yourself, you’ll understand what makes this scene so special. Ladies’ View provides panoramic views of the three lakes of Killarney and the mountain ranges that frame them.

The drive there is an experience in itself – just under 20km from Killarney on the N71, heading in the Kenmare direction, the road is narrow and winding and weaves its way through the rock and vegetation of Killarney National Park.

Moll’s Gap

Molls Gap received its name as the result of an enterprising lady called Moll who ran an illegal pub (or a “shebeen”) during the construction of the main road from Killarney to Kenmare in the 1820’s. ⁣

This stretch has narrow roads with winding corners and sheer drops (and stunning views thrown into the mix) and is actually a very popular route amongst rally car drivers, forming part of the route in the Rally of the Lakes.

Along the route is Lough Barfinnihy, which offers one of the most dramatic aspects of scenery along the drive. It’s stocked with brown and rainbow trout, making it a popular location for fishing. There’s a little carpark along the roadside that runs by the lake, making it a prime spot to pause awhile. 

[Detour] – Ballaghbeama Gap

While not a stop on the official Ring of Kerry route, Ballaghbeama Gap flies completely under the radar, although it’s not too far at all off the main Ring of Kerry road.

It’s an almost impossibly narrow mountain pass road, that at some stages has you wondering where the road will take you next, as it has the appearance of disappearing into the mountain. 

It’s an incredibly quiet route and if you’re lucky you might not even encounter another vehicle. If you want to learn more about this hidden gem, read this Ballaghbeama Gap guide.

READ NEXT I Ballaghbeama Gap – a Mountain Pass Drive in Kerry Worth Taking

Kenmare

There’s no one big attraction that will bring you to Kenmare – the town itself is the main event. In the Irish language, Kenmare is called “Neidín” which means ” Little Nest” or “Little Cradle” in English.

This Irish town certainly lives up to the billing, nestled as it is between mountains at the head of Kenmare Bay in extremely scenic surroundings. Take time to potter about its brightly coloured buildings, where you’ll discover many craft shops and a lively, convivial atmosphere. 

From Kenmare’s charming town centre, you’ll also be able to walk to a stone circle within 5 minutes. It’s kept in pristine condition, with shortly mown grass and a circle of 14 boulders around a central, flat, burial slab in the centre.

Almost modern in appearance, this stone circle is in fact rather ancient and dates back to prehistoric times, ranging somewhere from 2,200 to 500 B.C.

Staigue Fort

One of the largest and finest stone forts left standing in the country, the craftsmanship of Staigue Fort is evidenced clearly by the fact that so much of it remains. Inside, there are a series of staircases forming an ‘X’ pattern which you can walk up to reach the top of the wall.

From there you’ll discover commanding, beautiful views of the sea and you can understand why the location was chosen.

As it is so old it’s hard to date the fort, but it is thought that it could date back to as far as 2,500 years ago. As for its use, that also carries a question mark – it could have been anything from an amphitheatre to a safe place for livestock to shelter, or have simply been built as a symbol of power and status. 

Derrynane Beach & House

Beach lovers will adore the silken sands of Derrynane Beach, a fantastic stretch along the Kerry coastline which offers the perfectly sheltered Derrynane Bay for swimming. Whether you swim or not, its beauty at least merits a visit – it’s a truly lovely beach and one of the best stops on the Ring of Kerry.

From the beach you’ll have views of Derrynane Abbey, a 6th century ruin which sits on an island called “Abbey Island”. It can only be accessed when the tide is out.

Derrynane House is the ancestral home of Daniel O’Connell (1775 – 1847), who is one of Ireland’s most famous and important politicians.

He came to be known as ‘The Liberator’ as he tirelessly fought for equal rights for Irish people under British rule, successfully driving liberation from the Penal Laws, which were a set of appallingly prejudicial laws that limited the rights of Catholics in Ireland (who formed the majority of the population).  

Visitors can today tour O’Connoll’s house, which tells the story of his life through the collection on display.

The house is set within Derrynane National Historic Park, which boasts 120 hectares of woodland, gardens and beaches, some of which had been laid out by generations of the O’Connoll family throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. 

The Skellig Ring detour

[Detour] – Skelligs Chocolate

Skelligs Chocolate sits in a prime position along the rugged St. Finian’s Bay, with stunning coastal views of the wild Atlantic Ocean. Located along the coastal route of the Skellig Ring, this diversion off the official Ring of Kerry route is well worth your time. 

Along with the impressive viewing opportunities of the myriad blues and greens that surround its sublime location, a visit to the facilities presents an opportunity to see a working chocolate factory in production and typically includes free tastings for visitors.

It’s a family-run business and visitor facilities at the factory include a coffee shop, toilets and ample parking.

The main draw (along with the opportunity to sample some chocolate for free), is the huge range of their own chocolate that the factory carries and which you can buy – I can particularly recommend both the lemon and mint brittle, along with their vanilla ganache truffles. 

[Detour] – Coomanaspig Pass 

The ascent to the top of Coomanaspig mountain gives some indication of what’s to come.

The road zigzags up the side of a rather steep mountain (which will likely require you to pop the car into first gear at a couple of points) and flashes some superb views back over St. Finian’s Bay at you over your shoulder as you head in the direction of the small village of Portmagee.

When you reach the apex of the mountain the vistas border on astonishing – as one of the highest points in Ireland that’s reached by car you can see for miles, with near 360-degree views of Valentia Island, the Beara Peninsula, Dingle and closer afield, the top part of the Kerry Cliffs.

If you’re lucky enough to visit Coomanaspig Pass on a clear day, you’re in for a real treat. 

[Detour] – Kerry Cliffs

As you make your way along the coastal road that tracks the Skellig Ring, you’ll encounter many a sign for ‘Kerry’s most spectacular cliffs’ and to be fair – the Kerry Cliffs are fully deserving of this distinction. 

The cliffs tower over 1,000 feet above the crashing waters of the Atlantic, which emphatically pounds the furrowed cliffs that run along the most westerly point of Kerry’s Iveragh Pensinsula.

Once upon a time, two stone forts stood upon the headland, but all that remains is part of a wall that backs onto the sheer drop off the cliff behind it. 

Visitors will discover a very well laid out site. There is a large, decent car park and refreshments are sold from an outdoor coffee shop. There are also toilet facilities. The path to the cliffs is wide and well-gravelled, with secure fencing around the entirety of the perimeter of the cliffs.

While windy, at no point does it feel unsafe, nor does the sturdy barrier obstruct the wonderful views of the sparkling sea, Puffin Island and the hazy-blue, jagged hulk of Skellig Michael in the near distance. 

[Detour] – Skellig Islands

Lucky is the visitor whose boat trip to the Skellig Islands actually runs! It’s notoriously difficult to set foot onto Skellig Michael, or Great Skellig, one of Ireland’s UNESCO World Heritage sites that is famed for its ancient monastery and distinct, beehive huts. 

A Christian monastery was founded here in the 6th century, where monks would come to lead a quiet life of contemplation, study and manual work.

In order to make their way around the desolate, rocky outcrop, the monks built over 500 steps into the rock – this 1,000 year old staircase still remains today and is how visitors make their way to key points on the island. 

Luke Skywalker and the filming of Star Wars has brought greater fame to the Skellig Islands, but Skellig Michael, along with the smaller Little Skellig, have long been recognised as significant in the worlds of archeology and ornithology.

When visiting in the right season, the islands are a hotspot for puffins and colonies of gannets and great efforts are made to keep the environments of these birds preserved. 

The island is reached only by boat tour from the closest village of Portmagee, where visitors can take a day trip to the island through one of the limited licenced boat operators.

If the swell is too high however, the boats cannot land, and thus you will not be able to set foot on Skellig Michael. An alternative is an eco tour, which does manage to run more frequently and does not land on Skellig Michael. 

[Detour] – Valentia Island

Valentia Island has to be one of the more underrated gems in Ireland. As one of Ireland’s most remote locations, sitting off the edge of the Iveragh Peninsula as one of Ireland’s most westerly points, this is an unspoilt, special island that’s thoroughly deserving of a detour.

Over 100 years ago, the world’s first transatlantic cable was laid between Newfoundland and Valentia Island and visitors to the island can pay a visit to the planned town of Knights Town to take in the immersive visitor experience at the Valentia Cable Station.

Of other great significance, is that Valentia Island is home to the one of the longest set of tretrapod tracks in the world. These are thought to be 385 million year old and mark an important point in evolution, where the first water-dwelling creatures crawled their way onto land.

History making aside, it’s the natural surroundings of Valentia Island that are particularly noteworthy.

Walk the trail to the remote viewing spot of Bray Head and complete the looped walk along the edge of the cliff (guide coming soon) for views that make you feel like you’re standing on the edge of the world. 

Also boasting brilliant views are Geokaun Mountain and Fogher Cliffs, which offer some positively sublime panoramas of the inkiest of blue seas, the delightful Valentia Lighthouse, a patchwork of green landscape and plenty of mountain views. 

Caherciveen

In Irish, the name for Caherciveen is Cathair Saidhbhín, which translates in English to mean the ‘fort of little Sadhbh’ (pronounced ‘Sive’). The Sadhbh in question was the daughter of the McCarthy Mór chieftain, who gifted her a fort on the south side of the river in the 1500’s.  

The town of Caherciveen itself is one of the best places to visit on the Ring of Kerry if you want to follow the O’Connell trail, who was born in a house just outside of the town. In the middle of the town you’ll find the Daniel O’Connell Church.

It’s one of the only churches in the world to be named after a lay person and it is a grand, gothic building that looms over the main street.

Close by is the extremely unique Old Barracks. Set riverside with white turrets that stretch skywards it looks thoroughly out of place against the rugged green mountainous backdrop of the town – so much so that it was rumoured that the designs were mixed up with those for a building in Punjab, India.

These rumours have, however, been dispelled!

Today, the Old Barracks houses the Daniel O’Connell visitor centre, as well as a local history museum that tells the story of local Fenians in the uprising of 1867. It contains a collection of stories, pictures and memorabilia that is linked to the town and is a unique stop off along the Ring of Kerry drive.

Cahergall and Leacanabuaile stone forts

Just outside Caherciveen are two stone forts in exceptional condition. They offer a look into Ireland’s past and are most definitely key highlights on the Ring of Kerry route.

While you’re visiting the stone forts, it’s also a great idea to check out the nearby ruins of Ballycarbery Castle, which you’ll likely spot when visiting the forts.  

Leacanabuaile Stone Fort

This stone fort is almost sunk into the hill it sits on, sitting atop a crop of rocks and having the appearance that it’s always been there. It’s thought to have been built some time in the 9th or 10th century and that it served as a defended farmstead for a wealthy landowner.

What’s impressive about Leacanabuaile is how well preserved its internal buildings are. While roofless, the remains of four houses are clearly visible and there is also a souterrain leading to a chamber in one of the walls in the oldest of the four. 

The site was excavated in 1939-40 and the excavation returned finds of Iron and Bronze Age objects from everyday life, including knives, mill stones, combs and pins.

Cahergall Stone Fort

My oh my, are you in for a treat when you duck under the lintelled doorway to enter through the 5-metre thick, stone walls of this Iron Age fort. 

The top of its walls have been partially reconstructed and the fine stonework (all dry – no cement or equivalent used) slots together in a great jigsaw of rock.

It’s particularly hard to date Cahergall and it could have been constructed from around the 6th century onwards. The Office of Public Works suggests that someone of importance lived here around 1,000 years ago.

Inside, its walls contain a variety of shallow terraces, reached via stone staircases along the wall.

As the fort is so old and there are no records from the time, it’s difficult to say definitively what the fort was used for – suggested uses include as an amphitheatre for the nearby Leacanabuaile fort, or as a centre of power for the area. 

Rossbeigh Strand

Rossbeigh is a blue flag beach, safe for swimming and exceptionally clean. It also plays host to a whole range of other activities, including horse trekking, windsurfing and fishing.

At the very least, if you’re visiting on a day with good weather make some time to walk along the sandy beach and take in the stunning scenery from Rossbeigh Strand, which includes views towards the Dingle Peninsula.

Ties to folklore are strong here. In the story of Oisín and Tír na nÓg, it’s from Rossbeigh Beach that Oisín and Niamh departed for the Land of Eternal Youth. Many stories about Fionn and the Fianna are also centred around the nearby village of Glenbeigh. 

Ring of Kerry best stops – FAQ

Where is the best place to start the Ring of Kerry?

The best place to start the Ring of Kerry is from the town of Killarney, which is the official start and end point of the road trip route.

The town marks the entry point to the Iveragh Peninsula (which the Ring of Kerry route circuits) and its from here where you’ll be able to pick up a car rental, where all tour busses depart from and where a lot of people book as a base to stay.

How long does it take to see the Ring of Kerry in full?

While the Ring of Kerry can be driven in a day, it takes longer than this to see the Ring of Kerry in full.

Killarney and the adjoining National Park can take several days to enjoy fully and the rest can be said about the rest of the Iveragh Peninsula – it would be easy pass a week amongst the picturesque villages, beautiful beaches and spectacular views of this region of Ireland. 

What should you not miss on the Ring of Kerry?

You should definitely not miss out on some time spent exploring the Killarney National Park area, which includes sites like Muckross House and abbey, the lakes of Killarney and Torc Waterfall.

You should also not miss out on Derrynane Beach, taking a detour to drive the Skellig Ring and Cahergall and Leacanabuaile stones forts outside Caherciveen. 

Is the Gap of Dunloe on the Ring of Kerry?

The Gap of Dunloe is not actually located on the Ring of Kerry route, but forms part of the Reeks District, which also includes Ireland’s tallest mountain, Carrauntoohil.

The Gap of Dunloe mountain pass is located in a small townland called Beaufort, which is approximately 15 minutes by car from both Killarney and Killorglin.

This makes it easy to append the Gap of Dunloe onto either end of your Ring of Kerry drive, although you will need more than one day in the area if you’d like to do this. 

How do I plan a Ring of Kerry trip?

The best way to plan a Ring of Kerry trip is to split it up into two distinct parts – Killarney National Park and the ‘coastal’ part of the Ring of Kerry drive that circuits the Iveragh Peninsula from Kenmare to Killorglin.

Read this Killarney guide to plan your time around the town and the National Park and this guide to driving the Ring of Kerry to plan the latter. 

What’s the best time to visit the Ring of Kerry?

The summer months are the route’s busiest, when tourists descend on Killarney with the Ring of Kerry being a particularly popular day trip. It’s therefore best to try visit the Ring of Kerry outside of these months.

Decent daylight hours (if not completely decent weather) make the months of April to May and September to October the best alternatives to the busy months of summer. 

Ring of Kerry posts to read next

• RING OF KERRY DRIVING GUIDE | Driving the Ring of Kerry – How to Plan the Ultimate Road Trip
• GUIDE TO KILLARNEY | The Best Things To Do In Killarney Ireland – A Curated Guide
• RING OF SKELLIG GUIDE | published soon
• BALLAGHBEAMA GAP | Ballaghbeama Gap – a Mountain Pass Drive in Kerry Worth Taking
• RING OF KERRY ACCOMMODATION | published soon
• CAHERNANE HOUSE REVIEW | A Boutique Bolthole in Killarney, Ireland – Cahernane House Hotel Review
• KILLARNEY RENTALS | The Best Airbnb Killarney Holiday Rentals

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