Ring of Kerry

Travel Guide

Moll\'s Gap showing tranquil scenes, landscape views and views
Ring of Kerry which includes tranquil scenes and general coastal views
Ring of Kerry which includes a river or creek, a bridge and mountains
Moll\'s Gap which includes tranquil scenes and landscape views
Ring of Kerry which includes general coastal views, tranquil scenes and landscape views
Visitors have taken this route through deep forest and rugged Atlantic coastline for hundreds of years.

The Ring of Kerry is a 110-mile (177-kilometer) trail through unspoiled County Kerry countryside. It winds through dense forests, over sandy beaches, along the rugged Atlantic coastline and past clear freshwater streams and tumbling waterfalls.

The Ring of Kerry has attracted visitors for centuries. Take in its breathtaking beauty and use the location as a base for outdoor pursuits, including golf, cycling, walking, running, riding and fishing.

The journey begins at Killarney town. Take a bus tour or rent a car from within the town. Many visitors prefer to go by private car to enjoy detours and stops along the way. Take the road to Killorglin and follow the signposts for “Ring.” This will lead you around the coastal road in a counterclockwise direction, which provides the most spectacular views.

You’ll come across larger towns as well as small traditional villages. Stop at Bog Village on the main road between Killorglin and Glenbeigh. This replica of a 19th-century village has displays and museum exhibits. Experience life as it was at the end of the 19th century and visit thatched cottages, hen houses, blacksmith’s quarters and an old forge.

Explore the quiet beaches and coves along the coastline, such as the long sandy beach at Derrynane Bay. Stop by one of the many seafood restaurants to try fish pie, seafood chowder and other specialities featuring local produce.

Other interesting sights along the coast include Skellig Michael, the site of an ancient Irish monastery that sits on top of a rock in the Atlantic Ocean. Take the slight detour from the main road toward Waterville to visit Valentia Island. The effects of the Gulf Stream mean the island is an unexpected haven for many subtropical plant species, which can be seen at Glanleam Gardens.

Finally, the road between Kenmare and Killarney opens onto rugged scenery, including the “Ladies' View” over Killarney Valley, one of the most photographed vistas along the route.

The Ring of Kerry is open year-round and has no fee or tolls.

Where to stay in Ring of Kerry

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Beenbane

While Beenbane isn't home to many top sights, Waterville Beach and Waterville Golf Links are some notable places to visit nearby.

Beenbane
Butler Arms Hotel

Butler Arms Hotel

4 out of 5
New Line Road, Waterville, Kerry
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Waterville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions The Story of Waterville Cable Station Exhibition ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (132 reviews)
"Nice location and amazing view on the ocean, welcome staff, great breakfast, clean room."

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2025

Butler Arms Hotel
Sheen Falls Lodge

Sheen Falls Lodge

5 out of 5
Kenmare, Kenmare, Kerry
The price is ¥54,006 per night from Sep 3 to Sep 4
¥54,006
¥61,297 total
Sep 3 - Sep 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kenmare. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Reenagross Park and Carraig An Cappeen ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (323 reviews)
"Lovely and charming hotel. Our room was beautiful and the view and location is 5 stars all the way! The breakfast staff were a little snooty but the rest were absolutely wonderful. Be sure to go into the cute town of Kilmare nearby. I would have spent more time there if I’d known about it."

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

Sheen Falls Lodge
Sneem Hotel

Sneem Hotel

4 out of 5
Goldens Cove, Sneem, Kerry
The price is ¥29,846 per night from Sep 3 to Sep 4
¥29,846
¥33,875 total
Sep 3 - Sep 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Sneem. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Popular attractions Sneem Church and The Way the Fairies ...
9/10 Wonderful! (364 reviews)
"Incredible hotel! The views were amazing / location was just stunning. The rooms were spacious & the AC was fabulous. Can’t wait to return !"

Reviewed on Aug 5, 2025

Sneem Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Charming Two Bedroom Cottage with Magnificent Sea Views. 10 minutes from Kenmare

Charming Two Bedroom Cottage with Magnificent Sea Views. 10 minutes from Kenmare

Kenmare
Stay at this cottage in Templenoe. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Ring of Kerry Golf and Country Club and Blackwater ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (65 reviews)
Great only very slight problem was access very over grown and rutted
"Only thing that would have improved our stay was the weather Can’t blame host for that"

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

Charming Two Bedroom Cottage with Magnificent Sea Views. 10 minutes from Kenmare
Shelburne Lodge, Georgian House, Garden, Parking, 5 min Walk from Kenmare Town

Shelburne Lodge, Georgian House, Garden, Parking, 5 min Walk from Kenmare Town

Kenmare
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Kenmare. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Kenmare Golf Club and Carraig ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"Amazing in every way"

Reviewed on Jul 23, 2025

Shelburne Lodge, Georgian House, Garden, Parking, 5 min Walk from Kenmare Town
Traditional style Cottage in a quiet location close to the Kenmare Bay

Traditional style Cottage in a quiet location close to the Kenmare Bay

Coad Caherdaniel
Stay at this vacation home in Caherdaniel. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Derrynane Bay Beach and Staigue ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (55 reviews)
Perfect getaway spot!
"Such a relaxing stay at Inga and Jürgen's lovely cottage in Coad. Cosy and snug with beautiful views and a stone's throw from the Kerry Way. Loved it and would definitely return!"

Reviewed on Jan 12, 2023

Traditional style Cottage in a quiet location close to the Kenmare Bay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Ring of Kerry