The Ring of Kerry (Irish: Mórchuaird Chiarraí) is a roughly 179 km (111-mile) circular scenic driving route around the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry, southwest Ireland. Threading past Atlantic sea cliffs, mountains, lakes and heritage villages, it is one of Ireland's most celebrated road trips and a flagship stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way. In 2026 it remains extremely popular in the summer high season; because large tour coaches only travel anti-clockwise, self-drivers are advised to go clockwise to avoid getting stuck behind them. Based out of Killarney, it can be driven in a single full day, though many visitors prefer to spread it over two days.
Killarney National Park area — the Ladies View panorama, Torc Waterfall, Muckross House and Lough Leane
Skellig Islands views — from Portmagee and Valentia Island, gazing out to UNESCO-listed, Star Wars-famous Skellig Michael, with summer-only landing boat tours
The Kerry Cliffs and the Skellig Ring detour — a narrow, dramatic coastal loop that branches off the main route
Staigue Stone Fort and Derrynane House — an Iron Age ring fort and the home of Daniel O'Connell
Coastal villages such as Kenmare, Sneem and Waterville, plus the mountain passes of Moll's Gap and the Gap of Dunloe
Good to know
SafetyRoads are narrow with many blind bends, and Ireland drives on the left. Large tour coaches run anti-clockwise, so drive clockwise and take it slow to avoid meeting them head-on. Mobile coverage is patchy in remote sections, so download offline maps in advance.
SeasonSkellig Michael landing boats operate only from mid-May to the end of September, and roughly 35% of sailings are cancelled by weather. Daily landing numbers are strictly capped, so peak-summer dates (June–August) sell out months ahead — book in January or February. A minimum age of 14 applies for landing.
RulesIf driving a rental car, mind left-hand traffic and yield to larger vehicles on the tight N70 stretches. Petrol stations are sparse, so fill up in Killarney or Kenmare, and carry an international driving permit. Confirm the latest fares and opening hours before you book.
MannersPull into a lay-by to let faster traffic pass, and respect the sheep on the road and the private farmland. At viewpoints and natural areas, follow Leave No Trace and take your rubbish with you.
CautionUnofficial resellers sometimes mark up Skellig Michael landing tours, so book directly with a licensed, official boat operator. Watch for overpriced private car parks in Killarney town and use the official car parks instead.
SeasonThe Atlantic climate brings rain, wind and sun in quick succession, so a waterproof jacket and layered clothing are essential. In summer, midges gather around boggy areas, so pack insect protection.
Practical info
The nearest hub is Killarney, which has a train station on the Dublin–Cork line and Bus Éireann connections. The Ring of Kerry road itself is a free public route with no single combined ticket, but individual sites such as Muckross House and the Skellig boat trips require their own tickets — always confirm current fares and opening hours before visiting.
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