RoadAtlas
Ring of Kerry — Ireland — Scenic
Europe

Ring of Kerry

Ireland

Loop / circuit
Loop from Killarney

In short: Ring of Kerry is a 179 km scenic road trip in Ireland, typically driven over 1 day, best in late spring to early autumn. Highlights: Killarney, Ladies View to Kenmare, Sneem, Derrynane and Waterville.

Distance
179 km
Duration
1 day
Best Season
late spring to early autumn
IconicEasyScenicEV-friendly

The classic one-day 179 km Ring of Kerry on the N71/N70/N72 from Killarney through Muckross, Kenmare, Sneem, Waterville and Cahersiveen back to Killarney.

Practical notes
This one-day route covers only the main Ring of Kerry. Follow Killarney–Muckross/Torc–Ladies View–Moll’s Gap–Kenmare–Sneem–Derrynane/Waterville–Cahersiveen–Glenbeigh–Killorglin–Killarney. The Skellig Ring/Valentia/Portmagee is an optional signed extension requiring a second day and is not included in the 179 km. Expect coaches, cyclists, livestock, narrow bends and variable Atlantic weather.

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Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1Killarney clockwise Ring of Kerry circuit back to Killarney

Muckross/Torc and Ladies View · Derrynane or Waterville coast stop · D O’Shea’s Bar

Stops along the route

Killarney — Departure — Ring of Kerry — Ireland
Departure
Killarney
Begin the clockwise circuit with fuel and parking settled.
Killarney — Arrival — Ring of Kerry — Ireland
Arrival
Killarney
Return through Glenbeigh and Killorglin to close the classic loop.

Things to Do

Muckross/Torc and Ladies View — National park — Ring of Kerry — Ireland
National park
Muckross/Torc and Ladies View
Choose one short Muckross/Torc stop, then use signed viewpoints.
Derrynane or Waterville coast stop — Coast — Ring of Kerry — Ireland
Coast
Derrynane or Waterville coast stop
Choose one measured stop before the northern return.

Where to Eat

D O’Shea’s Bar — Irish — Ring of Kerry — Ireland
Irish
D O’Shea’s Bar
Use the exact Sneem lunch and verify current kitchen hours.
Bricín — Irish — Ring of Kerry — Ireland
Irish
Bricín
Reserve/check the exact Killarney dinner after the loop.

Nearby and similar drives

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Ring of Kerry drive?

The Ring of Kerry covers 179 km from start to finish.

How long does the Ring of Kerry take to drive?

Most travellers spend 1 day on the Ring of Kerry, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Ring of Kerry?

The recommended season for the Ring of Kerry is late spring to early autumn.

What are the main stops on the Ring of Kerry?

The Ring of Kerry passes through Killarney, Ladies View to Kenmare, Sneem, Derrynane and Waterville.

How difficult is the Ring of Kerry to drive?

The Ring of Kerry is rated easy and is best handled with any vehicle.

Can I drive the Ring of Kerry in a regular car?

Yes — the Ring of Kerry is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

Is the Ring of Kerry EV friendly?

Yes — the Ring of Kerry has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.

Is the Ring of Kerry safe to drive?

This one-day route covers only the main Ring of Kerry. Follow Killarney–Muckross/Torc–Ladies View–Moll’s Gap–Kenmare–Sneem–Derrynane/Waterville–Cahersiveen–Glenbeigh–Killorglin–Killarney. The Skellig Ring/Valentia/Portmagee is an optional signed extension requiring a second day and is not included in the 179 km. Expect coaches, cyclists, livestock, narrow bends and variable Atlantic weather.

What scenic tier is the Ring of Kerry?

The Ring of Kerry is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.