Ring of Kerry, a coastal circuit shaped by mountains and sea

Ring of Kerry is a long circular road through County Kerry in south-west Ireland, traditionally starting and ending in the town of Killarney. As it loops around the Iveragh Peninsula between mountains and Atlantic inlets, the route strings together coastal views, lake shores and small towns in a single journey.

A road around the Iveragh Peninsula

Ring of Kerry is described as a circular tourist route of about 179 km (111 miles) around the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry, linking Killarney with a chain of villages and coastal stretches.circular tourist route Leaving Killarney, the road follows the N71 to Kenmare and then the N70 as it curves around the peninsula before returning inland towards Killorglin and back to Killarney on the N72.N71 and N70 around the peninsula

Along the way, Ring of Kerry passes towns and villages including Kenmare, Sneem, Waterville, Cahersiveen, Glenbeigh and Killorglin, each sitting between stretches of farmland, rocky headlands or sandy bays.towns and villages on the loop Rather than a separated scenic drive, the route is a public road network that residents use daily, with views that change as it climbs inland passes and drops back towards the Atlantic edge.

Mountains, lakes and Atlantic coastline

The landscape around Ring of Kerry is defined by contrasts between high ground and water, with the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountain range rising to the north of parts of the route and the Lakes of Killarney lying close to the town where the circuit begins.MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and Lakes of Killarney Sections near Killarney run close to woodland and lake shore inside Killarney National Park, an expanse of protected countryside that extends over thousands of acres.

Further out on the Iveragh Peninsula, Ring of Kerry looks onto Atlantic views that include offshore islands such as the Skelligs and distant headlands reaching towards the Dingle Peninsula.Skellig Islands and Dingle Peninsula Coastal stretches near places like Waterville and Glenbeigh combine long beaches with low cliffs, while inland segments cross passes such as Moll’s Gap where the road winds between rocky slopes and scattered lakes.Moll’s Gap and lakes along the route

Towns, heritage sites and local stops

Several towns around Ring of Kerry act as bases for exploring the loop, with Killarney long established as the traditional start and end point for travellers.traditional start and end in Killarney Kenmare and Sneem on the southern side of the peninsula have compact centres close to the waterfront, while Cahersiveen and Waterville sit nearer the western coast with views towards Atlantic swells and offshore rocks.

The route links a range of historic and natural sites, from castles and grand houses near Killarney to stone forts and viewpoints on the outer peninsula.historic sites on mossy hillsides Places such as Torc Waterfall, the Gap of Dunloe and Ross Castle lie on or near connecting roads that branch off the main loop, so a drive can combine short walks with visits to built heritage and natural landmarks.Torc Waterfall and Gap of Dunloe

Visiting Ring of Kerry: what travellers from Western Europe should know

• Ring of Kerry forms a road circuit around the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry, reached easily from Killarney, which is a major town with rail and road links.
• Parts of the route rise and fall over mountain passes, with narrow sections and bends; some viewpoints and heritage sites are reached by short walks from roadside parking.
• The climate in this Atlantic region brings frequent cloud and rain, and strong winds can affect coastal stretches, so waterproof layers and sturdy footwear are advisable on any stop.
• The official language is Irish and English and the currency is the euro.

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Frequently asked questions about Ring of Kerry

Where is Ring of Kerry located?

Ring of Kerry is in County Kerry in south-west Ireland, forming a circular road around the Iveragh Peninsula with Killarney as the traditional starting point.

What can travellers expect on a visit?

A journey on Ring of Kerry combines mountain passes, Atlantic coastline, lakes and small towns, with options for short walks, viewpoints and visits to historic sites.

What makes Ring of Kerry distinctive?

Ring of Kerry is distinctive as a single route that links MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, the Lakes of Killarney and Atlantic views towards the Skellig Islands in one continuous circuit.

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