Welcome to a journey like no other! Embarking on a road trip through Ireland’s Ring of Kerry offers not just a chance to witness some of the most stunning landscapes on the Emerald Isle, but also offers countless opportunities for adventure and cultural immersion. One of the best ways to experience this is by driving the Ring of Kerry, a scenic loop in the southwestern part of the country. Here’s a guide to making the most out of one day driving this spectacular route.

The Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry is a renowned 179-kilometer-long circular tourist route in County Kerry, southwestern Ireland. This scenic drive covers the quintessential beauty of the Irish countryside, featuring rugged coastlines, verdant hills, picturesque villages, and historic sites. This route can be easily covered in one day. However if you have more time, you can choose to stay 2-3 days and wander deeper into the countryside. Popular stops along the route include the bustling town of Killarney and the tranquil Killarney National Park. The route also offers the opportunity to venture off the main path to explore less frequented spots like the Valentia Island, the Skellig Ring or the Gap of Dunloe.

The perfect one day itinerary:

Morning:

Start your day trip on the Ring of Kerry with a morning flight into the Cork airport. Pick up the rental car and head out for an hour drive into the scenic, Irish countryside. Set your GPS for ‘Molls Gap‘- a viewpoint of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountains and your entry point to the Ring of Kerry. From here head down into the valley to the Gap of Dunloe. Be ware that the road is narrow- be extra cautious on the turns and pull to the side when a car is approaching. The drive is extremely beautiful- stop at the viewpoint before the Wishing Bridge to take in the scenery.

From the Gap of Dunloe continue north, rejoin the main road and head to the Rossbeigh Strand. The golden sand at the Rossbeigh Beach stretches for 7 beautiful kilometres offering breathtaking views of the mountains on the Dingle Peninsula. It’s a perfect spot for walks, but also water spots like surfing or fishing.

Continue your road trip driving a narrow road at the edge of a cliff. Head to the Ballycarbery Castle & the Cahergal Stone Fort– a castle completely covered in grass and a large stone fort, built around 600AD.

Afternoon:

Continue your road trip adventure on the Ring of Kerry by taking a detour into the Skelling Ring. In our opinion it’s the most beautiful part of the trip. It will be lunch time when you arrive at Portmagee, a colourful fisherman village. Fisherman’s Bar & Skellig Restaurant serves fresh seafood, caught daily by the locals. After the delicious lunch, drive to the Valentia Island and the Geokaun Mountain and Cliffs viewpoint (there is a 3€ entrance fee). Before returning to the Ring of Kerry, pass by the Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point.

It will take you roughly 10 min to reach the Kerry Cliffs. Leave your car at the parking lot, pay a 5€ entrance fee and walk up to one of the most impressive views in Ireland. If you visit in the summer months look for puffins- endangered and very rare birds famous for their black and white feathers and bright orange beaks.

The next stop on the Ring of Kerry is the Ballinskelligs Beach with ruins of the Ballinskelligs Castle. It’s a perfect place to take a walk and admire the peacefulness of the area. Followed by a visit to the Derrynane Abbey– beautiful ruins and cemetery located on a secluded beach. When we visited, there was absolutely no one else around. It’s amazing that you can still find such fascinating places not cramped by tourists.

Evening:

As your road trip on the Ring of Kerry comes slowly to the end, you’ll have two more viewpoints to visit on your way to Killarney, where you will spend the night. In Sneem take a turn into road R568 that will take you to the Lough Barfinnihy Viewpoint. After that, pass the Molly’s Gap (which you visited earlier today) and head to the Ladies View. This viewpoint offers a scenic panorama over the Killarney National Park.

End your day in Killarney and stay at the charming Killarney Lodge. For dinner we highly recommend The Tan Yard restaurant, which serves local specialties and international dishes (book in advance, especially over the weekend).

The following morning drive back to Cork and take your flight back.

Additional spots to visit on the Ring of Kerry

• Killarney National Park: This national park is a home to beautiful lakes, mountains, and woodlands. Don’t miss the Torc Waterfall and the historic Muckross House and Abbey
• Kenmare: This quaint town is perfect for a coffee break, brimming with artisan shops and galleries.
• Derrynane House: The ancestral home of Daniel O’Connell, known as “The Liberator,” is a fascinating historical site surrounded by beautiful gardens.
• Ballaghbeama Gap: It’s a road through a wild mountain pass. It is a great drive in between unique landscape and breath-taking views, but best taken slowly and carefully.

Getting to Ireland and the Starting Point

The adventure starts upon landing in Ireland. To explore the Ring of Kerry, Cork Airport is your best gateway. Direct flights from many European cities make Cork easily accessible. If you have more time, you can soak in the urban charm of Cork city before setting off for the road trip adventure on the Ring of Kerry.

Renting a Car

Renting a car at the Cork Airport is straightforward, with several rental agencies offering a range of vehicles to suit different preferences and budgets. Opt for a car that you feel comfortable handling, especially since some of the rural Irish roads can be narrow and winding. Remember, in Ireland, you’ll be driving on the left side of the road, which might be an adjustment for some!

We rented with Sixt which is our go-to rental company and chose an SUV. We drove a manual Cupra and felt it was very comfortable. However if you are an inexperienced driver, choose a smaller vehicle to manoeuvre easier some of the narrow roads.

Read : Travel Essentials – Everything for Planning the Perfect Trip

Best Restaurants in the Area

• Fisherman’s Bar & Skellig Restaurant, Portmagee
• The Tan Yard, Killarney
• No. 35 Kenmare Restaurant, Kenmare
• Mulcahy’s Bar and Restaurant, Kenmare
• The Blind Piper, Caherdaniel
• O’Neill’s The Point Seafood Bar, Cahersiveen

What to Pack

Weather in Ireland can be unpredictable, so packing layers is key. Include a waterproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes. Dress comfortably as you will spend a big part of the day sitting in the car. Make sure to bring a camera to capture the stunning views. Lastly, don’t forget GPS to help navigate the scenic route- Google Maps will be sufficient to guide you along a day trip on the Ring of Kerry.

↬ READ: Essential Packing Tips For All Travellers

Cost of a one day trip on the Ring of Kerry

The cost of a one day trip on the Ring of Kerry can vary widely based on your choices. Of course the biggest cost is a flight. However you can find great deals from many European cities. For our return flight from Paris with Ryanair we payed 40€ each.

As for the extra costs here’s a basic breakdown:

• Car Rental: Starts at about €20 for a day.
• Fuel: Around €40, depending on the car and fuel prices.
• Food: Approximately €20-€40 per person for meals.
• Attractions: Many natural attractions are free, but paid sites like Muckross House typically charge a fee, usually around €10-€15.

In total, expect the cost for a day trip around €100 per person, which includes transportation, meals, and entrance fees for various attractions.