Ring of Kerry Itinerary: The Ultimate 1-Day Road Trip
When planning my own one-day trip around the Ring of Kerry knowing there was so much to discover made it quite overwhelming. And how could it not? The Ring of Kerry is one of the most beautiful, scenic drives in all of Ireland. With everything from small town shopping to hiking trails to amazing beaches and much more – it’s no wonder it can hard to decide what fits your Ring of Kerry itinerary.
Whether it’s your first visit or you’re back for more, planning is key. The Ring of Kerry has endless views and hidden gems. You’ll pass small towns like Sneem and Waterville, each full of charm. Rugged coasts, ancient ruins, and green valleys fill the route. There’s something for everyone. This guide covers must-see stops and gives you tips to make the day unforgettable.
Happy travels to Ireland!
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Is the Ring of Kerry worth it?
Personally, the Ring of Kerry was my favorite day on my weeklong trip in Ireland. Sure the roads were windy and a bit sketchy at times but there was a sense of freedom as we rode along seeing some amazing views and sites along the way.
All to say that in short, yes, if you have the time the Ring of Kerry is certainly worth a visit.
Where does the ring of Kerry start?
There is no official start and end of the Ring of Kerry but the town of Killarney has become the “unofficial” place to start. This is due to its proximity to Killarney National Park but also that it’s located inland, making it easier to start and end your route to get to your next destination on an Ireland road trip, too.
How long to drive the Ring of Kerry?
Without stopping the Ring of Kerry takes about 3.5 hours to visit. However, with stops along the way it’ll likely take you an entire day. Taking time to visit attractions off the main road will also add to your travel time, as the Ring of Kerry’s main road doesn’t include must-see places, like the Kerry Cliffs.
We started our drive around 9:30 AM and got back to Killarney around 6:30 PM. This made our total travel time on the Ring of Kerry with stops about 9 hours. It certainly is an entire day’s activity!
Tips for driving the Ring of Kerry
If you feel comfortable I highly recommend renting a car when visiting Ireland. The freedom to explore small towns and take a road trip is unmatched.
have Primary rental car coverage
The roads both on the main Ring of Kerry road and side roads can get pretty narrow. Narrow enough to question if the car is going to come out of this trip unscathed. With overgrown willows and one lane roads, I recommend ensuring you have coverage on your rental car.
The best and most economical way to do this is using a credit card that includes primary rental car coverage. This allows you to bypass the additional insurance at the rental car counter.
Be mindful of tour busses (they are crazy)
I honestly couldn’t believe large tour busses were permitted on the Ring of Kerry. With tight turns and narrow roads it’s hard to drive while passing tour busses. Be mindful that these busses take up a lot of road space. And be prepared to get over, oftentimes in a ditch, to let them pass.
Fuel up before heading out
There are some towns along the way where you can get gas but fueling up before heading out is recommended. Some areas of the Ring of Kerry are pretty rural and running out of gas along the roads wouldn’t be advised.
Pre-plan your route but be open to Spontaneity
Being spontaneous on the Ring of Kerry is amazing. With so many little shops and roadside attractions you’ll certainly find some things you’ll want to explore. But it’s also a good idea to preplan at least your major, must-see attractions. Why? With limited time, especially on a one-day itinerary you’ll have to pick and choose your top things to do.
Start early
Most area attractions open between 9-10AM, so getting an early start ensures you get to spend the most time on the Ring of Kerry. I wouldn’t advise driving the Ring of Kerry at night due to the tight roads, so try to end your day by sunset, if possible.
Travel Tip! Did you know that you can save money on rental car insurance by using a credit card that includes primary rental car coverage? This means that if something happens to your rental car your credit card company will pay for damage before you have to.
Ring of Kerry itinerary: Your one day guide
This guide includes the top things to see and do on the Ring of Kerry in a day, but keep in mind that depending on your speed and interest in activities you might be able to do more or less than what’s provided. Use this guide as a framework to start!
I recommend reading through the list and deciding your interest in each of the listed stops. From there you can customize this Ring of Kerry itinerary to better fit your timeline.
Breakfast in Killarney
Start your morning at one of the many amazing local coffee shops in Killarney. Good Boy Roasters is one of the best and has some homemade bagels perfect on the go, too. But if you want something a bit more traditional Irish, Manna Cafe & Bistro has some classics that will certainly fuel you throughout your morning on the Ring of Kerry!
Killarney National Park
You could honestly spend an entire day in Killarney National Park, so if you plan to stay multiple days in Killarney I’d skip the National Park today and plan for a larger trip another day. However, if you only have time for the Ring of Kerry in a day stopping at Killarney National Park is a must.
But, there are so many choices of things to do within the park and with only a few hours to visit you’ll need to pick the activities that are most interesting to you. A few of the most frequented activities in the park are Ross Castle, Muckross Abbey, and Muckross Farm.
There is also plenty of outdoor activities like hiking, horseback riding, and even boat tours, too. All to say the park has something for everyone.
Things to do in Killarney National Park
- Ross Castle: 15th century castle sitting on Lough Leane. You can visit the castle interiors for €5 or wander the grounds for free.
- Muckross Abbey: The first monastery on these grounds was built in the 6th century but the abbey ruins and graveyard today are from the 15th century.
- Muckross Traditional Farm: Perfect for families, this hands on experience shows you the history and culture of an Irish farm in the 1930s and 40s.
- Muckross House and Gardens: The house and gardens includes a thriving arboretum and traditional spinning and weaving workshops, too.
- Killarney House: Includes guided tours, exhibitions and beautiful gardens.
- Horseback Riding Tours: Numerous tour operators run horseback riding tours throughout the national park.
- Cycling: Rent a bike in Killarney and take to the trails throughout the park.
- Boat Tours: Join a guided boat tour around the beautiful lake, Lough Léin.
- Hiking: Hike one of the many amazing trails within Killarney National Park. One of the most popular is Torc Waterfall, an easy to intermediate hike known to have a lot of tourists visiting (so come early).
Ladies View
Ladies View, nicknamed from a visit by Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting in 1861, is an easy stop with a great view. It’s right off the Ring of Kerry with a small parking lot and gift shop (including restrooms). Ladies View is part of Killarney National Park but it’s on the main road, making it an easy stop.
This spectacular viewpoint will let you enjoy views over the Upper Lake, Middle Lake, and Lough Leane, framed by lush forests and dramatic mountain ranges. It’s no wonder it’s the most photographed spot in all of Ireland!
Kissane Sheep Farm
If your timeline fits, a visit to Kissane Sheep Farm is a great add-on to your Ring of Kerry itinerary. The farm gives border collie demonstrations based on the farm’s working schedule. You don’t need to prebook, just show up 15 minutes prior to the start time (which are added to their website).
Sheep herding in Ireland dates back thousands of years and nowadays has become a cultural tourism stop on a trip to Ireland. With sheep farming still a key part of Ireland’s rural economy, visiting a sheep farm is a must.
Kenmare
A stop in the charming city of Kenmare should be on your list for any Ring of Kerry itinerary. With beautiful colored buildings, sweet locally owned shops, and a few historical landmarks – you’ll find a town worth visiting. With only one day on the Ring of Kerry I’d certainly limit your time in the village. We spent about 1.5 hours here but I certainly could have spent longer.
Things to do in Kenmare
- Kenmare Stone Circle: Sweet, little attraction located a 5 minute walk from downtown this stone circle is inexpensive to visit and quite peaceful, too. Historically, the Kenmare Stone Circle of the largest stone circles in southwest Ireland and dates back to the Bronze Age.
- Molly Gallivan’s Cottage & Traditional Farm: This 200-year-old cottage and traditional farm experience shows visitors the life and legacy of rural Ireland. Molly Gallivan’s Cottage & Traditional Farm also includes a small artisan gift shop to buy wool items and locally made pottery, too.
- Holy Cross Church: Built in 1864, this neo-Gothic church has some unique stained glass and woodwork within. The church overlook the bay and is a great little stop on your trip in Kenmare.
- Shop the local artisans: Be sure to take some time to explore the shops in Kenmare. Artisans, like Lorge Chocolatier which creates some incredible handmade chocolates, are worth a stop.
Lunch in Kenmare
Depending on how much time you spent in Killarney National Park (and what else you have planned for the day) Kenmare is a great stop for a quick snack or lunch break. There are many restaurants, coffee shops and bakeries to choose from but here are a few of my favorites:
- No. 35: Midrange Irish restaurant serving sustainable, local ingredients from the Kenmare Bay.
- Bean and Batch: Small local coffee shop with sandwiches and pastries.
- Kenmare Brewhouse: Serving breakfast until noon and a variety of pub food options throughout the afternoon into the evening – this is a great choice.
Derrynane Beach
This remote beach is is part of Derrynane National Park and is a protected Special Area of Conservation due to its biodiversity. It’s a beautiful spot to relax, walk the shoreline or even swim. Here seals can sometimes be spotted sunbathing on the nearby rocks. And during low tide the beach can reveal natural tidal pools, too.
Keep in mind Derrynane is located off a very tight road. Oftentimes you’ll have to reverse to let traffic pass while navigating to the beach’s parking lot.
Skellig Ring and Valentia Island
Located off the main Ring of Kerry you’ll find the smaller and less toured Skellig Ring road. Located off the road is one of my top attractions in Ireland, the Kerry Cliffs. But there are many other things to do on the ring road, too. Be sure to check out below to find some activities that might work with your timeline and interests.
must do: Visit the Kerry Cliffs
Standing 10000 ft. above the Wild Atlantic Way you’ll find the spectacular Kerry Cliffs. These cliffs are absolutely breathtaking. Transforming the Irish coastline over 400 million years ago, you’ll love the views – sharing them with only a handful of other tourists, too. Honestly, you’ll feel like you have the area all to yourself.
The cliffs are similar to the Cliffs of Moher but unique in how close you can get to them and how few tourists are visiting.
Take a boat tour to Skellig Michael
You might recognize the Skellig Islands for their use in the Star Wars films but they are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Because of this many ecotour operators don’t allow tourists to set foot on the islands. The islands also operated a monastery from the 6th to 12th centuries, and many buildings still remain. If you’re lucky you might also enjoy some puffins along the islands shores, too.
Boat tours typically operate between May and October, weather permitting, as the waters can be rough. And with limited tours you’ll want to book your ticket in advance.
Sample chocolate at Skelligs Chocolate Factory
A must-visit for chocolate lovers and just a short drive from the cliffs, Skelligs Chocolate Factory is producing some unique, Irish flavors on the stunning coastline. The factory offers free tastings but there is a cafe with coffees and pastries for purchase, too. Skelligs Chocolate is open year-round but hours vary by the season.
Enjoy the views at St. Finian’s Bay
This bay includes a beautiful beach and some of the best views of the Skellig Islands, too. If you’re looking for a piece of nature that still feels untouched – be sure to add this to your list. It’s a great stop to take photos, walk along the shore, or simply relax and take in the coastal scenery. And who knows, if you’re lucky you might spot some Irish surfers in the waters.
Explore the ruins at Ballinskelligs Castle and Abbey
Ballinskelligs Castle, built in the 16th century, sits on a quaint beach near the start of the Skellig Ring. Near the castle, you’ll find the ruins of Ballinskelligs Abbey, which dates back to the 12th century and was founded by monks who once lived on Skellig Michael. Both sides are accessible year-round.
Eat some seafood in Portmagee
Portmagee is a charming fishing village famous for its fresh seafood and scenic views. You’ll find some amazing local seafood like mussels, oysters, and fresh fish caught that morning. Plus, the oceanside views are a great way to spend a meal.
Skellig Six18 Distillery
Depending on how much time you have on the Ring of Kerry, a stop at Skellig Six18 Distillery could add to your overall Irish experience. However, if you have plans to visit Cork, Jameson’s distillery could be a good alternative. At the distillery tours and tastings start at just €19, which is a great price for distillery tours in Ireland.
Cahergal Stone Fort
Take a look at Irelands ancient history at this preserved stone fort, located right off the main road of the Ring of Kerry. The stone fort was likely constructed in the early medieval period with walls up to 20 feet high. With no admission fee it’s an easy stop to add to your Ring of Kerry itinerary, too.
Ring of Kerry itinerary summary
Exploring the Ring of Kerry can be a flexible journey that shifts based on your pace and priorities. The more you want to do and the longer you take at various destinations changes your itinerary greatly. But no matter what your route should start in Killarney. With a central location and access to Killarney National Park, it’s the perfect place to stay.
From there, your itinerary adapts to your interests and amount of time you have to spend on the Ring.
With limited time start at Killarney National Park and focus on a few key spots like Ross Castle or Muckross Abbey. From there, the scenic viewpoints along the route, like Ladies View, make for perfect, brief photo stops without slowing you down. Afterwards a must-do is a stop in the quaint town of Kenmare and driving the Skellig Ring. The Kerry Cliffs are truly breathtaking and well worth a stop.
Where to stay
If you’re planning a one day trip on the Ring of Kerry the best place to stay is Killarney. Killarney is centrally located with a lot of hotel, B&B, and Airbnb options. Likewise, Killarney has many restaurants and pubs, including local and international cuisines.
Prices in Killarney fluctuate with the high demand during peak tourist season (June to early-September). And with many big bus tour companies operating through Killarney you’ll want to book your hotel room in advance to ensure a room is available.
Killarney Glamping at the Grove ($)
If you’re looking for a unique experience near Killarney, the Killarney Glamping at the Grove is what you’re here for. The site offers unique tent glamping and lodges on site with plenty of additional amenities, too. And unlike many other glamping experiences you might be used to, each tent includes its own fully functional bathroom.
My Top Choice!
Killarney Glamping at the Grove
Abbey Lodge ($)
A great price point for a hotel that includes a private bathroom near downtown the Abbey Lodge is perfect for economical travelers. The lodge is located just 3 minutes from downtown Killarney, too. Making it the most centrally located option on the list.
Cahernane House Hotel ($$)
Located right on the edge of Killarney National Park, the Cahernane House Hotel is still only a 10-minute walk from Killarney city center. The hotel has 3 different wings with unique features that make each a different price point but no matter what you choose you’ll love the exterior and interior design of this property.
The Lake Hotel ($$$)
Located 1.2 miles from downtown Killarney, The Lake Hotel sits on the amazing Loch Lein. Certainly a splurge, if you’re looking for a 4-star property with a lot of extras this is the perfect choice. In fact, Queen Victoria stayed here in 1861 – so you’re kind of like royalty.
Best Ring of Kerry tours
The best way to visit the Ring of Kerry is on your own. You’ll love the freedom to explore smaller side streets and see some off-the-beaten-path attractions, too. But if you don’t have a rental car or don’t feel comfortable driving the ring yourself you can also choose to join a guided tour.
Full day tours range in price from around $50-100 depending on the size of the group and what’s included.
Before booking a guided tour also do your research on what’s important to you for your Ring of Kerry experience. For example, some tour busses are too large to include the Cliffs of Kerry or other attractions on the Skellig Ring. Others might skip some major attractions, like Killarney National Park.
Tours your should try
- Ring of Kerry and Skellig Ring: This 5-star tour operates with smaller vans, making it perfect to get to see some highlights those big tour companies can’t get to. I also love the tour changes based on the interest of those on the trip, too.
- Guided tour under $50: This tour has some amazing reviews and is less than $50. Be sure to check the itinerary, as there are fewer stops along the Ring of Kerry with longer times at each location instead.
Highlights map
Check out my road trip itinerary video!
Ring of Kerry FAQs
You can complete the entire Ring of Kerry in a day but breaking up the drive into a multiple day trip can be helpful if you want a slower pace. I find this especially true if you want to spend more time hiking or visiting off-the-beaten-path areas of the drive, which take more time to see.
If you can make time in your Ring of Kerry itinerary, I recommend spending two days. This will give you more time at each attractions and small towns along the way.
Yes, you can visit the Ring of Kerry in a day but you’ll need to be more selective about what stops you choose and how long you visit them. I did the entire ring in a day and didn’t feel rushed but there certainly were things I would have stayed longer at had I chosen to do the road in 2 days.
The Ring of Kerry is famous for its stunning coastal views, rugged mountains, and picturesque landscapes. The route includes some incredible small villages and one of the most iconic Irish national parks, Killarney National Park.
More Ireland Travel Tips + Inspiration
- Learn more about visiting Ireland on a budget
- You can’t miss the Kerry Cliffs when visiting the Ring of Kerry – here’s my guide!
- Spend a day in Dublin with this helpful two day itinerary
- Visiting Ireland in the fall? Check out my complete packing list!
