The Ring of Kerry is 120 miles long drive along the coastline, ruins & mountains .
Maya Pillai
The Ring of Kerry is in County Kerry in southwest Ireland. The Route of Kerry takes the N71, N70 and N72. You start the journey from Killarney and end at the same place to complete the ring.
Ring of Kerry is a photographer's delight. Remember to carry your best Camera and extra lenses.
Before you start your Ring of Kerry drive, its recommended you spent an entire day in this national park to get a gist of what County Kerry has to offer its tourists and natives.
Killarney National Park
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A boat ride of the lakes of Killarney gives you the best mesmerizing views of the national park. It starts at the pier of the Ross Castle.
You sail through the Lough Leane, a fresh water Lake, small forested islands, including the Innisfallen island where you get to see the ruins of the Innisfallen Abbey.
Sail under the Brickeen Bridge that arches over Ireland's deepest lake Muckross.
As you go further, you get the view of Torc Mountain and waterfalls. The 19th century Dinis Cottage is located here.
Further down, the three lakes meet and there is an Old Weir Bridge. Here the current is shallow and there are rapids that flow into a river.
The river meanders through mountains where you can spot mountain goats, pheasants and eagles.
If you have a bike packed up for the journey, you can go on a cycle trip to the Gap of Dunloe.
The road is narrow as it has to pass through the mountains to reach Killorglin. The view is breathtaking. Here you can see horse-drawn carriages.
Gap of Dunloe
From Killarney catch the N71 route along the Lakes of Killarney to enjoy the vista of Ladies View.
Ladies View
To grab a quick bite, go further from Ladies View to reach Moll's Gap. There are a few cafes here.
From Moll's Gap, take a diversion to see the scenic views of Kenamra, a town. If you are lucky you may see a few wild animals before getting on to N70.
Follow N70, its a coastal drive and picturesque. There are many small roadside pullouts where you can stop to enjoy the nature's beauty and click few photos.
Derrynane Bay & Ballinskelligs Bay
An extension of Ring of Kerry. You need to detour 20 miles from N70 to explore this hidden gem.
Ring of Skellig
Take a boat to a Skellig Island, Skellig Michael if the weather permits, or just hike around or simply find a good spot to watch the Atlantic Ocean crashing against the rocks.
The height of the Kerry Cliffs is 300 meters above the Atlantic Ocean. The Cliff is rugged with different vertical levels with rocky arms stretching out into the Ocean. Its windy here.
Kerry Cliffs
Portmagee is a picturesque waterfront village. As you move further to Valentia Island, you have a Skellig Experience Visitor Center.
Portmagee and Valentia Island
There are a few restaurants and accommodations where you can stay overnight before continuing with the tour.
Say bye to Skellig Ring and join N70 to reach Cahersiveen. Ruins of 16th century Ballycarbery Castle is situated here.
Cahersiveen
A last stop to grapple with the history before completing the Ring of Kerry. An Irish stone fort that dates back to 600 AD greets you here. Its a well maintained fort and an excellent example of "cashel."
Cahergall and Leacanabuaile Stone Ring Forts
From the ring fort, catch the N72 at Killoglin to complete the circuit of the Ring of Kerry and reach Killarney. Its again a scenic drive.
If you are self-driving, take the clockwise road, where you won't be struck behind the tour buses. Also you have the coastal view to your left before getting the views of the mountains, valleys and the springs.
Be Prepared for the weather changes here. It will be sunny at one moment and suddenly you're bound to be drenched.