Ring of Kerry

Introducing Ring of Kerry

This 179km circuit of the Iveragh Peninsula pops up on every self-respecting tourist itinerary for a good reason. The secondary road winds past pristine beaches, the island-dotted Atlantic, medieval ruins, mountains, and loughs (lakes). Even locals stop their cars to gawk at the rugged coastline – particularly between Waterville and Caherdaniel in the southwest of the peninsula, where the beauty dial is turned up to 11.

Although it can be ‘done’ in a day by car or bus, or three days by bicycle, the more time you take, the more you’ll enjoy it. Tour buses travel the Ring in an anticlockwise direction. Getting stuck behind one is tedious, but driving in the opposite direction and meeting one on a blind corner is hair-raising. A good place to escape both scenarios is the tip of the peninsula, where the sleepy Skellig Ring is too narrow for coaches.

There’s also little traffic on the Ballaghbeama Gap, which cuts across the peninsula’s central highlands with some spectacular views: it’s perfect for a long cycle, as is the longer Ballaghisheen Pass to Waterville. The 214km Kerry Way starts and ends in Killarney.

Last updated: Mar 24, 2009