{"id":887,"date":"2026-06-08T15:48:44","date_gmt":"2026-06-08T15:48:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/?p=887"},"modified":"2026-06-29T09:49:45","modified_gmt":"2026-06-29T09:49:45","slug":"ring-of-kerry-drive","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/ring-of-kerry-drive\/","title":{"rendered":"Driving the Ring of Kerry: Best Stops, Map and Where to Eat"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:19px;line-height:1.5;color:#1a1a3e;font-weight:600;margin-bottom:18px;\">Ireland&#8217;s most famous scenic drive: 179km of mountains, coast and colourful villages around the Iveragh Peninsula.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1536\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/ring-of-kerry-drive.png\" alt=\"Ring of Kerry route map infographic showing the full 179km anticlockwise drive around Ireland's Iveragh Peninsula, including Killarney, Killorglin, Glenbeigh, Rossbeigh Beach, Kells Bay, Cahersiveen, Waterville, Derrynane, Sneem, Kenmare, Molls Gap and Ladies View. The map includes the optional Skellig Ring detour to Portmagee, Kerry Cliffs and Valentia Island, plus driving tips, route distances, airport gateways and key attractions along Ireland's most famous scenic drive.\" class=\"wp-image-906\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/ring-of-kerry-drive.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/ring-of-kerry-drive-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/ring-of-kerry-drive-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/ring-of-kerry-drive-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Plan your Ring of Kerry road trip with this detailed route map showing the best stops, viewpoints and attractions around the Iveragh Peninsula. Discover Killarney, Rossbeigh Beach, Cahersiveen, Waterville, Derrynane, Sneem, Kenmare, Molls Gap, Ladies View and the spectacular Skellig Ring detour, with Kerry Airport and Cork Airport highlighted as the main gateways.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div style=\"text-align:center;margin:8px auto 16px auto;\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ring-of-Kerry-Drive-Guide.pdf\" download\n   onclick=\"if(typeof gtag==='function'){gtag('event','file_download',{'file_name':'Ring-of-Kerry-Drive-Guide','file_extension':'pdf','link_text':'Ring of Kerry Drive Guide','link_url':'https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ring-of-Kerry-Drive-Guide.pdf'});}\"\n   style=\"display:inline-block;background:#1a1a3e;color:#ffdb70;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-weight:700;font-size:17px;text-decoration:none;padding:15px 32px;border-radius:8px;border:2px solid #ffdb70;box-shadow:0 2px 8px rgba(0,0,0,0.15);\">\n&#11015;&nbsp; Download the FREE Ring of Kerry Drive Guide (PDF)\n<\/a>\n<div style=\"font-size:13px;color:#545454;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;margin-top:8px;\">The route map, every stop at a glance, and driving tips. Print it or save it to your phone.<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:inline-block;text-align:left;margin-top:12px;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#404040;\">\n<strong style=\"color:#1a1a3e;\">Download includes:<\/strong>\n<ul style=\"margin:6px 0 0 0;padding-left:20px;line-height:1.6;\">\n \t<li>Route difficulty ratings<\/li>\n \t<li>Safety tips<\/li>\n \t<li>Best-for recommendations<\/li>\n \t<li>Kerry and Cork Airport access guide<\/li>\n \t<li>Food and pub recommendations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Ring of Kerry is Ireland&#8217;s most famous scenic drive, and for good reason. This 179km loop around the Iveragh Peninsula in the Southwest packs mountain passes, Atlantic coastline, colourful villages and ancient heritage into a single unforgettable day behind the wheel.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Part of the Wild Atlantic Way, the route traditionally starts and ends in Killarney, looping out past Killorglin, Cahersiveen and Waterville before turning back through Sneem and Kenmare. A hire car is by far the best way to experience it, letting you stop where the views demand it. This guide covers the full loop, the best stops, where to eat, which direction to drive, and how to get there.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-toc\" class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li class=\"rank-math-list-item\"><a href=\"#the-ring-of-kerry-drive-at-a-glance\">The Ring of Kerry Drive at a Glance<\/a><\/li><li class=\"rank-math-list-item\"><a href=\"#what-you-need-to-know-before-driving-the-ring-of-kerry\">What You Need to Know Before Driving the Ring of Kerry<\/a><\/li><li class=\"rank-math-list-item\"><a href=\"#stop-1-killarney-national-park-and-killorglin\">Stop 1: Killarney National Park and Killorglin<\/a><\/li><li class=\"rank-math-list-item\"><a href=\"#stop-2-rossbeigh-cahersiveen-and-the-coast\">Stop 2: Rossbeigh, Cahersiveen and the Coast<\/a><\/li><li class=\"rank-math-list-item\"><a href=\"#stop-3-the-skellig-ring-and-kerry-cliffs\">Stop 3: The Skellig Ring and Kerry Cliffs<\/a><\/li><li class=\"rank-math-list-item\"><a href=\"#stop-4-waterville-derrynane-and-sneem\">Stop 4: Waterville, Derrynane and Sneem<\/a><\/li><li class=\"rank-math-list-item\"><a href=\"#stop-5-kenmare-molls-gap-and-ladies-view\">Stop 5: Kenmare, Molls Gap and Ladies View<\/a><\/li><li class=\"rank-math-list-item\"><a href=\"#where-to-eat-on-the-ring-of-kerry\">Where to Eat on the Ring of Kerry<\/a><\/li><li class=\"rank-math-list-item\"><a href=\"#the-best-time-to-drive-the-ring-of-kerry\">The Best Time to Drive the Ring of Kerry<\/a><\/li><li class=\"rank-math-list-item\"><a href=\"#hiring-a-car-for-the-ring-of-kerry\">Hiring a Car for the Ring of Kerry<\/a><\/li><li class=\"rank-math-list-item\"><a href=\"#frequently-asked-questions\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li><li class=\"rank-math-list-item\"><a href=\"#plan-your-ring-of-kerry-road-trip\">Plan Your Ring of Kerry Road Trip<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"the-ring-of-kerry-drive-at-a-glance\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Ring of Kerry Drive at a Glance<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The full loop is around 179km (111 miles) and takes about three and a half hours of pure driving, but nobody drives it without stopping. With the main viewpoints, villages and the Skellig Ring detour factored in, budget seven to eight hours for a comfortable day. Allow a full day, or better still two, to do it justice. Here are the key stretches at a glance, with the main stops on each.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table gch-table\">\n<table style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background-color:#1a1a3e;color:#ffffff;padding:10px 8px;text-align:left;border:1px solid #1a1a3e;\">Stretch<\/th>\n<th style=\"background-color:#1a1a3e;color:#ffffff;padding:10px 8px;text-align:left;border:1px solid #1a1a3e;\">Distance<\/th>\n<th style=\"background-color:#1a1a3e;color:#ffffff;padding:10px 8px;text-align:left;border:1px solid #1a1a3e;\">Highlights<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"background-color:#ffdb70;padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Killarney to Killorglin<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Approx 22km<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Killarney National Park, Ross Castle, Torc Waterfall<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"background-color:#ffdb70;padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Killorglin to Cahersiveen<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Approx 43km<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Rossbeigh Beach, Kells Bay, Cahersiveen<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"background-color:#ffdb70;padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">The Skellig Ring detour<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Approx 18km<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Kerry Cliffs, Portmagee, St Finian&#8217;s Bay<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"background-color:#ffdb70;padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Waterville to Sneem<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Approx 35km<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Coomakista Pass, Derrynane, Staigue Fort<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"background-color:#ffdb70;padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Sneem to Killarney via Kenmare<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Approx 61km<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Kenmare, Molls Gap, Ladies View<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"gch-widget-banner\"><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"what-you-need-to-know-before-driving-the-ring-of-kerry\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What You Need to Know Before Driving the Ring of Kerry<\/h2>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-white-color has-text-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"background-color:#cf0000\"><strong>IMPORTANT: Drive the Ring of Kerry anticlockwise, from Killarney to Killorglin first. The large tour coaches travel clockwise by convention, so going the opposite way means you are never stuck queuing behind them at the narrow sections and busy viewpoints. Many stretches are single lane with limited passing places, so keep your speed down, use pull-ins to let faster traffic by, and take particular care on the Skellig Ring, whose roads are very narrow and not suitable for large vehicles.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ireland drives on the left. The Ring of Kerry follows the N72, N70 and N71 for most of its length, all well-surfaced national roads, with the narrower stretches on the optional Skellig Ring detour. The full loop can be driven in a day, but the joy is in the stops, so an early start helps you stay ahead of the coach traffic and the crowds at the most popular viewpoints.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fuel up in Killarney or Kenmare before setting off, as filling stations are sparser on the western side of the peninsula. For route information and live conditions, see the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildatlanticway.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">official Wild Atlantic Way site<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rsa.ie\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Road Safety Authority of Ireland<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"stop-1-killarney-national-park-and-killorglin\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stop 1: Killarney National Park and Killorglin<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img width=\"1971\" height=\"2560\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ross-Castle-Killarney-National-Park-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Ross Castle in Killarney National Park at the start of the Ring of Kerry drive\" class=\"wp-image-901\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ross-Castle-Killarney-National-Park-scaled.jpg 1971w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ross-Castle-Killarney-National-Park-231x300.jpg 231w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ross-Castle-Killarney-National-Park-788x1024.jpg 788w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ross-Castle-Killarney-National-Park-768x998.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ross-Castle-Killarney-National-Park-1183x1536.jpg 1183w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ross-Castle-Killarney-National-Park-1577x2048.jpg 1577w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1971px) 100vw, 1971px\" \/>\n\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ross Castle on Lough Leane, a perfect first stop in Killarney National Park.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most drivers begin in the lively town of Killarney, the gateway to the 26,000-acre Killarney National Park. It is well worth an hour or two before you set off. Ross Castle, a restored 15th-century tower house on the shores of Lough Leane, is a short drive from the centre, while Muckross House, a grand Victorian mansion with celebrated gardens, sits a little further into the park.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Muckross House is worth the entry fee for its gardens alone, which run down to the lakeshore and are free to wander, and the traditional jaunting cars (pony and trap) wait outside to take visitors on a gentle loop through the park. If you have time, the Torc Waterfall is a five-minute walk from its car park on the N71 and makes a lovely leg-stretch.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The nearby Gap of Dunloe, a narrow glacial mountain pass between the MacGillycuddy&#8217;s Reeks and the Purple Mountain, is a famous excursion in its own right. The road through it is single-track and not really suited to a touring day, so most people explore it on foot, by bike or by jaunting car from Kate Kearney&#8217;s Cottage at its foot.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From Killarney the N72 runs west to Killorglin, a small town famous for its annual Puck Fair, a centuries-old gathering each August where a wild mountain goat is crowned king for three days. This is where the loop proper begins. Driving anticlockwise from here keeps you out of the queue behind the clockwise tour coaches and puts the best sea views on your side of the road for the rest of the loop.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"stop-2-rossbeigh-cahersiveen-and-the-coast\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stop 2: Rossbeigh, Cahersiveen and the Coast<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img width=\"2560\" height=\"1706\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Rossbeigh-Beach-Ring-of-Kerry-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Rossbeigh Beach on the Ring of Kerry drive, a sandy spit reaching into Dingle Bay\" class=\"wp-image-904\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Rossbeigh-Beach-Ring-of-Kerry-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Rossbeigh-Beach-Ring-of-Kerry-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Rossbeigh-Beach-Ring-of-Kerry-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Rossbeigh-Beach-Ring-of-Kerry-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Rossbeigh-Beach-Ring-of-Kerry-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Rossbeigh-Beach-Ring-of-Kerry-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/>\n\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Rossbeigh Beach: a long sandy spit with views across Dingle Bay.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">West of Killorglin the N70 hugs the coast, with Rossbeigh Beach the first great stop, a long sandy spit reaching out into Dingle Bay with views across to the Dingle Peninsula. It is a fine place to stretch your legs on the sand before the road winds on through Glenbeigh.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A little further, Kells Bay makes a pretty pause, with its sheltered cove and the subtropical Kells Bay Gardens, home to a Victorian fernery and the longest rope bridge in Ireland. The road then continues towards the heritage town of Cahersiveen, birthplace of the Irish statesman Daniel O&#8217;Connell, with the dramatic ruins of Ballycarbery Castle a short detour towards the water.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This stretch is where the Ring of Kerry drive really hits its stride, the mountains of the Iveragh Peninsula rising inland while the Atlantic glitters to the West. Just outside Cahersiveen, the well-preserved Cahergall and Leacanabuaile stone forts, reached down a narrow lane, let you step back well over a thousand years, and they are rarely crowded.<\/p>\n\n<div style=\"padding:20px 0 30px 0;max-width:100%;margin:0 auto;\">\n<div class=\"gch-widget-banner\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"stop-3-the-skellig-ring-and-kerry-cliffs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stop 3: The Skellig Ring and Kerry Cliffs<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img width=\"2560\" height=\"1600\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Kerry-cliffs-Skellig-Ring-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"The Kerry Cliffs on the Skellig Ring detour from the Ring of Kerry, with views to the Skellig Islands\" class=\"wp-image-903\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Kerry-cliffs-Skellig-Ring-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Kerry-cliffs-Skellig-Ring-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Kerry-cliffs-Skellig-Ring-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Kerry-cliffs-Skellig-Ring-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Kerry-cliffs-Skellig-Ring-1536x960.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Kerry-cliffs-Skellig-Ring-2048x1280.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/>\n\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Kerry Cliffs: 300m above the Atlantic, with views to the Skellig Islands.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Skellig Ring is an optional 18km detour off the main loop, and it is the highlight for many who drive the Ring of Kerry. Narrow and quiet, it runs out to the colourful fishing village of Portmagee and the Kerry Cliffs, which tower 300m above the Atlantic with views to the Skellig Islands, the dramatic monastic rocks made famous as a Star Wars filming location. There is a small admission charge at the cliffs, which includes parking.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Portmagee itself is a perfect lunch stop, its single row of brightly painted houses facing the harbour, and the village is the departure point for boat trips out to the Skelligs in summer. From here a bridge crosses to Valentia Island, one of the loveliest detours on the whole route.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Valentia rewards a slow loop. The Geokaun Mountain viewpoint, reached by a small toll road, gives the highest views on the island across the Skelligs and the mainland, while the tetrapod trackway preserves some of the oldest fossil footprints in the world, left by an early four-legged creature around 385 million years ago. A small car ferry runs back to the mainland at Reenard Point, near Cahersiveen, in summer.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Back on the Skellig Ring, St Finian&#8217;s Bay and the Coomanaspig pass offer some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in Ireland, reached on roads too narrow for tour coaches, which is precisely why they stay so unspoilt. If you have the time, this detour is what separates a good Ring of Kerry trip from a great one.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"stop-4-waterville-derrynane-and-sneem\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stop 4: Waterville, Derrynane and Sneem<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img width=\"2560\" height=\"1761\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Sneem-village-Ring-of-Kerry-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"The colourful village of Sneem on the Ring of Kerry drive in County Kerry\" class=\"wp-image-902\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Sneem-village-Ring-of-Kerry-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Sneem-village-Ring-of-Kerry-300x206.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Sneem-village-Ring-of-Kerry-1024x704.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Sneem-village-Ring-of-Kerry-768x528.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Sneem-village-Ring-of-Kerry-1536x1056.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Sneem-village-Ring-of-Kerry-2048x1409.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/>\n\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sneem: one of the prettiest and most colourful villages on the whole loop.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Back on the main route, the seaside resort of Waterville was a favourite of Charlie Chaplin, who holidayed at the Butler Arms Hotel here for years, and a statue of him stands on the seafront. South of the town the road climbs over the Coomakista Pass, where a roadside viewpoint offers one of the finest panoramas of the entire drive, taking in Ballinskelligs Bay and the islands beyond.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A short detour leads to Derrynane, the ancestral home of Daniel O&#8217;Connell, now a house and museum set in beautiful parkland, with one of the loveliest beaches on the peninsula a short walk away. It is an idyllic spot for a picnic if the weather is kind.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From here the road runs to Sneem, one of the prettiest villages on the loop, its houses painted in cheerful blues, pinks and yellows around two village greens divided by the Sneem River. It is a popular spot to pause for lunch or an ice cream, and the salmon and sculpture-dotted greens make a pleasant stroll.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nearby Staigue Fort, a remarkably well-preserved Iron Age stone fort with walls up to four metres thick, is a short drive up a side road and well worth the detour. There is an honesty box for the farmer whose land you cross to reach it, a nice reminder of how unspoilt this corner of Kerry remains.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"stop-5-kenmare-molls-gap-and-ladies-view\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stop 5: Kenmare, Molls Gap and Ladies View<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ladies-View-Killarney-National-Park-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Ladies View near Molls Gap on the Ring of Kerry drive, overlooking the lakes of Killarney\" class=\"wp-image-898\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ladies-View-Killarney-National-Park-scaled.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ladies-View-Killarney-National-Park-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ladies-View-Killarney-National-Park-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ladies-View-Killarney-National-Park-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ladies-View-Killarney-National-Park-1536x2048.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/>\n\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ladies View: the celebrated panorama over the Lakes of Killarney.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The elegant town of Kenmare, nestled at the head of Kenmare Bay, makes a lovely final stop, with its colourful shopfronts, craft shops and some of the best restaurants in the Southwest. Many drivers prefer to base themselves here rather than Killarney, as it is quieter and just as well placed for the loop.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From Kenmare the N71 climbs north back towards Killarney through the mountains, and this final stretch is one of the most scenic of all. The road crosses Molls Gap, a dramatic mountain pass through the MacGillycuddy&#8217;s Reeks, where the Avoca cafe and craft shop makes a popular coffee stop with a view.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The road then descends past Ladies View, a celebrated viewpoint over the Lakes of Killarney named for Queen Victoria&#8217;s ladies-in-waiting, who admired it in 1861. On a clear afternoon the light over the lakes from here is hard to beat, and it is a fittingly spectacular way to close the loop back to Killarney.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"where-to-eat-on-the-ring-of-kerry\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to Eat on the Ring of Kerry<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Part of the pleasure of the drive is the food, and the villages around the loop punch well above their weight. The trick is to time your stops, as places are busiest in the middle of the day when the coaches arrive, so an early or late lunch is wise.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Kenmare<\/strong> is the gourmet capital of the route. The Lime Tree is a long-celebrated restaurant in an old schoolhouse, while the Strawberry Field Pancake Cottage, a 200-year-old farmhouse just outside town on the road to Sneem, is a charming and affordable stop for sweet and savoury pancakes. For something special on the water, the Boathouse Bistro at Dromquinna Manor sits right on Kenmare Bay.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Waterville<\/strong> is the place for seafood, with fresh fish and chips at the dog-friendly Beachcove Cafe on the promenade and classic dining at the Butler Arms. In <strong>Cahersiveen<\/strong>, QC&#8217;s is renowned for its locally landed seafood, and the Oratory Pizza and Wine Bar occupies a converted church.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Out on the Skellig Ring, the Fisherman&#8217;s Bar and Skellig Restaurant in <strong>Portmagee<\/strong> serves excellent seafood right by the harbour. And in pretty <strong>Sneem<\/strong>, cosy cafes around the greens make the perfect spot for coffee, cake or an ice cream as you rejoin the main loop.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"the-best-time-to-drive-the-ring-of-kerry\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Best Time to Drive the Ring of Kerry<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Late spring and early autumn, May, June and September, are the sweet spot for the drive. The weather is at its most settled, the days are long, and the roads are quieter than at the July and August peak when the loop is busiest with coaches and visitors. The landscape is green and the gorse is often in bright yellow bloom in early summer.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Winter drives are possible and beautifully stark, but daylight is short and some smaller attractions and cafes along the route close out of season, so check ahead before relying on them. Whatever the season, an early start is your best friend. Setting off from Killarney before 9am puts you ahead of the coach tours and gives you the popular viewpoints in relative peace.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kerry weather is famously changeable, so pack for sunshine and showers in equal measure, and do not let a grey morning put you off, the light here shifts by the hour and the coast can be at its most dramatic under a moody sky.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whatever the time of year, allow more time than the distance suggests. The N70 is a good road but a slow one, full of bends, villages and the temptation to stop, and the optional Skellig Ring adds narrow lanes where you will rarely get above walking pace behind other cars. Rushing the Ring of Kerry is the one sure way to spoil it.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"hiring-a-car-for-the-ring-of-kerry\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hiring a Car for the Ring of Kerry<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A hire car is essential for the Ring of Kerry, since public transport around the Iveragh Peninsula is limited and the best stops are spread along the route. Kerry Airport is the closest gateway, just outside Killarney, while Cork Airport is the best-connected, with more flights and a wider choice of suppliers about 90 minutes away. For everything you need on collecting a car and the best rates, see our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/ireland.htm\">car hire in Ireland<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A smaller car is a real advantage on the narrow Skellig Ring lanes. The Ring of Kerry is the jewel of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wild-atlantic-way\/\">Wild Atlantic Way<\/a>, and pairs perfectly with the neighbouring Dingle Peninsula for a longer Southwest tour. Compare car hire deals below and start planning your Ring of Kerry drive.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"frequently-asked-questions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"how-long-does-the-ring-of-kerry-take-to-drive\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How long does the Ring of Kerry take to drive?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The full 179km loop takes about three and a half hours of non-stop driving, but you should allow a full day to enjoy the stops, or two days to include the Skellig Ring detour and explore the villages properly. Most visitors find a single long day enough for the highlights, starting early from Killarney to stay ahead of the tour coaches.<\/p>\n\n<h3 id=\"which-direction-should-you-drive-the-ring-of-kerry\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which direction should you drive the Ring of Kerry?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Drive anticlockwise, leaving Killarney towards Killorglin first. The large tour coaches travel clockwise by convention, so going the opposite way means you avoid queuing behind them at the narrow sections and the busiest viewpoints. Driving anticlockwise also puts you on the seaward side of the road, giving you the best coastal views for most of the loop.<\/p>\n\n<h3 id=\"is-the-ring-of-kerry-or-dingle-better\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is the Ring of Kerry or the Dingle Peninsula better?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both are superb and many visitors drive both, as they sit side by side. The Ring of Kerry is longer and more famous, with more variety of mountain, coast and heritage. The Dingle Peninsula is smaller and quieter, with the spectacular Slea Head Drive. If you have time for only one, Dingle is often the quieter choice, but the Ring of Kerry remains the classic Irish road trip.<\/p>\n\n<h3 id=\"where-should-you-stop-to-eat-on-the-ring-of-kerry\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where should you stop to eat on the Ring of Kerry?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kenmare has the best choice, from the Lime Tree to the Strawberry Field Pancake Cottage. Waterville and Portmagee are excellent for seafood, Cahersiveen has QC&#8217;s and a converted-church pizzeria, and Sneem is ideal for a coffee or ice cream. Time your meals early or late to avoid the midday coach crowds.<\/p>\n\n<h3 id=\"which-airport-is-best-for-the-ring-of-kerry\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which airport is best for the Ring of Kerry?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kerry Airport is the closest, just outside Killarney and only minutes from the start of the loop, though it has a limited number of routes. Cork Airport is the best-connected, with far more flights and car hire suppliers, around 90 minutes from Killarney. Either makes an excellent base for the Ring of Kerry drive. See our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/ireland.htm\">car hire Ireland<\/a> guide for details.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"plan-your-ring-of-kerry-road-trip\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Plan Your Ring of Kerry Road Trip<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From the lakes and castles of Killarney to the cliffs of the Skellig Ring and the mountain drama of Molls Gap, the Ring of Kerry is everything that makes Irish road tripping special, condensed into one spectacular loop. It is the centrepiece of any Wild Atlantic Way journey and a drive that lives long in the memory.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pick up a hire car at Kerry or Cork, point it towards Killarney, and the Iveragh Peninsula is yours. Compare car hire deals below and start planning your Ring of Kerry drive.<\/p>\n\n<div style=\"padding:20px 0 40px 0;max-width:100%;margin:0 auto;\">\n<div class=\"gch-widget-banner\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-bio\" style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:20px;padding:24px;background:#f9f9f9;border-left:4px solid #ffdb70;margin:30px 0;\">\n<div class=\"author-info\">\n<h4 style=\"margin:0 0 8px 0;font-size:16px;color:#222;\">About the Author<\/h4>\n<p style=\"margin:0;font-size:14px;line-height:1.6;color:#555;\">Written by the Digitalhound.co.uk editorial team. Every guide is thoroughly researched with genuine local knowledge, road numbers, food stops and practical driving tips gathered from on-the-ground experience.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin-top:2em;padding-top:1em;border-top:1px solid #eeeeee;text-align:center;\">\n<p style=\"font-size:14px;color:#545454;\">Follow Getcarhire.com: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/getcarhire\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Facebook<\/a> &nbsp;|&nbsp; <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/getcarhire\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">X<\/a> &nbsp;|&nbsp; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/getcarhire\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Instagram<\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/booking-widget.js?v=6\"><\/script><script src=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/booking-widget-banner.js?v=6\"><\/script>\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/ring-of-kerry-drive\/#article\",\"headline\":\"The Ring of Kerry Drive: Full Route, Best Stops and Map\",\"description\":\"Drive the Ring of Kerry, Ireland's most famous scenic loop: 179km around the Iveragh Peninsula past Killarney, the Skellig Ring, Kerry Cliffs, Sneem, Kenmare and Molls Gap, with the best places to eat. Reached from Kerry or Cork.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"Digitalhound Editorial Team\"},\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"Getcarhire.com\"}},{\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/ring-of-kerry-drive\/#faq\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How long does the Ring of Kerry take to drive?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The full 179km loop takes about three and a half hours of non-stop driving, but you should allow a full day to enjoy the stops, or two days to include the Skellig Ring detour. Most visitors find a single long day enough for the highlights, starting early from Killarney to stay ahead of the tour coaches.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Which direction should you drive the Ring of Kerry?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Drive anticlockwise, leaving Killarney towards Killorglin first. The large tour coaches travel clockwise by convention, so going the opposite way means you avoid queuing behind them at the narrow sections and busiest viewpoints. Driving anticlockwise also puts you on the seaward side of the road for the best coastal views.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Is the Ring of Kerry or the Dingle Peninsula better?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Both are superb and many visitors drive both, as they sit side by side. The Ring of Kerry is longer and more famous, with more variety of mountain, coast and heritage. The Dingle Peninsula is smaller and quieter, with the spectacular Slea Head Drive. 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Either makes an excellent base for the Ring of Kerry drive.\"}}]}]}<\/script>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ireland&#8217;s most famous scenic drive: 179km of mountains, coast and colourful villages around the Iveragh Peninsula. Plan your Ring of Kerry road trip with this detailed route map showing the best stops, viewpoints and attractions around the Iveragh Peninsula. Discover Killarney, Rossbeigh Beach, Cahersiveen, Waterville, Derrynane, Sneem, Kenmare, Molls Gap, Ladies View and the spectacular [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-887","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-scenic-drives"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/887","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=887"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/887\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1261,"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/887\/revisions\/1261"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=887"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=887"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=887"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}