Exploring the Ring of Kerry: A Journey Through Ireland’s Hidden Gems

The Ring of Kerry is renowned for its winding roads and panoramic vistas, but it’s the secret spots and warm welcomes that make it truly magical. On this legendary drive, you’ll find ancient stone circles, charming coastal villages, and some of Ireland’s most breathtaking landscapes.  The 111 mile long Ring starts and finishes in Killarney, County Kerry in Southwest Ireland, but you could join the Ring wherever you prefer. There is so much to explore in Killarney National Park, from ruins, to castles, lakes and waterfalls.

Here’s our perfect two day itinerary exploring some of the stops along the Ring of Kerry.

Start at Muckross House

Begin your journey in Killarney National Park with a visit to Muckross House. This 19th-century mansion is a step back into Ireland’s Victorian past, surrounded by manicured gardens and ancient woodlands. Muckross House was built in 1843 for the Herbert family and witnessed an era of opulence and upheaval. Queen Victoria stayed here in 1861, sparking a flurry of renovations that nearly bankrupted the family. Don’t miss a stroll around Muckross Lake or a jaunting car ride through the park — a quintessential Kerry experience! There is so much to explore here, from the imposing and grand house which you can tour, to the expansive gardens, craft centre, restaurant, playground and the three working farms that give a taste of what farming was like in Ireland in the 1930s and 1940s.

Ladies View & Moll’s Gap

As you leave Killarney, the road climbs into the mountains. Your first scenic stop: Ladies View. This lookout point was named after Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting, who were enchanted by the sweeping views of the Lakes of Killarney below. There’s a restaurant with a roof terrace here if you want to relax and take in the view with a bite to eat. A short drive further brings you to Moll’s Gap, a mountain pass with panoramic views of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks. Moll's Gap got it's name from landlady, Moll. who ran a shebeen or small unlicensed tavern, and used to serve up traditional Irish tipples to the men building the road. Nowadays, it’s the perfect spot to pause and marvel at the rugged beauty of the Ring of Kerry. There is a great shop here, Avoca, offering woven textiles from the Avoca Mill, fashion, gifts and artisanal foods. They also have a café, open for breakfast, lunch and delicious sweet treats.

Charming Kenmare

Descending from the mountains, you’ll reach the colourful town of Kenmare. Known for its laid-back atmosphere and artsy vibe, Kenmare is perfect for a wander and a coffee stop. There are a myriad of independent shops here, from lacemakers to books, crafts, soaps and chocolate. We were particularly taken with the charming traditional shop signs lining the streets. For a dose of history, visit the Kenmare Stone Circle — a mysterious Bronze Age monument tucked away a short walk from the heart of town. Although it’s one of the largest stone circles in South West Ireland, it’s probably not the most impressive stone circle we’ve visited but it’s steeped in mystery and history and it’s worth it to leave a wish at the Hawthorne Fairy Tree, you never know , maybe your wish will be answered!

Feeling peckish? Head to Bean and Batch for a fresh brew and delicious pastries. This cozy café is a local favourite, and the perfect spot to fuel up for the road ahead. We really enjoyed the outside seating area and the cakes looked delicious. I’m very sad that Mac ignored my heavy hints to get some cakeaway.

Staigue Fort

Continuing along the coastal road on a short detour down a single track road, you’ll find Staigue Fort, one of Ireland’s best-preserved ring forts. Its massive stone walls date back over 1,500 years, offering a glimpse into ancient Ireland. There are a few stone forts to visit on the Ring but Staigue Fort is probably the most mysterious. The true age and purpose of the Fort are still unknown. While some believe it was built between 400 and 600 AD, others suggest a Bronze age origin. It may have served as a home to a chieftain or even as an astronomical observatory. Nearby copper mining also indicates it could have played a role in that industry too. Over time it likely shifted from a place of worship to a defensive stronghold. Ultimately the forts full story remains a fascinating mystery. Today it’s a great place to visit, with views over the Kerry landscape from on top of the walls (just be careful as there are no guard rails and the walls are very high!). There’s a small public convenience and an honesty box to pay for your visit.

Derrynane Beach

Not far away lies Derrynane Beach, a pristine stretch of white sand and turquoise water. It’s a great place to stretch your legs or simply soak in the salty sea breeze. On a sunny day, this would be a great place for a picnic or to spend a few hours rockpooling. There's a couple of car parks to choose from here, both with the chance of a height restriction if the barrier is in place.

Portmagee & The Moorings

The charming fishing village of Portmagee is your gateway to the Skellig coast. Colourful houses line the harbor, and there’s no better place for a pint and a bite than The Moorings. Warm hospitality and fresh seafood make this a memorable stop. The seafood chowder we had here was amongst one of the most delicious things we have ever eaten. We didn’t stay here but if the accommodation is as nice as the food, then you’re in for a real treat.

Valentia Island

Just across the bridge from Portmagee, Valentia Island is a must for its rugged cliffs and panoramic views. Visit the lighthouse, wander the island’s scenic trails, and take in the wild Atlantic beauty.

Skellig Six18 Distillery

For a final treat, head to the Skellig Six18 Distillery. Here, you can sample their award-winning gins and learn about the art of distilling on the windswept coast of Kerry — a delicious way to toast to the day’s adventures!

Other Important things to Note

You can probably drive the Ring in 4 hours at a reasonable pace, but in order to really experience it and to see some of the sights, you’ll want to plan at least a day. We recommend two days to drive the Ring, with an overnight stop. You could plan to stay overnight in Kenmare as a lot of the attractions are in the early portion of the Ring and you will be spoiled for choice with accommodation and eateries. We stayed overnight in Portmagee which worked really well as we were able to add in the Skellig Ring to our adventure. We highly recommend this add on for your trip, the rugged beauty of the area is well worth the additional time. There is tons to explore in Killarney National Park and you could easily plan a whole day there to see the attractions. It’s recommended to drive anti clockwise as the tour buses on the route drive clockwise and travelling in the opposite direction will save you from getting stuck behind one. Although it does mean you’ll probably see plenty of them coming towards you on the narrow windy roads! In terms of planning your trip, we really recommend theirishroadtrip.com which has excellent resources, maps and itineraries.

Final Thoughts

The Ring of Kerry is more than a drive — it’s an invitation to slow down, savor each stop, and connect with the soul of Ireland. From ancient ruins to artisan cafes, from wild beaches to warm pubs, every turn brings a new discovery. So pack your camera, your sense of wonder, and set off on a journey you’ll never forget.