A beautiful scenic drive through green, rolling hills, stretches of coastline and nice Irish towns – no wonder the Ring of Kerry is one of Ireland’s most popular drives.

Was it worth it? Absolutely.

We took our time, in a true leisurely fashion, though we could have done it in one whole day.

The Iveragh peninsula presented us with everything – picturesque towns, sandy beaches, historical sites – plus soaring mountains and green fields dotted with sheep.

Muckross Lake in Killarney Park, Ireland
Clochans or Beehive huts in Skellig Michael, Kerry, Ireland
Cahersiveen, Kerry, Ireland

Places we stopped on the way:

Killarney National Park 

Usually the starting point, adorned with waterfalls, hiking trails, gardens with horse carriages – seemed a good place for the whole family.

The Spectacular Kerry Cliffs

Don’t miss them! We took a nice walk on a well-maintained path to the cliffs and found some breathtaking views of Skellig Michael. On the way we found three Beehive Huts – also called Clocháns – with history behind it.

We found the Kerry Cliffs and the superb views of the Atlantic more spectacular than the over-rated Cliffs of Moher, always packed with tourists, but almost as good as the awesome Slieve League.

Road to Valencia Island, Southwest Ireland
Beautiful Waterville, Ireland

Cahersiveen

The most western Irish town on river Fertha, overlooking Valentia Harbour is a pretty town to stop by for a day.

Valentia Island

A bridge from Portmagee took us to this island, one of Ireland’s most westerly points. We roamed around a bit. Valentia Island has a few interesting things to do for at least a day or two. A nice walk from Knightstown to the Lighthouse at the Cromwell’s Fort and a drive or walk to Geokaun mountain ((spectacular 360 degree views).
There are other options for shorter leisurely walks, such as to Fogher cliffs on to a viewing deck. The tower at Bray Head (a signature point on the Wild Atlantic Way) is where you get views of the Skellig islands and the Dingle sound on a good clear day. There are some leisurely walks including a marked family-friendly looped walk starting from there that involves climbing up the Watch Tower and walking along the Bray Head.

Charlie Chaplin statue in Waterville, Ireland
Cahersiveen in country Kerry, Ireland

Waterville

A beautiful little town, and one of Charlie Chaplin’s favorite towns! His bronze statue adorns the centre of the village. A grand promenade stretches right along the seafront. A nice town – we stopped for a good seafood lunch.

You really do not want to miss out on this leisurely drive!

Ring of Kerry, Ireland
Valentia Road, Ireland

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Clochans or Beehive huts in Skellig Michael, Kerry, Ireland
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Charlie Chaplin statue in Waterville, Ireland
Cahersiveen in country Kerry, Ireland
Ring of Kerry, Ireland
Valentia Road, Ireland
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