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.
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.
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 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.
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!
Looks like an amazing drive! Your photos are enticing…Ireland is on our list for this year!
That’s added a few places to my list to visit – we live only a few miles from the ferry port in Wales, but haven’t got around to making the crossing since 1996!
I have not been to Ireland yet, but its definitely on my list of future places to go. And the Ring of Kerry loks amazing. Thanks for the great ideas and photo.
We are trying to decide whether to drive both the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula. Looks like we should try to include this lovely place. The statue of Charlie Chaplin surprised me!
I did the Ring of Kerry with my mom in 1981, and I’ve been hoping to go back ever since. I have an Ireland trip planned for early Autumn 2020, and I’ll be sure to add Valentia Island to the itinerary. I’ll also keep an eye out for the Clocháns you mentioned – I don’t remember seeing those on my first trip. Sounds super interesting!
It’s my dream to go here!! AHH, so stunning! Hopefully one day in the near future. Thanks for the lovely read.
This brought back such lovely memories for me. I was blown away by Ireland &particularly the Ring of Kerry. I also agree that it is best seen by taking your time & using the opportunity to explore a little further. I took 3 days! Looking forward to discovering more of this fantastic country, once we are able to again.
What a magical road trip this must have been? I loved your description of each stop you made along the way. Such beautiful landscape, I’m sure you didn’t want it to end. This is on my list and was planning on going this fall, will have to be deferred for another year.
Beautiful! I did this with a group of friends in college and I have fond memories. I keep hoping that my husband will finally take me back 🙂
wow that first photo just blew me away. It makes want to visit this place so bad. I absolutely love scenic views like that. and omg those cute little towns. Charming!
I can see why the Ring of Kerry would be one of the most popular. I love the idea of taking it slow and enjoying more stops along the way. We will certainly be on the lookout for the Clochans. Good to know you recommend planning a day or two on Valentia Island. We would be sure to have our fill of seafood along this drive.
I want to visit Ireland so badly! Seeing the landscape and beautiful greenery makes me so excited to see this all in person one day 🙂
Rings of Kerry looked good, I liked the Waterville town. It definitely seemed worth visiting.
The Ring of Kerry looks like an amazing trip! I would love to visit the Killarney National Park for the waterfalls and would have to visit the Kerry Cliffs. I would have to visit Waterville and visit the Charlie Chaplin status. So neat!
Ring of Kerry looks amazing. Ireland is on our bucket list.
Heading that way soon …. your photos and descriptions confirm that we have made the right choice ….. can’t wait to go!