👋 Hi, I’m Brian, VagaGuide and Digital Marketing Executive at Vagabond & Driftwood Tours.
The Ring Of Kerry has long been a favourite of visitors to Ireland.
This scenic route is punctuated by quaint villages, lively towns, spectacular viewpoints and winding roads.
Circumnavigating Ireland's highest mountain range while cruising along the coast, there's a reason this route is so famous.
Read on intrepid traveller for everything you need to know about exploring the stunning Ring Of Kerry.
💍 So, What Is The Ring of Kerry?
📍 Location: southwest corner of Ireland on the Wild Atlantic Way
📏 Length: 180km (112 miles)
😏 Best Bits: stunning beaches, wild mountain vistas, historic sites and the odd National Park
🚐 Best Ring of Kerry Tour: 7 Day Driftwood Castles & Kingdoms Tour
Contrary to popular myth, the Ring of Kerry is not an actual ring that you can wear.
The Ring of Kerry is a popular touring route that circumnavigates the Iveragh peninsula in southwestern Ireland.
The Ring of Kerry is Ireland's most popular scenic tourist region for a reason!
Jaw-dropping natural scenery and historic attractions line this 180km (112 miles) long looped drive.
🚐 What's The Best Way To Tour The Ring of Kerry?
We are biased. But we recommend taking a Vagabond or Driftwood tour to get the best from the Ring of Kerry.
You'll stay firmly off the beaten path and away from all the traffic and queues.
Find a tour that visits the Ring Of Kerry that works with your schedule using our Find Your Tour tool.
This is one of those regions of Ireland you should not miss.
💚 Our Favourite Things to Do on the Ring of Kerry
There are endless things to do on the Ring of Kerry.
It's one of Ireland's most popular places for good reason. There are gorgeous landscapes to be explored and quaint villages and towns around every corner.
Our expert VagaGuides know every corner of the Ring Of Kerry from the iconic stops to the hidden gems.
Here are some of our favourite things to do in this beautiful region.
🦌 Visit Killarney National Park
See the magnificent Killarney National Park in style!
Board a horse-drawn 'jaunting car'. Explore elegant Muckross House and Gardens.
Wander medieval Muckross Abbey. Snap a selfie at the multi-tiered Torc Waterfall.
You might even bump into the local herd of native red deer!
📸 Photo Stop at Ladies View
Another amazing spot on the Ring of Kerry is Ladies View.
Gaze down over the idyllic lakes of Killarney from a mountaintop viewing area.
Ladies View is so-named because of Queen Victoria, no less. Her 19th century visit to Killarney included a stop-off here by her ladies-in-waiting.
With views fit for royalty, we are sure you will be impressed.
🌄 Drop By Kenmare
Kenmare is lively little town at the base of the Ring of Kerry.
Enjoy amazing pubs, atmospheric hotels and some excellent dining options.
A stop here in Kenmare also offers you the perfect opportunity to catch authentic traditional Irish music performances in the many local bars.
There are great local restaurants in Kenmare to suit every budget.
And no visit to Kenmare is complete without a stroll around the various handmade local craft shops.
🛥️ The Skellig Islands
Don't miss the opportunity for an incredible boat trip to the Skellig Islands.
Depart from Portmagee, along the Ring of Kerry.
These magical Atlantic islands have it all. They're a former Star Wars film set. An ancient monastic site. Not forgetting their status as one of only three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ireland. 
Which Tours Visit The Skellig Islands?
If you're taking our 12 Day Vagabond Giant Irish Adventure Tour, you can land and explore the 1400 year old monastery site on Skellig Michael.
For the following Vagabond and Driftwood tours, you can take a boat trip around both islands.
This cruise includes uninhabited Little Skellig Island, one of the world's largest gannet colonies:
- 🌊 15 Day Driftwood All Ireland Tour
- 🎻 8 Day Vagabond Wild Irish Rover Tour
- 💚 8 Day Driftwood Wild Atlantic Way Tour
- 🌍 7 Day Vagabond World Tour of Ireland
- 🏰 7 Day Driftwood Castles & Kingdoms Tour
The ocean crossing to the Skellig Islands lasts approximately 60 minutes each way and can be rough. Sea legs are definitely required!
🥾 Valentia Island
Even landlubbers can explore Valentia Island!
It's accessible by road bridge, boasts incredible views of surrounding Kerry and full of fun activities.
Hike out to Bray Head for a stunning oceanic panorama.
On a clear day, you can see the Skellig Islands from the cliff edge.
The views really are jaw-dropping. Next stop America!
🧭 Where To Go On The Ring of Kerry
Now you know what everyone else does on the Ring of Kerry, where do Vagabond Tours go?!
We always focus on taking you on the road less travelled to the less-visited, under-explored places.
It's all central to our responsible tourism mission.
🛡️ Cahergal Ringfort
Ireland is dotted with ancient stone ringforts.
But you won't find many as well preserved as that near Cahirsiveen on the northern stretch of the Ring of Kerry. 
Imagine yourself an early medieval warrior as you walk into the circular stone walls of this impressive structure.
From the top of the walls, you can take in incredible vistas of the surrounding area.
🌊 Derrynane
Beautiful Derrynane is home to Derrynane House.
This was the historic home to one of Ireland’s greatest figures, Daniel O’Connell.
Explore the lush native oak forest on the grounds and follow the fairy trail.
Learn the story of ‘The Liberator’ in the small museum inside.
Or simply ramble over nearby dunes to the golden sands of Derrynane beach where we'd highly recommend a refreshing swim in the Atlantic Ocean.
🦞 Best Food On The Ring of Kerry
The Moorings
Portmagee is a quaint little village on the Ring of Kerry.
Embark for the Skelligs from Portmagee. Or cross the bridge to Valentia Island. 
But whatever you do, don't forget to tuck into some fresh seafood and a creamy pint of Guinness at The Moorings.
Watch out for the Star Wars paraphernalia behind the bar.
This is where Mark Hamill and friends stayed while filming The Last Jedi on the Skellig Islands.
Avoca Moll's Gap
Enjoy your cappuccino with a stunning view of the mountains at the most spectacularly-sited outlet of this Irish café-cum-lifestyle chain.
Sheep roam the roads here and Ireland's highest mountain, Carrauntoohill, can be seen when the skies are clear.
Take your choice from delicious baked goods, fresh soups, snacks, salads and full hot lunches.
When you're finished be sure to check out the amazing shop downstairs, where they sell offerings from Irish artisan producers.
🍦 Sweet Tooth?
Lip-smacking is guaranteed at Valentia Ice Cream, made with milk from a local, grass-fed pedigree herd.
And if you really have a sweet tooth, get ready to fall in love at the Skellig Chocolate Factory.
Even if you can't make it to the factory, keep an eye out for Skellig Chocolate in the local shops.
