County Kerry sits at the southwestern tip of Ireland, jutting into the Atlantic on a peninsula of mountains, sea cliffs, lake-studded national parks and ancient monastic sites. It is consistently ranked among the most beautiful places in Europe, and for good reason.
The Ring of Kerry — a 179 km loop around the Iveragh Peninsula — is the most famous scenic drive in Ireland. It passes through mountain passes, along glacier-carved lakes and around sweeping coastal headlands. But the Dingle Peninsula to the north is many locals' preference: wilder, less commercial, and with Slea Head one of the most dramatic headland drives on the island.
Killarney National Park anchors the region — 26,000 acres of ancient oak woods, three lakes and the McGillycuddy's Reeks mountain range, including Carrauntoohil, Ireland's highest peak. Most people only scratch the surface: the Torc Waterfall walk, a jaunting car to Ross Castle. But there's real wilderness here if you want it.
Suggested itinerary
Killarney — arrival
Fly into Kerry Airport (KIR) or drive from Cork (90 min) or Shannon (2.5 hrs). Check into Killarney — the best base for Kerry. Ross Castle is a 5-minute drive from the town centre and opens late in summer. Good first evening walk around the lake shore.
Killarney National Park
Gap of Dunloe in the morning — hire a jaunting car from Kate Kearney's Cottage or walk the 10 km path through the glacial gorge. Ross Castle boat trip across the lakes in the afternoon. Torc Waterfall (a 5-min walk from the main Killarney road) is worth a stop on the way back.
Ring of Kerry
179 km loopDrive clockwise from Killarney on the Ring of Kerry — tour coaches are required to run anti-clockwise, so going the other way keeps you from getting stuck behind a convoy. Key stops: Ladies' View, Moll's Gap, Sneem, Waterville, Caherciveen. Allow 5–6 hours. Skellig Michael boat trips depart from Portmagee on the ring — book 3–6 months ahead for May–October departures.
Dingle Peninsula
55 km from KillarneyDrive over the Connor Pass (one of Ireland's great mountain roads) to Dingle town. The Slea Head Drive loop from Dingle passes Iron Age forts, beehive huts and the Blasket Islands view at Dunmore Head. Dingle town has excellent seafood restaurants for the evening — Murphy's ice cream is worth a stop.
Highlights
- Ring of Kerry — 179 km loop past sea cliffs, mountain passes and Skellig views
- Skellig Michael — UNESCO World Heritage sixth-century monastery on a sea stack 12 km offshore
- Dingle Peninsula & Slea Head Drive — Iron Age forts, beehive huts, dramatic Atlantic views
- Killarney National Park — ancient oak woods, three lakes, Ireland's highest mountains
- Gap of Dunloe — narrow glacial gorge walk or pony trap ride between the MacGillycuddy's Reeks
- Torc Waterfall — 20 m cascade a five-minute walk from the Killarney road
- Inch Beach — 5 km sand spit into Dingle Bay, popular with surfers and kitesurfers, with a great pub at the end
- Kenmare — stone circle, traditional market town, gateway to the Ring of Kerry
Attractions in this guide
Local tips
- →Drive the Ring of Kerry clockwise to avoid getting stuck behind tour buses — coaches are required to run anti-clockwise — and for better pull-out angles
- →Book Skellig Michael boat trips 3–6 months in advance — licensed boats are limited and sell out fast
- →The Gap of Dunloe is closed to cars in peak season — cycle or take a jaunting car
- →Stay in Killarney town or Kenmare rather than driving in each day — the park looks totally different at golden hour
- →Dingle is a working fishing town with great seafood restaurants — Murphy's ice cream is worth stopping for
- →If you miss Skellig, the Skellig Experience visitor centre on Valencia Island tells the full monastic story
Ready to go?
Plan your Kerry trip
Best time to visit
May – September (Skellig Michael open May–Oct only)
Getting there
Kerry Airport (KIR) has direct flights from London, Manchester and several European cities. Cork Airport (ORK) is a 90-minute drive and has wider connections. A car is essential — there is no public transport to most Kerry highlights.
Region
Kerry · Ireland
Attractions covered
4 in this guide
