How to Spend a Day on the Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry is one of the most famous scenic drives in Ireland - a roughly 179km (111 mile) loop around the Iveragh Peninsula, taking in coastline, mountains, and a string of small towns. It's easily done in a day, and starting from Killarney at Applecroft House puts you right at the beginning (or end) of the route.
Before You Set Off
The route is typically driven anti-clockwise, mainly because that's the direction the tour coaches go, and it's easier to avoid meeting them on the narrower stretches if you're going the same way. Give yourself the whole day - it's roughly 3.5 hours of driving alone without stops, and you'll want plenty of stops. An early start helps you stay ahead of the coach traffic, especially in summer.
Killorglin
Your first proper stop heading out from Killarney. A pleasant town on the River Laune, known for the Puck Fair each August. Worth a quick coffee stop if you're passing through in the morning.
Glenbeigh & Rossbeigh Beach
A quiet stretch with a lovely Blue Flag beach if you fancy stretching your legs on the sand and taking in the view across Dingle Bay.
Cahersiveen
A good spot for a proper break - there are cafés and shops here, plus the ruins of Ballycarbery Castle just outside town, and the Cahersiveen Barracks heritage centre if you're interested in local history.
Valentia Island & Skellig Ring
If you have a bit of extra time, it's worth detouring off the main Ring road onto the Skellig Ring via Valentia Island - a quieter, arguably even more scenic alternative route with views out to the Skellig Islands on a clear day.
Waterville
A seaside town with a long promenade, historically a favourite of Charlie Chaplin, who holidayed here regularly (there's a statue of him on the front). A nice lunch stop, with the beach right beside you.
Caherdaniel & Derrynane
Home to Derrynane House and its beach, once the estate of Daniel O'Connell. The beach here is one of the best on the route if the weather's playing along.
Sneem
A colourful little village with brightly painted houses around a central green - a good spot for photos and another coffee break before the final stretch.
Moll's Gap & Ladies' View
As you head back toward Killarney, the road climbs through Moll's Gap, with dramatic mountain views, before reaching Ladies' View - a well-known viewpoint looking back over the Lakes of Killarney, and a natural last stop before you're back on home ground.
Practical Tips
Fill your tank before you set off - petrol stations thin out along parts of the route.
The road narrows considerably in places, particularly around Coomakista Pass - take your time.
Weather can change fast, so pack layers and something waterproof regardless of the forecast.
Book any restaurant stops in peak season, as towns like Sneem and Waterville get busy with coach traffic in July and August.
Starting and Ending Your Day at Applecroft House
Because the Ring of Kerry starts and ends near Killarney, staying with us at Applecroft House means no long drive to begin your day and a short one home at the end of it - just in time to put your feet up after a full day of driving and sightseeing. Ask us at breakfast and we're happy to talk through the route or suggest which stops to prioritise if you're short on time.
