Ring of Kerry Travel Guide: Top Things to do in Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry is a magical place, full of stunning scenery and unique experiences that will take your breath away. From the rugged coastline to the stunning mountains, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Take a leisurely drive around the Ring of Kerry, stopping at picturesque villages and historical landmarks along the way.
Stop off for a hike in the mountains, take a boat trip to spot dolphins and whales, or explore the ancient ruins of Coomnahorna. This is a place where you can truly escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature, your inner peace, and your sense of adventure. So whether you’re travelling solo, with friends, or with family, come and discover all that the Ring of Kerry has to offer – you won’t be disappointed!
Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of the Ring of Kerry! With its golden strands, rugged mountain passes, and lush green countryside, this enchanting destination will take your breath away. Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of this picturesque land and let your heart be filled with a sense of wonder and magic.
Feel the sun on your face and the wind in your hair as you embark on a journey of serenity and inspiration. Explore the stunning vistas and be inspired by the sheer beauty that surrounds you. Let the Ring of Kerry be your sanctuary and find peace in the majesty of nature.
Top Attractions of the Ring of Kerry
- Killarney National Park
- The Gap of Dunloe
- Skellig Islands
- Derrynane House & Park
- Killarney
- Cahersiveen
- Cahergal Stone Fort
- Kenmare
- Glenbeigh
- Killorglin
- Templenoe
- Parknasilla
- Sneem
- Ross Castle
- Ladies View
- Portmagee
Brilliant beaches
County Kerry is a magnificent destination for a beach vacation. This region boasts some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world, with Derrynane, Rossbeigh, and St Finian’s Bay being some of the most picturesque and awe-inspiring.
The sandy stretches of these beaches are of unparalleled purity and pristine beauty. The coastline of the Iveragh Peninsula is a perfect blend of seascape and mountain views, with each strand offering an unforgettable experience to all beachgoers.
The views of the ocean’s shimmering surface and the towering and majestic mountains create the perfect juxtaposition of nature’s power and tranquility, lending a unique atmosphere that is both exhilarating and peaceful.
The incredible breathtaking beaches of County Kerry offer the perfect setting for a refreshing and rejuvenating vacation, with an abundance of heart-stopping natural beauty waiting to be explored and appreciated.
Killarney National Park
If you’re considering travelling to County Kerry, Ireland, you simply must visit Killarney National Park, which undeniably serves as the most magnificent attraction of the Ring of Kerry.
The park is sprawling, covering 26,000 acres of lush Irish landscape, boasting some of the most breathtaking scenery to be found anywhere on the gorgeous Emerald Isle. Imagine sparkling lakes, majestic mountains, thunderous waterfalls, and dense, lush forests all coming together to create a natural wonderland of unparalleled beauty.
For adventure-seekers, there are miles of walking trails to be explored, while those who are animal lovers will be thrilled with the extensive array of wildlife that calls the national park home. And right at the center of the park, visitors will find the vast Bourn Vincent Memorial Park to be yet another stunning vista to behold.
It’s no wonder that so many visitors fall deeply in love with the park’s innate beauty and find it difficult to tear themselves away from this most special destination.
The Gap of Dunloe
The Gap of Dunloe is a breathtaking and awe-inspiring location that captures the essence of Ireland’s captivating beauty. When you visit this stunning natural wonder, you’ll marvel at the stunning sights that will leave you enchanted.
The majestic mountains that form the surrounding landscape are a sight to behold, comprised of the McGillycuddy Reek mountain range, and the towering Tomie and Purple mountains. As you walk through the Gap of Dunloe, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a picturesque postcard, surrounded by stunning natural beauty that seems almost too amazing to be real.
This incredible location is one that will remain etched in your memory forever, and an adventure that will leave you with a new appreciation and love for the beauty of the natural world.
Skellig Islands
As you embark on your journey, driving by the scenic Lough Currane and passing through the quaint town of Waterville, you would be doing yourself a great disservice by not venturing off the N70 route and proceeding towards the gem that is Portmagee.
The experience that awaits you there is unlike any other. You get to take a breathtaking boat ride out to the mystical Skellig Islands, the largest of which is none other than the world-renowned Skellig Michael. Such is the uniqueness of this island that it has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
The island’s sheer beauty, complemented by its rich historical and cultural significance, guarantees the adventure of a lifetime. So why settle for the ordinary when the extraordinary is just a boat ride away? Pack your bags and head out to Portmagee today!
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Killarney
Killarney is renowned for having captured the hearts of millions through its spectacular landscapes and captivating beauty. In this modern age where traditional art forms are scarcely acknowledged, Killarney remains a hub for tourism, having successfully transitioned from postcards to engaging with millions of visitors through social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Killarney’s unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage makes it a mecca for tourism in the southwest of Ireland, a place where visitors can meet paradise and experience fun-filled activities.
If your idea of Ireland is rolling green hills, scenic blue lakes, picturesque villages, and historically significant sites, then I strongly recommend adding Killarney to your travel itinerary.
Killarney occupies a prominent place in the long list of must-see attractions when it comes to Ireland. From amazing sightseeing to engaging activities, Killarney is one of my favourite destinations in Ireland. With the help of my ultimate Killarney guide, I guarantee that it will inevitably become yours too.
Cahergall Stone Fort
The beautiful Cahergal Stone Fort, located in the Ring of Kerry, takes you on a mesmerizing journey back in time, allowing you to relive the history of the Iron Ages.
This stunning ring fort serves as a perfect example of the glorious workmanship of the past, as it highlights the skilled techniques used during the time to build these structures.
As you visit this awe-inspiring tourist attraction, be sure to keep your camera at the ready, as the beauty of this ancient site will leave you breathless! Get ready to bask in the ethereal ambiance of this imposing fort, that effortlessly combines majesty with sheer elegance.
When you return home, your friends will be amazed by the captivating photographs that you’ve captured, and they will be left in awe, trying to absorb the fact that such a stunning location actually exists.
Popular Tours From Belfast
Giant Causeway Tour
Belfast Shore Excursion
Ross Castle
Ross Castle is situated on the Ross Road, just beyond Killarney town. It is well-marked and straightforward to locate. Originally, the residence of an Irish Chieftain, O’Donoghue Ross, the castle was most likely built in the late 15th century.
The building is a perfect example of an Irish Chieftain’s stronghold during the Middle Ages. It occupies a magnificent site on the banks of Lough Leane, overlooking the lake and Inisfallen Island, which was home to a 7th-century monastery.
It is famous for being one of the most important fortifications to surrender to Cromwell’s army in the 1650s. The Castle has recently undergone renovation and is accessible to visitors from April to October, and there is an admission fee that includes a guided tour.
The castle is one of Killarney’s major tourist attractions and can be quite crowded during peak summer months. In addition, boat rides are available from here to Inisfallen Island and around The Lakes of Killarney.
Muckross House
The house and grounds are located 3.6km from Killarney Town in County Kerry.
Muckross House, a magnificent Victorian mansion, situated on the picturesque shores of Muckross Lake within Killarney National Park, is a delight for visitors seeking a glimpse of Ireland’s rich history and culture.
This stately home, visited by Queen Victoria, boasts elegantly furnished rooms that accurately depict the lifestyle of the landed gentry, and the basement provides a fascinating insight into the working conditions of the house’s erstwhile servants.
Moreover, Muckross House is not only a historical gem but also an artistic hub featuring skilled craftworkers who showcase their weaving, pottery, and bookbinding skills.
The mild climate and the sheltered location of Muckross gardens are home to a diverse range of exotic trees and shrubs, including a collection of beautiful rhododendrons and azaleas and an exceptional rock garden perched on a natural rock outcrop surrounded by stunning tree-fringed lawns.
Finally, Muckross traditional farms serve as an outdoor interpretation of rural life in Kerry in the 1930s and 1940s, complete with traditional buildings, field systems, and domestic farming and craft practices that are carried out daily during the visitor season.
Muckross Abbey
Muckross Abbey, founded in 1448 as a Franciscan Friary, is an ancient place whose ruins are steeped in history. Although it was used until Cromwellian times, the serene beauty of the abbey remains, making it a highly regarded destination for visitors seeking a peaceful experience.
The abbey’s cloisters feature a yew tree within their center that is said to be as ancient as the abbey itself. The calming environment of the grounds and buildings of the abbey invites exploration and appreciation. Visitors may note the commemorative free-standing gable wall that stands in honour of Free Derry.
This self-governing nationalist area existed between 1969 and 1972 and was a tribute to the 1981 hunger strikers, with several murals adorning it, including a memorial to those who lost their lives due to their involvement in paramilitary activity with the Provisional IRA’s Derry Brigade. Admission to Muckross Abbey is free, and the experience is undeniably unforgettable.
Torc Waterfall
Torc Waterfall is situated in a marvellous environment, accessible through a brief forest trail and encompassed by abundant green foliage. While not being the most extensive waterfall, measuring up to only 100m tall, a special ambience fills the air during visits, with several Irish tales set around the region.
By the waterfall’s side lays the path leading up to the peak of Cardiac Hill, appropriately titled, and featuring a stone-paved track and stairs, leading to stunning sights of the three Lakes of Killarney, the National Park, and the McGillycuddy’s Reeks.
For those seeking a somewhat brief hike that provides an impact while on the Ring of Kerry, this 8km trail is a simple selection that is both easy to find and track.
Kerry Cliffs
One may ascend to the summit of the esteemed Kerry Cliffs in County Kerry for a breathtaking view of the remarkable Skellig Islands and Puffin Island. In proximity, a mere 3km from Portmagee village, the noteworthy Kerry Cliffs tower is over 1,000 feet in height, affording visitors the closest and most grandiose viewing point of these iconic landmarks.
For those interested in more adventurous exploration, the tempestuous cliffs of Kerry Head are present, showcasing the remnants of two stone forts utilized as defensive structures in this sector of the nation. Additionally, the viewer may marvel at the sprawling and untamed bogland lying before the ruins.
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Discover Irish Isle offers a range of resources to help visitors plan a trip to Ireland. Our blog post highlights the best things to do in the area and provides insider tips to ensure visitors have an unforgettable experience.
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