Top Things to do on the Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry: What to see and do along the route
The Ring of Kerry rewards every traveller with vast Atlantic views, historic sites, golden beaches, and lively towns. Use this guide to plan unhurried days that fit your pace, then add a walk or cycle where it suits.
Quick highlights
Killarney National Park: Muckross House, Torc Waterfall, Ross Castle, Ladies View
Gap of Dunloe with boat ride through the Lakes of Killarney
Skellig Ring viewpoints and the Kerry Cliffs near Portmagee
Valentia Island: Geokaun Mountain, Bray Head, Tetrapod Trackway
Derrynane Beach and House, Staigue Stone Fort, Cahergall and Leacanabuaile Forts
Character towns: Kenmare, Sneem, Cahersiveen, Waterville
Star-filled skies inside the Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve
Killarney National Park
Start or finish your circuit with time in the park. Wander the gardens at Muckross House, follow the woodland path to Torc Waterfall, climb to Ladies View for sweeping scenery, and tour Ross Castle on Lough Leane. If you prefer guided time on the trails, see our small-group Guided Walking in Kerry.
Pace tip: Lakeside and woodland routes feel Comfortable for most walkers.
Gap of Dunloe & Lakes
A classic day links Kate Kearney’s Cottage with Lord Brandon’s Cottage through the Gap, then continues by open boat across the three lakes to Ross Castle. Walk the pass, hire a jaunting car, or cycle the quiet road.
Pace tip: The pass involves steady gradients and suits a Moderate outing.
Kenmare
Everyone knows about Killarney, its lakes, its National Park and all else it has to offer. But what about the other large town on the southern side of the Ring of Kerry? Located on the shores of Kenmare Bay, this wonderful town is not quite a hidden gem but it certainly is a jewel in the crown.
While you are here you can visit a wonderful Stone Circle dating back to the Bronze Age. It is one of the largest in the south west of Ireland, uniquely “egg” shaped. There is a boulder dolmen in the centre – possibly marking an ancient burial site.
Visit Holy Cross Church, standing in the middle of town. This stunning piece of architecture dates to the 1800s and is decorated with some wonderful stained glass and mosaics.
Check out Verart – a sculpture garden on the outskirts of town filled with quirky art and a hidden treehouse!
Kenmare is also famous for its lace. Visit the Tourist Office to see an exhibition of lace made by the Poor Clare Convent School pupils in the 1860’s.
Or why not visit one incredibly creative jeweller (P.F. Kelly) in Kenmare who was the first to make an actual Ring of Kerry. Beautifully crafted and available in Gold or Silver with emeralds and diamonds these rings symbolise the love and birth of the original race of people who lived here over 3,000 years ago.
Sneem
Travel west from Kenmare, passing the beautiful Blackwater Bridge and enjoy wonderful views of Kenmare Bay. The glorious Parknasilla will be along your journey as you travel to the glorious and picturesque village of Sneem. Known as the “knot” in the Ring it has a stunning river dividing the village North Square from the South Square.
Well known for its salmon fishing many years ago, there is a beautiful Pyramid Garden and River Walk to enjoy here, along with a sensory garden. Why not enjoy time on the Millenium Seat beside a Tree of Light.
Situated in the South Square, facing the sports field, is a bronze life-size statue of John Egan, a local legend and esteemed Kerry Gaelic footballer of the 1970s and 1980s.
Savour the atmosphere of this little village, before you continue your journey west.
Staigue Fort
It is well worth taking a detour as you travel further west from Sneem to visit the amazing Staigue Fort. This Ring Stone Fort dates to the Iron Age and is one of the largest and most impressive in Ireland.
The walls are a staggering 5.5m high (18ft) and 4m thick (13ft) but what makes it so incredible is the dry stone wall technique used in its construction. Not one piece of cement or mortar can be found here. Perhaps it was a Celtic Tribal Centre, or maybe just a local chieftains home – but whatever it was – it leaves us a remarkable piece of history.
Derrynane: Beach, House and Abbey
Near Caherdaniel, Derrynane Beach curves around turquoise water. Stroll the Mass Path across dunes, visit Derrynane House, and explore the old abbey on Abbey Island at a safe tide. Picnics here are hard to beat.
Pace tip: Sand and boardwalks keep this experience Comfortable.
Waterville
Situated right on the Wild Atlantic Way, did you know that Waterville was a favourite holiday location for Charlie Chaplain and Walt Disney? Both men loved to fish and Lough Currane just outside Waterville boasts fantastic fishing.
Lough Currane is also home to Church Island with its magnificent Early Christian monastic remains.
That’s before we even mention Waterville Golf Club or the new Skellig Bay Golf Course.
Skellig Ring and the Kerry Cliffs
Add the short Skellig Ring loop beyond Portmagee for dramatic coastal panoramas. The Kerry Cliffs deliver towering views of Skellig Michael and Puffin Island when conditions are clear. Boat landings to Skellig Michael operate seasonally and fill quickly; the cliff walk offers a superb alternative.
Pace tip: Exposed cliff paths feel Moderate; always follow local safety signs.
Valentia Island
Cross the bridge at Portmagee or take the ferry from Renard. Drive or walk to Geokaun Mountain and Fogher Cliffs, hike the Bray Head loop, and step back in time at the Tetrapod Trackway. The island pairs geology, telegraph history, and sea air in one compact stop.
Pace tip: Bray Head includes a short climb and suits Moderate walkers.
Cahersiveen
The Old Barracks here is well worth a visit here, as is the beautiful and ornate Daniel O’Connell Memoria Church of the Holy Cross, which is the only church in Ireland to be named after a layman.
Take to the trails and enjoy the Beentee looped hike above the town or, if feeling adventurous, venture up to the Pilgrim mountain of Cnoc na dTobar at 690 metres high.
Also worth your time is the Cahergall Fort, located near Cahersiveen. This large stone fort was constructed around 600AD and is one of the best examples of early medieval stone forts found on the Ring of Kerry.
Bealach Oisin & Ballaghbeama
Finally, why not complete your Ring of Kerry by detouring off the N70 at Cahersiveen and go the inland route via Bealach Oisin and Ballaghbeama Passes. This ancient road way cuts through the heart of the Ring of Kerry to Glencar, then travels under the McGillycuddy Reeks to the Gap of Dunloe and finally back to Killarney. This is one of our favourite cycling days on our Ring of Kerry Self-Guiding Cycle Holiday.
Killarney
Now that you are back in Killarney, you’ll want at least another day to explore the town and visit the magnificent Killarney National Park. Here, you can enjoy many fantastic hikes, and also some terrific cycles. That’s before we even introduce you to Ross Castle, Muckross House and our favourite Muckross Abbey. When looking for things to do along the Ring of Kerry, you mustn’t miss the castles!
Add a walk or cycle with support
Prefer to leave the logistics to locals? We move your bags, supply route notes and a GPS app, and offer a support line if plans change.
Explore stages of the Kerry Way with our Self-Guided Kerry Way Hike or Guided Kingdom of Kerry Hike.
Spin the coast with the Ring of Kerry Self-Guided Cycle or upgrade comfort on the Luxury Self-Guided Ring of Kerry Cycle.
Short on time? Consider our 5-Day Self-Guided Ring of Kerry Cycle or a relaxed Killarney Day Tour.
Curious about route feel? Read our insider take on Cycling the Ring of Kerry and check grading before choosing distance.
Practical planning tips
Direction and timing: Large coaches usually travel anti-clockwise. Many drivers choose the same route to avoid narrow-road pinch points. Start early or base yourself locally to break the loop into gentle days.
Weather: Atlantic conditions change quickly. Pack layers, carry a waterproof, and check local advice before cliff or boat trips.
Parking and traffic: Villages signpost short-stay parking. Avoid stopping on blind bends for photos; use designated lay-bys.
Public transport: Killarney and Kenmare make handy bases for car-light exploring; local buses and taxis connect key towns.
Season: Spring and autumn bring quieter roads and bright days. Summer offers long evenings for golden-hour viewpoints.
Ready to plan your Kerry adventure?
Want help matching walks or cycles around the Ring of Kerry to your dates and comfort level? Send a quick enquiry and our local team will suggest a route that fits.
