Loop of Kerry: One-Day Itinerary

The Ring of Kerry is a 111-mile scenic route along the west coast of the Iveragh Peninsula. This is Ireland’s famous Wild Atlantic Way. You’ll find panoramic views of the Wild Atlantic Way, rocky coastline, islands, colorful fishing villages, rolling green hills, mountains, castles, ring forts, sheep and puffins. Here are the points of interest in the Ring of Kerry to consider on a self-guided Ring of Kerry one-day itinerary.

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Loop of Kerry: One-Day Itinerary — Muckross Abbey Ring of Kerry Ireland

Tip for driving the Kerry loop

Although the scenic loop is only 111 miles long, the roads are narrow and steep. If you are prone to motion sickness, make sure you have an acupressure pill and/or bracelet. This is a popular day tour. Arrive before 9am and drive clockwise to avoid being left behind a convoy of tour buses. It is said that driving this route without stopping will take 3.5 hours. Allow a full day and plan well.

Points of interest on the Ring of Kerry

Spend the night in Killarney

Start in Killarney National Park. Points of interest include Ross Castle, Muckross House and Gardens, Muckross Abbey, Turk Waterfall, Old Wear Bridge, Dennis Cottage and kayaks to Innisfalen Abbey.

Take a photo in the ladies point of view

Watch a shepherd dog show at Kisan Sheep Farm

Take a photo at Moll’s Gap Viewpoint

Book a game drive through the Gap of Dunloe or hike to Wishing Bridge

Stop in Kenmare for lunch, wander the colorful streets, visit Kenmare Stone Circle, and photograph Cromwell Bridge

Picture of Dromore Castle on the hill

Visit Staigue Fort near Castlecore

Stop for a swim at Derrynane Beach and admire the sand dunes

You can walk to Abbey Island at low tide and check out the ruins of Derryname Abbey

Drive Skellig Drive for stunning views of the islands and a beautiful scenic route

Stop by Skelligs Chocolate Factory for coffee or hot chocolate

Take the boat to Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the filming location of Star Wars: The Force Awakens

You can walk up 670 steps to St Fionan’s Abbey and see the beehive huts

Visit the stunning Cliffs of Kerry

Take the car ferry from Portmagee to the Valentia Islands

Hike the 4.3-mile Bray Head Loop to Bray Tower

Have coffee in Knightstown and visit the Valentia Island Lighthouse

Drive through the colorful town of Cahersiveen

See the ruins of Ballycarbery Castle from the road

Visit the Cahergal Stone Ring Fort

Explore Kells Bay House and Gardens

Walk on Rossbeigh Strand

Photography of Glenbeigh Towers Castle

Learn about Irish life in the late 19th century at Kerry Bog Village Museum

Stop for dinner in Killorglin

Spend the night at Ballyseede Castle Hotel

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