Ring of Kerry
Ring of Kerry
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Ring of Kerry
The area
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
7 within 5 kms
Attractions
26 within 10 kms
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
2,132 reviews
Excellent
1,394
Very good
516
Average
167
Poor
41
Terrible
14
Ken V
Charlotte, NC555 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
I would recommend this trip when visiting southern Ireland area. The drive can be nervy if not used to driving on left side. Must di
Written 6 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WBin
Singapore, Singapore458 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
The Ring of Kerry drive is beautiful especially at the mountains overlooking the valley and waters. Killarney is very touristy and it took an hour to get in due to the traffic from the Bikers’ Fest and the long weekend for the Bank holiday. The Muckross house is lovely to walk around their well maintained grounds. There is ample free parking and washroom facilities here. The flowers are in full bloom.
The Killarney National Park should ban the jaunting cars as the ground is full of horse dung. So unpleasant for those who wish to walk in to enjoy the view. One has to watch out for the cars, bikes, cyclists and the horse dung on the narrow road. A vast difference from the Burren and Connemara National Park which were clean, pleasant and pristine. The tourists at Killarney littered the place more with tissue paper and plastic bottles.
The Killarney National Park should ban the jaunting cars as the ground is full of horse dung. So unpleasant for those who wish to walk in to enjoy the view. One has to watch out for the cars, bikes, cyclists and the horse dung on the narrow road. A vast difference from the Burren and Connemara National Park which were clean, pleasant and pristine. The tourists at Killarney littered the place more with tissue paper and plastic bottles.
Written 5 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathrine
Pennsylvania557 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
The scenery is beautiful but do allow all day to drive around it. There are many opportunities for photos along the way. There are many one-lane roads and busses. We didn't find it overcrowded, so is was quite pleasant to drive.
Stop at Kerry Cliffs - you need to pay for parking at the kiosk before walking to them. The views along the Coomakesta Pass were breathtaking. We also stopped at the Cahergal ring fort. You will need to pass through a gate with cows and sheep :-) . There are little villages along the way for food. Overall a really nice day.
Stop at Kerry Cliffs - you need to pay for parking at the kiosk before walking to them. The views along the Coomakesta Pass were breathtaking. We also stopped at the Cahergal ring fort. You will need to pass through a gate with cows and sheep :-) . There are little villages along the way for food. Overall a really nice day.
Written 20 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marc N
Bartlesville, OK826 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Long day for the ring of Kerry- beautiful scenery. Several historic stops along the way. Food and restaurants available on the ring.
Written 18 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jxx9595
Washington, DC1,378 contributions
May 2023
Doing the Ring of Kerry is a basic part of any tour of Ireland. You get a view of many different parts of the country. Not to be missed.
Written 15 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Monique B
Baltimore, MD14 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
We took this small group tour from Killarney. Our guide, Kevin, was entertaining and informative. The tour was well organized with many stops to capture the beauty of the Ring of Kerry. I would recommend this tour to anyone who want to see this majestic area of Ireland in a relax and informative setting.
Written 9 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Judith H
Chandler, AZ102 contributions
Mar 2023
If you're on an Irish road trip, this is one of the highlights. We looked at a few websites and Google maps, and chose random places to stop.
Important note: the tour buses are only allowed to drive counterclockwise, so it you go the opposite direction, you will never be stuck behind one.
Quite by accident, we found a "holy well" just past Kenmare. Intrigued, we followed the signs and found it. It's a spring with cool, clear water and some interesting offerings (hair scrunchies, cat toys)
We also stopped at Blackwater Pier, Helen's Secret Bay (did not climb down in the rain, so Helens' secret is safe with us), Sneem's pyramid park, Derrynane seashore and nature trail, and a lot of scenic photo spots.
This is such a great place to explore Ireland. Do it.
(Trip Advisor rearranged my photos, so they are out of order.)
Important note: the tour buses are only allowed to drive counterclockwise, so it you go the opposite direction, you will never be stuck behind one.
Quite by accident, we found a "holy well" just past Kenmare. Intrigued, we followed the signs and found it. It's a spring with cool, clear water and some interesting offerings (hair scrunchies, cat toys)
We also stopped at Blackwater Pier, Helen's Secret Bay (did not climb down in the rain, so Helens' secret is safe with us), Sneem's pyramid park, Derrynane seashore and nature trail, and a lot of scenic photo spots.
This is such a great place to explore Ireland. Do it.
(Trip Advisor rearranged my photos, so they are out of order.)
Written 10 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Denartes
Kingswinford, UK1,421 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
So wanted to return here and enjoy the beautiful views again. It didn't disappoint. I loved it just as much if not more than when I came many years ago. It's approx 100 mile trip around the peninsular but we'll worth going.
Written 22 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janka K
Brno, Czech Republic6,156 contributions
Jun 2022
A beautiful place, definitely worth of visit. I and my boyfriend have rented a car and drew around. The views are spectacular, I liked them especially on sunset, with some cows in the background.
There are few interesting places on the way, such as Cliffs of Moher, and they are worthy of visit on them own. But don't disregard just enjoying nature and the views as you can rarely see anywhere else.
There are few interesting places on the way, such as Cliffs of Moher, and they are worthy of visit on them own. But don't disregard just enjoying nature and the views as you can rarely see anywhere else.
Written 22 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
london057
Dublin, OH493 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
First of this is once and lifetime experience. Second there are great views of the Irish Sea . Third there are great views of the mountains too. Lastly, I recommend the Ring of Kerry to anyone on a first visit to the Republic of Ireland.
Written 25 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cathi Mac
Baddeck, Canada21 contributions
I am going in May 2020 for the first time and I am curious about what you would have missed if you had driven it yourself?
Vagabond-Sue
County Kerry, Ireland1,081 contributions
DEFINITELY drive yourself. The first time I did the bus I spent so much time looking out the window wondering why we were driving by all sorts of cool things!
Now I live on it, and trust me, there’s 3-4 days worth of things to see! Or more. Enjoy!
We are flying to Shannon ,staying in Ennis the night then every night thereafter staying at different locations every night visiting Killarney to cork , kill emery then Dublin
What sites do you suggest?
Thanks in advance
Vagabond-Sue
County Kerry, Ireland1,081 contributions
Skip the Ring of Kerry day tour and instead STAY in Waterville or another village on it when you’re driving to Cork. The bus tour rushes it, and if you drive yourself you can explore it.
Do the Skellig Ring / Valentia Island add on if you drive yourself!
P Gupta
Mumbai, India
We have booked Ring of Kerry (Paddywagon) from Killarney which starts at 10:45 AM, we'd like to know the time when we'd get back to Killarney as we have to board a bus from Killarney to Cork.
Please advise!
LaCat3
Saint Francisville, Louisiana, United States83 contributions
It would depend on your number of stops. Depending on your route it takes 30 - 45 minutes to get to the ring from Killarney. It really depends on the time of your bus and your LUCK. With a bus full of tourists in a special location, it is rather easy to get behind schedule. Not really sure if this helps or just raises more questions.
Quest57068194098
Dublin, Ireland
Can u drive a lowered car around the ring of Kerry,r the roads fairly rough
Hannappel2000
62 contributions
I drove an F-type R and it worked fine. Not sure how low your car is
sunburst
Oxford, NY406 contributions
Recently read the the Ring of Kerry will be a one way trip - counterclockwise. Any idea if this plan was adopted and if so, when it will take effect. Thank you.
Michael R
Austin, TX482 contributions
You can drive in either direction, it is recommended to drive counter clockwise-same direction as busses, to avoid issues of backing up on narrow roads and cliffs. I drove it after taking a Buss, I recommend going with the busses not against the busses on the ring of Kerry, dingle peninsula and the great Atlantic way.
Faith F
Highland Park, MI11 contributions
Can the ring be done in a day leaving from Killarney clockwise and then going up to Dingle to stay the night there? Plan to start at 8-9 am.
jbrover
Alicante, Spain520 contributions
Yes, as long as you make an early start (as planned). However, please bear in mind that the "Ring of Kerry" is as short/long as you wish to make it. Enjoy, cheers.
Lisar_Eichenblatt
Dortmund, Germany
Hallo Carina K. Du sagst es gäbe leerere und eventuell noch schönere Plätze/Strassen könntest Du bitte ein paar Beispiele nennen? Vielen Dank im vorraus.
SHEETAL V
New Delhi, India1 contribution
Hi, which is the best and dependable tour operator for Ring of Kerry. We are on a budget and don't have a car. Thanks
janemarion99
Watford Herts226 contributions
I'm so sorry I can't help you as we had a hire-car. Good luck.
bdaltonart
Lecanto, FL
Two of us. Willing to partner with other couple. One day to drive whole length. Need to know must see places. Cost of a driver. Where do we get one?
Denise V
5 contributions
hoe lang doe je over de ring of kerry? het idee is van Cork, via Killarney naar dingle te rijden dus..met de klok mee... (verblijf is eerst in Cork dan in Dingle)..Is dat te doen? we gaan laatste dag april-half eerste week mei..
of toch de ring of Beara? minder druk maar net zo mooi? wel kleiner denk ik..
Valéria Gadioli
Sao Paulo, SP241 contributions
Hi! I did with paddywagon, in onde day, from Cork! Lovely!
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
RING OF KERRY (County Kerry) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Ring of Kerry
- We recommend booking Ring of Kerry tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 40 Ring of Kerry tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Ring of Kerry:
- Ring of Kerry Rail Trip from Dublin (From €151.59)
- Full-Day Ring of Kerry Tour from Killarney (From €30.17)
- Ring of Kerry Tour from Killarney inc Killarney National Park (From €50.87)
- Ring of Kerry Day Tour from Cork: Including Killarney National Park (From €49.86)
- Ring of Kerry Day Tour from Killarney: Including Killarney National Park (From €45.78)
- Hotels near Ring of Kerry:
- (0.15 km) Thidwick Bed and Breakfast
- (0.37 km) Harbour View "The Snug Apartment" - Spectacular Sea Views (Sleeps 2 - 3 people)
- (1.37 km) Torann na dTonn
- (5.91 km) Butler Arms Hotel
- (8.06 km) Currane Lodge
- Restaurants near Ring of Kerry:
- (0.70 km) Scarriff Inn Restaurant
- (4.25 km) The Blind Piper
- (5.83 km) The Lobster Bar & Restaurant
- (5.92 km) An Corcan Restaurant
- (7.25 km) Smugglers Inn Restaurant Waterville Co. Kerry
- Attractions near Ring of Kerry:
- (2.32 km) Derrynane Beach
- (2.57 km) Derrynane House
- (1.26 km) Loher stone fort
- (6.56 km) Skellig Gift Store
- (14.31 km) Skellig Ring Scenic Drive