The Solo Scale:

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This excellent interactive map is where you’ll want to start if you’re planning a trip to Ireland and driving around the Ring of Kerry is on your bucket list. The Ring of Kerry, located in country Kerry, is 179km and features some of the most unique and interesting sights you may have never expected to see in Ireland (white sand beaches! The islands from Last Jedi! Dogs on donkeys!)

I’ve been to Ireland twice and done the Ring both times, simply because it’s one of my favourite activities to do in a day. Spending a full day travelling the ring and discovering new and incredible sights is the highlight of my Ireland trips.

Your tastes will vary, but below is just a few of my favourite sights along the ring to stop and see! Choose whichever direction that suits you, but I have a preference for ending the day by Ladies’ View, down into Ross Castle in Killarney Park.

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The Rugged Coastline

One of the key features on the drive are the Kerry Cliffs. It’s an interesting part of the drive that brings you a little higher into the hills. We began on a sunny day, but you wouldn’t know it as we approached the cliffs and became quickly shrouded in a low-hanging fog. The cliffs themselves are an interesting view, but they’re also extra interesting given the islands they look out over. Those are Skellig Michael, which you can visit or simply view. This is where parts of the new Star Wars films were shot. In fact, there are so many birds on the islands that the studios inability to CGI them out meant that we got the creation of porgs.

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The Beautiful Beaches

Yes, even though you might be in the clouds and seeing craggy cliffs, you can also stick your feet in white sandy beaches and dip your toe in the extremely cold ocean. That’s part of the fun of the Ring of Kerry — it really does promote extremes of all kinds. There’s also surfing in several of the coves, or you can simply admire the incredible mountain view right up against the mountains (and if you’re a Dropout fan, you know just how rare that is outside of Mountport).

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Ladies’ View

If you’re ending the drive in Killarney (which I recommend you do, and stay the evening in Killarney where there’s plenty to see, do, eat, drink and enjoy), then you’ll begin to descend upon Ladies’ View. This spot overlooking the lakes was a favourite for Queen Victoria and her ladies-in-waiting, earning its name. Nearby is Muckross House (see details below), a destination also visited by Queen Victoria.

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Muckross House

If you’re a fan of Downtown Abbey, then you’ll enjoy Muckross House, where you’ll be able to see how the workings of such a house operated with an upstairs & downstairs. There’s also a substantial grounds, including a little hidden beach spot that you can find if you work your way through some foliage to stand at the edge of Muckross Lake all by yourself.

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Old Castles

You can head into Killarney National Park by car or by hansom cab, allowing a horse-drawn carriage to bring you through the National Park — either way, once you’re inside, you’ll discover Ross Castle, nestled beside Lough Leane (the little lake). If you do want to go inside, check the admission times so you don’t get caught unlucky during your visit.

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The Beauty of Nature

Even if you spend your drive stopping nowhere but at random stops, you’ll be treated to amazing rivers carving through the landscape, dotted mountains, rugged drives, and even the lush greenery of Killarney Park. There’s so much to see, which lets you disconnect from reality and the hustle of everyday life.

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Torc Waterfall

One particular piece of nature in Killarney Park is Torc Waterfall. This is more well-known, so you won’t be there discovering it alone, but it’s an impressive sight and not a very long hike to reach it. If you end your drive in Killarney, it’s also close to being able to grab a bite to eat once your long drive is done!

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Grab a Bite to Eat

Speaking of food, you’re going to want to grab something to eat. You’ve got multiple options. You can stop in one of the small towns on your drive (on one trip, we stopped in Cahersiveen to grab some sausage rolls from a deli counter for a quick lunch) or you can opt for something sit-down (like eating at the restaurant overlooking Dingle Bay). There’s plenty of options and if you don’t like anything, keep driving, and another will pop up soon enough!

Did I capture everything here that you can see and do? Absolutely not. I probably need to head back to the Ring of Kerry for another few drives just to explore all the incredible things. It’s amazing what you can find, and how the climate and your surroundings can change. I highly recommend this as a full-day activity in Ireland if you’re there and feel comfortable driving around. There’ll be something to enjoy, no matter what your interests are!

For more details about the Ring of Kerry, you can visit the official information page on Ireland’s website here.

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