The Ring of Kerry is world famous and as you drive through it around the Iveragh Peninsula you see some of Kerry’s outstanding scenery. The complete ring is breathtaking, varying continuously in its 112 miles, you can join the Ring at any point, however, the world famous Killarney town is probably the best starting point.
This tour usually goes in an anti-clockwise direction to Killorglin via Glenbeigh, along the southern shores of Dingle Bay to Kells and Cahersiveen, where Valentia Island can be seen. The Ring continues to Waterville and an interesting detour at this point is a visit to the Skellig Experience on Valentia Island. Continue along the coast via Coomakista Pass to Derrynane and onto Sneem. Now the route travels to Kenmare and up the mountain road to Moll’s Gap then via Ladies View (so named by Queen Victoria’s ladies in waiting) to Killarney. Killarney is only 20 miles from Tralee where the Rose of Tralee festival is held annually.
Things to do on the Ring Of Kerry
Adventure Centres – Cappanalea Outdoor Education Centre 7 miles south west of Killorglin provides activities ranging from field trips in History and Geography and Science subjects to activities like rock climbing, canoeing, hillwalking, orienteering, absailing, camping, angling, sailing and surfing. Day visitors are welcome at the centre.
Cycling – Bicycles are available for hire and this is an excellent way to explore and enjoy the Ring of Kerry.
Equestrian – Available at Kenmare and Killarney.
Golf – Excellent golf facilities are available in Killarney, Killorglin, Dooks, Waterville, Parknasilla, Templenoe and Kenmare.
Painting – The Ring of Kerry is internationally renowned for its scenic beauty, a paradise for any artist.
Gaelic Football & Hurling – Matches are played on most Sunday afternoons.
Mountaineering – The Ring of Kerry has numerous mountains which are suitable for climbing and hillwalking – the highest being Carrauntoohil, 3,414 feet high.
Walks – There are many well laid out and signposted trails, the foremost being the Kerry Way, which stretches all around the Ring of Kerry using paths and grass roads. It uses old Droving Paths, Butter Roads and routes between early Christian settlements. It is a walk back in time through the ancient Baronies of Magunihy, Dunkerron North and South and Iveragh along the routes our ancestors travelled. The routes are higher than the present road and this helps to get a better view of the scenery. Nature trails are provided within the Killarney National Park and the Derrynane National Park. In Killarney there is a signposted walking tour taking about two hours around the most interesting parts of town.
Bus & Coach Tours – are available from Killarney daily throughout the year (subject to demand). An interesting tour is a coach to Kate Kearney’s Cottage, horse or jaunting car up through the Gap of Dunloe and down the other side, and travel by boat through the lakes to Ross Castle and a coach back to town.
Sub Aqua – These facilities are available at Valentia, Derrynane and Caherdaniel.
Ornithology – The Ring of Kerry is alive with specimens for the enthusiastic ornithologist.
Archaeology – There is a great concentration of archaeological remains on the Ring of Kerry.
Leisure Centres – Numerous hotels open their facilities to the public.
Bingo – Available in a number of centres throughout the year.
Cabaret – Excellent cabarets are provided in numerous venues throughout the season with many top class artists performing.
Dancing – In a number of centres during the season and advertised locally.
Cinema – A number of centres with cinemas are situated on the Ring of Kerry.
Discotheques – There are a number of well equipped discotheques on the Ring of Kerry usually advertised locally.
Singing Pubs – In some of these pubs the entertainment is often spontaneous, however many more provide groups ranging from Traditional Irish Music to Country & Western and Popular Music.