Tips Ring of Kerry Ireland
The Ring of Kerry should not be missed during a roadtrip through Ireland! This well-known road is part of the Wild Atlantic Way, but with even more beautiful stops. We drove here with our own rental car and in this article we give all the tips you need for the Ring of Kerry Ireland and some recommended stops along the way.
General tips Ring of Kerry Ireland
Drive clockwise: Drive the Ring of Kerry clockwise to avoid following tour buses. Tour buses are required to drive the route counterclockwise.
Take plenty of time: The roads are often narrow and bumpy, making it difficult to continue driving. The 200 kilometer long road, without stops, already takes a lot of time. If you stop a few times along the way, you should really set aside a full day for it.
Stay at Killarney: This busy town may not have the cheapest accommodation options, but it is centrally located on the Ring of Kerry and offers plenty of opportunities to go out in the evening.
Take a detour over the Skellig Ring: the Ring of Kerry also has an extra loop, the Skellig Ring. If you drive this, you will add some extra kilometers to your round. Still, we made a nice stop here with a free walk along the coast.
The Best Stops at the Ring of Kerry
There are many beautiful stops to make on the Ring of Kerry, but if you want to visit them all, you need more than a day for this route. Therefore, we recommend the following 4 free places:
1. Gap of Dunloe
We thought this was one of the most beautiful roads in all of Ireland! The road winds beautifully through the hills, along rivers and stone bridges. Be warned, this road is narrow. If you encounter an oncoming vehicle, it often requires some maneuvering. However, don’t let this stop you! The road is also not accessible for tour buses, so the majority of tourists do not come here.
2. Moll’s Gap
A close second place in terms of roads on the Ring of Kerry goes to Moll’s Gap. However, the road is a bit more accessible than Gap or Dunloe, while the views are just as beautiful! Both roads are close to each other, making it easy to drive on the same day.
3. Derrynane Beach
It’s a bit of a twist on the way to this beautiful beach, but then you have something! The water is super clear and you will also find an old church along the beach. From here you can also walk along the coast.
4. Bolus Barracks Loop Walk
On the extra loop of the Ring of Kerry, you pass the cliffs. Most walks or viewpoints cost money, so we skipped them. A very good alternative is the Bolus Barracks Loop hike. You park your car for free and walk along the cliffs to a top from which you can enjoy a beautiful view of the coast.
