Ring of Kerry

Why the Ring of Kerry is special
The Ring of Kerry in Ireland is one of Europe's most famous and scenic drives. You view craggy coastlines and verdant rolling hills dotted with sheep.

Ring of Kerry tips and insights
Major shortcoming
The Ring of Kerry has a serious shortcoming: In the last couple of decades it has become severely overcrowded with day-tour busses during its peak summer season - to the point where this overshadows the natural beauty. That's the reason I lowered the Ring of Kerry from a Silver to a Bronze Medal.

Ring of Kerry best attractions
The stunning shorelines and landscapes are the prime reason travelers come. There are also some interesting stops along the way, including:

• Lakes of Killarney
  The best vantage of these picturesque Killarney National Park mountain lakes are from the Ladies View outlook.
  
• Muckross House
  Period-piece furnishings in a 15th-century mansion.
  
• Ross Castle
  Good photo-op.
  
• Staigue Fort
  Ring-shaped 2,500-year-old stone fortification.

Most scenic Ring of Kerry area
It's the south eastern end of the isthmus between the towns of Waterville and Caherdaniel.

Several routes
There are separate routes for drivers, cyclists and hikers. Those for the latter two visitor types offer a more serene experience.

Drive the Ring of Kerry clockwise, not counter-clockwise
Tour buses must travel the loop counter-clockwise to lessen traffic backups. If you are driving a car, be sure to travel in the opposite direction. Otherwise, you won't be able to pass those wide vehicles as they slowly progress down the narrow and twisty country roads.

When to go
The secret of enjoying the Ring of Kerry is knowing when to go. May and September are the two best months. In the summer months, it's too popular for its own good. Some key country roads are traffic-jammed.

istance
The Ring of Kerry road route is more or less 200 kilometers (125 miles) long, depending on how you define the circuit.

Kilarney
For many travelers, the Ring of Kerry begins and ends in this town. Killarney has a variety of accommodations, restaurants and pubs.

Interesting destinations near the Ring of Kerry

• Ring of Skellig
  It's inaccessible to busses, which makes this rustic and coastal side trip all the more appealing.
  
• Skellig Michael
  This tiny, mystical island lures adventure seekers - and wins a Hillman Wonders bronze medal winner. Click Skillig Michael to view my web page on it.
  
• Dingle Peninsula
  It's directly across the bay from the Ring of Kerry. Many travelers prefer it over the Ring of Kerry because it is less-touristed and has photogenic seascapes and landscapes. It is a Hillman Wonders bronze medal winner. Click Dingle Peninsula for my description.

Location in Ireland