The Ring of Kerry is a spectacular circular route that showcases a variety of the Emerald Isle’s beautiful landmarks.
If you’re planning a visit to Ireland, the Ring of Kerry drive will make a wonderful addition to your trip. In a single day, you can enjoy breathtaking views, explore charming towns, and see landmarks like ancient castles.
There are a variety of top-quality tours to choose from for a Ring of Kerry day trip. Adventure seekers will enjoy a tour packed with as many sights as you can see in one day. Those traveling with family can choose a more leisurely private tour. And nature lovers should definitely hop on a tour that spends hours in the magical Killarney National Park.
No matter which tour you pick, Ireland’s Ring of Kerry is sure to leave you with many wonderful memories—and stunning photographs as well!
Highlights:
- See a variety of stunning landmarks in one day
- Enjoy the views while an experienced guide drives you around
- Spend time in the unique Killarney National Park
Know before you book:
- The Ring of Kerry route gets crowded during peak season, and you may not get to see all the attractions
- Not all tours include entrance fees to landmarks along the way, so budget a little extra spending money
The Ring of Kerry is a 111-mile circular route around the Iveragh Peninsula. It is located in County Kerry, in the southwestern part of Ireland. The popular tourist route passes through the towns of Killarney, Kenmare, Sneem, Waterville, Cahersiveen, Glenbeigh, and Killorglin.
There are many variations on this loop drive. Depending on the tour you choose, you could see other smaller towns and Valentia Island. A stop at the expansive Killarney National Park is always a highlight.
Let’s talk about some of the famous sights you can expect to see on the Ring of Kerry in Ireland.
The gorgeous Killarney National Park is home to many natural landmarks, like the Torc Waterfall and the three majestic Lakes of Killarney. You’ll also find the iconic Muckross House and the 15th-century Ross Castle inside the park.
On the rest of the drive, you can admire views of the Gap of Dunloe and see the Skellig Islands in the distance. Some colorful and quaint towns to visit include Sneem and Waterville. To learn more about Ireland’s fascinating history, Derrynane House and the Staigue stone fort are also great landmarks to include.
With so many things to see, we recommend booking a tour where a knowledgeable guide can show you all the best spots. The Ring of Kerry route can also get very crowded, so it’s ideal to have a local drive, while you relax and enjoy the views.
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Ireland’s Ring of Kerry Prices 2024
The cost of the tours starts at about $35.50 USD (€35) per person and can go up to $82.44 USD (€80.55). For some tours you can pay a single amount for a group of up to ten people.
You can compare tour prices across the ticket providers below:
Ring of Kerry Tour Times
The times for Ring of Kerry day tours will depend on the tour provider. Since the route is quite long, most tours generally take 7-10 hours. There are tours available every day of the week.
You will be able to check the starting time and approximate end time once you’ve booked your ticket.
Best Time to Go
The Ring of Kerry is extremely popular with tourists and gets crowded in summer, which is peak season. Although the weather in summer is ideal, you can take a tour at the beginning of fall or at the end of spring too. The weather will still be pleasant, and you’ll avoid the worst of the crowds.
Whenever you decide to go, make sure you’re prepared for Ireland’s unpredictable weather. Dress in layers and bring along an umbrella.
Options for The Ring of Kerry Tours
A full-day tour of the Ring of Kerry is the ideal way to see the many sights this route has to offer. You won’t want to miss the stunning scenery on this drive, so trust an experienced guide to take the wheel while you sit back and relax. Take a look at our top picks for Ring of Kerry tours:
Full-Day Ring of Kerry Tour from Killarney
Are you looking to spend the whole day immersed in Ireland’s mystical and unspoiled beauty? Then this 10-hour Ring of Kerry bus tour from Killarney could be a perfect choice.
Paddywagon is a beloved tour company and offers a variety of tours in Dublin, Belfast, Cork, and other cities in Ireland. This Paddywagon Ring of Kerry tour takes you on an unforgettable drive, all from the comfort of a top quality bus.
The tour starts at 10:45 am from the Killarney Paddywagon Office. You will first head towards the town of Killorglin. It is famous for the traditional Puck Fair festival in August, where a wild goat is crowned “king” of the village to start off the celebrations.
Then enjoy a long scenic drive along the Dingle Peninsula coastline. The bus will make a few stops along the way. You’ll want to take plenty of photos of the panoramic Dingle Bay views and the Skellig Islands in the distance.
Next up on the route are some charming villages. You’ll drive through the tiny village of Waterville—Charlie Chaplin loved visiting here—and stop at the colorful town of Sneem.
The last part of the journey you’ll spend at the splendid Killarney National Park. You’ll have time to hike along the lakes and see the Torc Waterfall.
What we liked: You get to see a lot of different landmarks on a single tour.
- Experienced tour guide
- Comfortable bus transport
- Entrance to Killarney National Park
- Lunch
- Gratuities
The Paddywagon tour guide provides insightful commentary about each landmark you encounter on this tour. Although the trip is not quite as leisurely as going it alone, you’re still given enough time for some great photo opportunities.
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Private Tour of Ring of Kerry & Valentia Island
One of the best Ring of Kerry tours is a private drive with a local guide. You’ll have the opportunity to tailor the tour to your preferences—deciding which sights you want to see and how long you want to spend there.
This tour can accommodate a small group of up to 10 people. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you to all the sights you wish to see, providing detailed commentary along the way.
Besides the usual landmarks of the Ring of Kerry, this tour can also include sights from Skellig Ring and Valentia Island.
The Skellig Ring is an 18 km extension of the Ring of Kerry route. This breathtaking drive along the coast offers you endless views of the offshore Skellig Islands. Apart from the amazing views and quaint villages to enjoy along the road, the quiet Skellig Ring drive is also a welcome relief from the crowded Ring of Kerry roads.
A slight detour to Valentia Island is another wonderful inclusion for this tour. You’ll travel to Portmagee and cross the Maurice O’Neill Memorial Bridge to reach this lovely island. See the popular lighthouse, as well as many other fascinating historical landmarks and gorgeous views.
What we liked: Travel at your own pace and choose your own itinerary.
- Private transport
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Insightful commentary from a local guide
- Entrance fees to sights
- Lunch
- Gratuities
The tour lasts about 7 hours, and it provides a more leisurely pace than joining an Ireland bus tour group. Since the guide is a local and an experienced guide, he can take you to hidden gems on the Ring of Kerry that mainline tours might miss.
Check Price & BookSpecification: Ring of Kerry Tour Prices | Best Ireland Day Trips
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Sheila_H –
Ted was such good company and very knowledgeable! He seems to know everyone! We highly recommend taking his tour!
Michael_R –
Lady's view, torc falls, Kerry Cliffs, all the views along the way we're outstanding. Simply an awesome tour. Our guide Peter was friendly, professional, and extremely knowledgeable.
GetYourGuide traveler –
great tour Definitely do.
Thomas_W –
Thank you Ted for showing us the beauty of Ireland! We all enjoyed your personal story and the day trip to the Valencia, the bog, the Irish museum, and the town and waterfall. It was truly a highlight of of family trip!