Approach Tours Approach Tours Logo

Five awesome stops along the Ring of Kerry

Ring of Kerry: The scenic route to Killarney

Bring a good camera and a sense of adventure – the Ring of Kerry in Ireland offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes Ireland has to offer. This 179km circuit of the Iveragh (pronounced eev-raa) Peninsula winds past pristine beaches, rolling mountains, and medieval ruins, with ever-changing views of the island-dotted Atlantic. From ocean panoramas to cozy traditional pubs, prepare to meet a masterpiece.

 

 

Here are the five unmissable stops along the Ring of Kerry:

Killarney

Kick it off in Killarney. We recommend either beginning or ending your Ring of Kerry tour in Killarney, a vibrant town with an undeniable energy that provides a lively contrast with the stunning natural landscapes that surround it. Since the mid-18th century, travellers have been lured by Killarney’s friendly atmosphere and lakeside delights, including Mahony’s Point and the stoic Ross Castle. Not to be outdone, the stretch of the Ring of Kerry highway southwest of Killarney delivers mountain passes with breathtaking views.

 

 

Killarney National Park

Make time for Killarney National Park. Sprawling over 10,000 hectares, this natural gem is filled with ancient oak forests and panoramic views of its highest mountains. Stroll through Muckross Gardens and breathe in the bouquet of azaleas and rhododendrons; stop and catch a glimpse of the country’s only wild herd of native red deer prancing through the trees. In the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, you’ll be surrounded by the country’s raw natural beauty.

 

 

Moll’s Gap

Named after Moll Kissane, a speakeasy (or síbín as they call it here) proprietor of the 19th-century, Moll’s Gap is a tranquil stretch of road populated by lakes and pastures and fringed by the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountains. The perfect secret spot for illicit partying back in the day, it is now a place of serene and compelling scenery. Like most of Ireland, getting a good view from atop the mountains may be complicated by the weather, but if you are lucky enough to visit on a clear day you are in for a treat!

 

 

Sneem

Drive through the charming village of Sneem (translating to “the knot” in English), with its colourful houses lined around the village square. Divided by a gentle river and surrounded by majestic scenery, this is definitely postcard material. Walk around and enjoy the cozy atmosphere, common in Irish towns and the subject of many great novels. Feeling adventurous? Try ordering the Sneem black pudding.

 

 

Cahersiveen

At the Western tip of all of Europe, Cahersiveen is a charming coastal town that’s perched at the foot of Bentee Mountain. Between its 7th-century stone fortification and 15th-century Ballycarbery Castle, this tiny town has a rich history – and some great classic Irish pubs. It is also noted birthplace of Daniel O’Connell, described as “the liberator” for his political work in the early 19th century. He is one of few lay people to have a Catholic church named after him.

 

 

Discover the Ring of Kerry by map:

Why read about it?
Check them out on tour!

Grand Tour of Ireland

A lyrical culture in a land of 40 shades of green, Éire is seducing at every turn. From the untamed quiet of Connemara to the thunderous waves crashing against the Cliffs of Moher, through the famous Giant’s Causeway coast, it’s easy to understand why residents of the Emerald Isle proclaim that their land is the most beautiful in the world. The melting pot of eras offers an experience rich in modern culture, founded on over 5,500 years of history and ancestral traditions.

Departures:
April, May, September & October 2024
April & May 2025

14 days

All-Inclusive

$8,595CAD

Learn more