One Day on the Ring of Kerry, Ireland – The Perfect Road Trip from Killarney
- tweitemeyer6
- Sep 6, 2025
- 6 min read
Updated: Nov 24, 2025
Ireland and I go way back. It’s where I finished my Master’s, spent countless weekends chasing rainbows, and learned that ‘a bit of rain’ can mean anything from a light drizzle to a full-on storm. Between the endless green hills, friendly locals, and the occasional sheep traffic jam, this island quickly found a place in my heart. One of my absolute highlights has to be the Ring of Kerry, a roughly 180 kilometre loop along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way that combines everything I love about this country: dramatic landscapes, local charm, and more photo stops than my phone’s storage can handle. I’ve done the Ring twice, once on a bus tour and once behind the wheel of a rental car, and let’s just say a few roundabouts were sacrificed in the learning process. Both experiences were great, but honestly, nothing beats exploring it on your own. You get to choose when to stop, when to snack, and when to just sit somewhere in the wind and let the view do its thing. So in this post, I’m sharing the route I took, my favourite stops, and a few lessons learned, like why patience is key when a giant tour bus suddenly appears on a road built for one car.
Rossbeigh Beach & Rossbeigh Overlook
From Killarney, your first stop is Rossbeigh Beach, which takes about 50 minutes to reach depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can rent a car in Limerick or Cork and make your way over, though it takes a bit longer, so consider it part of the adventure and a good excuse to grab a coffee on the way. You will pass the Kerry Bog Village Museum, but honestly, I would skip it. There are far better stops waiting for you along the Ring of Kerry. Rossbeigh Beach itself is a beautiful stretch of sand, perfect for a quick walk or to just breathe in that salty Atlantic air. From here you have two options. You can head back the same way and rejoin the main Ring of Kerry, or take the small mountain road R564. It is narrow and winding and might test your nerves if another car shows up, but the reward is worth it because the Rossbeigh Beach Overlook offers a fantastic panoramic view from above. Once you have soaked it all in, the road reconnects with the Ring of Kerry, and just a short drive later you will find the Mountain Stage Viewpoint with breathtaking views across the Dingle Peninsula.
Geokaun Mountain & Skellig Cliffs
From the Mountain Stage Viewpoint, the route continues towards Geokaun Mountain on Valentia Island, one of my absolute favourite parts of the Ring of Kerry. The drive takes around 45 minutes depending on traffic, but it is absolutely worth every minute. The last stretch up the mountain gets a little bumpy, but nothing your car can’t handle. At the top you pay a small fee of six euros per car, and in return you get views that make you forget how many photos you have already taken that day. There are several viewing areas along the way, but if you are short on time, just head straight to the summit. That is where the real magic happens, with endless views over the Atlantic and the Skellig Islands in the distance. Once you have had your fill of fresh air and panoramic shots, make your way back down and continue for about fifteen minutes to the Skellig Cliffs. This spot is perfect for a quick photo stop with dramatic coastal scenery. If you are running short on time or energy, you can skip the cliffs and carry on with the Ring of Kerry route, but if the weather is clear, it is definitely worth pulling over.
Lunch in Waterville
After leaving the Skellig Cliffs behind, it is about a thirty minute drive to the small coastal town of Waterville. The place is best known for one of its most famous visitors, Charlie Chaplin, who used to spend his holidays here with his family. These days it is a quiet little stop with a few good spots to grab a bite. Options are limited, but The Lobster Bar and Restaurant is a solid choice if you are craving classic fish and chips or other fresh seafood. The food is good, the portions are generous, and the view of the sea makes it even better. After lunch you can take a short walk along the seafront promenade or pop into the small souvenir shop next door before getting back on the road.
Coomakista Pass & Sneem
Once you have recharged in Waterville, continue along the Ring of Kerry towards Coomakista Pass. This viewpoint is an absolute must, offering wide open views over the coastline and the rolling hills below. On a clear day you can see for miles, and it is one of those places where you just have to stop, take a deep breath, and remind yourself that this is real. From there it is about a thirty minute drive to the colourful little town of Sneem. It is a relaxed and friendly spot, perfect for a quick stroll through the streets or a short coffee break. And if you are in the mood for something sweet, grab a gelato before getting back on the road. If not, just enjoy the drive and take in the scenery as you go.
Moll’s Gap & Ladies View
If you decide to skip Sneem, keep going for another thirty minutes until you reach Moll’s Gap. This scenic mountain pass is one of those places that make you pull over whether you planned to or not. The view stretches across MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, Ireland’s highest mountain range, and it is absolutely stunning on a clear day. There is also a small café where you can grab a coffee or a slice of cake while soaking in the scenery. It is the perfect spot to stretch your legs before heading on to the next highlight, Ladies View.
From Moll’s Gap it is only about a ten minute drive to Ladies View, one of the most famous stops along the Ring of Kerry. The spot got its name from Queen Victoria’s ladies in waiting, who were so impressed by the scenery during their visit in the nineteenth century that it has carried their admiration ever since. Today the view is just as breathtaking, offering sweeping panoramas over the lakes of Killarney. It is the perfect place for a photo stop before you make your way back into town.
Torc Waterfall & Killarney National Park
About fifteen minutes further down the road you will reach Torc Waterfall, one of the most popular spots in Killarney National Park. The place is undeniably beautiful, but it can get quite busy during high season, so do not be surprised if you are sharing the view with a few tour groups. Depending on your schedule and patience level, you can either stop for a quick visit or skip it altogether and continue your drive back towards Killarney through the park’s scenic roads.
From Torc Waterfall you can simply continue the drive and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Killarney National Park. If you still have time and energy, consider a stop at Muckross Abbey, a historic Franciscan monastery surrounded by tranquil grounds. Otherwise, head straight back to Killarney and take the evening to relax, reflect on the journey, and let all the impressions of the Ring of Kerry sink in.
I know this post sounded a bit like a detailed travel guide, but I wanted to give you a clear idea of the route, the highlights, and what is actually worth stopping for. The Ring of Kerry is one of those places that truly deserve a bit of planning, because the right stops make all the difference. I hope this post gave you a taste of Ireland and maybe even the inspiration to explore the Ring of Kerry yourself. Ireland has so much more to offer beyond this route, so if you are planning a trip, make sure to check out my other Ireland posts as well. And one last tip before you go: if you have some time left, you can also visit the Gap of Dunloe. You can drive up there, but the road is very narrow and gets busy during the day, so it is best to go in the evening or park a bit earlier and walk the last twenty or thirty minutes. Trust me, the view is worth every step.
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