Iveragh Peninsula, County Kerry
Ring of Kerry tours from Killarney
The Ring of Kerry is a long scenic loop around the Iveragh Peninsula, and Killarney is one of the usual places to begin it. Here's what the route involves and how to compare tours.
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The short answer
Discover Ireland describes the Ring of Kerry as a 179 km route around the Iveragh Peninsula, with coast, mountains, historic sites and villages. Because the roads are winding, it is a full day from Killarney. Tours differ in their stops and the direction they travel, so check both.
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Ring of Kerry Tours from Killarney
The route in outline
The loop leaves Killarney and circles the peninsula, passing towns such as Kenmare, Sneem, Waterville and Cahersiveen, with views over the Atlantic and towards the Skellig Islands on clear days. Some visitors add detours such as the Skellig Ring. Which towns and viewpoints a particular tour stops at is set by the operator.
Ring of Kerry or Dingle?
| Ring of Kerry | Dingle Peninsula | |
|---|---|---|
| Peninsula | Iveragh | Dingle (Corca Dhuibhne) |
| Character | Long loop road, many villages and viewpoints | One lively harbour town plus the Slea Head coast |
| Scale | About 179 km loop | Slea Head loop around 47 km from Dingle town |
| Also known for | Views towards the Skelligs | Irish-speaking areas, Blasket Islands views |
Place facts from Discover Ireland. For the Dingle option see Dingle tours from Killarney.
Who a Ring of Kerry day suits
- First-time visitors who want Kerry's best-known scenic drive.
- Travellers who prefer to see a lot from a vehicle, with short stops.
- Anyone without a car who would rather not drive narrow coastal roads.
For a more active day in the mountains, compare the Gap of Dunloe.
What to check before booking
- Pickup point and times in Killarney.
- Which towns and viewpoints are included, and for how long.
- Whether lunch is included or bought along the way.
- Vehicle type and group size.
- Direction of travel, and what happens in poor visibility.