The Ring of Kerry in 3 days
The famous loop road of south-west Ireland: the Kerry Cliffs facing the Skellig Islands, the lakes and waterfalls of Killarney National Park, and white sand beaches round almost every bend. Ireland as it looks on a postcard.
The plan, day by day
Day 1
- Morning
The Kerry Cliffs and the Skelligsabout 1 hSea cliffs near Portmagee looking out to the Skellig Islands, where Skellig Michael's early monastery, a UNESCO site, is reached by boat in summer.
- Afternoon
Derrynane beachesfree · 2 to 3 hSheltered sandy coves and dunes near Caherdaniel, beside Derrynane House, once the home of Daniel O'Connell.
- Late afternoon
Torc Waterfallfree · about 30 minA waterfall in the woods of Killarney National Park, a short walk from the road, with steps continuing up to a lake view.
Day 2
- Morning
Muckross House and Abbeyabout 1 h 30A Victorian mansion with gardens on the lakeshore, and nearby the roofless 15th-century Franciscan friary with a yew tree in its cloister.
Day 3
- All day
Killarney National Parkfree · a full dayIreland's first national park, with three lakes, native oak woods and wild red deer, right on the edge of Killarney town.
Where to sleep in the Ring of Kerry
- The Black Sheep Hostel · €35 a night
- Killarney Court Hotel · €100 a night
- The Fáilte Hotel · €100 a night
- Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa · €180 a night
- The Brehon Hotel · €170 a night
- Kenmare Bay Hotel & Resort · €130 a night
- The Europe Hotel & Resort · €400 a night
- Sheen Falls Lodge · €380 a night
- Park Hotel Kenmare · €350 a night
Plan this trip
Hotel prices per room per night, checked when written. Some links are affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.