Scenic Road Trip
Ring of Kerry
Ireland's Most Famous Peninsula Loop
The Ring of Kerry loops 179 km around the Iveragh Peninsula, tracing a coastline of Atlantic headlands, sandy beaches, and mountain passes through Ireland’s highest peaks. It’s the country’s most driven scenic route — and despite the tour buses, the scenery never gets old.
Quick Facts
| Route | Killarney to Killarney (loop) |
| Country | Ireland |
| Distance | 179 km |
| Recommended days | 2 |
| Total drive time | ~4 hours |
| Best months | May–September |
| Toll cost | None |
| Est. fuel cost | ~EUR 22 |
| Motorway speed limit | 120 km/h |
| Alcohol limit (BAC) | 0.05 |
| Drives on | Left |
Top 5 Highlights
1. Ladies View
Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting were so amazed by this panorama they gave it their name
2. Skellig Ring
A side loop to Portmagee with views of Skellig Michael — less traffic than the main route
3. Gap of Dunloe
A narrow mountain pass through the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks — Ireland’s highest mountains
4. Derrynane Beach
A sweeping sandy beach backed by dunes on the Iveragh Peninsula’s wild south coast
5. Staigue Fort
A 2,500-year-old stone ring fort in remarkably good condition, hidden in a valley
Road Conditions & Terrain
Terrain: Coastal peninsula loop through mountains, lakes, and Atlantic headlands
Road type: N70/N72 main road (two-lane) with some narrow sections through mountain passes. Tour buses travel counter-clockwise by convention.
Best Time to Drive
Best months: May–September
May has wildflowers and few crowds; July–August brings the best (but still unpredictable) weather
Key Driving Rules
Ireland drives on the LEFT. Speed limits: 100 km/h on N-roads, 80 km/h on R-roads, 50 km/h in towns. Narrow roads may require reversing to let others pass. Watch for cyclists — the Ring of Kerry is a popular cycling route.
Speed Limits
| Road Type | Limit |
|---|---|
| Urban | 50 km/h |
| Rural/Open road | 80 km/h |
| Motorway | 120 km/h |
Required Equipment
- Warning triangle
- Reflective vest
- First aid kit
- Fire extinguisher
Estimated Costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Fuel (petrol, round trip) | ~EUR 22 |
| Tolls/vignette | None |
| Petrol price (per litre) | ~$1.82 USD |
| Diesel price (per litre) | ~$1.72 USD |
Practical Tips
- Drive CLOCKWISE to avoid meeting tour buses head-on — they all travel counter-clockwise
- Detour through the Gap of Dunloe for the most dramatic mountain scenery (not suitable for large vehicles)
- The Skellig Ring adds 18 km and avoids the busiest section while offering Skellig Michael views
- Killarney National Park is free — take the boat to Innisfallen Island for 7th-century monastic ruins
- Weather changes rapidly — carry rain gear even on sunny mornings
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Ring of Kerry covers 179 km and takes approximately 4 hours of pure driving time. We recommend 2 days to enjoy the highlights and stops along the way.
The best months are May–September. May has wildflowers and few crowds; July–August brings the best (but still unpredictable) weather
Ireland drives on the left side of the road.
The blood alcohol limit in Ireland is 0.05 BAC.
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