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Ring of Kerry Itineraries

Ring of Kerry Itineraries

Ring Of Kerry County Kerry, Ireland Travel Guide

-hour Layover Highlights Killarney Focused

Begin your day by exploring Killarney National Park. Visit Muckross House and its beautiful gardens, then a short walk to Torc Waterfall.

Have lunch in Killarney town. Take a traditional Jaunting Car ride from Killarney to Ross Castle, exploring the castle grounds.

Evening Activities

  • Follow this with a boat trip on Lough Leane for scenic views of the park.
  • Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in Killarney town.
  • Finish your day by immersing yourself in a traditional Irish music session at a lively pub.

Weekend & Longer Getaways

A concise itinerary for a short but fulfilling visit, extending to comprehensive week-long trips.

Day 1: Arrive & Killarney Exploration

Arrive in Killarney. Check into your accommodation. Spend the afternoon exploring Killarney National Park, including Muckross House, Ross Castle, and Torc Waterfall.

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner and a pub visit in Killarney.
  • Consider a GetYourGuide booking for local experiences.
  • Early night for tomorrow's drive.
  • Prepare for scenic views.
Prepare for tomorrow's scenic drive.

Day 2: Full Ring of Kerry Drive

Dedicate a full day to driving the Ring of Kerry. You can go clockwise or counter-clockwise (most tour buses go counter-clockwise).

Route Highlights

  • Stop at viewpoints like Ladies View.
  • Visit towns like Sneem, Waterville, Cahersiveen, and Killorglin.
  • Consider adding the Skellig Ring for even more dramatic coastal views.

Day 3: Gap of Dunloe & Departure

Spend your morning exploring the Gap of Dunloe. You can choose to walk, cycle, or take a pony trap through the pass.

Departure Options

  • Alternatively, take a boat trip through the lakes to reach the Gap.
  • Have lunch in Killarney or a nearby village.
  • Depart from Killarney.
  • Reflect on your Kerry adventure.

One-Week Comprehensive Experience Kerry Region

Explore Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, and the Beara Peninsula for a week-long adventure.

Overview

  • Days 1-3: Killarney base (National Park, Ring of Kerry, Gap of Dunloe).
  • Days 4-5: Dingle Peninsula (town and Slea Head Drive).
  • Days 6-7: Beara Peninsula or extended Kerry activities.
  • G Adventures for ethical tour options.

Two-Week In-Depth Exploration South West Ireland

Combine the above itineraries with more extensive hiking on the Kerry Way, exploration of individual towns, and visits to other regional highlights.

Skellig Michael

This trip provides for a visit to Skellig Michael if conditions permit (booking far in advance).

Regional Exploration

You can also include time in Cork City, the foodie town of Kinsale, and the beautiful West Cork region.

Relaxed Pace

This longer trip provides a relaxed pace and cultural immersion.

Advance Booking

Book accommodations and essential tours well in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid disappointment. Skellig Michael tours in high demand and weather-dependent.

Interest-Based Routes

Tailor your Ring of Kerry experience to your specific passions.

Historical and Heritage Focus

Explore castles, ancient forts, and sites of historical significance.

Sites

  • Ross Castle and Muckross House (Killarney).
  • Staigue Fort, Cahergal, and Leacanabuaile Forts.
  • Derrynane House, home of Daniel O'Connell.
  • GetYourGuide for historical tours.
Consider guided tours for insights.

Food and Culinary Experiences

Savor local flavors, from fine dining to traditional pub grub.

Culinary Delights

  • Fine dining experiences in Killarney/Kenmare.
  • Seafood chowder and fresh fish in coastal towns like Portmagee or Waterville.
  • Traditional pub grub and the quintessential pint of Guinness.
  • Stop at the Skellig Chocolate Factory for sweet treats.

Adventure and Outdoor Activities

Hike, cycle, or enjoy water sports amidst stunning natural backdrops.

Outdoor Pursuits

  • Hike sections of the Kerry Way or challenge yourself with mountain climbs.
  • Cycle the full Ring of Kerry (challenging) or sections.
  • Kayaking on the Lakes of Killarney or in Kenmare Bay.
  • Play a round at world-class courses like Waterville or Killarney Golf & Fishing Club.
Eco-friendly accommodation booking via Ecobnb.

Family-Friendly Itinerary

Experiences for all ages, from car rides to animal encounters.

Family Fun

  • Jaunting Car rides and Muckross Traditional Farms (Killarney).
  • Family-friendly beaches (Derrynane, Rossbeigh).
  • Skellig Experience Centre and Kerry Bog Village Museum.
  • Dolphin boat trip or Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium (Day Trip).

Photography Emphasis

Capture stunning landscapes, dramatic coasts, and historic sites.

Photo Opportunities

  • Sunrise/Sunset: Capture stunning light at Ladies View and Moll's Gap.
  • Dramatic Landscapes: Focus on the raw beauty of the Gap of Dunloe and Skellig Ring.
  • Historic Sites: Photograph Ross Castle, Staigue Fort, and Skellig Michael's unique architecture.
  • Coastal Views: Explore the remote Black Valley and the Kerry Cliffs.

Ethical Tour Operators

For tours aligning with responsible travel principles.

Conscious Travel

  • G Adventures for ethical and responsible tours.
  • Tours that minimize environmental impact.
  • Support local communities through fair practices.
  • Focus on sustainable experiences.

Budget-Based Plans

Backpacker's Guide

Stay in hostels or budget-friendly B&Bs. Utilize supermarkets for self-catering, prepare picnics, and enjoy inexpensive pub grub. Use Bus Éireann for inter-town travel. Take an organized coach tour for the Ring of Kerry circuit. Maximize walking and cycling. Focus on free natural attractions like Killarney National Park, viewpoints, and beaches.

Mid-Range Traveler's Itinerary

Stay in comfortable B&Bs or mid-range hotels. Enjoy a mix of pub meals and casual restaurants, with an occasional nicer meal. Rent a car for flexibility. Combine with some guided tours. Pay entry fees to major sites, take boat trips on the lakes, and explore a few paid attractions.

Luxury Experience Plan

Stay in 5-star hotels like The Europe Hotel & Resort, Muckross Park Hotel & Spa, or Park Hotel Kenmare. Indulge in fine dining experiences and gourmet meals. Arrange private transfers or rent a premium car. Opt for private guided tours, enjoy golf at championship courses, and seek exclusive experiences.

Tailored Itineraries

Customizing your route to specific interests like history, food, or adventure leads to a more fulfilling experience. Research local offerings.

Seasonal Specialties

Each season offers an unique way to experience the Ring of Kerry.

Summer June-August & Autumn September-October

Summer: Warmest weather, long daylight hours. Autumn: Beautiful autumn colors, fewer crowds, pleasant hiking weather.

Season Highlights

  • Summer: Ideal for Skellig Michael tours and outdoor activities.
  • Summer: Expect crowds and higher prices.
  • Autumn: Great photography opportunities.
  • Autumn: Most outdoor activities still possible.
Consider carbon offset options from Terrapass.

Winter November-February & Spring March-May

Winter: Dramatic landscapes, quiet atmosphere, lowest prices. Spring: Blooming rhododendrons in Killarney National Park, increasing daylight, fewer crowds.

Seasonal Notes

  • Winter: Short daylight, higher chance of rain and wind.
  • Winter: Good for cozy pub experiences and stormy coast photography.
  • Spring: Good for hiking and photography, fresh green scenery.
  • Winter: Skellig Michael tours do not operate.

Value-Focused Recommendations

Shoulder Season Travel

  • Travel during shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October).
  • A balance of good weather and lower prices.
  • Fewer crowds.

Savings Tips

  • Seek accommodation deals.
  • Look for early bird dining specials.
  • Utilize free natural attractions.

Luxury Experience Plan Details

For premium travel, consider 5-star hotels like The Europe Hotel & Resort, Muckross Park Hotel & Spa, or Park Hotel Kenmare.

High-End Options

  • Indulge in fine dining experiences and gourmet meals.
  • Arrange private transfers or rent a premium car.
  • Opt for private guided tours and exclusive experiences.
  • Enjoy golf at championship courses.

Skellig Michael Booking Alert

Useful Booking

  • Book Skellig Michael tours well in advance.
  • They are in very high demand.
  • Tours depend entirely on weather conditions.
  • Cancellations are possible.

Seasonal Travel Insights

Each season has distinct advantages. Match your travel dates to your preferences for weather, crowds, and available activities.