Self-Drive Tours in Ring of Kerry
Ireland
Take the wheel on Ireland's most iconic 179-kilometre coastal loop — from Killarney through Kenmare, the Skellig Ring, and a dozen Atlantic villages at whatever pace suits you.
Self-Driving in Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry is the self-drive route that put Ireland's southwest on the map. At 179 kilometres, the loop is long enough to fill a day comfortably but short enough that you never feel rushed — and splitting it over two days opens up detours that most visitors miss entirely.
The road surface on the main N70 and N71 is well-maintained throughout, with regular passing places on the narrower western stretches. Leaving Killarney, the first section climbs through Killarney National Park — Torc Waterfall is a five-minute walk from the road, and Ladies View offers one of the best panoramas in the country without leaving the car park. Moll's Gap, the route's highest point at 235 metres, has a café and sweeping views of the MacGillycuddy's Reeks before the descent into Kenmare.
The western coast between Waterville and Portmagee is where the Ring earns its reputation. The Skellig Ring — an 18-kilometre detour off the main N70 — loops through Portmagee and past the Kerry Cliffs, where the rock drops 300 metres to the Atlantic. On a clear day the Skellig Islands sit sharply on the horizon. Boat trips to Skellig Michael depart from Portmagee between May and October, weather permitting, and should be booked well in advance.
Our self-drive packages include a diverse range of vehicles with fully comprehensive insurance and zero excess, unlimited mileage, and all tolls covered. We plan the route, book the accommodation, and provide a day-by-day itinerary with our local recommendations at every stop.
What's Included
Highlights of Ring of Kerry
Killarney to Kenmare
The opening stretch through Killarney National Park, past Torc Waterfall, Ladies View, and Moll's Gap before descending into the heritage town of Kenmare.
Skellig Ring Detour
An 18-kilometre coastal loop off the main route via Portmagee, with 300-metre cliff views and the Skellig Islands on the horizon.
Derrynane Beach
A sheltered Blue Flag beach near Caherdaniel, backed by dunes and the former home of Daniel O'Connell. One of Kerry's finest swimming spots.
Staigue Stone Fort
A 2,500-year-old circular stone fort near Sneem, one of the best-preserved Iron Age structures in Ireland. A short drive off the N70.
Sample Ring of Kerry Self-Drive Itinerary
A suggested rhythm — yours to bend.
Day 1
Killarney to Kenmare
Collect your car and drive the N71 south through Killarney National Park. Stop at Torc Waterfall, Ladies View, and Moll's Gap. Arrive in Kenmare for lunch and an afternoon exploring the town's food shops and stone circle. Overnight in Kenmare.
Day 2
Kenmare to Waterville via Coast
Follow the N70 west through Sneem and Caherdaniel. Stop at Derrynane Beach and the Staigue Stone Fort. Continue to Waterville for overnight — the town sits between Ballinskelligs Bay and Lough Currane.
Day 3
Skellig Ring & Northern Arc
Drive the Skellig Ring detour through Portmagee and the Kerry Cliffs. Continue north through Cahersiveen and Glenbeigh. Detour to Rossbeigh Beach. Return to Killarney via Killorglin.
Driving Tips for Ring of Kerry
Essential Tips for Your Self-Drive Adventure
- 1Tour buses travel anticlockwise on the Ring — driving clockwise avoids meeting them on narrow stretches
- 2Allow at least 7 hours for the full 179km loop. Splitting over two days lets you explore the Skellig Ring and inland detours
- 3Moll's Gap and Ladies View have car parks but can fill by midday in summer — arrive before 11am
- 4The Skellig Ring road beyond Portmagee is narrower than the main N70. Take it slowly and use passing places
- 5Fuel up in Killarney, Kenmare, or Cahersiveen — stations are sparse on the western stretches between Waterville and Portmagee
- 6Derrynane Beach car park is free but can fill quickly in July and August
- 7All tolls are included with your rental through our Peace of Mind Package
Frequently Asked Questions: Self-Drive in Ring of Kerry
The 179-kilometre loop takes 2.5 to 3 hours of pure driving time. Most visitors spend 7 to 10 hours with stops. Splitting over two days with an overnight in Waterville or Kenmare allows a more relaxed pace with time for the Skellig Ring detour.
Clockwise is recommended for self-drivers. Tour buses go anticlockwise, so clockwise avoids meeting them on narrow stretches. It also means the best Atlantic views are on your side of the road.
Yes, but only by boat from Portmagee, weather permitting, between May and October. Boats carry a maximum of 12 passengers and fill quickly — book several weeks in advance. The crossing takes about 45 minutes each way.
Killarney has the widest range of accommodation and works as a single base. For a two-day drive, overnight in Kenmare (southern section) or Waterville (western section) to break the journey. We book accommodation to suit your preferred pace.
The main N70 and N71 are well-surfaced and suit any car size. The Skellig Ring detour and Ballaghbeama Pass are narrower — manageable in any vehicle but easier in a compact or mid-size car. We recommend the right vehicle for your route.
Let's start dreaming —
Ready to Explore Ring of Kerry by Car?
Let our experts help you plan the perfect self-drive adventure through Ring of Kerry. We'll create a customized route based on your interests and pace.