The Ring of Kerry, a 179-kilometer circular route in County Kerry, Ireland, offers travelers a journey through rugged coastal cliffs, remote villages, and winding mountain roads. Starting from Killarney, the route moves clockwise through towns like Kenmare, Waterville, Cahersiveen, and Glenbeigh, each offering its own slice of Irish life. Though often explored by car or tour bus, cycling the route is growing in popularity, especially during spring and early autumn when traffic is lighter and views are still wide open.
The region’s history is etched into its landscape. Near Cahersiveen, travelers can walk among the remains of stone forts such as Cahergall and Leacanabuaile, both over 1,000 years old. Further along, the Skellig Ring leads to Portmagee, where boats depart to Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This island was home to early Christian monks who lived in beehive-shaped stone huts perched above the Atlantic. Scenes from Star Wars: The Force Awakens were filmed here, adding a modern twist to a site with roots in the 6th century.
Natural highlights along the Ring include the Lakes of Killarney, Moll’s Gap, and the dramatic cliffs overlooking Dingle Bay. Many visitors stop at Ladies View for a panoramic look at the surrounding valleys, made famous when Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting visited in the 1800s. Beaches like Derrynane and Rossbeigh offer a chance to walk along stretches of sand with only the sound of seabirds and distant waves. Inland, Killarney National Park hosts herds of native red deer and features Ireland’s tallest mountain range, the MacGillycuddy's Reeks.