Ring of Kerry

Ring of Kerry is a circular route on the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry, linking villages through coastal roads and mountain passes. The route offers views of the Atlantic, rocks along the shore, and green slopes rising toward the mountains.

The road follows old trading paths that linked coastal settlements with the interior, and was developed as a tourist route starting in the 1970s. Along the way stand ruins of forts and monasteries dating back to medieval times, showing the religious influence in the region.

The road passes through towns like Killorglin, where the annual Puck Fair crowns a goat on a platform since 1613. This three-day celebration shows old trading traditions with livestock parades and markets that still draw people from all regions.

Most travelers drive counterclockwise from Killarney, since tour buses favor this direction and parking bays sit on the correct side. Those who want to stop at viewpoints or small towns should plan the whole day, as many spots reward a pause.

Skellig Michael, an island visible from the southern coast of the loop, holds remains of a monastery settlement from the 6th century on its summit. The island served as a filming location for recent movie productions and has since drawn even more visitors, though only a limited number of boats may travel there each day.