17 AWESOME Photos from The Ring of Kerry Scenic Drive

Last updated: 29 July 2023

If you’re planning a driving holiday in Ireland then one of the must-do trips is to spend some times exploring the famous Ring of Kerry scenic drive because the views are absolutely AMAZING! It will be one of the best decisions you’ll make! The Ring of Kerry scenic drive is one of the most popular road trips in all of Ireland because within the relatively short 179 km (112 miles) drive you will experience stunning natural landscapes, millennia of history, and dramatic clifftop views which will leave you speechless.

And if you’re interested in what else you can do whilst you’re driving the Ring of Kerry in the west coast of Ireland, then you might be interested in visiting the Dingle Peninsula which is located a short drive away. Another beautiful area of Ireland with stunning views and an unforgettable scenic drive. 

The views along the Ring of Kerry Scenic Drive

Which Direction Should You Drive?

As some of you know, Roma and I love a good road trip so we couldn’t wait to set out on the road and explore one of Ireland’s most famous scenic drives for ourselves. However, there was one question which we couldn’t get a clear answer on – should we drive clockwise or anti-clockwise?

We read extensively and basically ended up none the wiser as some travel guides recommended clockwise to avoid the tour buses and others advised anti-clockwise provided more options. I think we spent a good chunk of time going back and forth before making the decision to go anti-clockwise and end our drive in Killarney.

How Long Do You Need?

This is another question which we found difficult to get a definite answer to. Some locals told us the entire drive could be done in a day whilst Lonely Planet recommended a full 4 days. That’s a pretty big difference!

So with the benefit of hindsight, here’s our recommendation – if you’re driving The Ring of Kerry for the beautiful scenery then you can pretty comfortably complete the drive in a day. However, if you’re like us and tend to spend a bit of time at the historical sites (Ok, Roma only does this for my benefit….) and reading every possible plaque then maybe set aside a couple of days.  

Ring of Kerry Route

There are many different ways to drive the Ring of Kerry route and it depends on how much time you have and what you want to see along the way. The below post contains photos, tips, and suggestions from our route along the Ring of Kerry starting at Killorglin and heading west and then finish at our final destination of Killarney. We like to think that there is no right or wrong way to drive the Ring of Kerry, and whatever you don’t get to see on your drive just means you have a reason to return. 

#1 – Roadside stop at Gleensk Recreation Area

The one thing which we could rely on during our drive was to expect unexpected rainfall so during one heavy downfall we took refuge at the Gleensk roadside recreation area. It turned out to be excellent decision because once the rain stopped we were able to take in the view…

#2 – The Road Ahead

One of the benefits of driving The Ring of Kerry after the peak months of summer is that you are able to take a photo like this – no cars, no people, just nature at its most wonderful. Take your time and enjoy the view.

#3 – Ballycarbery Castle

If you’re a regular reader of Roaming Required then you know just how much we love castle hunting so there was no chance that we were going to miss a visit to Ballycarbery Castle during our drive along the Ring of Kerry.

One tip if you plan a visit, don’t be put off by the giant Closed sign at the top of the street because the road is still open but the castle itself can’t be accessed. This isn’t really a big issue because you can still take photos from the carpark

#4 – Cahergall Stone Fort

One of my highlights was visiting the Cahergall Stone Fort. It honestly left me speechless. The majority of stone forts are located in the west of Ireland, some are thought to be built during the Iron Age (500 BC to 400 AD).

Cahergall is an awesome example of a stone fort, and I use “awesome” in the truest sense of the world. Standing at the base of the massive stone wall is a humbling experience as you start to imagine what it must have been like to build the enormous structure. You then climb the stone stairs to ascend to the top of the fort and gaze out across the Irish landscape (that’s Ballycarberry Castle to the right) it doesn’t take long til you feel connected to the thousand years of history that you’re standing on. A truly incredible visit.

#5 – Valentia Ferry Crossing

The drive around The Ring of Kerry will provide the opportunity to take the ferry across to the small island of Valentia, population 156. The island is home to an incredible piece of history, fossilised tetrapod footprints dating back 385 million years ago!

#6 –  Ballinskelligs Priory

One of the most recent popular tourist attractions in Ireland is the remote outcrop of rocks known as Skellig Michael, made famous by featuring in Star Wars VII. Owing to the immense interest in visiting Skellig Michael now, tours are booked up months in advance which can make it somewhat difficult to visit.

Did you know that sitting atop the 618 stairs at Skellig Michael is a monastery, built by devout monks in the 5th century seeking a life of solitude and contemplation.  The monks lived and prayed peacefully there for 700 years until Viking attacks prompted the monks to abandon the monastery and seek a new settlement.

It was here at Ballinskelligs where the monks chose to settle, adopt Augustian rule, and build a priory dedicated to St Michael. The remains of this priory are estimated to date back to the 15th century   

#7 – View of Ballinskelligs Castle & Town

The view from the entryway to Ballinskelligs Priory provides the opportunity for a picturesque view of the Ballinskelligs Castle and the seaside town. It’s views like this that make you feel like you’re as far from real life as possible. It’s breathtaking.

#8 – Waterville Beach

Our visit to the town of Waterville was a personal highlight for us because it felt like we have returned home to the NSW north coast of Australia. The feeling we experienced walking through the small seaside town made us very happy, more than we expected. Standing on the beach watching the waves roll in was hypnotic. A definite Must Visit!

#9 – Charlie Chaplin Statue

Did you know that there’s a connection between Charlie Chaplin, the famed silent movie star, and the small town of Waterville, Ireland?

For over 10 years, Charlie Chaplin and his family visited Waterville during the summer holidays and stayed at the Butler Arms Hotel. The town is very proud of this connection and celebrates it annually with the Charlie Chaplin Comedy Film Festival. The bronze statue can be found in the centre of town. 

#10 – Eightercua Stone Row

Located nearby to Waterville is the historic site – Eightercua Stone Row, a series of 4 stones aligned in a row formation thought to have originated 3700 years ago. Just take a moment and let that sink in… It’s thought the stones had a ritualistic purpose and the remains of a possible nearby tomb support that hypothesis.

#11 – Ring of Kerry Lookout 

As you drive around the winding narrow mountain roads you’ll have the opportunity to gaze out over the North Atlantic Ocean and smile, the views are spellbinding. There is a lookout which will provide plenty of photo opportunities but the Virgin Mary sculpture photo really captured my imagination.

#12 – Ring of Kerry Lookout – The View

I mentioned that the view from The Ring of Kerry lookout was spectacular. I wasn’t lying. It left us speechless.

#13 – Roadside Stop

The views you see when driving around The Ring of Kerry are simply stunning. I can understand why Lonely Planet would suggest taking 4 days to take the entire drive, it’s because you end up stopping all the time to admire the view. There were times when Roma and I lost track of time just standing there taking in the view. I say, enjoy it and take your time.

#14 – Yet Another Roadside Stop

This photo was taken on the side of the road as made our way along the Ring of Kerry towards Killarney. We literally stopped just to take this photo and spend a few minutes soaking in the view. Best. Decision. Ever.

#15 – The Ladies View

On our approach to Killarney, we stopped by one of the famous scenic lookout spots on The Ring of Kerry; The Ladies View. Photo opportunities abound when you visit, we were lucky to time our stop towards the end of the day so the light was just perfect for photos. However, the photos are nothing compared to the natural beauty seen in person.

#16 – Killarney National Park 

The Ring of Kerry passes through Killarney National Park and treats you to some spectacular views. There are plenty of places to stop and take a walk which is exactly what we did to take this photo. As we stood there marvelling at the view, it dawned on us that we couldn’t hear anything other than nature. A beautiful experience.

#17 – Torc Waterfall 

We arrived at Torc Waterfall just as dusk descended which provided the small window to capture the majesty of the waterfall. In what was a stroke of luck, we had the entire waterfall to ourselves and the last flickers of sunlight to capture the photo. Torc waterfall is best seen after recent rainfall, fortunately not a massive problem in Ireland, and there are two viewing platforms from which to admire the natural formation.

Final Thoughts

The Ring of Kerry is recognised as one of the world’s most beautiful scenic drives and after spending a full day exploring it, we definitely recommend it to everyone who visits Ireland. There’s something for everyone – those who love stunning sunsets, dramatic landscapes, quaint seaside towns, and of course, fans of history. 

If you enjoyed this post about the views you can enjoy along the Ring of Kerry then you might be interested in seeing the types of views you can experience when driving the Dingle Peninsula in Ireland. They are truly something special. 

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