Ring of Kerry

What should you know before visiting Ring of Kerry?

Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €2 (Ireland).

• The loop follows the N71 to Kenmare, the N70 around the peninsula to Killorglin and the N72 back to Killarney. Towns on the way include Sneem, Waterville and Cahersiveen.
• Coaches mostly run in one direction and meet other traffic on narrow stretches. Guides disagree on the better direction for cars, so ask locally. Leaving Killarney around 8:00 helps.
• The main N70 is mostly two lanes and well surfaced. The narrow sections are on detours such as the Gap of Dunloe, so check them before taking a large motorhome.
• Fill the tank in Killarney before leaving. Rural stations may close early on Sundays. Kenmare is a good refuelling stop before Moll's Gap when driving anticlockwise.

The drive

Killarney National Park lies just south of the start, with Ross Castle and Lough Leane. Driven anticlockwise, the road passes Killorglin and Glenbeigh, then Cahersiveen and Waterville. Valentia Island is a detour, reached by bridge from Portmagee, which also offers a view toward Skellig Michael, an island off the coast. Sneem and Kenmare follow, before Moll's Gap and Ladies View lead back to Killarney.

Planning

Allow a full day and ignore short sat-nav times. July and August are busiest, while May, June and September have long days and fewer coaches. In Ireland there is no blanket right to camp or park overnight wherever you like. Use campsites, ask the landowner, and check local authority bye-laws and signs, which can restrict overnight stays in some places. National parks have their own guidance.

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