Ring of Kerry and the Skellig Ring

Route description

From Killarney, with its lakes, Muckross House and Torc Waterfall in the national park, take the N71 south past Ladies View and over Moll’s Gap to Kenmare. The road winds through woodland and open bog with views back over the lakes.

Kenmare is a neat town at the head of a long bay; from here the N70 follows the south coast of the Iveragh peninsula to Sneem, a village of brightly painted houses. Further west the road passes Derrynane’s beaches and climbs over Coomakesta Pass towards Waterville.

Portmagee is a small harbour where boats leave for Skellig Michael in season; landings depend on the weather and must be booked well ahead. The Skellig Ring is a narrow loop off the main road with views of the Skellig islands, unsuitable for large vehicles.

Rejoin the N70 at Cahersiveen and return to Killarney. Tour coaches travel the Ring anticlockwise, so on this clockwise route you will meet them head-on on narrow bends; in a large motorhome, consider driving the loop in the same direction as the coaches.