Ring of Kerry Drive The Ring of Kerry is one of the finest tourist trails in not just Ireland, but anywhere.
The route takes in 179 kilometres of scenic country roads, complete with coastal panoramas and stark, dramatic countryside carved out during the most recent Ice Age.
The route follows the path around the Iveragh Peninsula, starting and finishing in the picturesque town of Killarney.
While many people chose to complete the Ring of Kerry in a coach, the best experience is to be had in a rental car taking two days to enjoy everything the route has to offer.
You'll avoid the crowds and enjoy the freedom to pull over and admire the view when and where you like.
County Kerry is located in south-west Ireland.
This driving circuit starts in Killarney and follows the N71 down to Kenmare, where drivers turn onto the N70 to circumvent the Iveragh Peninsula.
This is unspoilt countryside at its finest, dotted with monastic ruins, Iron Age forts, mountain lakes and a few of Europe's finest beaches.
Bear in mind that the tour buses drive in an anticlockwise direction around the Ring of Kerry.
You can avoid the hassle of getting stuck behind one of these vehicles by tackling the route clockwise.
Just take care when rounding the many hair-pin turns.
Err on the side of caution and assume that a bus is just around the bend.
Apart from the stunning scenery, the Ring of Kerry offers visitors a huge array of activities.
The area has a number of walking routes, fantastic golf and surfing conditions while festivals are held throughout the year.
These are some of the sights and attractions located along the Ring of Kerry driving circuit.
They're listed in the order you'll encounter them if you drive in a clockwise direction: Molls Gap A picturesque gap located between Killarney and Kenmare which offers fantastic views of the MacGillycuddy Reeks mountain range including Ireland's tallest mountain, Carrauntoohil.
Ross Castle The ancestral home of the O'Donoghue Clan, Ross castle was only recently opened to the public.
It presides over Lough Leane, and legend holds that one of its old chieftains still lives at the bottom of the lake in a watery fortress.
Staigue Fort One of the finest ring forts along the drive, Staigue Fort dates to the late Iron Age and was built with undressed stones (i.
e.
without mortar).
Gap of Dunloe As you're driving through the Macgillycuddy's Reeks mountain range, you'll come upon this narrow pass.
Charter a horse-drawn cart to get the most out of this 11-km side excursion.
Rossbeigh Beach You'll come across several pristine beaches while driving the Ring of Kerry.
Rossbeigh is the most popular, known for its golden sands and kite surfing potential.
Bog Village This tourist village features six fully restored thatched-roof houses that reflect life in 18th-century Ireland.
Valentia Island Valentia Island is one of the most western points on the continent of Europe.
The island is accessible either by road or by ferry crossing.
The route takes in 179 kilometres of scenic country roads, complete with coastal panoramas and stark, dramatic countryside carved out during the most recent Ice Age.
The route follows the path around the Iveragh Peninsula, starting and finishing in the picturesque town of Killarney.
While many people chose to complete the Ring of Kerry in a coach, the best experience is to be had in a rental car taking two days to enjoy everything the route has to offer.
You'll avoid the crowds and enjoy the freedom to pull over and admire the view when and where you like.
County Kerry is located in south-west Ireland.
This driving circuit starts in Killarney and follows the N71 down to Kenmare, where drivers turn onto the N70 to circumvent the Iveragh Peninsula.
This is unspoilt countryside at its finest, dotted with monastic ruins, Iron Age forts, mountain lakes and a few of Europe's finest beaches.
Bear in mind that the tour buses drive in an anticlockwise direction around the Ring of Kerry.
You can avoid the hassle of getting stuck behind one of these vehicles by tackling the route clockwise.
Just take care when rounding the many hair-pin turns.
Err on the side of caution and assume that a bus is just around the bend.
Apart from the stunning scenery, the Ring of Kerry offers visitors a huge array of activities.
The area has a number of walking routes, fantastic golf and surfing conditions while festivals are held throughout the year.
These are some of the sights and attractions located along the Ring of Kerry driving circuit.
They're listed in the order you'll encounter them if you drive in a clockwise direction: Molls Gap A picturesque gap located between Killarney and Kenmare which offers fantastic views of the MacGillycuddy Reeks mountain range including Ireland's tallest mountain, Carrauntoohil.
Ross Castle The ancestral home of the O'Donoghue Clan, Ross castle was only recently opened to the public.
It presides over Lough Leane, and legend holds that one of its old chieftains still lives at the bottom of the lake in a watery fortress.
Staigue Fort One of the finest ring forts along the drive, Staigue Fort dates to the late Iron Age and was built with undressed stones (i.
e.
without mortar).
Gap of Dunloe As you're driving through the Macgillycuddy's Reeks mountain range, you'll come upon this narrow pass.
Charter a horse-drawn cart to get the most out of this 11-km side excursion.
Rossbeigh Beach You'll come across several pristine beaches while driving the Ring of Kerry.
Rossbeigh is the most popular, known for its golden sands and kite surfing potential.
Bog Village This tourist village features six fully restored thatched-roof houses that reflect life in 18th-century Ireland.
Valentia Island Valentia Island is one of the most western points on the continent of Europe.
The island is accessible either by road or by ferry crossing.
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