The Ring of Kerry follows the N70 in a 179-kilometer loop around the Iveragh Peninsula, threading through stone-wall villages and Atlantic headlands. Most drivers complete the circuit in four to six hours, though the route's single-track stretches and tour bus schedules dictate when you start and which direction you travel.
Quick answer
The ring of kerry route is a 179-kilometer circular drive along the N70 through County Kerry, starting and ending in Killarney. The road is open year-round with no entrance fee. Traffic flows anticlockwise by convention, and narrow sections between Waterville and Sneem mean oncoming tour coaches require careful navigation. Early morning departures between 08:00 and 10:00 avoid the heaviest bus traffic on single-lane stretches.
The N70 road that forms the scenic loop was widened in stages between 1987 and 2003, yet twenty-three kilometer-long sections remain single-track with passing places. Coaches traveling clockwise and private cars moving anticlockwise meet head-on at blind bends above Kenmare Bay, a traffic pattern that emerged in the 1990s when tour operators standardized their direction to reduce standoffs. The route crosses five distinct ecological zones as it circles the Iveragh Peninsula. Killarney's oak woodlands give way to blanket bog on the climb toward Moll's Gap, then Atlantic heath along the coastal shelf from Cahersiveen to Waterville. The road drops to sea level at Derrynane before ascending again through the Coomakista Pass, where Stone Age field walls still partition hillsides into rectangular grazing plots. Each transition takes thirty to forty minutes of driving, and the elevations mean weather shifts rapidly—coastal sunshine can turn to mountain fog within five kilometers. Village stops add two to three hours to the drive. Sneem's lime-washed square sits at the route's southern apex, forty-seven kilometers from Killarney. Waterville marks the westernmost point another twenty-six kilometers on, where the road finally turns north toward Cahersiveen and Glenbeigh. Fuel stations cluster in these three villages and in Kenmare at the southeastern corner; the sixty-kilometer stretch from Waterville to Kenmare has no services. Mobile coverage drops out in the valleys west of Moll's Gap and doesn't return until Cahersiveen. The ring of kerry route guide published by Kerry County Council recommends departing Killarney before 10:00 to complete the loop before tour buses return in late afternoon. Coaches leave Killarney between 09:30 and 10:30 and travel clockwise, occupying the narrow coastal sections from mid-morning through early evening. Private drivers who start early and move anticlockwise encounter buses on wider inland stretches where passing is straightforward. The pattern inverts in winter when tour schedules contract and independent travelers outnumber group trips.
“Twenty-three kilometers of the N70 remain single-track with passing places, a legacy of road engineering that predates modern coach tourism.”
The best arrival window for the Ring of Kerry is 08:00–10:00. Starting during this period allows visitors to navigate the narrow roads ahead of heavy tour bus traffic.
Mild with temperatures 14°C–20°C
Expect frequent congestion and busy overlooks during these peak months.
Cooler with temperatures 8°C–14°C
Roads are quieter, allowing for easier travel and more parking availability.
Cold with temperatures 4°C–10°C
Daylight hours are limited, requiring careful planning for the full route drive.
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Departing early ensures a smoother experience on narrow sections of the N70.
Verdict: For the most manageable driving experience, aim for an arrival between 08:00 and 10:00 on a weekday during the shoulder months of April or October.
The Ring of Kerry is a public road route and remains accessible to travelers 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The Ring of Kerry is located in County Kerry, Ireland, and is primarily accessed via the N70 road. Most travelers begin the circular route from the town of Killarney.
N70 road via Killarney
Bus Éireann routes to Killarney
Private transfer to N70
The route follows the N70. Navigating the loop in a counter-clockwise direction is standard practice to help manage the flow of traffic on narrow sections of the road.
The Ring of Kerry route encompasses a variety of natural landmarks and historical sites along the Iveragh Peninsula. These locations offer views of the Atlantic coastline, mountain passes, and protected national park landscapes.
This protected area features extensive woodlands, lakes, and the Victorian mansion Muckross House. It serves as the gateway to the route for many travelers.
Visit the Muckross Lake shore early to avoid crowds.
Named after Queen Victoria's ladies-in-waiting, this viewpoint provides an expansive perspective of the Lakes of Killarney. It is situated along the N71 section of the route.
Look toward the upper lake for the clearest vantage point.
This mountain pass offers views of the MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountain range. The road is characterized by its winding path through rugged rock formations.
Stop at the designated parking area for safer photography.
These coastal spots overlook the Skellig Islands, known for their early Christian monastic settlement. The islands are visible from various points along the western edge of the route.
Use binoculars to spot the islands on the horizon.
Visitors extending their journey beyond the Ring of Kerry often include adjacent peninsulas and coastal routes. These locations provide natural thematic continuations of the rugged landscape and maritime heritage found along the N70.
20 min drive
This coastal detour branches off the main route, offering closer views of the Skellig Islands and a quieter alternative to the primary circuit.
60 min drive
Located north of the Ring of Kerry, this peninsula features Slea Head Drive and provides a distinct cultural and geological experience.
Adjacent
Situated at the start and end point of the route, this park contains Muckross House and Torc Waterfall, which integrate easily into the beginning or conclusion of your drive.
Everything you need to know about ring of kerry route
There is no entrance fee required to access this public driving route as it is a public road network. Travelers can enjoy the scenery and coastal landscapes without paying for entry to the route itself.
The best arrival window is between 08:00 and 10:00 to avoid heavy tour bus traffic on the narrow coastal roads. Starting early ensures a more relaxed journey through this iconic Irish destination.
Yes, the ring of kerry route is a public road that visitors can drive independently in their own vehicles or rentals. Many travelers also opt for organized tours from Cork to navigate the N70 without the stress of driving.
The ring of kerry route is a public road and is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You may travel the circuit at any time, though daylight hours are recommended for safety and sightseeing.
The time needed to complete the circuit varies depending on your pace and the number of stops you make at landmarks along the way. While the drive can be done in a few hours, most visitors dedicate a full day to explore coastal vistas and heritage sites.
The official address for the route is Ring of Kerry, N70, Co. Kerry, Ireland. You can set your navigation toward the N70 to begin your journey through the Iveragh Peninsula.