The Ring of Kerry: Ireland’s Famous Loop
Ireland is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited. If you haven’t been yet, it’s definitely a place you’ll want to add to your bucket list! There are so many gorgeous sights to see! I’ve already shared about Giant’s Causeway and the Cliffs of Moher, but the third must-see in Ireland? The Ring of Kerry!
My dad and I did a day trip from Cork with Paddywagon Tours and if you’re wanting to maximize your time in Ireland, I highly recommend it! Unfortunately, our weather wasn’t the best that day (super windy, cloudy, and some rain), but still a great day!
What is the Ring of Kerry?
The Ring of Kerry is the world-famous scenic loop of Ireland’s southwest coastline, filled with rugged and coastal landscapes and rural seaside villages. Let’s dive into some of the highlights along the way.
Killarney
I can’t think of Killarney without singing the famous Irish Christmas jingle, “Christmas in Killarney!” This Irish town was so cute and definitely a place I plan to get back to one day. We spent most of our time in the main part of town with the pubs and shops but got a glimpse of the quaint spots on the outskirts of town. We loved the mix this town offered!
Killorglin
A stop at Killorglin was the most fascinating of the day! First, we learned about Puck Fair, where for 3 days in August, a goat is crowned king. Yep, you read that right! Each year, a goat-catcher goes up to the mountains and brings back a wild goat. On the third day, his crown is removed and it’s back to normal life in the mountains. Totally making a mental note to plan a trip back to Killorglin to experience this festival one day!
Next, we had a quick stop at The Kerry Bog Village to get a glimpse of what life was like in rural Ireland in the 19th century during the famine. Admission wasn’t included with our tour, but we thought it’d be cool to check out (it is!), and paid the €6.50 fee.
Dingle Bay
One of my favorite spots was this lookout stop perched above Dingle Bay. We were told that on a clear day, you can catch a glimpse of Skellig Michael (where scenes from the new Star Wars movies were filmed) and some other spots along the Dingle Peninsula. It was too foggy the day of our tour, but just an excuse to plan another trip back, right?!
Charlie Chaplin’s Town (Waterville)
Did you know Charlie Chaplin was a frequent visitor in the quaint Irish town of Waterville? After he and his family first visited in 1959, they made it a point to come back every year. The town of Waterville was so proud of this they put up a statue in his memory and later started an annual Charlie Chaplin Comedy Film Festival, which has been going strong for 7 years.
Moll’s Gap and Torc Waterfall at Killarney National Park
The last stop was at Killarney National Park, where we took in some more stunning views of Ireland and actually saw some wildlife besides sheep (which in Ireland are roaming the hills EVERYWHERE)!
First up here was Moll’s Gap, a panoramic spot on the side of the road. Fun fact: This famous spot was named after a local pub owner, Moll Kissane, who sold home-brewed whiskey to the men doing construction on the Kenmare Killarney road in the 1820s.
To end our day, we trekked to Torc Waterfall, a 60-foot waterfall in a wooded area. It’s only a 5-minute walk, but once you step in, it’s like the rest of the world is a million miles away. Despite all the tourists walking around, it’s such a peaceful place!
Tips for Visiting the Ring of Kerry
While many people like to take a leisurely tour and drive themselves around to explore the Ring of Kerry, I’d recommend taking a bus tour. Here’s why.
- The roads are EXTREMELY narrow and definitely not meant for a bus to be on. But since this is a heavy tourist area, they are. I can’t tell you how many times I had to close my eyes when a car would try to squeeze by a bus. Yikes! Talk about a stressful situation!
- Day trips include a tour guide who can drop a ton of knowledge on you about the local area. Plus, if you have any questions, they’ll likely know the answer!
- If you’re crunched for time, this is the most efficient way to see/do all the things!
Have you visited the Ring of Kerry?
