The Ring of Kerry takes in 176km and is one of two of County Kerry’s most Southerly peninsulas. It takes in the main towns of Killarney, Killorglin, Glenbeigh, Caherciveen, Waterville, Sneem and Kenmare.

Valentia Island which lies off the sleepy fishing village of Portmagee is a pretty little island community. A road bridge will take you there from Portmagee or if you are feeling adventurous, a car ferry will take you from Knightstown Pier a half mile off the Ring of Kerry after Caherciveen. The island has both Chapelstown and Nightstown, tiny heritage villages as well as the Skellig Experience, an interactive tourist attraction telling the story and history of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Skellig Rock.
One of the best views from the island is the little visited Valentia Slate Quarry and Grotto at the top of the Island. First opened in 1816, Valentia slate was used in the building of the Houses of Parliament and West Minister Abbey in London and the Paris Opera House.

The Glen and St Finians Bay is a small rocky cover tiny beach and has breath-taking views especially when the Atlantic is wild. A spot that is very attractive to surfers, regular waves crashing against the rocks can be seen. An ideal picnicking spot and certainly off the beaten track. Access is by taking the steep mountain pass after Portmagee village and down a steep winding country road.

Killarney is full of beautiful world famous lakes and the renowned ruins of Ross Castle. Visitors flock to these well-known locations as the main scenery attractions in the town. But, just about 4 miles outside Killarney on the Kenmare road is a 60 foot cascading waterfall. Torc Waterfall drops from the Torc Mountains via a river known as the Devil’s Punch Bowl. The very fit and adventurous can climb the 220 steps beyond the waterfall for a 3 hour walk with spectacular views of the lakes which eventually loops back to the car park at the bottom of the waterfall. Be advised to bring the right hill walking gear if you attempt this.

The Rose Garden Cafe and B&B is Kenmare’s best kept secret. While Kenmare has some of County Kerry’s best restaurants on its two main streets, this Cafe is situated just 15 min walk from the town on the way to Sneem. It is run by a French couple and serves freshly baked French pastries and cakes using the best of ingredients and is priced very affordably.

Kells Bay House and Gardens is a refurbished 19th century country house with sub-tropical gardens. It is just off the Ring of Kerry between the village of Glenbeigh and the Kells area on the way to Caherciveen. It is found down an old country road so be advised to look for the sign posts. The house features a conservatory style tea room with an outside terrace where in good weather it is possible to see sea views between the subtropical plants.

Rossbeigh Beach is just 2k outside the village of Glenbeigh and is a 6k long Blue Flag beach and a long spit of sand, beaches and dunes. Plenty of parking, a children’s playground, camping facilities, horse-riding and water-sports are present here.

Derrynane Beach overlooking Derrynane Bay is another Blue Flag Beach set between the tiny villages of Caherdaniel and Castlecove. It is close to Derrynane House, historic home to Daniel O’Connell The Liberator.

Molls Gap a very steep and windy mountain pass between Killarney and Kenmare is one of the best drives for the true Ring of Kerry experience. Stop at the top at ‘Ladies View’ to get a look down onto an incredible view of the Black Valley.

The Gap of Dunloe is approximately 11km in length. It runs from Kate Kearney’s cottage on the Killarney side to the top of the gap and is flanked by two mountain ranges, the MacGillycuddy's Reeks and the Purple Mountains. The road up through the gap also passes 5 small lakes. On the Southern side of the MacGillycuddy's Reeks is the Black Valley which connects the Gap of Dunloe to Molls Gap. It is a truly wild remote valley with very few homes and is famous for being the last place on the mainland to get electricity and telephone access because of its remoteness. Please note that this road can be very busy with horse carriages in peak season and it is a very narrow road. It would not be recommended to drive it during this period unless it is later in the evening.

Skelligs Chocolate Factory is located at the remote St. Finians Bay in Ballinaskelligs. There is an Avoca Store and Cafe at the very top of Molls Gap, Killarney. Doyennes of Ireland’s artistic and fashion community flock to the remote Cill Rallig Art Gallery an exhibition centre and destination artist retreat in Ballinaskelligs.
Whether old or young, first time visitor or seasoned traveller, you will find plenty of hidden gems on the Ring of Kerry and to make your family break an amazing one.