Ring of Kerry Tour: An Unfiltered Review & Guide

Thinking about experiencing the Ring of Kerry? It’s almost something people tell you is an essential thing to do when in Ireland, and for good reason. So, this detailed review dives in a bit and shows you what to expect, the very great parts, and also a couple things you should be aware of. It’s definitely a tourist hotspot, yet, it manages to hold onto its charm. Let’s explore what makes this loop so well liked and how you could possibly make the most out of your visit.

What Even IS the Ring of Kerry?

Okay, so, what we’re talking about is basically a scenic driving route, roughly 179 kilometers long, in County Kerry, Ireland. In a way, this loop goes around the Iveragh Peninsula, showing you these striking coastal landscapes, charming villages, and some historic spots. That’s the idea, anyway. Now, it’s almost considered a staple for tourists, for instance, if you are someone who loves a good road trip with beautiful scenery, then, arguably, this is right up your alley.

The High Points: Spots You Really Shouldn’t Miss

Killarney National Park is that gorgeous spot nearby that everyone raves about, and I have to say, it lives up to the excitement. What’s cool is that the park offers that attractive combination of lakes, woodlands, and mountains, really showcasing Ireland’s natural prettiness. Muckross House and Gardens, for instance, found within the park, could be very worth a look for those who appreciate grand estates and well-kept gardens. I remember wandering through there; that’s the scene with these carefully placed flowers and peaceful surroundings which totally took my breath away, to be honest.

Torc Waterfall is actually an easy detour and it’s a great chance to stretch your legs. It might be a really nice, short walk through the woods, actually, to get to this quite impressive waterfall, it’s often rushing down the rocks. Arguably, it could be really something to see after it has been raining. You might have to try not to get splashed, like your face feeling wet from the spray, it’s almost worth the giggle. You know?

The Gap of Dunloe could be an experience on its own. It’s really a narrow mountain pass, that’s, actually, offering striking views, with that rugged landscape and those glittering lakes. Basically, you could drive through it, so you could also take a boat tour through the lakes, then, maybe, hike the rest of the way. My visit there? So, I opted for a pony and trap, that classic, like, jaunting car ride, that was quite a bit different and surprisingly fun. I felt like I stepped way, way, way back in time, actually.

Dingle Peninsula (Optional Side Trip): Okay, so, it’s not, in a way, technically on the Ring of Kerry, still, the Dingle Peninsula is reasonably close, so that it makes a pretty fantastic side trip. That means you get the pretty Slea Head Drive, the charming town of Dingle itself, and maybe even a chance to meet Fungie the dolphin, though, sadly, that, so cute dolphin is no longer around, seemingly. I do suggest that you add an extra day, or that, even two, for Dingle if you’ve the time, definitely.

Towns That Stand Out

Killarney: Clearly, that town serves as a super popular starting point for that drive, being, also, very lively in its own right. So, it has plenty of spots to stay, for example, places to eat, plus a charming atmosphere. The town could be rather touristy, basically, yet, it’s almost that classic Irish town vibe.

Sneem: You should probably check this village. They describe Sneem, you know, as charming, being famous for its two village greens and, that, vibrantly painted buildings. Arguably, the town is smaller than Killarney, frankly, it can still be a really sweet place to stop for a stroll and maybe just a bite to eat.

Waterville: Very picturesque, Waterville is located on a strip of land, you know, with that ocean on either side. That village actually boasts that claim of being Charlie Chaplin’s favorite vacation spot, still, the town offers way more than just name recognition, clearly, it has views that go forever, that is a place worth pulling over at. Very worthy.

Potential Drawbacks and How to Possibly Handle Them

Look, the Ring of Kerry is really a very big tourist destination. It’s so well known. So, at that point in the summer months (July and August), the place gets really, really, very crowded, sometimes making that drive feel less serene than you expected. Here are just a few things you may have to do to work around this:

Start Early: Get going really early to just, you know, miss the tour buses. Actually, many tour buses leave from Killarney around 10 AM.
Travel Off-Season: What’s more, think about visiting in the spring (April-May) or fall (September-October). Basically, that’s the time when the weather is still okay.
Go Anti-Clockwise: Basically, the tour buses, I have heard, travel clockwise, so doing it the other way might help you, well, avoid some of the traffic.

Be Mindful of The Weather

What? Irish weather, so, it is that fickle. To be honest, you could have a perfectly sunny day followed by some rain showers just within the hour, seemingly. This is actually what I suggest:

Layer Your Clothes: Clearly, being able to easily add or take away layers will really help you stay comfy.
Always Bring Rain Gear: Just put in a light, rain-resistant jacket is, to be honest, a smart idea, clearly, no matter what the forecast says.
Check the Weather Before You Head Out: So, checking the forecast each day is basically what you should do, even then, maybe be aware of that quick change of plans if needed, right?

Driving the Route: Some Things to Possibly Think About

Okay, so, the Ring of Kerry can sometimes have roads that might be a little narrow, you see. They actually get windy, very, at times, basically asking that you are comfortable, still, actually, that should mean that you are very confident driving. It’s probably something you already know.

Be Mindful of Buses: Often, some sections just are not wide enough for buses and cars to pass at that time, being an added layer of needing to be so cautious, to be sure.
Take Your Time: That speed limit might be the rule, alright, yet, arguably, you are not winning any prizes for speeding through. Really relax. Relish those views and pull over when you think about it.

Guided Tour vs. Driving Yourself

Trying to decide whether to drive yourself or just to join that guided tour? I think it’s actually something really important to really weigh out.

Guided Tours: Okay, so, that means you get to relax. Someone is, you know, doing all the driving and that way you get interesting comments about those various sites. It could also be cool that you are really not having to worry in any way about finding parking, clearly, it is actually nice. On the other hand, anyway, you are locked to the schedule and sometimes you can’t just stop and just experience those places the way you had intended. Being on somebody’s schedule.

Driving Yourself: Basically, you can be totally, almost, flexible, staying just that little bit longer in places that catch your attention. You, very yourself, control what you see. Now, it’s basically the downside if that it might mean you do have to really focus to stay alert to, anyway, drive the roads, look out for parking, and, that is when the weather gets in the way.

Must-Have Planning Tips

Accommodation: Particularly in that high season, so, it is, honestly, a clever idea to be very certain you book the place you are staying way beforehand. It really avoids those very stressful last-minute scrambles to grab a hotel room.
Packing: Okay, I cannot say enough. Layer, and maybe just add a raincoat, a walking stick, and some comfy shoes. Being ready for literally anything will really pay off here. So very much.
What You Have to See: So, think about what’s really important that you do not want to leave off your trip. That also, will probably, allow for any changes in any of the scheduling. And then just do it! You know?

My Takeaway? Is the Ring of Kerry Worth It?

For me? I definitely believe that it is. Yes. Basically, you have to just be armed with, honestly, that expectation it could be a bit crowded, in particular during the main summer months. Being ready. But when, just when you do plan well and, just when you give in to Ireland’s unpredictable weather, frankly, it’s possible to actually have such an experience. It’s literally some memories that I am sure will stick with you always. Really always!

You might find a little charm in those striking views and those small towns along the way. You could, in that way, also, discover that, while touristy, that very famous Ring of Kerry is totally worth a go. So, maybe grab that camera and maybe, just that windproof jacket. It’s an experience that will basically bring that great Ireland feel and leave you with those photos and thoughts to, in some respects, go with them.

Ring of Kerry – Key Takeaways

Natural Beauty: The Ring of Kerry offers truly, like, incredible coastal scenery, from glistening lakes to the mountainous parts.
Plan Wisely: For instance, it might be a pretty important key that you avoid the crowds with clever traveling months.
Weather Ready: Given that Ireland does that quick weather switch, really make sure to add those layers of clothing and that raincoat in order to be comfortable.
A Trip of a Lifetime: Even, sometimes, though this attraction can be a bit touristy, to be sure, it still could provide so many experiences that will never be replicated or even imitated!