Planning to explore the stunning southwest of Ireland and looking for a base? Check out our list of the five best Ring of Kerry towns to make your trip a memorable one.
Tourism in Ireland has seen a boom in recent years, and it was the beautiful southwest coast that started it all. ‘The Ring of Kerry’ is still a hugely popular tourist loop and well worth exploring.
With stunning mountain ranges, glacial lakes, ancient woods, and an abundance of culture – it can be difficult to know where to start when planning your trip and where to base yourself.
We’ve rounded up the five best Ring of Kerry towns to stay in and explore to help you out.
Ireland Before You Die’s top tips for visiting the Ring of Kerry:
- Tourists flock to Kerry in the summer, especially to towns like Killarney, Sneem and Caherdaniel. For a more peaceful experience, we recommend travelling in the transitional seasons of spring and autumn. You might even get more for your money then as well.
- Speak to locals! Ireland is known to be one of the friendliest places on earth, and the locals are full of stories, folklore and craic. Try to be open to conversation with those you meet on your travels.
- You can drive the whole Ring of Kerry in 3.5 hours. But if you’re going to do it justice, we recommend taking at least three to five days to explore the national park, towns, and countryside.
- Check out our articles on the Ring of Kerry map and the Ring of Kerry highlights to help plan your Ring of Kerry itinerary, including points of interest along the way!
- From luxury hotels to budget-friendly stays, check out our list of the best Ring of Kerry hotels for your trip.
5. Portmagee – (previously) home to pirates and smugglers
One of the highlights of your Ring of Kerry road trip will be a boat tour of the Skellig Rocks. This UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts thousands of tourists a year, and it’s not hard to see why.
In order to get there, though, you’ll want to get to the main departure point in the quaint village of Portmagee. If visiting Valentia Island is on your list, this might be the perfect place to stay.
With its multicoloured houses and friendly locals, you’d be surprised to know that this town has a dark history.
It is said that Portmagee was once home to pirates and smugglers, who targeted trade ships coming from North America and Europe.
4. Cahersiveen – to venture off the beaten track
Visiting the town of Cahersiveen feels like you’re getting a taste of Kerry that’s a little off the beaten track. It’s a small town of around 1,200 residents, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in scenery.
Caheriveen sits at the foot of the mighty mountain of Beentee and is one of the most western towns in Europe. It also boasts multiple ancient heritage sites for history lovers everywhere.
The town, which has been dubbed ‘the capital of the Iveragh Peninsula’, also has another claim to fame. It was the birthplace of Daniel O’Connell and should be on your list of Ring of Kerry destinations.
If you’re a Daniel O’Connell enthusiast, you can also visit his ancestral home, Derrynane House, which is a half-hour drive away and one of Kerry’s best-kept secrets. If you do this – you can also explore the lovely Derrynane Beach.
3. Glenbeigh – “The Jewel in the Ring of Kerry”
Fans of watersports flock to the outskirts of Glenbeigh to enjoy Rossbeigh beach. This blue-flag beach is famous for swimming, shore fishing, windsurfing and horse trekking.
Stretching for 7 km (4.3 miles), Rossbeigh offers stunning views of the Dingle Mountains and the surrounding areas.
And once you’re done with your activities (or you want to skip out of them altogether), you’ll be able to relax and unwind with a coffee and admire the peaceful village that has been called “The Jewel in the Ring of Kerry”.
Glenbeigh is filled with history and culture, from the ruins of Glenbeigh Tower to legends that some famous characters in Irish folklore have passed through the village at one time or another.
2. Kenmare – the most photogenic town in Kerry
There’s nothing like the town of Kenmare on a sunny, clear day. From the pier, you can see for miles.
Looking behind you, toward the town, you’ll be treated to charming coloured shops and houses. For a small town, it’s buzzing with atmosphere, making it one of the best Ring of Kerry towns to stay in and explore.
The town is nestled between two mountain ranges, the Caha Mountains in the east and the Macgillycuddy Reeks in the north.
This geographical positioning led to the Irish name for the town being ‘Neidin’, meaning ‘little nest’. An apt name for this small and special place nesting between mighty mountains.
A long-time winner and runner-up of the ‘Irish Tidy Towns Competition’, Kenmare remains one of the most photogenic Ring of Kerry towns. It’s also a short drive away from the stunning Moll’s Gap.
READ: 24-hours in Kenmare: a perfect one-day itinerary for this Kerry town
1. Killarney – the heart of it all
The stunning Killarney National Park has attracted hikers, artists, and wildlife enthusiasts for years.
Home to Ireland’s highest mountains (Na Cruacha Dubha), ancient oak and yew woods, the stunning Torc Waterfall, three glacial lakes, and the only native herd of red deer in Ireland, this spot should be at the top of your list.
Aside from natural beauty, Killarney town is full of culture to keep you occupied. The main street is full of antique shops, bookshops, and clothing boutiques.
And if you’re tired of shopping, the town centre has restaurants and bars playing traditional Irish music so that you can delve deep into the culture of County Kerry.
Attractions like Ross Castle, Muckross House, and the scenic point, Ladies View, are also not too far away.
RELATED READING: The 10 best things to do in Killarney in 2024
Notable mentions
Ballinskelligs: Although it didn’t quite make our list, the beautiful Irish-speaking village of Ballinskelligs is well worth a visit.
The west of Ireland is a prime spot for native Irish speakers, and you will also be able to explore the ancient settlement of Skellig Michael, which was constructed in the seventh century.
A more recent claim to fame is that it was the site of filming for Star Wars: The Force Awakens in 2015. Ballinskelligs Bay is a highlight of the area.
Waterville: Aptly named, the town of Waterville offers stunning views of the sea and is known for freshwater and salt fishing.
Famous actor Charlie Chaplin loved to spend time here, and this is celebrated with the Charlie Chaplin Comedy Film Festival every August.
Tuosist: Tuosist should be a stop on your Ring of Kerry drive. With attractions like the Uragh Stone Circle and the stunning waterfalls at Gleninchaquin, it is well worth the visit.
Your questions answered about the best Ring of Kerry towns
If you still have questions about this topic, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered with a list of our most frequently asked questions.
Where should I stay to do the Ring of Kerry?
If you want to be in the heart of things (or if you don’t have long to spend here), Killarney town is an excellent place to stay.
If you are on a budget, you may get more for your money in towns like Waterville or Kenmare. Check out our article on the best hotels on the Ring of Kerry for all budgets.
What towns are along the Ring of Kerry?
All the towns in this article are along the Ring of Kerry, but you’ll also find towns and villages like Smeen, Kells and Killorglin (famous for Puck Fair) on your journey.
How many days do you need for the Ring of Kerry?
If you were to drive the Ring of Kerry without stopping (all 179 km (111 miles) of it), it would take you around 3.5 hours.
But if you want to really explore the surrounding towns and nature, we recommend three to five days to do it justice. Visitors to the area should allow ample time to explore the Lakes of Killarney, the Skellig Islands, the Dingle Peninsula, and so much more.
