Driving Ireland's Stunning Ring of Kerry

One of the most scenic and well-known destinations in Ireland is the stunning Ring of Kerry. The 110 mile drive around County Kerry takes in some of Ireland's best scenery - mountains, coast, the historical Muckross House, Killarney National Park and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Skellig Michael. We took an entire day to drive The Ring and it was just as beautiful as I had imagined. Come along as we drive The Ring of Kerry!

Muckross House

Muckross House is located in Killarney National Park, Ireland's oldest national park, and is the park's centerpiece with it's location on Muckross Lake. A nineteenth century Victorian mansion, Muckross House was designed by Scottish architect William Burn and completed in 1843. Visitors can tour the house, gardens, weavers, pottery, and bookbinder along with the restaurant and shop. One of the most popular things you can do here is take a horse and cart ride - jaunting cars as they're called - around the grounds. We decided to walk the grounds and enjoy the gardens rather than tour the house as we had a long day ahead driving the Ring. I guess the house will just have to wait for next time.

Torc Waterfall

Approximately 3 miles from Muckross House, Torc Waterfall is a 65 foot waterfall that is a short walk from the parking lot. You can climb higher for a better view of Middle Lake or continue on the Kerry Way long distance walking route. We enjoyed the waterfall which was seemingly at it's best - there must've been some rain - and then went on our way. 

Ladies View

Ladies View is a scenic viewpoint on the Ring of Kerry. It's so named from Queen Victoria's 1861 visit to Ireland where Ladies View was her ladies-in-waiting's favorite view. It's been said that it's one of the most photographed places in Ireland. Close by is Ladies View Shop and Cafe including Altitude - the highest bar in Killarney. 

Sneem

Sneem is a small village that sits on the River Sneem - the river actually splits the town in two - and is a spot to stop to shop, grab a beverage or a bite to eat. Though it's quite the cute, and colorful, little village, when we were in town it was full of tour buses. So many tour buses. We did sit outside at Dan Murphy's Bar for a quick break and drink. I'm sure if you are there off season that it's a nice little village to walk around and take a stroll by the river. I'd like to do that someday.

Staigue Stone Fort

One of our stops, and a good spot to stretch our legs, was the Staigue Stone Fort. Believed to have been built somewhere between 300 and 400 AD, during the Iron Age, there is a free parking lot (with a porta potty) and entrance is free. Staigue is thought to have been built as a stronghold for a local lord or as a tribal center and you can freely roam all over the ruins of the fort. It's said to be "a superb example of an Irish Ring Fort."

Ireland's Only Beach Bar

After exploring the stone fort, we came upon signs for Ireland's Only Beach Bar - O' Carroll's Cove Beach Bar and Restaurant. Well, we couldn't pass that up, could we? So we stopped for a beverage. And O'Carroll's looks like it should be in the Caribbean. Did you think Ireland had such incredible views or aqua water? I certainly didn't. A fun, if not touristy, stop.

Coomanaspic Pass

Between Portmagee and St. Finian's Bay, Coomanaspic Pass has staggering views and was one of my favorite parts of the Ring of Kerry. It's one of the highest places in Ireland to be reached by car or by bike. Cycling Ireland has rated it A1 and the Irish national cycle race has included it's 2400 foot challenge as part of it's competition. The views are outstanding and I couldn't get enough. But it was time for dinner so we had to sadly, move on.

Portmagee

Portmagee was our last stop on our driving tour of Kerry. It's known as "the ferry" as it is the only spot to catch the ferry to the monastic settlements, and UNESCO World Heritage site,  the islands of Skellig Michael. Known for it's monastery which was founded between the 6th and 8th centuries, Skellig Michael can be reached only in the summer months. It's most recently come into the public eye again as the filming spot for Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Star Wars: The Last Jedi. We enjoyed dinner at The Moorings, the home of the cast and crew for the Star Wars movies. It was a beautiful evening just before a gorgeous Irish sunset. If I go back someday, I'd love to visit the islands and stay awhile in Portmagee. I thought it was a cute town and I'd like to explore more.

Waterville - Charlie Chaplin's town

The actor, Charlie Chaplin, and his family first came to Waterville on vacation in 1959. They continued to vacation here for 10 years and the town asked permission from his estate to hold the Charlie Chaplin Comedy Film Festival in his honor. It's a colorful town on the water in County Kerry. If you visit, you can find the statue of Charlie in the center of town. It might not be worth a visit unless you are a big Charlie Chaplin fan. Or a big fan of colorful, Irish villages. We just drove through on our way back to our accommodations. (Waterville is not really part of the Ring of Kerry but it's close so I've included it here)

Ireland's Ring of Kerry is stunning. We all agreed that it was the most incredible scenery of the entire trip. I hope if you are traveling to Ireland that you get a chance to see it!

How about you? Have you driven the Ring of Kerry?

Linking up with: My Corner of the World at Photographing New Zealand!