Self Guided Driving Audio Tour Ring of Kerry

Discover the Ring of Kerry, one of Ireland's most famous drives. This 125-mile route passes rugged coastline, rolling hills, historic castles, and some of the country's most memorable views. Set off on the drive from Killarney, enjoying vistas, waterfalls, and beaches as you navigate the winding path. At the far side of the loop: the Kerry Cliffs. These stunning, towering cliffs face the harsh, crashing waves of the Atlantic. As you make your way back to Killarney, hear stories of medieval clans, whiskey smugglers, and Ireland's fight for independence.

Built in the 15th century for the O'Donoghue Ross clan, Ross Castle stands on the shores of Lough Leane in Killarney National Park. Visitors can take a guided tour of the castle (admission fees apply), explore the surrounding grounds, or follow the nearby Governor's Rock Loop for views of the lake and castle. Covering more than 26,000 acres, Killarney National Park is Ireland's first national park and home to some of the oldest yew trees in Europe. Keep an eye out for one of the park's most famous residents - the red deer, the only native herd remaining in Ireland.

Surrounded by woodland in Killarney National Park, Torc Waterfall cascades down a rocky hillside in a series of tumbling falls. It's one of the park's most popular stops and is especially impressive after rainfall, when the water is at its most powerful.

Just a short distance apart, Muckross Abbey and Muckross House tell two very different stories from Ireland's past. The abbey's ruins date back to the 15th century, while the Victorian mansion later welcomed Queen Victoria during her visit to Ireland in 1861. Admission fees apply for Muckross House, but it's free to wander the gardens.

Carved by glaciers during the last Ice Age, the Gap of Dunloe is one of the Ring of Kerry's most spectacular landscapes. With stunning views of mountain ranges including the MacGillycuddy Reeks and Purple Mountain Group, pristine lakes, and several popular walking trails, this scenic valley is a popular side trip.

Connected to the mainland near Portmagee, Valentia Island is known for its dramatic coastal scenery, fascinating geology, and rich history. Highlights include the famous Tetrapod Footprints, among the oldest known footprints in the world, as well as scenic viewpoints, coastal walks, and a historic lighthouse. Valentia Island could easily fill a day of exploring on its own.

Rising over 1,000 feet above the sea, the Kerry Cliffs offer some of the most dramatic coastal views on the Ring of Kerry. From the cliffs, you can see the jagged outline of the famous Skellig Michael. The walk to the viewpoint also passes Beehive Huts where monks once lived centuries ago. Kerry Cliffs is located on private property, and parking fees apply.

Dating back to the Bronze Age, the Kenmare Stone Circle has stood just outside the center of Kenmare for thousands of years. Once a place of rituals and burials, it remains one of the area's most intriguing ancient sites. It's believed if you wish upon one of these stones, you'll have good fortune. All visitors must pay a small admission fee.

Built around 400 AD, Staigue Stone Fort is one of Ireland's largest surviving stone forts. Its massive stone walls rise nearly 18 feet high, with narrow stairways and small chambers built directly into the structure. It remains a remarkable example of ancient stone craftsmanship, built entirely without cement or mortar.

Located near Caherdaniel, Derrynane House was once home to Daniel "The Liberator" O'Connell, one of Ireland's most influential political figures. Today it's a protected monument, and visitors can explore his ancestral home and surrounding parklands. The house is open from from mid-March to early November, and a small admission fee is required to enter the building.

Located right on the beach and just a short walk apart, Ballinskelligs Abbey and Castle offer a glimpse into the area's past. Augustinian monks lived at the abbey for centuries, while a powerful clan later built the nearby castle, which also served as a toll station for boats entering the bay.

Thanks to its unique tropical microclimate, Kells Bay House and Gardens is the perfect spot for both sunbathers and subtropical plants. The Victorian-style country estate sits in a sheltered bay that has attracted fishermen, gardeners, and visitors for generations. An entrance fee is required to explore the house and gardens.