Visit the Year of Kerry from Cork: reservations

Visiting the Year of Kerry is one of the must-sees of a stay in Ireland. Do you need information to organize your trip? This is it!

The Ring of Kerry is a circuit that passes through the most wild and picturesque landscapes of Ireland. Located on the Iveragh Kerry peninsula, The Ring of Kerry is a must do Not to be missed. From mountain pass to cut islands, from beaches to traditional pubs in small Irish villages, you will understand why this 180 km loop is one of the most popular routes in Ireland! In order to organize your circuit at best, we present you here all the tips that should be useful for visiting the Ring of Kerry from Cork: points of interest, budget, reservations, access...

History of the Ring of Kerry

Making the Year of Kerry is an opportunity to discover the natural and cultural heritage of this region of Ireland. On the programme: old forts, ancient monasteries, high summits, rocky structures over ten thousand years, ancient pilgrimages of Christian monks (Skellig Michael) and some of the oldest fossil prints.

Our tips to visit the Ring of Kerry

What's the best starting point?

To visit the Kerry Ring from Cork, you already have to go to the starting point of your circuit. From there, everything is possible, but it is common to enter the loop in Killarney. To realize your trip 180 km , you'll borrow N 70, N 71 and N 72 .

What is the ideal time to visit the Ring of Kerry?

Although the circuit can be made a day, or even a half day , it is obvious that the charm truly operates when you leave the time to enjoy each of the steps. The ideal duration is therefore unique to each, but visit the Ring of Kerry in two days seems to be a good compromise. This will allow you time to appreciate the beauty of the landscapes, take a drink in a pub and exchange with the inhabitants.

What is the best way to visit the Ring of Kerry

It is quite possible to make the loop by bicycle or by bus especially with Bus Eireann.

The car is nevertheless the means of transport that offers both great freedom of movement, while allowing to visit the Ring of Kerry quickly. However, think about refueling as soon as you can, because the route rarely gives you the possibility to cross a service station! Be aware that caution on the road is necessary. Between the narrowness of the paths, sometimes important frequentation and the conduct of the tourists who often leave to be desired, it is better to be prudent and courteous!

What to see and what to do at the Ring of Kerry?

It is difficult to select steps and indicate things not to be missed, both the circuit contains treasures! Don’t hesitate to let your instincts speak and get out of the beaten paths. If you want to start from a more precise framework, here are the traditional steps to visit the Ring of Kerry.

Example of circuit

The first days

• Killarney: Whether on a culinary or musical level, you should have a very good time. Push the door of a pub, and let yourself be carried away by the energy of this city. If you have time, cross the gardens of the Muckross House and admire the mansion of the nineteenth century.
• Killorglin: in this city where every year a wild goat is crowned king, you may have the chance to pass during the period of the Puck Fair festival, which is the oldest festival in the country. The most of Killorglin is undoubtedly its view of the Carrauntoohil, the highest peak in Ireland.
• Rossbeigh Beach: You will only need a quarter of an hour drive to the west, on the N 70, to reach the beach of Rossbeigh. Set in mountains and hills, this stretch of sand deserves to be used to walk, swim or surf!
• Cahersiveen: At the end of Europe, this place is no longer possible. Do not miss the visit of the fort of the seventh century, of the castle of Ballycarbery, but also of the old barracks of the late nineteenth century, all under the gaze of Mount Bentee.
• Waterville: between sea and mountains, this town is not only the place of relaxation of Charlie Chaplin, it is also one of the best places on the planet to observe the stars!

The last days

• Derrynane: Come and tread the white sand from Derrynane beach and especially take the time to breathe and walk! Once loaded with good energy, visit the Derrynane House, a beautiful 19th-century mansion and lose yourself in the woods of its estate.
• Sneem: along the coast to the east and you reach the lovely village of Sneem, colorful and authentic. Walk through these streets and let yourself be rocked by the noise of the river that cuts Sneem in two parts.
• Kenmare: This city is an opportunity for you to taste delicious seafood dishes, to make some shopping or to visit an art gallery. Nothing prevents you from making a crochet by one of the many pubs, whose unique atmosphere does not wash.
• Moll’s Gap: the mountainous decor is absolutely reversing. Choose the spot you like to take the time to appreciate the beauty of this panorama, between mountains, lakes and rivers.
• Killarney Lakes: Cross the Killarney National Park and take the time to admire the hills, forests, the Owengarriff river, the Ladie’s View, the Torc Waterfall, the Muckross Lake, the Lough Leane and the Ross Castle.

Possible activities at the Ring of Kerry

Visit the Ring of Kerry can be done in half day as in a week . If you have the chance to take your time, it is possible to add to the list of must-sees some suggestions of escapades no less interesting:

• Kerry Way: hiking more than 200 km from Killarney, reserved for seasoned walkers
• Bicycle in Killarney National Park or ride in traditional carriage
• Visit the old Staigue Fort, west of Sneem
• Take a mountain ride of 8 km: from Kate Kearney’s Cottage, to the Dunloe Gap
• Charlie Chaplin Festival in Waterville
• Golf in Killorglin, one of the most picturesque in Ireland
• Circuit de l’Anneau de Skellig : to the east of the peninsula, to discover its wonders (plages, island of Valentia, Skellig Michael...)

How much does a ticket cost to the Ring of Kerry?

If you prefer to visit the Kerry Ring on an organized tour, there are many platforms that offer tickets for the day. On average:

• From Killarney: 30€ per adult
• From Cork: 45€ per adult
• Note that some platforms offer student, senior or child rates.

How do I book a ticket for the Year of Kerry online?

It is easy to book an online tour ticket:

• On the site of the tourist office of Cork or Killarney
• Via des online booking platforms

The circuit is done bus :

It should be noted that a shuttle service is usually offered, to take you from the bus or train station in Killarney or Cork to the bus departure point. In addition, an English guide is available to the group.

Are there visits combined with other locations?

You can combine the Ring of Kerry with the visit of the island of Valentia and the Ring of Skellig, at the end of the Iveragh peninsula. For about 45€ per adult , you will immerse yourself more than ever in wild Ireland and become aware of the power of nature in a pure state.

How do I access the Kerry Ring from Cork?

By bus

The most convenient starting point to visit the Ring of Kerry is Killarney. To get there from Cork, you can take the line n°40 at Parnell Place station. The bus will take you to Killarney Bus Station or Rock Rd Council Office.

By train

It is also possible to reach Killarney from Cork Kent train station.

By car rental

If you have decided to visit the Ring of Kerry by car, it may be more logical to rent your vehicle upon arrival at the airport or in the city centre of Cork.

Where to stay in Cork to make the Ring of Kerry?

Everyone can visit the Ring of Kerry at the appropriate pace. Therefore, some will choose to stay to Cork And make the loop in the day. Others will prefer to take their time and make one or more steps on the road. In the latter case, it is difficult to list all possible choices.

However, if you want to visit the Kerry Ring at the day, it is already easier to give you some tips to choose your accommodation. That you were looking for a roof in the lively neighborhood of downtown, in the peaceful Shandon or in small colorful villages near Cork, you will be charmed by this city.