Head to Killarney National Park for picturesque lakes, mountains and woodland that stretches across an astounding 10,000 acres. Explore the park’s abundant wildlife by foot, jaunting car or bike, and take a tour of Muckross House, a late 19th century mansion. 

Stroll through its landscaped gardens, have a picnic and visit Muckross Traditional Farms for an insight into what life was like way back when.

After Killarney National Park, make time for a break at Torc Waterfall, 7km from the town centre. The nearby car park can be busy during the day, so, the earlier you head here, the better. Take the short stroll from the car park to the waterfall and bask in the sounds of nature tumbling from the falls. Explore the epic Lakes of Killarney on Muckross Lake Loop for a fantastic adventure in the great outdoors.

Drive out from Killarney on the N70 and on your way, stop at Ladies View for unbeatable scenery. The view is so called as it was greatly admired by Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting when they visited Kerry in the 1800s. Park the car and relax over a panoramic picnic with views of the Killarney Valley.

Make your way to beautiful Kenmare where the colourful buildings and upbeat locals are full of character. The most rewarding way to experience this town is to book a place on a Kenmare Foodie Tour where you get a delightful insight into Kerry’s talented food producers.

You won’t leave this tour on an empty stomach as local woman Karen Coakley brings you to the best foodie spots in town. Taste artisan treats, locally roasted coffee and homemade ice-cream.

Photo credit: @mdskyshots

Keep driving south west to Sneem

Visit the lovely village of Sneem, sometimes overlooked in favour of other towns but it’s worth stopping here to enjoy its local charm.

Hidden where the Sneem Estuary meets the Atlantic lies the Sneem Seaweed Baths. Retreat to the shores for a lengthy soak in one of their warm outdoor seaweed baths and rehydrate your skin while enjoying the scenic landscape that surrounds you. 

Or head to the local farmer's market, which showcases talented small businesses and artisans, and try the local flavours and treats of this pretty Irish village. 

Plan your visit around the Sneem Summer Festival, where you’ll experience live music, sheep dog trials and even crab fishing.

Photo credit: @tom_naiman

Discover Irish history at Derrynane House

Continue to travel south west to the village of Caherdaniel and head along the coast until you reach Derrynane House. This is the ancestral home of Daniel O’Connell, one of Ireland’s most famous historical figures.

Tour the house and visit the rooms that are laid out as if they were still in 19th century Ireland and learn about ‘The Liberator’s’ life as a lawyer and politician. 

Prefer to stay outdoors? Amble through the 120 hectares of this scenic area and discover one of the highlights of the permanent collection, a unique chariot presented to Daniel O’Connell by the citizens of Dublin back in 1844.

Take a quick spin to Derrynane Beach

Drive or walk from Derrynane House to Derrynane Beach, one of the best beaches in the country. It’s sandy and perfect for a splash in the ocean or a spot of windsurfing.

The Blue Flag Beach is lifeguarded during bathing season with further information on the notice board there. History buffs can visit the 6th century ruin of Derrynane Abbey on the appropriately named ‘Abbey Island’, which you can spot from the beach.

See why Charlie Chaplin came to Waterville

The seaside village of Waterville is renowned for playing host to one of the most famous entertainers of all time, the iconic Charlie Chaplin. You’ll find a bronze statue of Charlie, who visited the town in 1959 and returned to holiday every year for over ten years.

Book into the Butler Arms Hotel for a relaxing overnight stay. Over the years, famous celebrities have stayed here including Charlie, Mark Hamill, Catherine Zeta Jones, Michael Douglas and Walt Disney.

Visit the Waterville Heritage Gallery at the Skellig Gift Store for a look into the many heritage sites across the Ring of Kerry. From stone forts and geology to the flora, fauna and local folklore, the Gallery guides visitors through life on the Skellig Coast.

Spend time by the sea at Ballinskelligs

Travelling further west along the coast, discover Ballinskelligs, a village in the Gaeltacht of Uíbh Ráthach (Iveragh). This is one of the predominantly Irish speaking areas of Ireland. Head to Bá na Scealg (Ballinskelligs Beach) and breathe in fresh sea air on this fine stretch of sand.

To the right of the entrance is the ancient McCarthy Tower known locally as Ballinskelligs Castle, easily accessible at low tide. It was built in the early 16th century by the McCarthys, the Chieftains in Cork and Kerry. Folklore suggests that the tower served to protect the Irish coast from pirates.

Warm up after a walk on the beach with a cup of hot chocolate at Skelligs Chocolate Company, a 10- minute drive from Ballinskelligs. Watch the fascinating process of chocolate making at this family-run business and learn all about what makes great treats. This is a must for chocolate fans.

Experience delightful Portmagee

Spend the night in Portmagee, an idyllic village by the sea and in view of nearby Valentia Island. While there, make time to visit The Moorings, serving up fresh seafood and local produce.

If you have time, we recommend you take a detour and pre-book a boat trip out to the UNESCO World Heritage site Sceilg Mhichíl (Skellig Michael) off the coast. Tours to the island take an hour from Portmagee marina and are a great way to explore this unique craggy outpost. Schedule your journey around summertime to see migrating puffins visit the island.

Visit Valentia Island

Accessible by bridge or by ferry, take a trip to Valentia Island and explore the Bray Head Loop Walk, a spectacular coastal trail. On a clear day, you’ll see out to the Skellig Islands and Dingle Peninsula.

From there, head north-east to Valentia Island Lighthouse at Cromwell Point and take a tour of this intriguing place. A beacon of hope to guide incoming vessels, the lighthouse led many boats through the entrance of Valentia Harbour.

To head onwards to Cahersiveen, take the ferry from Knightstown on Valentia Island and cross over the water to the mainland. Or you can head back to Portmagee and take the R565 onto the N70. The ferry runs from Easter to early October.

Detour to Kells Bay House and Gardens

About halfway between Glenbeigh and Cahersiveen is the fishing village of Kells, and we recommend you make time for the enchanting Kells Bay House and Gardens. This family-friendly attraction has one of the finest collection of plants in Europe, as well as cool carved dinosaurs that keep the kids occupied as you stroll through 17 hectares of woodland.

Relax with a well-deserved break in the on-site café or restaurant and afterwards, take a quick spin to the sea at Kells Bay.

Make your way to gorgeous Glenbeigh

Community spirit is strong in Glenbeigh as you’ll see at their annual festival, a fun mix of sports, live music, entertainment and culture. 

Plan your visit around the Glenbeigh Festival and Races which takes place during the summer on Rossbeigh Beach and after, meet the welcoming locals in a lively traditional pub. Stay overnight at the Towers Hotel, where the beach is within walking distance.

Wine and dine at Jack’s Coastguard

Continue along the N70 but don’t miss out on Jack’s Coastguard Restaurant, one of Kerry’s top seafood experiences. Five minutes off the main Ring of Kerry route, this restaurant overlooks the majestic waves of the Atlantic with stunning coastal and mountain views. The restaurant is so called after the former coastguard station that was built there in 1866.

Enjoy delicious dishes made with local ingredients…don’t miss out on the tasty Cromane Mussels.

Enjoy music and festivities in Killorglin

Riverside town Killorglin is synonymous with Puck Fair, one of Ireland's oldest festivals held in August. Stay the night at the renowned Bianconi Inn and plan your trip around this vibrant festival in the riverside town. Enjoy the uplifting carnival atmosphere with parades, Irish storytelling and plenty of traditional music.

Photo credit: @kerryaviation_

Go on a hike through the Gap of Dunloe

For years, the Gap of Dunloe has mesmerised visitors with its unmatched scenery. Drive through the valley or, if you have time, experience the 11km route on foot.

If you’re visiting with family and friends and have two cars, park one at Kate Kearney’s Cottage and the other at the historic Ross Castle, just six minutes from Killarney town. 

Start your journey at this 15th century castle and take the boat trip through Lough Leane all the way to Lord Brandon’s Cottage. When back on dry land, you can hike all the way through the magnificent Gap of Dunloe taking in the towering mountains, wildlife, lakes and the ‘Wishing Bridge’.

The looped route ends at Kate Kearney’s Cottage, where you can kick back for a rest with hearty pub grub and great hospitality. When you’re ready, drive back to Ross Castle to collect the other car. 

If you don’t have two cars, simply hike the Gap of Dunloe starting from Kate Kearney’s Cottage. You can also bike or take a horse-drawn trap through ‘The Gap’, as it’s locally known.