📷 Photo by K. Mitch Hodge on UnsplashRing of Kerry and the Skellig Ring
Lakes, bogs and Atlantic headlands around the Iveragh peninsula.
- Distance
- 111 km (69 mi)
- Driving
- 1 h 32 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 6
- Countries
- Ireland
- Updated
- May 20, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 111 km (69 mi) with 6 stops, from Killarney to Cahersiveen. About 1 h 32 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Ireland
Route description
From Killarney, with its lakes, Muckross House and Torc Waterfall in the national park, take the N71 south past Ladies View and over Moll’s Gap to Kenmare. The road winds through woodland and open bog with views back over the lakes.
Kenmare is a neat town at the head of a long bay; from here the N70 follows the south coast of the Iveragh peninsula to Sneem, a village of brightly painted houses. Further west the road passes Derrynane’s beaches and climbs over Coomakesta Pass towards Waterville.
Portmagee is a small harbour where boats leave for Skellig Michael in season; landings depend on the weather and must be booked well ahead. The Skellig Ring is a narrow loop off the main road with views of the Skellig islands, unsuitable for large vehicles.
Rejoin the N70 at Cahersiveen and return to Killarney. Tour coaches travel the Ring anticlockwise, so on this clockwise route you will meet them head-on on narrow bends; in a large motorhome, consider driving the loop in the same direction as the coaches.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Killarney
Ireland - 226 km
Kenmare
Ireland - 328 km
Sneem
Ireland - 441 km
Portmagee
Ireland - 51 km
Skellig Ring
ViewsPortmagee, IrelandA narrow loop off the Ring of Kerry with views of the Skellig islands. Boats to Skellig Michael leave from Portmagee.
- 616 km
Cahersiveen
Ireland
Suggested stages and overnight stops
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Killarney → Kenmare · 26 km · 0 h 21 minOvernight nearby, for example: Beara Camping (12 km); Creveen Lodge Caravan and Camping Park (19 km).
- Day 2: Kenmare → Portmagee · 68 km · 0 h 56 minOn the way: Sneem.Overnight nearby, for example: Mannix Point Camping and Caravan Park (10 km); Valentia Island Caravan & Camping (6 km).
- Day 3: Portmagee → Cahersiveen · 17 km · 0 h 14 minOn the way: Skellig Ring.Overnight nearby, for example: Mannix Point Camping and Caravan Park (2 km); Valentia Island Caravan & Camping (6 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July–September. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Ireland: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Barrier-free toll on the M50 around Dublin. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Ring of Kerry and the Skellig Ring?
3-day road trip of about 111 km (69 mi) with 6 stops, from Killarney to Cahersiveen. About 1 h 32 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Ring of Kerry and the Skellig Ring?
We suggest 3 days: about 1 h 32 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Ring of Kerry and the Skellig Ring start and end?
It starts in Killarney and ends in Cahersiveen.
Which countries does Ring of Kerry and the Skellig Ring pass through?
Ireland.
Where can you camp along Ring of Kerry and the Skellig Ring?
OpenStreetMap lists 24 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Fleming's White Bridge Caravan and Camping Park, Beara Camping and Creveen Lodge Caravan and Camping Park.
When is the best time for Ring of Kerry and the Skellig Ring?
The most pleasant months are usually June. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
