Our Tried And Tested 2 Day Ring of Kerry Itinerary

The most common issue when planning a 2 day Ring of Kerry itinerary? Most people waste time doubling back on themselves at the end of day 1 and start of day 2.

It’s an easy mistake to make. Although the ROK is 179km (111 miles) long, finding a logical base for 2 nights can be tricky.

I’ve driven the Ring of Kerry 14 times – both in one go (here’s my 1 day itinerary) and over 2 days.

The weekend route that I settled on several years back involves:

• Base camp: Stay in Kenmare Town
• Day 1: Kenmare, Killarney and the start of the Ring
• Day 2: The lower half of the Ring along with the Skellig Ring

A 2 day Ring of Kerry itinerary

The map above outlines where you’ll go over your 48 hours on the Ring of Kerry.

You’re going to use Kenmare as a base, as it’s a perfectly placed town that lets you tackle the Ring in a logical loop, covering the upper section on day one and the lower section on day two, without having to backtrack

Where to stay in Kenmare

• Luxury: The Park Hotel Kenmare (old-school elegance on a vast estate in town)
• Mid-range: The Lansdowne (bright rooms, comfy beds and plenty of charm in the heart of town)
• Budget: Coachman’s Townhouse Hotel (rooms above a lively pub with great summer trad sessions)

Day 1: Kenmare and Killarney

This 2 day Ring of Kerry road trip begins in Kenmare Town. Now, I’m going to recommend that you don’t explore Kenmare until later in the day.

The reason for this is that Killarney tends to be a busy aul spot, so you’re better off visiting it as early as you can.

This doesn’t mean that you’ll avoid all of the crowds, but visiting Killarney early on gives you more time to play with.

Stop 1. Killarney Town and deciding how to get around

It’s a 45-minute spin from Kenmare to Killarney. It’s important that you don’t follow the N71 from Kenmare – this is the main Ring route.

You’ll want to get onto the R569 and then turn off onto the N22 when you get closer to the town.

When you arrive into the town, you’ll need to decide how you’ll get around during your time in Killarney.

Killarney for those that want to cycle

If fitness allows, Killarney is a great town to cycle around. There are ample cycle lanes and Killarney National Park is well laid-out for bikes.

I always rent one from this place on the Muckross Road as there’s plenty of parking and it’s right across from the park. You can then follow the route above.

The roads/paths are relatively flat and it’s a handy-enough cycle for those with reasonable fitness.

Killarney for those that want to drive/get the bus

If weather/fitness doesn’t allow for cycling, you have two other main options:

• Option 1: Drive to each of the stops in the map above
• Option 2: Get the hop-on/off bus

I’ll give you an outline of the driving route below.

Stop 1. Killarney Town

St. Mary’s Cathedral is a standout example of Gothic Revival architecture, crafted by the famed Augustus Pugin.

Constructed from limestone and influenced by the ruins of Ardfert Cathedral, work began in 1842 but was halted by the famine and funding problems, with completion coming in 1855.

Its tall spire, narrow lancet windows, and tranquil surroundings give it a distinctly monastic character. While changes were made in the 1970s, much of its original elegance still holds strong.

Fancy a pre-adventure coffee? Tucked down a quiet alley, the Curious Cat Café serves up big breakfasts, great coffee, and a quirky cat-themed vibe

Stop 2. Ross Castle

So, there are a heap of things to do in Killarney, but they’re very spread out, so a good plan is needed. Personally, I think it’s best to drive to Ross Castle first—it’s a solid 45-minute round-trip walk otherwise, which eats into your day.

Hop in the car and head for Ross Castle—it’s about 15 minutes from the town centre. The castle has stood proudly on the edge of Lough Leane since the 15th century, built by the powerful O’Donoghue clan.

Local legend says O’Donoghue still rises from the lake every seven years on a white horse.

You’ve got two choices here:

• Option 1: Take it in from the outside
  Option 2: Join a €5 guided tour (first-come, first-served)

Stop 3. The Lakes of Killarney Cruise

One of the best things to do in Killarney can be found near Ross Castle – the brilliant Lakes of Killarney cruise.

This hour-long boat cruise across Lough Léin takes you past tree-covered islands, with the chance to spot red deer, white-tailed eagles, and views of Innisfallen’s 6th-century monastery and Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest peak.

The boat is glass-covered and heated, so it’s comfortable year-round, and the guide mixes local history with a bit of humour.

It’s a handy, low-effort way to soak up the scenery if you’re short on time or just want to rest the legs for a while.

Stop 4. Lunch in the town

Take the 15-minute spin back into the town for a bit of lunch. There are some exceptional restaurants in Killarney. My favourites are:

• The Mad Monk (top-notch seafood like sizzling crab claws and deep water prawn tagliatelle)
• Kitty O’Se’s (splash out on the Seafood Tower to share)
• Murphy Browns (hearty Irish dishes like roasted duck and fish and chips).

Stop 5. Muckross Abbey

One of the highlights on this 2 day Ring of Kerry itinerary is Muckross Abbey – a partially ruined 15th-century Franciscan friary a 12-minute drive from town.

Founded by the MacCarthy dynasty, legend says it was built where music once echoed through the woods.

Despite turbulent times—including Cromwellian raids—it remains remarkably intact, with a hauntingly beautiful cloister and ancient yew tree believed to be as old as the Abbey itself.

Stop 6. Torc Waterfall

Torc Waterfall is one of the most popular places to visit in Kerry and, unsurprisingly enough, it gets very busy come summer.

Located a 3-minute drive from Muckross Abbey, it stands at just 20 metres tall and it is fed by the Owengarriff River.

Steeped in legend—its name ‘Torc’ means boar in Irish—it’s tied to tales of curses and mythical beasts.

Stop 7. Ladies View

When you finish up at Torc, you’re going to start making your way back to Kenmare via the Ring.

Drive for 25 minutes and you’ll reach the famous Ladies View Point, which was named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s visit in 1861.

Legend has it that the Queen’s ladies-in-waiting were so enchanted by the view, it ended up being named in their honour.

Park next to the viewing area, step out and soak up a view of the National Park and the Lakes of Killarney.

Stop 8. Moll’s Gap

Moll’s Gap, is only 10 minutes from Ladies View. This is a winding mountain pass with unbeatable views of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, and you can park right beside it at the Avoca car park.

The name comes from Moll Kissane, who ran a Sibín (an unlicensed pub) here during the construction of the Killarney–Kenmare road in the 1820s.

She was a local favourite—likely thanks to the homemade poitín she served the road workers.

Stop 9. Kenmare

Kenmare Town is a handy 10-minute spin from Moll’s Gap. Now, how you tackle the rest of day 1 of your 2 day Ring of Kerry itinerary depends on what time you arrive into town.

If you land in early evening during the months of May to September when the days are long, you can see a bit of the town. If not, you can easily get up on the morning of day 2 and head for a wander.

I’ve prepared a walking route that you can follow above (it takes in all of the various Kenmare attractions).

Stop 10. Kenmare for the evening

If you’re visiting Kenmare for the first time, you’re in for a treat.

There’s a handful of exceptional restaurants in Kenmare and there’s heaps of great pubs in Kenmare, too!

Food

For dinner, I’d strongly recommend:

• No. 35: Expect excellent Irish dishes made with locally sourced, organic produce in a cosy, historic setting
• The Lime Tree: A long-standing Kenmare favourite serving locally sourced food in a historic 1830s building
• Mulcahy’s: Creative, no-fuss cooking with small plates that pack a punch

Pubs

• Crowley’s: A cosy little pub on Henry Street known for finely-poured Guinness and regular live traditional music
• O’Donnabhain’s: Located in one of Kenmare’s oldest buildings, it offers trad music, seasonal food, and old-world charm
• Florry Batt’s Bar: A no-frills, old-school pub known for its creamy Guinness, trad music, and cosy, conversation-friendly vibe

Day 2: The lower half of the Ring

The 2nd half of this 2 day Ring of Kerry itinerary sees you explore the bulk of the now-famous route.

If you’ve spent any time browsing the Kerry section of this website, you’ll have seen that I always add on the Skellig Ring to any ROK driving route.

It’s a short but spectacular detour that I’m confident you’ll thoroughly enjoy.

Stop 1. Sneem

The first stop of day 2 is the picturesque little village of Sneem, a 25-minute drive from Kenmare.

Park where you can just after you enter the village and then saunter up to the little bridge here.

There’s a lovely view here over ‘Sneem Falls’ and out towards the mountains.

Continue on into the centre, saunter around the little town triangle (look out for the bright pink exterior of D O’Shea’s Bar and the Charles De Gaulle Memorial) and then head back to the car.

Stop 2. Staigue Fort

Leave Sneem and drive 25 minutes until you arrive at the ancient Staigue Stone Fort.

Staigue is believed to have been built in the late Iron Age (around 300–400 AD) as a defensive stronghold, likely for a local king.

It’s been partly restored, and you can walk through its massive stone walls. The views of the surrounding countryside from here are nothing short of spectacular.

Stop 3. Derrynane

One of the most impressive beaches that you’ll see on this 2 day Ring of Kerry itinerary is the one at Derrynane, a 5-minute drive from Caherdaniel.

Derrynane is tucked into a sheltered bay and backed by a natural harbour, making it one of the most scenic spots along the Kerry coast.

As you wander across the soft sands, look out for the ruins of Derrynane Abbey, which are thought to date back to the 6th century. Set on a rocky outcrop at the edge of the beach, the abbey adds a touch of ancient mystery to the landscape.

Stop 4. Waterville for lunch and a ramble

Waterville (20 minutes from Derrynane) makes a perfect pitstop if you’re craving good food and a breath of sea air.

The village sits between the Atlantic and Lough Currane, with a lovely seafront ideal for a short stroll.

If you fancy a feed, The Lobster Bar and Restaurant (hearty mains, and a relaxed, welcoming vibe) and Dooleys (overlooks Ballinskelligs Bay with views to match the food) both pack a punch.

Stop 5. The Skellig Ring

As you leave Waterville, you’ll have the option to detour onto the Skellig Ring, a rugged and less-travelled stretch packed with dramatic scenery.

This isn’t part of the official Ring of Kerry route, but it’s well worth the detour if you’ve got the time. The road winds past craggy headlands, sheep-speckled hills, and sea views that stop you in your tracks.

Expect standout stops like the Kerry Cliffs (taller than the Cliffs of Moher), Valentia Island, and viewpoints where the Skelligs rise sharply from the sea.

I’ve outlined a full itinerary with info on all of the stops (with maps) in my Skellig Ring Guide.

Stop 6. Rossbeigh

When you leave Valentia Island, it’s about a 50-minute drive to Rossbeigh Beach. The route takes you through Cahersiveen (a good place to stretch your legs) and along a scenic stretch of road with views of the Dingle Peninsula off to the left.

Stop at the Mountain Stage Viewpoint (here on Maps) for a sweeping look at Inch Beach and the mountains beyond.

Rossbeigh Beach itself stretches 7km into Dingle Bay, a long, sandy spit backed by dunes and mountain views.

It’s a Blue Flag beach and part of a conservation area, so it’s wild and unspoiled, with excellent conditions for both swimming and surfing.

Stop 7. Lough Caragh

From Rossbeigh, you’re going to take a very scenic route back to Kenmare Town (I’ve outlined the route for you on Maps here – it takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes).

This glacial lake sits quietly between Glenbeigh and Killorglin, backed by forested hills and with views stretching toward the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks.

It’s part of a protected conservation area and remains blissfully untouched by major development. You’ll pass mirror-still waters, luxury lakeside homes, and dense woodlands, all while the Kerry mountains loom in the distance.

Stop 8. Kenmare via Ballaghbeama

When you leave the lake behind you, head towards Glencar – it’s from here that the drive along the Ballaghbeama Gap begins.

This narrow mountain pass slices through the wild heart of the Iveragh Peninsula, flanked by towering cliffs and wind-whipped hills.

It feels completely untouched, like stepping into a prehistoric landscape. The road twists and dips through the valley, with barely another car in sight, giving you that rare feeling of having the mountains all to yourself.

Warning: The phone signal along the Ballaghbeama Gap is non-existent, the roads are narrow in places and it’s a popular route for cyclists, so please drive with caution

Stop 9. Kenmare for the night

When you land back in Kenmare, you’ll be in need of a rest. Head back to your accommodation and chill.

When you’re ready to rock, the likes of The Lime Tree and Mulcahy’s are great for food while Crowley’s is hard to beat for a pint.

Wrapping up your Ring of Kerry weekend road trip

I’m pretty confident you’ll enjoy this 2 day Ring of Kerry itinerary if you follow the guide above.

From the first time I drove this route (it’s had a few tweaks since!), I’ve passed it on to friends, family, and plenty of travellers, and it’s always gets very good feedback.

If you’re feeling stuck or unsure about planning your own trip, pop a question into the comments below and I’ll do my best to help!