The Kerry Road Trip: A Full 2 And 3 Day Kerry Itinerary That Packs A Punch

In this guide I’ll be giving you a 2 and 3 day Kerry road trip that I have followed on 3 occasions over the past decade.

It’ll take you to the best places to visit in Kerry during a speedy but nicely paced 2 to 3 day visit (you can shorten/lengthen depending on how much time you have).

The itinerary will suit both those that have visited the county before and those that are embarking on their first visit, taking in the Ring of Kerry, the Skellig Ring, Killarney and the Dingle Peninsula.

Our Kerry road trip: A quick look at the itinerary

The map above very loosely outlines this Kerry itinerary – there are more stops each day, but it’ll give you a sense of where each day takes you. Here’s an overview:

• Day 1: I’ll give you several options on how to tackle today, from exploring by bike, the Gap of Dunloe tour and a handy rainy-day option
• Day 2: A combination of the Ring of Kerry and the Skellig Ring
• Day 3: The Dingle Peninsula

Our Kerry itinerary mapped out

The Google Map above contains all of the stops on my Kerry road trip itinerary, so it’s worth bookmarking this page so you can revert back to it.

The burgundy arrows are for day 1, the yellow are for day 2, and the blue are for day 3. Now, remember – you don’t have to follow this to a tee – chop and change it however you see fit!

Looking for Ring of Kerry itineraries? If you’re only looking to explore the ROK, see my 1 day Ring of Kerry itinerary, my 2 day Ring of Kerry itinerary or my 3 day Ring of Kerry itinerary

Kerry road trip: Day 1

Day one of our Kerry road trip takes us straight to Killarney Town, a lively base nestled beside 10,000-hectare Killarney National Park, Ireland’s first national park, with lakes, mountains, waterfalls and historic estates all within easy reach of the town centre.

Now, I’m going to give you several options to choose from on day one, as there’s an awful lot to see in this corner of Kerry and you only have one day to see it.

Option 1: Ditch the car and explore by bike

The map above will give you a clear sense of where this day will take you. As you can see, the different attractions in Killarney are quite spread out, so you can’t avoid doubling back on yourself.

Rent a bike from the bike rental spot on the Muckross Road (there’s plenty of parking) and then head off on your merry way.

The highlight from the first 1/2 of the day is the brilliant 1-hour Lakes of Killarney Cruise that leaves from near Ross Castle.

Option 2: The Gap of Dunloe

The Gap of Dunloe is one of Kerry’s best-known natural attractions. Formed during the last Ice Age around 25,000 years ago, it cuts through a dramatic valley between the MacGillycuddy Reeks and Purple Mountain.

You’ll find the main starting point at Kate Kearney’s Cottage, around 12km from Killarney Town (roughly a 15-minute drive). There are four main ways to experience the Gap:

• The walk: There are two walks to choose from – a short 2km stroll to the Wishing Bridge and back (around 40 minutes) or the full 10km walk, which takes 4 to 5 hours
• The cycle: For competent cyclists (the route is on narrow country roads in parts!), this is one of Kerry’s finest cycles. You can rent bikes in the town
• The drive: The Gap of Dunloe is a public road, so you can legally drive it. However, I’d strongly advise against it unless you do it very early in the morning before the jaunting cars arrive
• The tour (best option): This tour drives you to the start and takes from the end via boat back to Killarney. If you’re visiting without a car, this is the handiest option

Option 3: Explore by bus or car

If you have a car, happy days – you’ll be able to zip around Killarney Town with ease. Depending on where you stop, you may also have time to see the first two stops on the Ring of Kerry Drive – Ladies View and Moll’s Gap (not pictured on the map above).

If you don’t have a car, don’t worry – the hop-on/hop-off bus takes you to all of the stops shown above. Below, I’ll take you through the itinerary for those driving from stop-to-stop.

Stop 1. Coffee from the Curious Cat

The Curious Cat Café serves up hearty breakfasts, handmade pastries, and excellent coffee in a cat-inspired setting.

The menu includes everything from veggie skillets and gluten-free avocado toast to loaded sandwiches, fries, and sweet crepes.

You’ve a good bit of action ahead of you on day one of this Kerry road trip, so fuel up and then head off into the town.

Have more time? Here’s a 2 day Killarney itinerary and a 3 day Killarney itinerary!

Stop 2. St. Mary’s Cathedral

A 10-minute stroll from the cafe brings you to St. Mary’s Cathedral, one of Killarney’s most striking landmarks.

Designed by renowned architect Augustus Pugin, the Gothic Revival cathedral was built from local limestone, with work beginning in 1842 before delays caused by the Great Famine and funding shortages pushed its completion to 1855.

Its soaring spire, pointed lancet windows and peaceful setting give it a distinctly monastic feel. Although alterations were made during the 1970s, much of the cathedral’s original character remains intact.

Stop 3. Killarney House and Gardens

Next up is Killarney House and Gardens, around a 15-minute walk from St. Mary’s Cathedral. Sitting on the edge of Killarney National Park, it offers an easy introduction to the park’s landscapes without having to venture far from town.

The estate was once part of the vast Kenmare Estate before American businessman John McShain refurbished the house in the 1950s and later transferred much of the surrounding land to the State.

The gardens are free to visit and feature neatly maintained lawns, colourful planting schemes and several walking paths that lead towards the national park. Inside, exhibitions chart the history of the house and its former residents.

Stop 4. Ross Castle

Next, make the short 15-minute drive to Ross Castle, which sits on the shores of Lough Leane.

Built during the 15th century by the O’Donoghue clan, this imposing tower house is one of the best-preserved castles in Kerry. Local folklore claims that O’Donoghue still sleeps beneath the waters of Lough Leane and rises from the lake on a white horse every seven years.

There are two ways to experience Ross Castle:

• Option 1: Admire it from the outside and enjoy the lakeside setting
• Option 2: Join the guided tour and explore the castle’s interior

Stop 5. The Killarney Lakes cruise

Right beside Ross Castle, you’ll find one of the most popular things to do in Killarney – the Lakes of Killarney cruise.

The 1-hour cruise takes you out onto Lough Leane, passing wooded islands and offering views of landmarks like Innisfallen Island and its ancient monastic site.

Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way, including red deer and white-tailed sea eagles, while Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrauntoohil, looms in the distance.

With a covered, heated boat and live commentary throughout, it’s an easy-going way to experience the lakes while learning a little about the area’s history, folklore and wildlife.

Stop 6. Lunch

You’ve covered a good chunk of Killarney’s highlights, so it’s time to head back into town for some lunch.

There are plenty of excellent restaurants in Killarney, but Bricín is hard to beat if you’re after traditional Irish food in a cosy setting. The menu centres around its famous boxty – a traditional Irish potato pancake – with fillings ranging from lamb and seafood to chicken.

Stop 7. Killarney’s famous sites

Your Kerry road trip expands beyond the town after lunch. If you’re taking the bus, head to a pickup spot in town and then stop at the Abbey followed by Torc.

If you’re driving, head for:

• A: Muckross Abbey to explore the ruins
• B: The guided tour of Muckross House
• C: Torc Waterfall

Stop 8. Pubs in Killarney

Day one of this weekend in Kerry itinerary is coming to an end, but not before what’s sure to be a memorable night out in the town.

Head to your hotel for a bit of downtime (check out my guide to the best hotels in Killarney), then get ready to hit the town.

• Restaurants in Killarney: Cronins (classic Irish dishes), Porterhouse (great steaks, seafood and cocktails) and The Mad Monk (excellent fresh seafood and daily grill specials)
• Pubs in Killarney: O’Connors (old-school pub with excellent Guinness) and Jimmy Brien’s (small, traditional and usually full of locals)
• Live music: Murphy’s (traditional sessions in a cosy setting) and J.M. Reidy’s (buzzy late-night spot with several bars inside)

Where to stay

We’ll be spending night 1 and 2 of this Kerry road trip in Killarney, so you’ll need to book accommodation in the town in advance.

Here are some Killarney accommodation guides to help you pick a place to stay:

• Budget: Kingdom Lodge
• Mid-range: Killarney Avenue
• Luxury: The Killarney Park

Kerry itinerary: Day 2

Day 2 of my weekend in Kerry itinerary is a mash up of two of the finest drives in the county: the Ring of Kerry drive and the Skellig Ring drive.

Now, if you were to drive this entire route without stopping, it’d take you around 4 hours. With stops, it’ll take a lot longer.

Stop 1: Ladies View

First up is Ladies View, a 30-minute drive from the town and one of the most famous viewpoints in Killarney National Park. From here, you’ll look out across the Lakes of Killarney, with mountains rising on all sides.

A quick heads-up before you arrive: although there’s parking directly beside the viewpoint, pulling back onto the road can be tricky due to a blind bend nearby. Please take note of the warnings on my map above.

The viewpoint takes its name from Queen Victoria’s 1861 visit to Kerry. Her ladies-in-waiting were said to have been particularly taken with the scenery, and the spot has carried their name ever since.

Stop 2: Moll’s Gap

Moll’s Gap is an optional stop, but it’s a handy one. There’s parking beside the Avoca café, making it a good place to grab a coffee, stretch the legs and use the facilities before continuing on.

The pass takes its name from Moll Kissane, who ran a shebeen (an unlicensed pub) nearby during the construction of the Killarney to Kenmare road in the 1820s. According to local lore, she supplied poitín to the road workers, who later named the area in her honour.

The viewpoint here overlooks one of the best-known bends on the route, where the road twists through the mountains below.

Stop 3: Kenmare

Kenmare is one of the most charming towns you’ll visit on this Kerry road trip and it’s well worth taking a little time to explore. While there are many attractions in Kenmare, I’d recommend keeping things simple and enjoying a wander through the colourful streets.

The town’s centre is compact and easy to explore on foot, with bright shopfronts, independent cafés, traditional pubs and plenty of spots to stop and watch the world go by.

If you’re visiting during the summer months, expect a lively atmosphere, with both locals and visitors filling the streets from morning until late into the evening.

Stop 4: Staigue Stone Fort

One of the more unusual stops on the Ring of Kerry is Staigue Stone Fort, which sits in the hills outside Caherdaniel.

A quick heads-up before you set off: reaching it involves driving along a narrow country road, so take it handy, especially during the busier months.

Believed to date from the late Iron Age, sometime between 300 and 400 AD, Staigue is one of the largest and best-preserved stone forts in Ireland. Built without mortar, its thick stone walls have stood for well over 1,500 years and offer a fascinating glimpse into early Ireland.

Get lunch in Caherdaniel: Head to the nearby town of Caherdaniel (it’s en route) and drop into the brilliant Blind Piper – a lovely traditional pub where you’ll find some hearty fare.

Stop 5: Derrynane Beach

Derrynane Beach is widely regarded as one of the finest beaches on the Ring of Kerry and it’s well worth a stop if the weather is even half-decent.

Backed by dunes and fringed by clear Atlantic water, the beach curves around Derrynane Bay and looks out towards Abbey Island, home to an old graveyard and the ruins of a medieval church.

The water can appear deceptively calm, but strong currents exist in places and parts of the beach are unsuitable for swimming, so pay attention to any warning signs.

Stop 6: Coomakista viewpoint

Coomakista is one of the standout viewpoints along the Ring of Kerry and one of the Wild Atlantic Way discovery points.

There’s plenty of parking here, so pull in, stretch the legs and take a few minutes to enjoy the views across Kenmare Bay and the Atlantic beyond.

On a clear day, you’ll be able to spot Deenish Island and Scariff Island offshore. With mountains behind you and open ocean ahead, it’s one of those places that gives you a real sense of just how rugged this stretch of Kerry’s coastline is.

Stop 7: Waterville

Waterville is set between the Atlantic Ocean and the mountains of the Iveragh Peninsula. The views on the approach are reason enough to stop, with the coastline stretching away beside you and, on a clear day, the Dingle Peninsula visible across the water.

The village is closely associated with Charlie Chaplin, who spent many summers holidaying here from the late 1950s onwards. You’ll find a statue of him in the centre, along with several nods to his connection with the area.

If you’re stopping off, take a wander along the seafront, grab a coffee and spend a few minutes soaking up the views. It’s not packed with major attractions, but that’s part of its appeal. Waterville has a relaxed atmosphere that’s easy to appreciate, even during a short visit.

Stop 8: Ballinskelligs

At this point, we’ll leave the main Ring route behind and head onto the Skellig Ring, a spectacular detour that many people consider the highlight of their Kerry road trip

If you’re pressed for time, you can skip it, but I’d strongly recommend including it if your schedule allows. Your first stop is the village of Ballinskelligs.

Head straight for Ballinskelligs Beach, where a wide stretch of sand looks out towards the Atlantic and the ruins of Ballinskelligs Castle, which stands on a rocky outcrop just offshore.

Stop 9: Coomanaspig

One of my favourite things to do in Kerry is to drive up to Coomanaspig – one of the highest points in Ireland that’s accessible by car.

The views from up here are extraordinary. On a clear day, you’ll look out across steep cliffs, the Atlantic Ocean and the Skellig Islands, with the road winding its way down towards Portmagee below.

There’s plenty of space to pull in, but be prepared for strong winds – this place is fully exposed to the elements.

Stop 10: The Kerry Cliffs

The Kerry Cliffs are often overlooked in favour of the Cliffs of Moher, but they’re every bit as impressive and tend to attract a fraction of the crowds.

Access is through private land, with an admission fee payable at the entrance before a short uphill walk brings you to the viewing areas. The climb is steep in places, but it doesn’t take long and the payoff is well worth the effort.

Rising around 1,000 feet above the Atlantic, the cliffs offer sweeping views of the coastline, the Skellig Islands and the ocean beyond. Formed more than 400 million years ago, they’re among the most dramatic natural attractions on the Iveragh Peninsula.

Stop 11: Geokaun Mountain and Cliffs

When you leave the Kerry Cliffs, continue through Portmagee and cross the bridge onto Valentia Island, one of the most fascinating places on the Kerry coast.

Despite its relatively small size, the island packs in a remarkable amount of history and scenery. It played a key role in global communications during the 19th century, when the first successful transatlantic telegraph cable linked Europe and North America from here.

Make a beeline for Geokaun Mountain and the Fogher Cliffs. After paying the entrance fee, a short but steep path leads to a series of viewpoints overlooking Valentia, the Skellig Islands and the Atlantic beyond. It’s one of the few places in Ireland where such spectacular scenery is accessible with minimal walking.

When you finish, grab dinner in Portmagee: Park up and head for the Moorings. You can’t miss it as the village is tiny.

Stop 12: Rossbeigh Beach

The final stop on this weekend in Kerry itinerary is Rossbeigh Beach, a vast stretch of sand just outside Glenbeigh. It’s around a 45-minute drive from Portmagee, but it’s a fitting place to finish the day.

The beach stretches for roughly 7km along Dingle Bay, with mountains rising behind it and Atlantic waves rolling in from the front.

There’s a large car park beside the beach, so park up and take a stroll along the sand. You’ll often spot surfers in the water and, on a clear evening, the views across towards the Dingle Peninsula are hard to beat.

Once you’ve had your fill of sea air, it’s time to make your way back to your accommodation in Killarney and call it a day.

Kerry trip: Day 3

The final day of my Kerry itinerary takes you out to the Dingle Peninsula, where there’s everything from hikes, walks and scenic drives on offer.

Again, remember, you don’t have to follow this guide to a tee – just pick the stops you want to visit or add ones in wherever you see fit.

1. Inch Beach

Day 3 of your Kerry road trip begins with a visit to Inch Beach, around 45 minutes from Killarney. Stretching for roughly 5.5km along a narrow peninsula, it’s one of the largest beaches in Kerry and a popular spot for walkers, surfers and sea swimmers alike.

Take a wander along the sand and soak up the views across Dingle Bay. If the conditions are right, you’ll spot surfers out in the waves while others enjoy a quieter stroll along the shoreline.

2. Minard Castle

Next up is Minard Castle and Beach, around 15 minutes away. Tucked down a series of narrow country roads, this is one of the lesser-visited stops on the Dingle Peninsula and one that many visitors miss entirely.

The ruins of the 16th-century tower house stand above a small beach and rocky coastline, creating one of the more dramatic scenes along this stretch of Kerry. Film fans may recognise the castle from the 1970 classic Ryan’s Daughter, where it appeared as “The Tower”.

3. Dingle Town for lunch and a stroll

Leave Minard and take the 15-minute spin to Dingle Town (there’s parking available near the harbour).

I’m going to recommend that you check-into your accommodation if you can (see my guide on where to stay in Dingle) and then grab an early lunch.

The reason for this is that lunch options are relatively limited once you head off to Slea Head. If you fancy, you can head for a ramble following the route in my map above, or you can leave it until later.

4. The Slea Head Drive

You’re about a 20-minute drive from the start of the Slea Head Drive, a 38km (24-mile) route showcasing many of the top attractions in Dingle. Here’s a quick guide to the highlights along the way:

1. Ventry Beach: A 4.5km Blue Flag beach
2. Ceann Sleibhe and the White Cross: Two incredible viewpoints
3. Radharc na mBlascaoidí: Panoramic views of Dunmore Head
4. Coumeenoole Beach: A breathtaking beach with strong rip tides
5. Dun Chaoin Pier: Launch point for the Blasket Island Ferry
6. Ceann Sraithe: A famous Star Wars filming spot
7. Clogher Strand: One of Kerry’s most beautiful beaches

5. An evening in Dingle

When you’ve had your fill of Slea Head, nip back to your accommodation and chill for a bit. You’ve plenty to look forward to on the 1st night of your weekend in Kerry road trip.

Dingle is a haven for superb food and outstanding traditional pubs, and you’ll sample the best of both tonight. I’ll give you my favourites below, but my guide to the best food in Dingle and the best pubs in Dingle offer more depth!

Where to eat

• The Fish Box: Casual and consistently excellent. Try the Seafood Spice Box, the monkfish or the tasty tacos
• Out of The Blue: The menu changes daily depending on the catch. Expect lobster, monkfish, halibut and properly executed classics in a polished but relaxed setting
• Land to Sea: A step up for a special night. Seasonal tasting menus built around Kerry finest produce

My favourite pubs

• Curran’s Bar: Trading since 1871 and still has the feel of an old general store. Character-filled and my favourite pint in the town
• Kennedy’s: Cosy, fire-lit and known for welcoming travelling musicians. A proper traditional pub
• Foxy John’s: One of Dingle’s most unique spots. Tools behind the bar, trad sessions often in full swing and a consistently good pint

FAQs about our Kerry trip

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from which Kerry road trip route is the most scenic to which packs in the most castles.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

What’s the best Kerry road trip for 2 and 3 days?

Spend 2 days in either Kenmare of Killarney and explore the National Park and the area that surrounds Killarney on day 1. Drive the Ring of Kerry and detour onto the Skellig Ring on day 2 and then round off your Kerry itinerary in Dingle on day 3.

Is it worth spending 48 hours in Kerry?

Yes, it absolutely is. You just need to make sure your itinerary is planned out in advance to make the most of your time.

Can the Kerry itinerary above be done with public transport?

No, unfortunately not! It was mapped out with a car in mind, for flexibility, so it wouldn’t be possible if you’re reliant of buses and trains.