The magnificent Ladies View in Killarney is arguably Kerry’s best known viewpoint, but a visit comes with several safety warnings.
One of the most popular stops on the Ring of Kerry route, Ladies View can be enjoyed from several different viewpoints, one of which is situated at a very bad blindspot.
But we’ll get to that in a moment! Ladies View, which got its name after a memorable visit from Queen Victoria in 1861, is a short spin from Killarney Town. Discover all you need-to-know below!
Some quick need-to-knows before visiting Ladies View
Ladies View in Killarney is one of the most popular of the many places to visit in Kerry, but there’s a few ‘need-to-knows’ that’ll make your trip all the more enjoyable.
Pay close attention to the warnings in the map above – there are some potential safety issues, as the viewing point is located on a bend in the road.
1. Parking
There are two areas to park at Ladies View. If you are coming from Killarney Town, the first one you’ll reach is located across from the cafe (here on maps). The second is located further up the road (here on maps)
2. Where the danger comes in
If you look at the map above you’ll see that viewpoint 1 is very tight – it’s literally at the side of the road and there’s a blindspot just up from it. Reversing out of here can be very dangerous, especially if you have a car parked next to you and your view is partially obstructed.
3. Getting an uninterrupted view
If you head to the second viewpoint, along the road toward Moll’s Gap, you’ll find a newish walkway out to a viewing area. This is relatively flat ground and should be doable for even those with limited mobility.
The story of Ladies View and Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting
Photos via Shutterstock
It was in 1861 that Queen Victoria and Prince Albert took their now-famous 8-day trip to Ireland, a visit that helped catapult Killarney to the forefront of Ireland’s tourist towns.
It was during this trip that they took a trip to Kerry and spent time in Killarney. It’s said that 10,000 people attended a firework display that was put on for the Royal arrivals.
The Ladies in Waiting
Queen Victoria travelled with what were known as her ‘Ladies in Waiting’. These were personal assistants that helped the Queen in all aspects of her daily life.
The story goes that King and Queen were travelling by horse and carriage along the Ring of Kerry, taking in the likes of Torc Waterfall and Muckross Abbey.
However, it was the viewpoint that overlooked the Lakes of Killarney that stole the show. It’s said that the Queen’s Ladies in Waiting were so taken with the view that it was then named after them.
The 2 Ladies View viewpoints
As I mentioned earlier, there are two main viewpoints for Ladies View (there’s also the viewpoint on the upper level of the cafe!).
I’ve included road-side photos below to hopefully convey where the danger lies with the first viewing area.
Viewpoint 1
Photos via Google Maps
As you can see from the photos above, the first Ladies View viewpoint is literally right next to the road. There’s a great view from here, yes, but as this is one of the more popular things to do around Killarney, it gets busy.
If you look at the cars on the right, they’re parked facing the view. When they reverse, they won’t be able to see if there are cars coming.
Unless you visit during the off-season when it’s quiet, avoid parking here.
Viewpoint 2
Photos via Google Maps
The second Ladies View viewing area is set in off of the road and it has a decent bit of room to turn if needed. If you look at the bottom right photo, you’ll see that the viewpoint is just in from the car park.
It’ll take you 30 seconds to walk to it and from there you’ll be treated to one of the most impressive views in Kerry.
Things to do near Ladies View in Killarney
One of the beauties of Ladies View is that it’s a short spin away from many of the Ring of Kerry highlights.
On the map above, you’ll the the route mapped out for our 1-day Ring of Kerry itinerary – here are my favourite stops nearby:
- Moll’s Gap (10-minute drive): A mountain pass that offers views of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks
- Torc Waterfall (15-minute drive): 20 metres high falls surrounded by rich foliage and flora
- Killarney National Park (25-minute drive): Home to Ross Castle and Muckross House
- The Gap of Dunloe (40-minute drive): A famous mountain pass between Purple Mountain and the MacGillycuddys
Frequently asked questions
We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from where to park at Ladies View to where to grab the best views.
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.
Why is it called Ladies View?
The area was visited by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1861. The Queen was accompanied by her Ladies in Waiting. It was said that they were so impressed with the view that it was named after them.
Where can you get the best view?
The best view of Ladies View in Killarney is either 1, just down the road from the main parking area (info above) or 2, from the Ladies View Cafe.
Is there much to see nearby?
Yep! You have Moll’s Gap and Torc Waterfall a very short distance away. There’s also Killarney National Park, Ross Castle and much more nearby.
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.