Home to a strong contender for the title of Ireland’s top road-trip route (it’s a battle between it and the Causeway Costal Route), a shed-load of outstanding natural beauty and, of course, the Rose of Tralee, there’s little wonder why County Kerry fuels wanderlust the world over.
Arguably one of the most picturesque corners on earth, a trip to Kerry provides the perfect combination of iconic scenery along with a seemingly endless supply of charming little towns and villages, waiting to be explored.
You can conquer a mountain on a Monday and kick back with a coffee and recuperate in Dingle on a Tuesday!
If you’re planning a visit, or need some inspiration to get you over the line – here’s a glimpse of some of what you can expect to encounter while exploring County Kerry!
1 – The beautifully calm lakes of Killarney
The Lakes of Killarney: By Chris Hill
2 – Ring of Kerry Scenes – It really doesn’t get more Irish than this
The Lads: Photo via Tourism Ireland
3 – The cliffs affectionately known as the Three Sisters
Photo via Tourism Ireland
4 – Ship ahoy! Valentia Lighthouse off the south west coast of Kerry
Valentia Lighthouse: By Chris Hill
5 – An endless supply of rocky shorelines and crashing waves
Scenes along the Ring of Kerry: Photo by @storytravelers
6 – The gorgeous little town of Dingle – all that’s missing is you!
Dingle town centre
7 – Quiet rural roads… until you meet a tractor
8 – Hand-built stone walls and friendly locals around every corner
Horses and stone walls: Via Tourism Ireland
9 – Dunquin Pier – the departure point for the Blasket Island Ferry
Photo © The Irish Road Trip
10 – Who needs Ibiza?! Now, if only the water wasn’t sub zero…
Photo by Lukasz Pajor/shutterstock.com
11 – What better way to experience the winding roads than by horse and cart?!
Photo © The Irish Road Trip
12 – The sheltered sandy beach of Derrynane
Derrynane Beach: Via Tourism Ireland
13 – Imagine taking the load off your feet here for a couple of hours?!
Skellig Islands from afar: Photo by Arthur Ward
14 – Gleninchaquin Park – home to a bounty of waterfalls, streams, woodlands and lakes
Gleninchaquin Park, Beara Peninsula: By Valerie O’Sullivan
15 – The stunning weather-beaten cliffs at Bray Head
Bray Head, Co. Kerry: By Fearghus Foyle (via Ireland’s Content Pool)
16 – The Gap of Dunloe – the narrow pass between the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and Purple Mountain
The Gap of Dunlop: Photo by John Hession
17 – The beautifully unique Coumeenoole beach between Slea Head and Dunmore Head
Coumeenoole beach & Bay: By Chris Hill
18 – A tangy sunset hanging over the Skellig Islands
19 – The real star of the latest Star Wars movie – the Skelligs
Photo by the Irish Air Corps
20 – A chunk of the scenery you’ll encounter on the Slea Head Drive
Slea Head: Via Tourism Ireland
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent much of the last 13 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 40 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.