7 Of The Best Day Trips From Killarney (For Those With/Without A Car)

Killarney makes an excellent base for exploring Ireland’s southwest.

There are endless things to do in Killarney itself, however, when you’ve overfished those waters you still have plenty to look forward to.

There are some outstanding day trips from Killarney (both for those with a car and those without) that are well worth dedicating some time to.

Unforgettable day trips from Killarney

Take a moment to review the map above as it’ll give you a sense of where each of the Killarney day trips will take you.

As you can see, some are a short spin away, while others require a lot more time in the car/on organised tours.

1. The Ring of Kerry

The most famous of the many day trips from Killarney is the famous Ring of Kerry Drive. This scenic loop starts and ends in Killarney Town and it’s packed with postcard-worthy views, charming towns, and some of Ireland’s most iconic landscapes.

Along the 179km route, you’ll pass the misty peaks of the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, dramatic coastal viewpoints, and ancient sites like Staigue Fort.

You’ll dip into colourful villages like Kenmare and Waterville, stroll along beaches like Derrynane and Rossbeigh, and soak up panoramic views from Ladies View.

The Skellig Ring, home to the breath-taking Valentia Island and Kerry Cliffs are optional detours—but well worth it if you’ve the time and energy.

• How long you’ll need: Minimum 7–10 hours
• Organised tour options: This 7.5 hour tour explores the best of the route

2. The Dingle Peninsula

Another of the more popular Killarney day trips is the Dingle Peninsula. This 93km loop showcases dramatic coastal scenery, wild beaches, hidden ruins and one of Ireland’s most charming towns—Dingle.

Begin your spin at Inch Beach (40-min drive from Killarney), where surfers ride the Atlantic and mountains loom in the distance. Follow quiet roads to Minard Castle before arriving in colourful Dingle Town—perfect for a stroll or a seafood lunch.

From there, the route hits its stride with the world-class Slea Head Drive, which takes in cliff-edge viewpoints, ancient beehive huts, Coumeenoole Beach, Dun Chaoin Pier and the Blasket Centre.

Swing past Ceann Sibeal (a Star Wars filming location), detour to the remote Clogher Strand, then finish with the iconic Gallarus Oratory and epic views from Conor Pass.

• How long you’ll need: Minimum 6 hours
• Organised tour options: This 6-hour tour takes you all around Dingle

3. The Beara Peninsula

One of the most frequently missed day trips from Killarney is the Beara Peninsula – a place where Ireland’s wild, off-the-beaten-path beauty hugs the soul!

Less touristy than the Ring of Kerry, the Ring of Beara is a 148km route blends jaw-dropping mountain passes, colourful villages, and coastal roads that feel a world away from the crowds.

Start by crossing the Caha Pass (55 mins from Killarney), a bendy stretch of road with hand-carved tunnels and panoramic views of Bantry Bay. Drop down into Glengarriff, where you can explore its nature reserve or take a ferry to Garnish Island.

From there, the route hugs the coast past Castletown-Bearhaven, Allihies, and Eyeries, weaving between rocky inlets and windswept headlands. If you’re up for a detour the Healy Pass is a must.

• How long you’ll need: Minimum 7–10 hour
• Organised tour options: This private tour explores Beara in style

4. West Cork

West Cork doesn’t shout. It whispers—through crooked stone walls, sleepy harbours, and misty inlets. Start in Killarney and make your way to Bantry House for a stroll through its formal gardens.

Then continue on to Three Castle Head for windswept ruins and views that’ll stay with you. Next, point the car south to Mizen Head—Ireland’s most southwesterly point—where a dramatic footbridge spans jagged cliffs battered by the Atlantic.

Take a ramble on Barleycove Beach, formed by a tsunami in 1755, then swing into Crookhaven for a pint in the last pub before New York. Wrap it up in Schull, a colourful harbour village with great food and sea air.

• How long you’ll need: Minimum 8 hours
• Organised tour options: None

5. Blarney, Cork City & Kinsale

This is one of the more well-trodden day trips from Killarney. Start at Blarney Castle—yes, kissing the stone is touristy, but hanging upside down over a drop is a story in itself.

Wander the castle gardens and explore the Rock Close, home to Ireland’s oldest surviving spiral staircase and some delightfully odd druidic features.

Next, head into Cork City for a browse through the English Market—a local food haven since the 1700s. Grab a sandwich to go, then swing by Crawford Art Gallery or ring the Shandon Bells and enjoy a view over the city.

Wrap up in Kinsale, a colourful coastal town turned culinary capital. Walk the ramparts of Charles Fort, where tales of sieges and standoffs cling to every stone.

• How long you’ll need: Minimum 8 hours
• Organised tour options: None

6. The Rock of Cashel, Mallow & Cahir Castle

Next is one of the finest Killarney day trips for those looking to explore some of the best castles in Ireland.

Start off in Mallow (1-hour drive), where you can walk along the River Blackwater, grab lunch and then explore Mallow Castle, a part-ruined 16th-century manor

Then head to Cahir Castle (50-minute drive), one of Ireland’s best-preserved fortresses. Expect towers, battlements, hidden staircases, and even murder holes (used for exactly what you think).

Finish up at the Rock of Cashel (15-minute drive), a hulking medieval complex that rises from the fields like something out of a fantasy film

Once home to kings and bishops, it’s where St. Patrick famously baptised a king—accidentally driving his crozier through the poor fella’s foot.

• How long you’ll need: Minimum 7–10 hours (start early!)
• Organised tour options: None

7. Ballybunion & Loop Head

The last of my day trips from Killarney takes you along the Kerry coast and then across the water to Clare. First up is Ballybunion (1-hour drive), a favourite for summer swims (or a freezing dip if you’re brave), with its Blue Flag beach backed by castle ruins.

Then it’s time to take the Tarbert–Kilimer Ferry. The crossing takes just 20 minutes, linking Kerry to Clare and saving you a long drive around the Shannon Estuary.

Head north to Loop Head for cliff walks, a climb up the lighthouse, and the chance to spot dolphins off the headland.

Nearby, the Bridges of Ross showcase storm-sculpted sea arches, and the lesser-known Kilkee Cliffs serve up Cliffs of Moher like views without the crowds.

• How long you’ll need: Minimum 10-12 hours
• Organised tour options: None