9 Best Tours to the Ring of Kerry
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Wondering what are the best tours to The Ring of Kerry? Let me help you.
I have been exploring the ring of Kerry several times as it’s one of my favorite places in Ireland and in this post, I will share the top tours that you can do to see the most interesting spots of this spectacular scenery destination.
In my opinion, it is best to visit the Ring of Kerry on your own by car but if you are short of time or you are not comfortable driving in Ireland, many amazing tours can take you there.
So, to make the most of this extraordinary region, I’ve gathered the best-guided tours across the Ring of Kerry that will surely leave you mesmerized and inspired.
Best Tours to the Ring of Kerry from Killarney
1. Private Tour of Ring of Kerry and Valentia Island 2024
5.0 ⭐️ 54 Reviews
With this private tour, you can choose a convenient meeting point from Killarney to be picked up and venture across the Ring of Kerry, including the Skellig Ring, a must-do destination.
Along the road, you can also include any stops you might desire, such as Valentia Island, Macgillycuddy Reeks, Sneem, Waterville, and Bog Village.
Therefore, with this tour, you can easily immerse in the area’s stunning scenery of lush valleys, dramatic cliffs, golden coastlines, and cascading waterfalls.
We had an absolutely wonderful trip with Ted on our Ring of Kerry tour. It was top notch from beginning to end. He is so knowledgeable about the area and has a terrific personality. I would highly recommend this tour.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ pgorton01, Oct 2023
2. Private Tour: Ring of Kerry from Kerry. Dingle, Tralee etc. 2024
5.0 ⭐️ 8 Reviews
If you prefer to join a customized tour to suit your interests and preferences, this fantastic private tour allows you to create your itinerary in Ireland, from selecting your departure time to choosing your preferred destinations.
So, along with an informative, friendly, and professional guide, head into the Iveragh Peninsula to discover famous landmarks like ding Cahergall Fort, Leacanabuaile Fort, and Ballycarbery Castle, pass through quaint villages such as Kenmare, Sneem, and Waterville, and enjoy the beauty of the Irish countryside.
The driver, Peter, was excellent. Very knowledgeable and extremely accommodating. Would highly recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thomas_K, Jun 2022
3. Ring of Kerry: Full-Day Tour from Killarney
4.5 ⭐️ 332 Reviews
Instead of joining a private tour, this full-day organized tour is another excellent way to discover one of Europe’s finest coastal areas.
Simply sit back on your comfy seat in the air-conditioned coach and marvel at enchanting villages and historic sights while getting an insight into Ireland’s heritage from your guide.
Specifically, along the way, you’ll see stone forts and breathtaking natural landscapes, take in panoramic views of Dingle Bay and Inch Beach, see the misty Skellig Rocks, stop in the charming village of Sneem, enter Killarney National Park, and many more.
Michael was knowledgeable about the area and brought the tour to life with personal stories. Great driver and the tour was well paced.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Allison_M, Nov 2023
Ring of Kerry Tours from Cork
4. Ring of Kerry Tour from Cork: Including Killarney National Park
4.5 ⭐️ 362 Reviews
If you’re staying in Cork and wish to explore the wild beauty of the Ring of Kerry, this exhilarating full-day tour will take you through its magical landscapes, various quaint villages, stunning beaches, and lush valleys.
Specifically, the itinerary of this tour includes Sneem Village, Dingle Bay, and Killarney National Park, allowing you to easily immerse in the area’s fascinating culture, history, and natural beauty.
Incredible knowledge from our tour guide who was great with the history.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Sharon_D, Nov 2023
5. From Cork: Ring of Kerry Guided Day Trip
4.4 / 5.0⭐️ 799 Reviews
Join this full-day guided tour from Cork to see everything that the Ring of Kerry is famous for.
Specifically, this tour allows you to fully enjoy the marvelous landscapes of the Irish countryside.
See the picturesque villages of Waterville, the Ballinskelligs Bay, and the Skellig Rocks, pass through Killorglin, the home of the ancient Celtic festival known as the Puck Fair, marvel at the panoramic views of Dingle Bay, and visit the famous Killarney National Park, home to shimmering lakes, cascading waterfalls, and lush valleys.
We had a lot of fun on our trip! The Ring of Kerry is beautiful and absolutely worth the trip.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Kiley, october 2023
Ring of Kerry Tours from Kenmare
6. Private Tour: Ring of Kerry, Kerry Cliffs from Kenmare
5.0 ⭐️ 45 Reviews
Kenmare is a picturesque small town in Kerry Country and an excellent spot to stay if you want to explore the Ring of Kerry.
For instance, this fantastic private tour from Kenmare takes you on a spectacular trip across the mighty Iveragh Peninsula, where you can explore top landmarks such as Ballycarbery Castle, Cromwell’s Bridge, Muckross House, the Skellig Ring, the Stone Circle and Valentia Island, and admire the medieval forts of Cahergall and Leacanabuaile or discover pretty villages like Cahersiveen, Killorglin and Sneem.
The views were spectacular and our guide, Peter brought an abundance of stories and history to life for us. The views are truly magical as you zig and zag through the mountains and coast.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Mary_T, Sep 2023
7. Private Tour: Ring of Beara from Kenmare
5.0 ⭐️ 4 Reviews
If you’re looking for a fun-filled tour to enjoy with your family, this private tour along the Ring of Beara is the ideal choice.
First, you’ll travel to Lorge Chocolatier, a chocolate factory, then continue towards Caha Pass through West Cork.
Here, if you are feeling adventurous, you can take a boat trip to Garnish Island, home to playful seals.
Afterward, you can explore gorgeous bays such as Bantry and Kenmare, enjoy stunning views of the shimmering Glanmore Lake, and visit picturesque villages like Ardgroom, Allihies, and Eyeries.
No crowds, quiet beauty. The roads could be a little rough at times but worth the trip.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Nina_S, Jun 2023
Multiple-Day Tours to the Ring of Kerry
If you have the time, choosing a multiple-day tour of the Ring of Kerry will certainly allow you to see more of all the amazing sites it offers. It’s hard to cover everything in one day. So if you have the time here are the best multiple-day tours.
8. Four-Day Tour of the Southern and Western Coast
4.3 / 5.0 ⭐️ 3 Reviews
Multiple-day tours are an excellent choice for a hassle-free experience along the Ring of Kerry.
This fantastic four-day tour picks you up from Dublin Heuston Station and takes you on an incredible trip, starting from Cork, where you’ll visit Blarney Castle and The Queenstown Story at Cobh.
Then, you’ll continue to Killarney, which will be your base for the entire trip. During the tour, you’ll visit popular landmarks, including Dingle Bay, Macgillicuddy Reeks, Carrauntoohil, Moll’s Gap, Ladies View, the Lakes of Killarney, Bunratty Castle, Cliffs of Moher, and Galway Bay.
Overall it was very fun with a lot of beautiful sights to see.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ francois, october 2018
9. Five-Day Escape to the Southwest Tour
4.9 / 5.0 ⭐️ 17 Reviews
Another excellent multiple-day tour filled with excitement, adventure, and exploration is this comprehensive five-day tour of The Burren, the Dingle Peninsula, and the fabled Ring of Kerry.
During the trip, you’ll get to explore historic castles and monasteries and wander colorful fishing villages like Portmagee to sample fresh seafood.
Furthermore, you can marvel at the dramatic views from the Cliffs of Moher, stroll along the vast stretch of Inch Beach, visit Derrynane House, the family home of Daniel O’Connell, enjoy an evening walk in Killarney National Park, and kiss the famous Blarney Stone.
Jerome and Matthew were super guides and great drivers!! The tour lasts only 5 days but allows you to see the main tourist spots.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ elisa, august 2022
Ring of Kerry Tours vs Renting a Car: Which One is Best?
Surely, when it comes to exploring the beautiful landscapes of Ireland’s Ring of Kerry, deciding whether a guided tour or renting a car is the best choice can be a tough dilemma.
Both options have their advantages and it ultimately depends on personal preferences. So, let’s see the pros and cons of both choices to help you decide which best suits your travel style.
👍🏼 Pros of Booking a Tour
Tours offer a hassle-free experience as all the logistics are taken care of.
From transportation to itinerary planning, everything is organized for you, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the Ring of Kerry without worrying about directions or navigation.
Additionally, tours provide the expertise of knowledgeable guides who offer valuable insights and information about the region’s history, folklore, and landmarks, enhancing the overall experience.
Furthermore, these guides often know hidden gems and scenic stops that may be missed when self-driving or provide recommendations for local delicacies, entertainment, and accommodations.
However, tours offer the opportunity to meet other like-minded travelers, creating a lively atmosphere and a memorable experience.
Finally, for those short on time or unfamiliar with the area, tours provide a comprehensive overview and ensure that the must-see highlights are covered efficiently.
👎🏼 Cons of Booking a Tour
Taking a tour means that you are bound by a fixed schedule and itinerary. This lack of flexibility can be limiting for those who prefer to explore at their own pace or have specific locations they want to spend more time in.
Tours also often have limited time at each stop, which may not be enough for those who wish to fully immerse themselves in the beauty and history of the Ring of Kerry.
Additionally, tours can be quite crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons, leading to a less intimate experience and difficulty in capturing memorable photographs without a crowd in the background.
Overall, while tours provide convenience and expertise, they come with some trade-offs in terms of flexibility and personalization.
🚙 Pros of Renting a Car
Renting a car provides the ultimate flexibility and freedom to explore the region at your own pace. You can spend as much time as you desire at each location, allowing for a more personalized and intimate experience.
Renting a car also allows you to venture off the beaten path and discover hidden gems that may not be part of the usual tour itinerary.
This flexibility is particularly a plus for photographers and nature lovers who may want to spend more time capturing stunning landscapes, observing the wildlife, or simply immersing themselves in rural Ireland’s peaceful nature.
Additionally, renting a car is the best choice for those who enjoy spontaneity and feel like changing their itinerary due to individual preferences, interests, or even due to weather conditions.
Finally, undoubtedly, having your vehicle offers privacy and the chance to create a more intimate experience, especially for couples or small groups traveling together.
🚗 Cons of Renting a Car
Driving on unfamiliar roads can be stressful, especially for those who are used to driving on the left side of the road.
Furthermore, navigating narrow and winding roads can be challenging, requiring more attention and concentration, so you might not be able to fully enjoy the journey and scenery.
Also, renting a car means taking responsibility for fuel costs, parking fees, and potential tolls, which can add up and affect the overall budget.
Moreover, relying on a GPS or map for navigation may result in missed attractions or difficulty finding specific destinations, especially in areas with limited or no cellular network.
Lastly, renting a car requires finding suitable parking, which can be challenging in popular tourist spots or during peak travel season.
So, it is important to weigh these factors against the advantages of independence and flexibility that renting a car offers.
Frequently Asked Questions: Ring of Kerry Tours
Is the Ring of Kerry Tour Worth It?
So, if you’re interested in rural and coastal natural wonders, cultural heritage, and Irish history, this region is worth visiting.
How Long Do You Need to Do the Ring of Kerry?
With normal driving speed, it typically takes around 3 to 4 hours to complete the route, but without stopping.
However, it is highly recommended to spend more time to fully enjoy the scenic beauty and attractions along the route.
So, the length needed to complete the route is at least a full day or even multiple days.
What is the Best Way to Do the Ring of Kerry?
Generally, the best way to explore the Ring of Kerry is by driving. Driving in Ireland gives you the most freedom and flexibility.
However, guided bus tours are also a popular choice, as well as cycling, hiking, and public transport.
Which is Better, the Ring of Kerry or the Dingle Peninsula?
Specifically, if you prefer a more expansive and varied route with historic sites and a wider range of attractions, the Ring of Kerry may be a better choice.
However, if rugged beauty, charming villages, and a slightly less crowded experience are more appealing to you, then the Dingle Peninsula may be the preferred option.
Does the Ring of Kerry Include Cliffs of Moher?
The Cliffs of Moher are located in County Clare on the west coast of Ireland, while the Ring of Kerry is a scenic route primarily covering County Kerry in southwestern Ireland.
What is the Most Scenic Part of Kerry?
However, most would say that the most beautiful part is the Killarney National Park, which features picturesque lakes, woodlands, and mountains and is home to the famous Three Lakes of Killarney and the iconic landmarks Torc Waterfall and the Gap of Dunloe.
Final Thoughts: The Best-Guided Tours to the Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry is undoubtedly a destination that truly captivates the hearts and minds of all who visit. With its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and intriguing history, exploring this region with a guided tour is a surefire way to make the most of your experience.
So, get ready for an adventurous trip alongside your knowledgeable guide to unveil this remarkable destination’s beauty, charm, and hidden secrets.
Before You Go…
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