Ring of Kerry
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Ring of Kerry is a tourist trail in County Kerry, south-western Ireland. The route covers the 170 km circular road (N70, N71 and R562), starting from Killarney, heading around the Iveragh peninsula and passing through Kenmare, Sneem, Waterville, Cahersiveen and Killorglin. Popular points include Muckross House (near Killarney), Staigue Fort and Derrynane House, home of Daniel O'Connell. Just south of Killarney, Ross Castle, Lough Leane, and Ladies View (a panoramic viewpoint), all located within Killarney National Park, are major attractions located along the Ring.
There is also an established, walking path named Kerry Way, which takes its own route and a signposted Ring of Kerry cycling path which uses older quieter roads where possible. The Kerry Way is the longest (215km) signposted walking trail in the Republic of Ireland, and is situated in County Kerry. It passes through some of the most beautiful scenic areas of the country. The trail crosses a wide variety of terrain but, due to onging land access issues, avoids climbing the highest peaks of the mountains. The Kerry Way roughly follows the scenic driving route of the Ring of Kerry.
There are numerous variations to the route taking in St. Finian's Bay and Valentia Island which the official driving ring misses (the official cycling route takes in Valentia island).
"The Ring" is a popular day trip and numerous bus companies offer trips during the summer months. As the narrow roads make it difficult for tour coaches to pass, all tour busses run in an anti-clockwise (or counter-clockwise) direction, travelling via Killorglin first. It is recommended that car owners travel in the opposite direction, going first to Kenmare to avoid delays caused by tour busses.
