Ring of Kerry

The largest of the peninsulas which project into the Atlantic in Kerry, in the southwest of Ireland, is the Iveragh Peninsula, bounded on the south by the estuary of the Kenmare River, on the west by the Atlantic and on the north by Dingle Bay. At the east end of the peninsula Macgillicuddy's Reeks tower up above the Killarney lakes.

A scenic road, the famous Ring of Kerry, encircles the peninsula, keeping close to the coastline for most of the way. Starting from Kenmare at the southeast corner of the peninsula, the route (here on the N70) runs west to Waterville and then north and northeast to Killorglin; from there the R562 goes inland to Killarney, from which the N71 leads south to Kenmare. The total length of the round trip is 100mi/158km; a detour to Valentia Island at the northeast corner of the peninsula will add at least another 25mi/40km. In suitable weather the Ring of Kerry is a road of extraordinary scenic beauty; it is not really possible, therefore, to do it justice in a day trip. It should be remembered also that at the height of the season traffic is very heavy on the roads.