Ring of Kerry Tours
From clifftop drives that take your breath away to secret chocolate factories tucked in peaceful valleys, experience the Ring of Kerry as only locals know it – with insider access to places tour buses simply cannot reach.
Ring of Kerry Skellig Coast Discovery (3 Day Private Tour)
This carefully crafted tour offers an immersive exploration of the western section of the Ring of Kerry, focusing on the dramatic Skellig Coast, Valentia Island and the spectacular Kerry Cliffs. The charming fishing village of Portmagee serves as your perfect harbour base.
Day 1 – Cork/Killarney to Portmagee via Kenmare & Sneem
Pick-up in Cork or Killarney and begin your journey into the heart of Kerry’s most spectacular coastline.
Our first stop takes us to Kenmare, perfectly nestled at the mouth of Kenmare Bay for a relaxing coffee break and stroll through this heritage town’s colorful streets.
Continue to the picturesque village of Sneem, famous for its rainbow-colored houses arranged around two village greens. Perfect for capturing those quintessential Irish village photos and exploring the unique sculpture park.
Journey through the scenic village of Caherdaniel with a visit to Derrynane House, the ancestral home of Daniel O’Connell, “The Great Liberator.” Explore this beautifully restored mansion set within 300 acres of National Historic Park.
Optional visit to the remarkable Staigue Stone Fort, one of Ireland’s finest examples of Iron Age architecture. This 2,000-year-old circular fort showcases sophisticated dry-stone building techniques that have withstood the test of time.
Arrive in the charming fishing village of Portmagee in the evening, perfectly positioned to explore the Skellig Coast. End your day with dinner overlooking the harbour, where you can watch the fishing boats and enjoy fresh Atlantic seafood.
Overnight Portmagee.
Day 2 – Valentia Island & The Kerry Cliffs
Cross the historic bridge to Valentia Island, Ireland’s most westerly inhabited point, and gateway to some of Kerry’s most spectacular attractions.
Visit the fascinating Skellig Experience Centre where you’ll learn about the remarkable 6th-century monastery on Skellig Michael. Climb Geokaun Mountain for panoramic Atlantic views and explore the scenic Bray Head area with its dramatic clifftop walks.
Weather permitting, take an optional boat tour around the iconic Skellig Michael, made famous by Star Wars and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the afternoon, experience the breathtaking Kerry Cliffs, offering spectacular Atlantic views with dramatic 1,000-foot drops into the ocean. These cliffs rival the more famous Cliffs of Moher but with far fewer crowds.
Take the scenic mountain route over Cúm an Easpaig and descend into the peaceful valley known as The Glen. Here, visit the delightful Skellig Chocolate Factory where you can watch artisan chocolates being made and sample their unique Kerry-inspired flavors.
For the more energetic, part of the Bolus Head Loop Walk offers rewarding coastal views and a chance to experience Kerry’s rugged landscape up close.
Return to Portmagee for a relaxed evening.
Overnight Portmagee.
Day 3 – Return via Cahersiveen & Kells Bay Gardens
Begin with a brief stop in Cahersiveen, birthplace of Daniel O’Connell. Visit the unique O’Connell Memorial Church, the only church in the world named after a layperson – a touching tribute to Ireland’s great liberator.
Continue to the magical Kells Bay Gardens, often called “Ireland’s Jurassic Park.” These subtropical gardens feature an extraordinary collection of tree ferns, palm trees, and exotic plants from around the world, thriving in Kerry’s unique Gulf Stream microclimate.
Return journey to Cork or Killarney with an optional afternoon in Killarney National Park, time permitting. Visit the elegant Muckross House and Gardens or enjoy a traditional jaunting car ride through Ireland’s first national park.
Arrive Cork or Killarney evening.
Ring of Kerry Lakes, Legends & Luxury Retreat (3 Day Private Tour)
A relaxed and comprehensive introduction to Kerry’s scenic highlights, combining the tranquil beauty of Killarney’s lakes with the dramatic Atlantic coastline. Perfect for visitors wanting to experience the full spectrum of Kerry’s magic.
Day 1 – Cork to Killarney via Healy Pass
Pick-up in Cork and begin your journey along the scenic West Cork coastline, where dramatic headlands meet the Atlantic Ocean.
Cross into Kerry via the spectacular Healy Pass, one of Ireland’s most breathtaking mountain routes. The winding road through the Caha Mountains offers panoramic views across Bantry Bay and the Beara Peninsula.
Optional lunch stop in the charming town of Glengarriff, famous for its mild climate and Italian Gardens on Garnish Island, or the picturesque heritage town of Kenmare with its colorful buildings and artisan shops.
Arrive in Killarney, the jewel of Kerry, and check into your hotel. For the ultimate luxurious escape, upgrade to The Europe Resort, Ireland’s only 5-star resort, set on the shores of Lough Leane with spectacular lake and mountain views.
Enjoy an evening at leisure with a gentle stroll around Killarney’s vibrant streets, exploring the local shops and sampling traditional Irish hospitality in one of the town’s renowned pubs or restaurants.
Overnight Killarney.
Day 2 – Killarney National Park & Gap of Dunloe
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Killarney National Park, Ireland’s first national park and home to the famous Lakes of Killarney.
Visit the magnificent Muckross House, a Victorian mansion showcasing the elegant lifestyle of 19th-century Irish gentry, complete with beautifully landscaped gardens featuring rare and exotic plants.
Explore the atmospheric ruins of Muckross Abbey, where ivy-clad walls and the famous ancient yew tree create a mystical atmosphere that has inspired visitors for centuries.
Take a refreshing walk to Torc Waterfall, cascading 66 feet down the mountainside through ancient oak woodlands into Muckross Lake.
Experience the legendary Gap of Dunloe with an exhilarating horse and carriage ride through this glacial valley, surrounded by towering mountains and pristine lakes. This narrow mountain pass, carved by ice over two million years ago, includes the famous “Wishing Bridge” where local legend guarantees that any wish made will come true.
Optional boat ride on Lough Leane, the largest of Killarney’s lakes, offering unique perspectives of Ross Castle and the surrounding MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountains.
Evening dining options include fine restaurants featuring local Kerry ingredients or traditional Irish pubs with live music and authentic atmosphere.
Overnight Killarney.
Day 3 – Ring of Kerry Highlights via Skellig Ring
Travel west on the world-famous Ring of Kerry, beginning with the charming seaside town of Waterville. Visit the Charlie Chaplin statue commemorating the famous comedian’s annual holidays in this picturesque location, and stroll along the golden sandy beach.
Take the spectacular detour onto the Skellig Ring, selected by Lonely Planet as one of the world’s top 10 driving routes. Experience the raw beauty of the Kerry Cliffs with their dramatic Atlantic views and perfect vantage point of Skellig Michael on the horizon.
Drive over the mountain pass of Cúm an Easpaig and descend into The Glen, where you’ll visit the delightful Skellig Chocolate Factory. Sample artisan chocolates made with local Kerry ingredients while enjoying views across the peaceful valley.
Continue through the picturesque village of Sneem, famous for its rainbow-colored houses and peaceful setting on the River Sneem.
Return to Cork via your choice of scenic routes: either through Kenmare and Kilgarvan for a more relaxed drive through charming towns, or over the mountains for dramatic scenery, depending on weather conditions and timing.
The journey concludes with spectacular views along Moll’s Gap and Ladies View, providing the perfect finale to your Ring of Kerry adventure.
Arrive Cork evening.
Ring of Kerry & Killarney Private Day Tour
Experience the very heart of Ireland on this exclusive luxury day tour through the legendary Ring of Kerry and magical Killarney. This isn’t just another tour—it’s your personal journey through some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes, crafted for comfort and discovery.
