THE RING OF KERRY

The Ring of Kerry is a 179km circular route around Ireland's Iveragh Peninsula. We tackled this road trip on our last day in Ireland, starting with an early breakfast in Killarney and traveling counterclockwise along the route to view the coastal landscapes, mountains, and medieval ruins. It was an ambitious trek for one day and a bit tough for those of us prone to motion sickness, but those views were worth the journey.

Adventures: St. Mary's Cathedral, Ballymalis Castle, Staigue Fort, Killarney National Park, Torc Waterfall, Ross Castle

Takeaways: 1) The coastal scenery is stunning. 2) There are sheep everywhere. 3) Country roads are narrow. 4) The term "castle" can apply to many different types of structures.

Memorable Moments: 1) Exploring Ballymalis Castle, Staigue Fort, and Ross Castle. 2) Fighting against the wind in the highlands. 3) Those panoramic views!

Recommendations:

1) Plan for an entire day to drive the Ring of Kerry, especially if you also plan to drive the Skellig Ring and make everyone get out of the car every 10 minutes for photos.
2) GPS is necessary.

3) Be mindful of oncoming traffic on the narrow roads.

4) Take advantage of bathroom stops when available.

5) Bring a raincoat and good hiking shoes. Pack water and snacks for the car.

Next Time: Tour Skellig Michael.