Ring of Kerry & Kerry Cliffs Private Tour from Killarney

Summary

Ancient forts, wild cliffs and quiet villages along the Ring of Kerry

You’ll walk misty forests to Torc Waterfall, gaze across lakes from Ladies View, stand above crashing waves at Kerry Cliffs, and explore ancient ruins with a local guide who knows every story along this private Ring of Kerry tour from Killarney.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was a little nervous when our guide pulled off the main road near Killarney — it looked like we were about to drive straight into a cloud. Turns out that’s just how mornings start here. Our driver, Eoin (he pronounced it “Owen,” which I definitely got wrong at first), cracked a joke about Irish weather being “four seasons in an hour.” He wasn’t kidding. The air smelled like wet grass and woodsmoke as we walked up toward Torc Waterfall. It’s louder than you’d expect, all that water crashing down in the quiet forest. There was this moment where everyone just kind of stopped talking and listened. I still think about that silence.

After that, Ladies View really lived up to its name — even if Queen Victoria had better weather back in 1861. Mist rolled over the lakes but you could still see the green patchwork below. Eoin pointed out Kenmare town in the distance and told us about pirates and smugglers hiding out there centuries ago (I guess every Irish village has a few good stories). We wandered through Kenmare’s streets for coffee — I tried to order in Irish but mostly got smiles and some gentle corrections from the woman behind the counter.

The real highlight was standing on top of the Kerry Cliffs, wind nearly knocking my hat off, looking out at Skellig Michael way out in the Atlantic. Eoin said these cliffs are higher than the Cliffs of Moher but hardly anyone visits compared to those busier spots. The rocks felt cold under my hands and there were seabirds everywhere — puffins maybe? I didn’t expect it to feel so wild up there. On the way back we stopped by Ballycarbery Castle (more ruins than castle now) and Cahergall Stone Fort, which is just stacked stones but somehow still standing after 1,500 years. It makes you wonder what’ll last from our own time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ring of Kerry and Kerry Cliffs

• Walk to Torc Waterfall
• View Ladies View in park
• Visit Kenmare town
• See Coomakista peninsula views
• Explore Kerry Cliffs viewpoint
• Tour Ballycarbery Castle ruins
• Visit Cahergall Stone Fort
• Boat trip Knights town to Cahersiveen
• Explore Kerry Bog Village museum

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Ring of Kerry private tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is available but must be reconfirmed at least 48 hours in advance.

How high are the Kerry Cliffs compared to Cliffs of Moher?

Kerry Cliffs reach up to 1,000 feet above sea level, higher than the Cliffs of Moher.

What attractions are visited during this day trip from Killarney?

The tour includes Torc Waterfall, Ladies View, Kenmare town, Coomakista viewpoint, Kerry Cliffs, Ballycarbery Castle, Cahergall Stone Fort, and more.

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed and infant seats are available.

Does this private tour include entry fees or meals?

Bottled water is included; meals or entry fees aren’t specifically mentioned in the inclusions.

Can service animals join this Ring of Kerry tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this private day trip.

Will we see Skellig Michael or puffins during this tour?

You may see Skellig Michael from Kerry Cliffs if weather allows; puffins nest on Little Skellig Island nearby.

How customizable is this private Ring of Kerry tour?

The route can be adjusted since it’s private; smaller sites not accessible by big buses can be included.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water provided throughout. Pickup from your Killarney hotel is available—just confirm ahead—and your local guide will handle all navigation between waterfalls, viewpoints, castles and stone forts before bringing you back again.