Ring of Kerry & Skellig Ring Private Tour from Killarney

A 100-mile loop through Ireland's most scenic drive, from mountain passes to sea cliffs and stone forts

A private tour of the Ring of Kerry and Skellig Ring from Killarney covers over 100 miles of Ireland's most scenic circular route, with hotel pickup, a live English-speaking guide and bottled water. The day takes in Torc Waterfall, Ladies View, Cahergall Stone Fort dating to 500BC, Kerry Cliffs with views of the Skellig Islands, and the Skellig Ring drive itself, ending back in Killarney after 6 to 8 hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Cahergall Stone Fort30m
2. Ladies View20m
3. Torc Waterfall30m

Ring of Kerry and Skellig Ring tour

• Pick up from accommodation in Killarney
• Tour orientation in Killarney
• Visit Kerry Bog Village
• Explore Cahergall Ring Fort
• View Kerry Cliffs and Skellig Islands
• Drive the Skellig Ring, visit Valentia Island and Portmagee
• Stop at Ballinskelligs beach
• Visit Waterville village
• Stop at Moll's Gap for views
• Visit Ladies View in Killarney
• Walk to Torc Waterfall
• Return to Killarney

The experience

The tour starts with pickup from your accommodation and a brief orientation in Killarney before heading out on the Ring of Kerry route toward Killorglin, where you join the Wild Atlantic Way and continue around the Skellig Ring. This circular drive is considered Ireland's most scenic tourist road, and the route itself is the point: you're traveling through a succession of landscapes and seascapes rather than stopping at a single destination.

The stops build the day's arc. Torc Waterfall is a 20-metre cascade formed by the Owengarriff River, located within Killarney's National Park and reached by a 5-minute walk through woodland. Cahergall Stone Fort dates from 500BC and stands with walls approximately 6 metres high and 3 metres thick: one of the best-preserved early medieval stone forts on the Ring. Ladies View, named after Queen Victoria's ladies in waiting during their 1861 visit, is one of the best-known viewpoints in the Killarney district. The Kerry Cliffs rise over 1,000 feet and offer views of the Skellig Islands and Puffin Island, formed over 400 million years ago. From there you can see the Skellig Rocks, one of only three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ireland, floating 12 kilometres off the coast. The Skellig Ring drive itself takes in views of these islands at nearly every turn, passing through Valentia Island, the fishing village of Portmagee, Ballinskelligs with its blue flag beach, and the seaside village of Waterville. Moll's Gap, a pass between Sneem and Killarney, shows the McGillicuddy Reeks and the Black Valley: a glacial breach where a 500-metre-deep glacier broke through 25,000 years ago during Ireland's last ice age. The Kerry Bog Village offers a look at late 19th-century rural life with period thatched cottages, authentic antiques, and the Kerry Bog Ponies and Irish Wolfhounds.

Your guide provides live commentary throughout, and the tour includes all taxes, fees, fuel surcharge and transport by private vehicle. Bottled water is provided. The route operates in all weather, so dress appropriately for the conditions you may encounter.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from your Killarney accommodation.
• private vehicle with a live English-speaking guide providing commentary throughout the day.
• bottled water.
• all taxes, fees, fuel surcharge and handling charges.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:30

Book up to12h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Kerry Taxi Tours

Is this one for you?The tour covers over 100 miles in 6 to 8 hours, so the pace is steady driving with short stops at viewpoints and sites rather than extended walking or exploration at each location. Dress for changeable weather and wear comfortable shoes for the 5-minute woodland walk to Torc Waterfall and time spent at the stone fort and cliff viewpoints.

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Top questions

What is Cahergall Stone Fort and how old is it?

Cahergall Stone Fort dates from 500BC and is one of the best examples of an early medieval stone fort on the Ring of Kerry. Its dry stone walls stand approximately 6 metres high and 3 metres thick, making it an impressive archaeological site.

Can I see the Skellig Islands from the tour?

Yes. The Kerry Cliffs offer views of the Skellig Islands and Puffin Island, and from there you can see the Skellig Rocks, one of only three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ireland, floating 12 kilometres off the coast. The Skellig Ring drive itself provides views of these islands at nearly every turn.

How long is the tour and what time does it start?

The tour runs 6 to 8 hours and includes hotel pickup from your accommodation in Killarney, with a brief orientation before departure. You return to your hotel at the end of the day.

What is Ladies View and why is it called that?

Ladies View is one of the best-known viewpoints in the Killarney district. It was named after Queen Victoria's ladies in waiting, who visited during the Royal visit in 1861 and were so impressed by the view that it took their name.

Is there a walk involved at Torc Waterfall?

Torc Waterfall is a 20-metre cascade within Killarney's National Park, reached by a 5-minute walk through scenic woodland. The waterfall is formed by the Owengarriff River draining from the Devil's Punchbowl corrie lake at Mangerton Mountain.