Ring of Kerry: Skellig Ring Small Group Tour & Local Stops

Summary

Ring of Kerry tour with Skellig Ring views sheepdog demo chocolate stop

You’ll ride a mid-size coach around County Kerry with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Watch sheepdogs work near Kells (bring cash), sample sea salt chocolate by wild Atlantic cliffs, walk Waterville’s windy Promenade, and catch shifting light over Killarney’s lakes before heading back—maybe still tasting salt or chocolate hours later.

What’s the experience like?

Hands stuffed in my jacket pockets, I watched our driver—Pat, with that easy laugh—wave at a farmer herding sheep just outside Killarney. I’d heard about the Ring of Kerry day trip from friends, but didn’t expect our small bus to feel this friendly. The air smelled faintly of peat and wet grass as we rolled through narrow lanes, Pat pointing out stone fences older than some countries. He knew every bend, even slowed so we could spot deer flickering between the trees in Killarney’s woods. Someone behind me tried to pronounce “Coomakista” and got it all wrong; Pat just grinned and said, “Close enough for Kerry.”

We stopped for a sheepdog demonstration near Kells—optional, cash only if you want to watch (I did). The dogs moved like shadows across the hillside, barely a word from their handler. I’m not sure what impressed me more: the dog’s focus or how quietly everyone watched, except for one American who whispered “wow” like it was church. Later we wound along the Skellig Ring—those roads are tight—and pulled up at St Finian’s Bay where the wind tasted salty and sharp. There’s a little chocolate shop there (Skellig Chocolates), which sounds touristy but honestly? The sea salt caramel truffles were worth it. I still think about that view: grey waves, green cliffs, chocolate on my tongue.

Lunch was in Waterville—a village squeezed between the Atlantic and Lough Currane. Locals call the seafront “the Promenade,” which made me smile; it’s just a path but you can taste salt in the air and hear gulls arguing overhead. After that came Coomakista Pass: sudden silence as everyone took in those wild hills rolling down to blue water. Our last big stop was Ladies View in Killarney National Park—Pat said Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting named it after gasping at the scenery (he winked; maybe true, maybe not). The light kept shifting over lakes and valleys and I took too many blurry photos through the window.

Sneem was our last quick break—bright houses, sleepy dogs on doorsteps—and then back to Killarney as rain started tapping on the glass. Not everything went perfectly (someone forgot their umbrella), but that felt right somehow. It’s Ireland; you get weather and stories both.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ring of Kerry highlights

• Visit rural history exhibition
• Watch sheepdog demonstrations
• Drive Skellig Ring to St Finian's Bay
• Stop at Skellig Chocolates
• Walk along Waterville seafront
• View from Coomakishta mountain
• Enjoy Ladies View panorama
• Short break in Sneem village
• Return to Killarney

Top questions

Is pickup included for the Ring of Kerry tour?

The tour includes pickup from central Killarney.

How many people are on this small group Ring of Kerry tour?

The mid-size coach holds up to 37 passengers.

Does this day trip visit the Skellig Ring?

Yes, this tour takes you along the Skellig Ring for Atlantic views and stops at St Finian’s Bay.

Are children allowed on this tour?

No, children under 10 years old are not permitted.

Is lunch included on this Ring of Kerry day trip?

No, lunch is not included—you’ll have time to buy your own meal in Waterville.

Can I watch a sheepdog demonstration during this tour?

Yes, there is an optional sheepdog demo near Kells for an extra cash fee.

What are some main stops on this itinerary?

You’ll visit Killarney National Park (Ladies View), Skellig Chocolates at St Finian’s Bay, Waterville village, Coomakista viewpoint, Sneem village.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transport options are available close to pickup points in Killarney.

What’s included

Your day includes travel by air-conditioned mid-size coach around County Kerry with a local guide sharing stories along the way; stops at places like Ladies View in Killarney National Park, St Finian's Bay with its chocolate shop visit, time in Waterville for lunch (not included), plus optional sheepdog demonstration for an extra cash fee before returning to Killarney in the evening.