Roadtrips from Killarney
Scenic Drives That Will Take Your Breath Away
Killarney is located in the heart of County Kerry, which is renowned for its stunning landscapes, lush mountains and rugged coastline. One of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of this region is by taking a scenic drive. Here, we explore three unforgettable drives from Killarney: the journey to Moll’s Gap, the scenic route along the Ring of Kerry to Portmagee, stopping at Kell’s beach for a dip and the drive and the coastal drive to Inch Beach.
Drive to Moll’s Gap
Begin an adventure with the iconic drive to Moll’s Gap. This route is a favourite among both locals and tourists, offering breath-taking views of the Killarney National Park. Start your journey at The Brehon and head west on the N71. As you leave the town, you’ll quickly find yourself enveloped by the lush greenery of the overhead trees.
The first notable stop is Ladies View, named after Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting who visited in 1861. The viewpoint provides a stunning panorama of the Killarney’s lakes and valleys. Continue on the N71 and you’ll soon reach Moll’s Gap. This mountain pass offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. For the geography enthusiasts, they will be able to see an example of ‘glacial breach’, where a 500 metre deep glacier broke through Moll’s Gap 25,000 years ago during Ireland’s last ice age. This drive takes 30 minutes without stopping and if you continue for another 10 minutes you’ll reach Kenmare, a beautiful town located on a bay.
Drive to Portmagee on the Ring of Kerry
For a longer, more immersive experience, embark on the drive to Portmagee via the Ring of Kerry. This renowned 179-km circular route showcases some of Ireland’s most spectacular coastal scenery. Start from Killarney and take the N72 west towards Killorglin, where you can join the Ring of Kerry (N70).
As you drive along the northern part of the ring, you’ll pass through charming villages such as Glenbeigh and Cahersiveen. The journey is spectacular with each bend in the road revealing dramatic seascapes of the Atlantic. Half way there, you will reach Kells, where a hidden gem awaits – Kells Beach. This secluded, sandy beach is perfect for a peaceful walk or a refreshing dive from the peer.
As you continue on towards Portmagee, the scenery becomes even more spectacular, with sweeping views of the Skellig Islands rising majestically from the sea, making the drive a truly unforgettable experience. After arriving to Portmagee, you can choose to sit out in the village with local food overlooking the water, or continue the drive across the road bridge to Valencia Island. Alternatively you can hop on the ferry in Caherciveen.
Coastal drive to Inch Beach
Finally, no trip to Killarney is complete without a drive to Inch Beach. This 5-km stretch of sandy shoreline is a paradise for surfers, swimmers and beach lovers. From Killarney, take the N72 towards Killorglin, then switch to the R561 heading west. The drive to Inch Beach offers its own unique charms, with the Slieve Mish Mountains on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other.
As you approach the beach, you’ll be greeted by expansive views of the Dingle Peninsula. Inch Beach itself is a marvel, renowned for its soft golden sands and surf-friendly waves. It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely walk, a picnic, or even a surfing lesson if you’re feeling adventurous. The beach is only 20 minutes from Dingle town, if you’re hungry for a fish & chips!
Killarney and its surroundings offer a wealth of natural beauty and cultural experiences, and these three drives are among the best ways to explore the region. Whether you’re winding through the mountains to Moll’s Gap, circling the Ring of Kerry to Kells Beach, or cruising to the expansive Inch Beach, each journey provides its own unique perspective on the enchanting landscape of County Kerry. So pack your bags, fill up the tank, and set off on an adventure that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.