Weather in Ring of Kerry

About Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry is a 180-kilometre circular drive through Ireland's southwestern soul—coastal drama, mountain passes, wild beaches, and charming villages strung like pearls. Every turn reveals new magic; every village welcomes warmly. This is Ireland's most scenic drive.

Country

Ireland

Best months to visit

Year-round

Currency

EUR

Language

English, Irish

Things to do in Ring of Kerry

Drive or cycle the Ring of Kerry loop Stop at Glenveagh National Park (peaks and lakes) Visit Sneem's colourful village square Explore Dingle Peninsula's western tip Walk to Dunmore Head's lighthouse Stay in Kenmare or Dingle for base explorations

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

Cold, with frequent heavy rain.

February

Cold, with regular rainfall.

March

Cold, with regular rainfall.

April

10C

Cool, with some rainy days.

May

13C

Cool, with regular rainfall.

June

15C

Cool, with regular rainfall.

July

16C

Cool, with regular rainfall.

August

16C

Cool, with regular rainfall.

September

14C

Cool, with regular rainfall.

October

11C

Cool, with regular rainfall.

November

Cold, with regular rainfall.

December

Cold, with frequent heavy rain.

The Ring of Kerry is Ireland's most famous drive for good reason — a 111-mile loop around the Iveragh Peninsula taking in cliff-edge views over the Atlantic, the Skellig Islands on the horizon, beehive huts and stone forts, and small towns like Sneem and Portmagee where the pace slows right down. It demands a full day, ideally started early before the tour coaches.

Best areas to stay in Ring of Kerry

Killarney

The traditional starting and ending point, with the national park and Gap of Dunloe nearby.

Kenmare

A pretty market town with a relaxed pace, often used as an alternative base or lunch stop.

Portmagee & Valentia Island

Gateway to the Skellig Islands, with boat trips and dramatic coastal scenery on the Skellig Ring detour.

Sneem

A colourful small village roughly midway around the loop, popular for a coffee or lunch stop.

Getting to Ring of Kerry

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Flights

Kerry Airport (Farranfore) is closest, near Killarney; Cork and Shannon airports are 1.5-2 hours away.

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From London

A full day is needed for the loop itself; Killarney (the usual starting point) is ~3-3.5 hours by train from Dublin.

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Getting around

A car or organised coach tour is essential — there's no practical public transport around the full loop.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Ring of Kerry take?

A full day is recommended — around 4-5 hours of driving without stops, but the views, viewpoints and small towns along the way easily fill 7-8 hours.

Which direction should I drive it?

Most tour coaches travel anticlockwise, so driving clockwise (or starting very early) can help you avoid getting stuck behind them on the narrower sections.

Can I visit the Skelligs from the Ring of Kerry?

Boat trips to Skellig Michael (of Star Wars fame) depart from Portmagee and Ballinskelligs, though they're weather-dependent and need booking well in advance.

What are the highlights along the route?

Ladies View and Moll's Gap for scenery, the Skellig Ring detour around Portmagee and Valentia Island, Staigue Fort, and the colourful village of Sneem are all popular stops.

Is the road suitable for all drivers?

The main route is well-maintained but narrow and winding in places with sharp drops; the Skellig Ring detour is even narrower and best avoided by larger vehicles.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Started at 7am from Killarney and had long stretches of the route almost to ourselves before the coaches caught up. Ladies View was every bit as good as the photos.

Patrick L. · July 2024

★★★★★

Did the Skellig Ring detour via Portmagee — narrower roads but far fewer people, and a great seafood lunch in Portmagee before continuing the loop.

Sandra W. · September 2023

★★★★☆

Long day but worth every minute. Booked a Skellig Michael boat trip in advance which turned out to be the highlight, weather permitting.

Liam T. · May 2024