I am recently back from a long sojourn in Ireland, a country I just fell in love with straight away!
As part of that trip, I spent over a week just in County Kerry discovering (almost) every nook and cranny. And I’m ready to hand over my 7 day itinerary.
County Kerry is located in southwest Ireland. It’s definitely one of the most beautiful parts of the Emerald Isle.
It’s home to mountains, craggy coasts, and adorable villages. Kerry is best known for the Ring of Kerry drive.
But there so many other things to see and do. You can easily keep busy for one week.
Snapshot Of One Week In Kerry County
Here’s a quick glance at what you can see with 7 days in this beautiful region of Ireland:
- Day 1: Killarney
- Day 2: Killarney National Park & the Gap of Dunloe
- Day 3: Ring of Kerry
- Day 4: Dingle Peninsula
- Day 5: Glanageenty Forest, Bromore Cliffs, Ballybunion
- Day 6: Skellig Michael or Valentia Island
- Day 7: Kenmare & the Ring of Beara
This County Kerry itinerary assumes you’ve arrived in Killarney and are ready to go. If you have the time, I recommend spending 2 days in Dublin first to get the skinny on Irish history.
Where should you base?
I would recommend one or two bases, one near Killarney or Kenmare and one in the Dingle Peninsula area. That way, you will have less time in the car on day trips.
But, as someone who doesn’t like to move around much, I stayed in just one place the whole time, Barrow House, very near Dingle.
If you want a hotel, some great places to stay in Dingle are: Dingle Skellig Hotel & Peninsula Spa, Emlagh House, or Dingle Benners Hotel.
Some good places in Killarney are: The Europe Hotel & Resort, Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa, Muckross Park Hotel & Spa.
For Kenmare, check out: Sheen Falls Lodge, Park Hotel Kenmare, Brook Lane Hotel
One Week In County Kerry Itinerary
Day 1: Killarney
Killarney is the gateway to Kerry. Begin your day with breakfast at Zone Cafe or Petit Delice.
Then, take a leisurely stroll around the colorful town. The main streets — High Street, New Street, Main Street — are filled with boutiques selling Irish crafts, woolen goods, and souvenirs.
In the afternoon, visit Muckross House and Gardens. It’s a stunning Victorian mansion set in Killarney National Park.
Take a walk around the grounds, explore the nearby Muckross Abbey, and enjoy the scenic views.
>>> Click here to book a guided tour
In the evening, enjoy a pint at a cozy pub like O’Connor’s or The Laurels. I recommend having dinner at Mad Monks, if you like seafood.
Day 2: Killarney National Park & The Gap of Dunloe
Start your next day with a visit to Killarney National Park. Hike or bike through the park to Torc Waterfall and Ladies View.
The forest paths are beautiful, with moss-covered trees all around you.
Ladies View is stunning and looks out over the lakes of Killarney. You can plop down on the broad rocks and take in the view.
In the afternoon, explore the Gap of Dunloe. The Gap is a dramatic 8 mile mountain pass with winding roads, glacial lakes, and rugged peaks that offer breathtaking views of Ireland’s natural landscape.
You can hike, bike, or take a traditional jaunting car (horse-drawn carriage) through this stunning glacial valley.
For a hassle-free visit, park near Kate Kearney’s Cottage, where you can start your hike or hire a jaunting car on the spot. The cottage has a pub, restaurant, and gift shop.
You can explore on your own, in a jaunting car, a boat cruise, or even on horseback. You can also book a guided tour of the Gap from Killarney.
End your day with a boat cruise back to Killarney across the Lakes of Killarney.
Relax and unwind in Killarney with a nice dinner.
Day 3: Ring of Kerry
On day 3, drive the famous Ring of Kerry, starting early to avoid crowds and give you time to veer off the main road.
The 111 mile circular route offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in Ireland, including rugged coastlines, charming villages, and dramatic mountain passes.
Since you’ve already seen the first part of the Ring on day 2, start in Kenmare and drive the rest of the Ring today.
Kenmare is an over-the-top colorful town, like it came out of a child’s color crayon box. I guess that’s what they do in Ireland to make up for the fact that it’s only sunny about three days a year …
Stroll down Henry Street and Main Street, where you’ll find most of the shops and pubs.
Back in the car, driving the Ring, you can also visit Sneem, Rossbeigh Beach, Waterville, Portmagee, the Kerry Cliffs, Cahersiveen, Glenbeigh, and Killorglin.
For more details on everything to see along the way, check out my guide to what to see on the Ring of Kerry.
If you don’t want to drive it yourself, you can book a guided tour from Killarney.
When you’re had enough, return to your base in Killarney.
Day 4: Dingle Peninsula
On day 4, drive to the Dingle Peninsula from Killarney. It’s about an hour away.
First, visit Inch Beach on the way for a stunning walk along the sandy shores.
Then, explore the colorful town of Dingle. You’ll find plenty of shops, art galleries, historic pubs, and delicious eateries.
You’ll definitely be tempted to go shopping! I had lunch at Solas Tapas and it was excellent.
Then, drive the Slea Head Drive. This is the most gorgeous coastal drive in Ireland!
This scenic loop has it all — rolling green hills, ancient stone ruins, rugged cliffs, and the wild Atlantic crashing below. It’s Ireland at its most magical!
You’ll have spectacular views from Dunmore Head and Sybil Head, which were Star Wars filming locations. And you can explore ancient sites like beehive huts and the Gallarus Oratory.
At Dunquin Pier, a winding path leads down to the pier. It offers up stunning views of the Blasket Islands and the wild Atlantic.
If you don’t have your own wheels, or simply don’t want to drive the narrow roads, no problem!
You can book a guided day tour from Killarney or from Dingle.
Day 5: Glanageenty, Bromore Cliffs & Ballybunion
On day 5, head to Glanageenty Forest, just a short drive from Tralee.
It’s a dense woodland with scenic walking trails, historical sites, and lush greenery, perfect for peaceful hikes.
There are three trails varying in length. As you hike, you’ll have scenic views of the surrounding countryside and the Slieve Mish Mountains.
This is a great spot for nature lovers and those looking for a quieter experience in County Kerry.
In the afternoon, drive to Bromore Cliffs, located near Ballybunion. These cliffs offer a less crowded but (almost) equally stunning alternative to the more famous cliffs in Ireland.
Visit the town of Ballybunion. There are plenty of cute shops and pubs.
You might want to make a reservation for dinner later that night at McMunn’s of Ballybunion. It’s a lively pub with great food, a cozy atmosphere, and live music, right by the beach.
But, before that, stroll along the Ballybunion Cliff Walk for more stunning views of the rugged coastline. It’s about 1.5 miles long.
Or, spend some time at Ballybunion Beach, known for its golden sands and impressive cliffs.
The town has two main beaches, Men’s Beach and Ladies’ Beach. They’re separated by cliffs and ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and walking.
Another secret beach along the cliff walk is only accessible by shimmying down a cliff face with a rope. But it wasn’t very difficult at all.
If you’re a golfer, Ballybunion Golf Club is one of Ireland’s most famous courses.
Day 6: Skellig Michael or Valentia Island
On day 6, if weather permits, take a boat trip to Skellig Michael, the dramatic island featured in Star Wars.
You might think, well this is just a rock right? But it’s absolutely beautiful and will likely knock your socks off.
There are no ferries to the island. You’ll have to book a private boat or book a guided tour. Most leave from Port Magee on the Ring of Kerry.
And about 50% of the time, the tours are cancelled due to weather. So keep some flexibility in your schedule if Skellig Michael is a priority.
Even then, expect a rough boat crossing and bring something for sea sickness.
To visit, you’ll need the following: rain gear, walking boots or good hiking shoes, a camera, an empty bladder, and a head for heights.
Also, your legs must be capable of climbing hundreds of steep steps. If it’s raining the steps can be slippery and there are no handrails. So proceed carefully!
Once you’ve ascended, explore the ancient monastic site and enjoy the stunning sea views. Your Star Wars fantasies will soon be forgotten, blown away by the natural beauty.
You’ll see a cluster of small ancient buildings. On the left are six monks cells called “beehives.”
On the right is the medieval St. Michael’s Church. Behind that lie an oratory and monks’ burial ground. Further along is a second oratory.
All of this is perched on a cliff face overlooking the endless sweep of the Atlantic.
Alternatively, visit Valentia Island.
Valentia Island is an easy detour off the Ring of Kerry. It’s just a short drive past Portmagee and across the scenic causeway (or you can arrive in style by sea safari!).
This charming island has it all—tiny fields like a patchwork quilt, dramatic cliffs, and even a lush subtropical garden.
For a view you won’t forget, Valentia offers some of the best vantage points of the Skellig Islands, especially the iconic Skellig Michael.
Once you cross over to the island, you’ll find yourself in Knightstown, a quaint fishing village with welcoming pubs and restaurants perfect for a leisurely break.
If you’re up for a hike, Brae Head and the Fogher Cliffs promise spectacular views—just note there’s a small entry fee for the latter.
A must-see on the island is the ancient Tetrapod Footprints.
Dating back about 380 million years, these fossilized prints capture the moment a four-legged vertebrate walked across soft sand, leaving behind a rare and valuable snapshot of prehistoric life.
Return to the mainland and relax after a day of adventure.
Day 7: Beara Peninsula
On the final day of your 1 week in Kerry County itinerary, head to the Beara Peninsula, which is 30 miles long.
It’s one of Ireland’s lesser-known gems. It has as much spectacular scenery as the Ring of Kerry to the north. But without the miles of tourists and tour buses.
You drive the area in an open ended figure eight route.
Start in Glengariff, a town full of palm trees and hydrangeas the size of trees. You can hike to Lady Bantry’s Lookout in the forest reserve.
Once you’ve gotten in your morning workout, take the ferry to Garinish Island. The ferry leaves from Glengarriff Pier every 30 minutes.
It doesn’t need to be pre-booked. And the gardens are spectacular!
Once you get over to the island, have lunch at the Manning’s Emporium, a cute little deli with tasty Irish staples. Then go for a wander.
As you drive west along the southern Ring road, you will come to the Healy Pass. This is another gorgeous mountain pass with narrow roads, but fortunately not much traffic.
Pray for good weather. As you can see, it was pretty foggy the day we opted to drive it. Still, the views from the top are beautiful.
Along the Ring, you can stop to visit Dareen Garden and the town of Allihies. Near Ahilees, you’ll find the Ca Cochlan waterfall.
At the end of Beara, a swaying cable car can take you to the Dursey island.
When you’re done driving, settle in for dinner back in Kenmare. There are some great restaurants and pubs there. We love Mulcaheys!
Or, if you started early enough, you may be able to dine in Skibbereen. It’s a cute, colorful town that’s technically in Cork County just east of Beara.
Its known for its rich history, especially around the Great Famine, and its vibrant arts and food scene.
For a memorable meal, try The Church Restaurant, set in a beautifully restored church. It offers locally sourced dishes with a cozy atmosphere.
To experience an authentic Irish pub, head to O’Donovan’s Bar.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my one week in County Kerry itinerary. You may find these other Ireland travel guides useful:
- Dublin bucket list
- 3 days in Dublin itinerary
- 10 days in Ireland itinerary
- beautiful places to visit in Ireland
- what not to do in Ireland
- guide to Blarney Castle
- guide to the Guinness Storehouse
- guide to Kilmainham Gaol
- tips for driving in Ireland
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