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Best Scenic Drives in Ireland

Which scenic drive should you take in Ireland? The Ring of Kerry or the Dingle Peninsula?Kerry Cliffs, Portmagee

The famous Ring of Kerry is a popular scenic drive along the western coast of Ireland. Another lesser known, but just as beautiful scenic loop is the Dingle Peninsula. Both are beautiful, but from what we heard, the Ring of Kerry can get crowded during the summer months. We were there in early September and did not find the Ring of Kerry to be crowded at all. If you’re trying to decide which scenic drive to take, keep reading below for a photo tour of some of our favorite spots we found on both of these scenic drives. If you’re short on time, you don’t have to do the full loop. Just stick to the roads along the coast for the most beautiful views! Or just map out these points of interest below.


Ring of Kerry

Which scenic drive should you take in Ireland? The Ring of Kerry or the Dingle Peninsula?

We started our drive at the Kerry Cliffs in Portmagee. I could not get over these breathtaking views!!

Which scenic drive should you take in Ireland? The Ring of Kerry or the Dingle Peninsula?

From the cliffs, this is the view looking back to the tiny coastal town of Portmagee. You can see our Airbnb from here!

Which scenic drive should you take in Ireland? The Ring of Kerry or the Dingle Peninsula?

When we arrived to this tiny, unnamed beach, I couldn’t tell if we were still in Ireland or on a tropical island!!

Which scenic drive should you take in Ireland? The Ring of Kerry or the Dingle Peninsula?

Look at the color of this water!! This beach is right across the street from O’Carroll’s Cove Beach Bar & Restaurant.

Which scenic drive should you take in Ireland? The Ring of Kerry or the Dingle Peninsula?

This is the view from the Ring of Kerry Lookout & Car Park in Beenarourke.

Which scenic drive should you take in Ireland? The Ring of Kerry or the Dingle Peninsula?

This beach at St. Finan’s Bay was beautiful!

Which scenic drive should you take in Ireland? The Ring of Kerry or the Dingle Peninsula?

Don’t miss Skelligs Chocolate Factory near the Kerry Cliffs. You can go in for a chocolate tasting and delicious milk or dark hot chocolate. So good!


Dingle Peninsula

Which scenic drive should you take in Ireland? The Ring of Kerry or the Dingle Peninsula?

This gorgeous beach with powerful waves can be seen from the Slea Head Viewingpoint. It looks so much bigger in person!

Which scenic drive should you take in Ireland? The Ring of Kerry or the Dingle Peninsula?

This was our view almost the entire way from Inch Beach to Minard Castle.

Which scenic drive should you take in Ireland? The Ring of Kerry or the Dingle Peninsula?

The ruins of Minard Castle.

Which scenic drive should you take in Ireland? The Ring of Kerry or the Dingle Peninsula?

Cliffs and hiking trails between Coumeenoole and Clogher Head.

Which scenic drive should you take in Ireland? The Ring of Kerry or the Dingle Peninsula?

Other Points of Interest on the Dingle Peninsula:

  • Clogher Head
  • Ballyferriter Village — AKA “The Star Wars Village”. Scenes from The Last Jedi were filmed here.
  • Kilmalkedar Church
  • Conner Pass
  • Inch Beach

Which scenic drive should you take in Ireland? The Ring of Kerry or the Dingle Peninsula?

Have you driven the Ring of Kerry or Conner Pass? Which one did you prefer?

Which scenic drive should you take in Ireland? The Ring of Kerry or the Dingle Peninsula?

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6 Responses
  1. Carrie Blumberg

    Both some of my favorites – but if you ever get the opportunity to go back, drive the Connemara Loop in northwestern Ireland. Stay in Renvyle and be sure to visit Kylemore Abbey, splurge on something made with Killary sheep’s wool. Visit Omey Island and avoid the sheep which like to nap near the end of the narrow curved roads! I visited in June with my 16 year old for her birthday and the Connemara region was a favorite of ours!

  2. Kelly

    We went in June, and the Ring of Kerry was absolutely beautiful. All of Ireland was scenic and sensational, especially the West Country (I am probably a wee bit prejudiced because my great-grandparents came from Ireland!!). These photos are wonderful!! We rode a tour bus to avoid the driving, and our driver kept getting rude gestures and loud language throughout the trip. He learned – after we had finished the tour – that he was going around the ring backwards. It was still a delightful experience!!! Thank you for sharing your pictures.

  3. Marilynne

    It was lovely to see through your eyes. We also went in September, last year. This area was so fogged in we never saw a thing! We had a laugh when we got to the highest point. There was a sign saying it was the most scenic view on the Ring of Kerry! Thanks for sharing all your travels and tips. They are always wonderful.

  4. Nicole

    We did both and  both were amazing, but loved Connor Pass. Definitely not for the fair of heart on some of the narrow passes though. It reminded me of the road to Hana in Maui. 

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Meet Kevin & Amanda

Kevin and Amanda

We love to travel and to eat! Here we share our favorite quick and easy recipes, plus travel tips and guides for our favorite places around the world. If you have any questions about what camera I use or how I edit my photos, check out my photography tutorials.

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