Dublin to the Ring of Kerry Road Trip (5 Days)

Dublin to the Ring of Kerry takes you from Ireland’s capital to its wildest coast in a loop of about 800 km there and back. Expect green mountains, ocean panoramas and a fair bit of rain — this is a trip about slowing down, not covering ground.

Day 1 — Dublin to Killarney (~300 km)

Remember the golden rule before you turn the key: in Ireland you drive on the left. Leaving Dublin you cross the M50 ring road, which uses barrier-free eFlow tolling — there are no booths, so the fee must be paid online by 8pm the next day. Most rental firms handle this automatically for a service charge, so check your contract. Head southwest on the M7 and M8 motorways (both have staffed or tag tolls, cash accepted) and reach Killarney by afternoon.

Day 2 — Killarney National Park & the Gap of Dunloe

Base yourself in Killarney and give the car a rest. Explore Killarney National Park on foot or by jaunting car — Muckross House, Torc Waterfall and the lakes are all close. In the afternoon drive to the Gap of Dunloe, a dramatic mountain pass best walked or cycled, as the road is single-track and busy with pony traps.

Day 3 — The Ring of Kerry: Killorglin to Valentia Island

Today you start the famous N70 loop. One crucial tip: large tour coaches drive the Ring counter-clockwise, so most drivers follow the same direction to avoid meeting them head-on on the narrow bends. Go west through Killorglin, then out to Valentia Island for cliffs, the Skellig views and quiet coastal roads. This is prime Wild Atlantic Way territory.

Day 4 — The Ring of Kerry: Sneem and Kenmare

Continue the loop back toward Killarney, stopping in the pastel village of Sneem for lunch and finishing in elegant Kenmare, a great spot for dinner and a night away from Killarney’s crowds. Keep left on the tight corners and pull into passing places to let coaches through.

Day 5 — Back to Dublin

Retrace the M8/M7 to Dublin — allow about 3.5 hours plus stops. You’ll cross the M50 eFlow toll again, so budget for it if your rental doesn’t cover it. Drop the car back in the city.

Costs

Use the cost calculator to price fuel and nights for your exact dates. As a rough guide: expect ~€90–150/night for accommodation, fuel for the ~800 km round trip, and motorway tolls of a few euros each plus the M50 eFlow charge. Pack layers and a rain jacket — the weather changes fast, and booking the car early saves the most.