Ireland route: Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry and Galway

This 4673 km route through Ireland showcases the country's most remarkable destinations across 134 minutes of travel. From the dramatic Cliffs of Moher in County Clare to the scenic Ring of Kerry loop, the journey captures Ireland's natural beauty, historic landmarks, and cultural heritage.

Distance
4673.3 km
Mode
Places
Start
Welcome to Ireland
End
Ardara and Portnoo
Stops
33
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Welcome to Ireland — The island nation offers dramatic coastlines, ancient heritage sites, and vibrant culture spanning thousands of years of Celtic history.
  2. Cliffs of Moher — Dramatic coastal cliffs stretching 14 km along the Atlantic, rising to 214 m, featuring abundant Atlantic puffins and stunning panoramic views.
  3. Ring of Kerry — A scenic 179-kilometer loop through County Kerry featuring mountain passes, coastal views, and charming villages in Ireland's southwest.
  4. Trinity College — Founded in 1592, Dublin's prestigious university houses the Book of Kells, an illuminated medieval manuscript of immense historical significance.
  5. The Burren — A unique limestone landscape in County Clare characterized by distinctive karst terrain, rare wildflowers, and archaeological monuments spanning millennia.
  6. Killarney National Park
  7. Kerry Cliffs — Towering sea cliffs on the Dingle Peninsula rise dramatically from the Atlantic Ocean, offering spectacular coastal views and hiking opportunities.
  8. Galway City — A colorful bohemian port town on Ireland's west coast known for vibrant arts scenes, traditional music venues, and bohemian atmosphere.
  9. Kilkenny Castle — A medieval Norman castle built in 1195, this riverside fortress showcases 800 years of Irish history with restored chambers and art collections.
  10. Connemara National Park — Galway's pristine wilderness features quartzite mountains, blanket bogs, and coastal heathland with trails through some of Ireland's wildest terrain.
  11. Rock of Cashel — A hilltop fortress in County Tipperary contains a 12th-century round tower, cathedral ruins, and Celtic cross dating back over a millennium.
  12. Dingle Peninsula
  13. Blarney Castle — A 15th-century castle in County Cork famous for the legendary Blarney Stone, believed to grant eloquence to those who kiss it.
  14. Cork City*
  15. Powerscourt Gardens — These magnificent 19th-century gardens in County Wicklow feature Italian terraces, Japanese gardens, and sweeping views of the Sugarloaf Mountain.
  16. Wicklow Mountains National Park
  17. Hook Lighthouse — Europe's oldest operational lighthouse, built in the 13th century, stands on a scenic County Wexford peninsula with dramatic coastal cliffs.
  18. Glenveagh National Park
  19. Kylemore Abbey — A neo-Gothic castle and Benedictine monastery in County Galway overlooks a pristine lake and showcases Victorian architecture amid Connemara's mountains.
  20. Dunguaire Castle — A restored 16th-century tower castle on the shores of Galway Bay, this fortress epitomizes Irish medieval architecture with authentic period features.
  21. Trim Castle — Located in County Meath, this Anglo-Norman fortress from 1172 ranks among Ireland's largest medieval castles with extensive ruins and exhibits.
  22. Lough Tay — A strikingly beautiful mountain lake in County Wicklow, renowned for its deep blue waters and dramatic surrounding peaks.
  23. Beara Peninsula — A rugged mountainous peninsula in Southwest Ireland offering stunning coastal scenery, hiking trails, and traditional Irish villages.
  24. Lough Corrib — Ireland's second-largest lake, straddling Counties Galway and Mayo, dotted with islands and renowned for fishing and boating.
  25. Lough Derg — A large lake on the River Shannon in the Midlands, popular for water sports and serving as a pilgrimage destination.
  26. Kinsale Town — A picturesque harbor town in County Cork famous for its colorful buildings, seafood restaurants, and maritime heritage.
  27. Ross Castle — A medieval fortress overlooking Lough Leane in County Kerry, symbolizing the region's turbulent history and architectural significance.
  28. Valentia Island — An island off County Kerry's coast featuring dramatic cliffs, Skellig Michael views, and archaeological sites dating to early Christian times.
  29. The Gap of Dunloe — A narrow mountain pass in County Kerry offering spectacular valley views and a popular hiking or pony-trekking route.
  30. Achill Island*
  31. Arranmore Island
  32. Gweebarra Bay — A scenic coastal inlet in County Donegal with sandy beaches and views of the Atlantic, ideal for swimming and scenic drives.
  33. Ardara and Portnoo — Two charming adjacent villages in County Donegal known for traditional Irish crafts, particularly hand-woven tweeds and knitwear.

Useful for your trip

Transport
The Wild Atlantic Way is the longest coastal driving route in the world, stretching 2,500 km from Donegal in the north to Cork in the south, offering stunning landscapes and access to nature reserves and historical sites.
Tip
The Cliffs of Moher stretch 14 km along the Atlantic coast, rising 120 m at Hag's Head and reaching 214 m near O'Brien's Tower. An 18 km coastal trail offers stunning views, or opt for a boat tour to experience the cliffs from sea level.
Timing
The Cliffs of Moher draw over 1.5 million visitors annually. Visit the eco-friendly Visitor Center built into the hillside for interactive exhibits on the area's history, geology, and wildlife.
Transport
The Ring of Kerry is a 179 km loop around the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry. For a more immersive experience, use the Kyway walking path for peaceful exploration or the cycling route for quieter roads.
Tip
The Ring of Kerry is home to one of the world's rare gold tier International Dark Sky Reserves where stargazers can enjoy pristine, unspoiled views of the night sky.
Tip
Trinity College Dublin, founded in 1592, houses the world-famous Book of Kells (8th-century illuminated manuscript) in its library. The Long Room features historic treasures like the Brian Boru harp.
Tip
The Burren spans approximately 530 square km in County Clare and features notable natural landmarks like Malmore Hill and limestone formations. It contains over 70 megalithic tombs and Bronze Age artifacts.
Tip
Killarney National Park, established in 1932, spans over 12,289 square km in County Kerry. It features Lakes of Killarney, ancient oak woodlands, and is home to Ireland's only Red Deer herd.
Tip
Kerry Cliffs stand over 1,000 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, just 3 km from Portmagee village. A short 10-minute walk from the entrance offers safe viewing areas and opportunities to observe seabirds.
Tip
Galway, with a population of 85,000 (as of 2022), is the largest city in County Galway and a top tourist destination. It earned the title European Region of Gastronomy in 2018 and served as European Capital of Culture in 2020.
Tip
Connemara National Park covers 2,000 hectares in County Galway. The Diamond Hill Trail is a well-maintained path leading to the summit with sweeping views of the park's rugged beauty.
Tip
The Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary showcases medieval architecture including Cormac Chapel, which houses the only surviving Romanesque frescos in Ireland, and a Gothic cathedral built between the 12th-13th centuries.

Video on this route

Wonders of Ireland | Top 40 Amazing Places to visit in Ireland | Travel Video 4K

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