Last Updated on September 16, 2026 by Betsy Ramsey
Buckle up for a breathtaking showdown! The Wild Atlantic Way runs about 1600 miles from Kinsale on the SE coast of Ireland to the country’s Northern peak. Two of the most popular stages are located in the South.
The first is the stunning Ring of Kerry, with dramatic cliffs and charming villages. The other is the captivating Dingle Peninsula, filled with coastal treasures. Which iconic drive will steal your heart? Join us as we explore these two magnificent routes and help you choose your perfect adventure!
The Ring of Kerry or Slea Head Drive?
Due to time constraints, first-time visitors wanting a general overview of the country often must choose between driving the Ring of Kerry or the Dingle Peninsula. Both have their merits and drawbacks. Today, we’ll go over each.
The Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry route runs approximately 110 miles around the southern coast of Ireland from Kenmare to Castlemaine. Several of the most worthwhile sights are located near Killarney, making an abbreviated “pass-through” drive of the Ring a viable option.
- Kenmare Stone Circle: Dating to the Bronze Age, this stone circle is one of the largest and oldest in Ireland.
- Derrynane: Derrynane is home to a lovely beach and the house once belonging to beloved Irish statesman, Daniel O’Connell.
- Kerry Cliffs: Some say these rival the Cliffs of Moher and are much less touristed!
- Portmagee: Charming seaside fishing village.
- Skellig Michael: Dramatic rocky island with a monastery located off the coast.
- Cahergal, Loher, or Leacanbuaile Stone Forts: Iron Age defensive ring forts built entirely of dry-stacked stone.
Note that these are the highlights. Many other beaches, scenic viewpoints, and other attractions are along the route. Closer to the city of Killarney and a more developed road network, you will find:
- Lady’s View: Impressive lookout point in the heart of Killarney National Park.
- Torc Waterfall: Picturesque cascade waterfall. Short walk required.
- Muckross House: A Victorian mansion set on a lake, visited by the late Queen Victoria. A traditional farm and living history village is also located at this site.
- Ross Castle: 15th-century castle.
- Gap of Dunloe: Narrow mountain pass peppered with lakes, waterfalls, and epic scenery.
Route Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Many sites and attractions Numerous towns and villages | 3-3.5 hours to drive, without stops Often congested |
The Slea Head Drive/Dingle Peninsula
The Slea Head Drive on the Dingle Peninsula runs about 30 miles around the southwestern coast of Ireland. Tourists typically base themselves in Dingle, the only town of substantial size in the area.
- Fairy Ringfort: The remains of a settlement dating to 1000 AD.
- Dingle Sheepdogs: Watch these intelligent animals at work. Bonus experience: A famine cottage is also available to visit.
- Beehive Hut: Architecturally interesting 12th-century settlement.
- Hold a Baby Lamb Dingle: Hold a baby lamb and feed the animals.
- Dunquin Pier: Narrow path surrounded by cliffs leading to the quickest ferry to the Blasket Islands.
- The Blasket Center: An educational center for learning about the Great Blasket islanders. You may opt to take a 20-minute ferry ride to the island.
- Gallarus Oratory: Intact 8th-century church.
As with the Ring of Kerry, many other beaches, strands, scenic viewpoints, and ruins appear along the Slea Head Drive route.
Off the official Slea Head drive but fairly close to Dingle, you will find Inch Beach and the Connor Pass/waterfall. Inch Beach is an enormous, sandy strip made famous in the movie Ryan’s Daughter. The Connor Pass is Dingle’s answer to the Gap of Dunloe, one of the highest mountain passes in the country with dramatic viewpoints.
Route Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Many sites and attractions Less congested | 1 hour to drive, without stops Geographically isolated Only 1 substantial town, Dingle |
Natty Gal Recommendation
If you start your Irish road trip in Dublin and head south, I recommend visiting the Killarney area sights en route from the east coast (Cork or Rock of Cashel area) to Dingle. The following day, devote your time to the Slea Head Drive.
This routing will allow you to take in the most impressive highlights of each region in a time and location-efficient manner, assuming you will visit the Cliffs of Moher or Galway after your stay in Dingle.
Dingle Benner’s Hotel is situated in the heart of Dingle within walking distance of all the pubs, harbor, etc. The hotel offers FREE parking and has a restaurant on-site.
Tips for a Good Experience
- Getting an early start will help you avoid crowds.
- Weather can factor in how much you enjoy this experience. However, if you have a foggy or rainy morning, I recommend that you carry on unless you’re in the midst of a known storm. Weather conditions change frequently and rapidly throughout this region.
- There is a lot of advice online about which direction to drive. We drove Slea Head clockwise and encountered little traffic, even in the high season.
- Bring bug spray to Ladie’s View. We had our worst mosquito/gnat issues at inland lakes, including the day at Ladie’s View. Coastal areas were much better.
- At the Gap of Dunloe, you’ll find jaunting cars available for hire outside of Kate’s Cottages. They make for efficient travel but are also a rough ride. The route is rigorous for the horse, although we were assured each animal only made a few trips each day. Driving the very narrow pass is NOT recommended due to so many jaunting carts and walkers on the road.
- Take small bills with you in this area. Some smaller stops and sights require cash payment.
- If you have time, Slea Head can be driven quickly enough that you may want to return at sunset for lovely “golden hour” views!
Did you decide which route is best for you? The Ring of Kerry or the Slea Head Drive? Late spring is an incredible time to visit Ireland so make your plans now! Follow the series by searching for Ireland on Natty Gal.
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