RING OF KERRY DRIVE - 15 Essential Driving Tips for Your Visit
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ก.ค. 2024
- A Ring of Kerry drive is a fantastic driving experience but can be challenging. In this video, I share my 15 best driving tips as a local for when you are embarking on a Ring of Kerry drive. Enjoy!
🇮🇪🥾 COME EXPLORE IRELAND'S SACRED PLACES: 🥾🇮🇪
1-on-1 five day adventure to forgotten sacred power spots in Ireland: Watch the video on this link to see if we are a good match:
tinyurl.com/AdventuresIreland
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👉 NOTE: 👈
Although the quality of the road still leaves much to desired (see Tip 2 at 2:22), the Irish Government did do much in the latter part of 2020 to improve the state of certain stretches of the Ring of Kerry. Especially around Kenmare and Waterville, huge improvements have been made.
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Thank you for taking the time to watch this video - I truly appreciate it! If you got some value out of it and want more videos to inspire you to your own adventure in (South-West) Ireland, please consider subscribing to my channel.
🕑 VIDEO TIME CODES (click them to skip to that part of the video): 🕑
0:00 - Introduction
0:54 - Ring of Kerry Drive Map
1:02 - Tip 1: Toll Roads
2:22 - Tip 2: Quality of the Road
3:34 - Tip 3: Drive Slowly
4:28 - Bonus 1: Extra Rental Car Insurance
4:45 - Tip 4: Irish Finger Flick
5:07 - Tip 5: Get Off the Beaten Path
6:07 - Tip 6: Ring of Kerry Direction: Clockwise or Counterclockwise?
9:46 - Tip 7: Consider Time of Year
12:57 - Tip 8: Daylight During Wintertime
14:00 - Tip 9: Animals On the Road
16:04 - Tip 10: Switch Driver
17:03 - Tip 11: Don't Forget Kenmare
18:17 - Tip 12: Be Careful When Overtaking
18:54 - Tip 13: Plan In Some Extra Time
20:27 - Tip 14: Irish Road Signs
23:54 - Tip 15: The Basics
25:44 - Bonus 2: Pointy Rocks Sticking Out
🍀 REMINDERS: 🍀
Three things to keep in mind for all our videos:
1 - See a place you like? Comment with the specific timestamp (by typing for example 2:23 or 9:07) and I'll try to get back to you with the coordinates of that exact spot as best I can. Ireland is too beautiful not to share it with as many people as possible, so if you see a nice shot in any of my videos, let me know by commenting the timestamp!
2 - All our videos are mainly focused on tourists who want to get the most out of their Ireland visit (although please enjoy even if you are not in this category!). As such, they are 'beginner level', as there is so much to share about Irish history, nature and culture. This is a field that has a lot of enthusiasts in it. If you are one of those, you probably know way more about the subject than is shared in the video. Keep in mind that the intent of all the videos is to be at an introductory level so that visitors can get the most out of their trip and start to get familiar with what they will see when they visit Ireland. Be kind in your words and keep it civil in the comments. I'd love for you to share even more information in the comments so that everyone can keep on learning about this great island!
3 - Take responsibility for your own travels. These videos are meant to share my own love as an immigrant to Ireland, and as an inspiration for future visitors. They are not intended to tell you what to do or how to do it. Travelling has an inherent danger to it. Ireland is not a 'curated' playground. It is a real country, with its own beauty and shortcomings. The roads are small and windy. There are seldom fences at cliffs. The mountains are slippery, and the bogs soggy. Prepare yourself accordingly when you visit. Be smart, don't take unnecessary risks, and take responsibility for your own travels. Through being well-prepared and making smart decisions, I hope you will have a great stay and that our videos have played a small role in your enjoyment.
📹 ABOUT THIS VIDEO: 📹
A Ring of Kerry drive is the experience of a lifetime. However, it is not the easiest drive in the world. In this video, I go over 15 driving tips for driving the Ring of Kerry Ireland as part of your Ireland road trip. All through the eyes of a local. We go over things like Ring of Kerry direction to drive, the quality of the roads and what time of year to go. Perfect information for driving in Ireland for tourists, or if you are exploring places like Killarney, Kenmare or Killarney National Park for the first time.
#RingOfKerryDrive #RingOfKerry #RingOfKerryIreland
One advice I should give for tourists : When you have a car stuck behind you (and of course if there are several), find as soon as possible a secure place to stop for letting them pass safely. Thanks a lot.
I'm going to Ireland. Leaving in 1 week. Wish you were my tour guide.
Hope you will have a great time, Judi. Drop me a line in my DMs on my instagram if you are in the SW area (Ring of Kerry, Ring of Beara) to see if Ive got any availability for a day or 2 of tour guiding. Regardless, you've picked a great time to travel to Ireland - late April, early May is when nature takes off here. Now let's hope that the weather gods are kind too.
this video is super helpful...especially the part about driving slow....I did not see this before I left. I felt guilty about driving slow because people are flying by me...but know that it is okay to drive slow...feels better. The one thing that I have encountered is trying to figure out the weather. I am here in the summer of 2023 and it just lists the weather as straight rain, but some days ...it is not all rain. I had a hard time finding a specific weather prediction for any area....finally I went on youtube and it said sometimes the rain comes in bands and so you just have to be prepared it you are hiking...that this is the way it is....some of the places I wanted to hike just got too muddy or slippery but anyway....would love to get some pointers about dealing with the weather or getting more accurate weather descriptions while here!! It is the summer of 2023 and it's super hot in a lot of Europe but all I see here so far ...is just rain and chilly weather! thanks though for the videos! I am traveling solo so that is a bit different....last time I was here in August it was straight sun and not a drop of rain! You never know!
Nicely done, thanks for sharing.
Great video!
Your videos are so helpful, thank you!!
Great video very informative thank you for sharing
Love it!
Driving here is a joy, for sure!
Thanks for this
My pleasure!
Quality video. Thanks for the tips! Cant wait to see Southwestern Ireland in two weeks
Here’s some good advice ❤🎉
Your videos have been very helpful! I am going in May. Thank you!
Have fun! May is the perfect time to visit!
Zo mooi!!!
You will absolutely adore it here!
Thank you 🙏🏻. Very helpful video
Great video, thanks!
You bet!
Really great information. Thanks a lot!
My pleasure!
Currently studying at UL and planning a road trip of the Ring of Kerry, helpful video, thanks!
Very helpful. This answered many of the questions I had. Family and I are headed to Ring of Kerry July 2023. A little nervous about driving on the other side of the road but looking forward to the adventure. One of the biggest questions I had was clockwise v. counterclockwise and local road sings. This was well explained. Thanks for the info!
Super helpful....
Thanks for the feedback!
Saving this one. I will show my husband before we go.
Thanks for all the tips!
Coming to Ireland again in April, this time by car for the first time.
Im sure your tips will be really useful.
I know I’m a year past since you uploaded this video, but this is incredibly useful information. Thanks very much for taking the time to do these videos. My wife and I are thinking of traveling to Ireland at some point in the near future and the ring of Kerry seems like a must do
Glad it was helpful!
Very helpful. Great tips that I haven't seen elsewhere. Thanks so much for making this video.
Glad it was helpful!
He is right about the buses. Last time I visited Cliffs of Moher there were 28 buses in the car park.
Great video, thanks so much. I’ll be doing the driving in September.
Answering from the future (September), you probably will be 'canooing'. Hope you still have a great time with all the waterfalls coming down the mountain.
Great tips and advice! We booked our trip to the southwest coast of Ireland this coming winter. Cannot wait! It's been a longtime bucket list destination for us.
Loving the videos! Heading to Ireland for a road trip in March 2022 and will be using all of your tips ands tricks from all of the videos!
I'm sure you'll absolutely love, love, love your road trip. Glad I could whetten your appetite and thank you for the generous words!
thank you for the video and all that tips!
My pleasure. Hope you enjoy your time on the Ring!
@@AdventuresInQuietPlaces Thank you! I will follow your advice and come to see it in late december :-)
Just keep in mind the possible downside of a later in the year trip: Less daylight, so your days are shorter, and there will be far more rain. Still, the fact that you've got the whole Ring for yourself is quite awesome!
Your love and passion for the place is incredible ❤🍀❤
Thanks Jen! Sometimes it feels a bit awkward to share out loud in said passion, especially (weirdly enough) to Irish people. Almost like there is a taboo not to be too proud of the country, its beauty, its people or its history. There are of course historical reasons for that. Still, to actually experience that is quite astonishing to witness. Anyways, hopefully that love is somewhat contagious so more people can get the most out of their stay!
@@AdventuresInQuietPlaces oh sweetheart dont ya go worrying about that. Of course its contagious, we are a proud lot although some suppress it. Continue on and I'll continue writing my stories. ❤
Thanks for the advices. Could u recommend good ways to book classic bed and breakfasts inns that are affordable and good. Love to experience local lodges and pubs and nice seafood. Appreciate the recommendations
Very useful.Thanks.I am planning in Oct in the lean season.Your videos will be useful to plan the trip.
Can you please do a video on places to stay in Ring of Kerry.
Best wishes
One overlooked little gem that I would recommend:
Kells Bay House and Garden. Out of the way hotel, Thai restaurant and botanical garden. Really nice owners that will take good care of you:
-maps.app.goo.gl/TDU7axc7My9fnnoR8
-www.kellsgardens.ie/
I just subscribed to your channel nicely done. I’ve visited Ireland 11 times my wife way more, one thing for new drivers everywhere roundabout etiquette will keep the horn honking and mid finger waving down.
this sentence should be in the tourist brochure for anyone thinking of hiring a car for their tourist trip in Ireland!
I've been to Ireland once in 2019 and am headed back in January and will be in Dublin this time so the toll road there is good info for me. I will be renting a car so thanks for the tip!
More than happy to have helped. Hope you have a great time!
🇮🇪🥾 COME EXPLORE IRELAND'S SACRED PLACES: 🥾🇮🇪
1-on-1 five day adventure to forgotten sacred power spots in Ireland: Watch the video on this link to see if we are a good match:
tinyurl.com/AdventuresIreland
Don't mind the beard. It was having a rough time with lockdowns!
VIDEO TIME CODES (click them to skip to that part of the video):
0:00 - Introduction
0:54 - Ring of Kerry Drive Map
1:02 - Tip 1: Toll Roads
2:22 - Tip 2: Quality of the Road
3:34 - Tip 3: Drive Slowly
4:28 - Bonus 1: Extra Rental Car Insurance
4:45 - Tip 4: Irish Finger Flick
5:07 - Tip 5: Get Off the Beaten Path
6:07 - Tip 6: Clockwise or Counterclockwise?
9:46 - Tip 7: Consider Time of Year
12:57 - Tip 8: Daylight During Wintertime
14:00 - Tip 9: Animals On the Road
16:04 - Tip 10: Switch Driver
17:03 - Tip 11: Don't Forget Kenmare
18:17 - Tip 12: Be Careful When Overtaking
18:54 - Tip 13: Plan In Some Extra Time
20:27 - Tip 14: Irish Road Signs
23:54 - Tip 15: The Basics
25:44 - Bonus 2: Pointy Rocks Sticking Out
NOTE:
Although the quality of the road still leaves much to desired (see Tip 2 at 2:22), the Irish Government did do much in the latter part of 2020 to improve the state of certain stretches of the Ring of Kerry. Especially around Kenmare and Waterville, huge improvements have been made.
Check out the description for more information about this and other videos!
I was surprised to hear in your well done, helpful video that an international driver's permit or international driving license is required in Ireland. In other videos I believe I heard them say one's American state license (for me California) is fine and fulfills the driver's license requirement. Has that change been recent? Please let me know if you are able to write back. Thanks.
Great tips! Thank you! 🙏🏻
Where's that forest, you're walking through while talking to the camera?
Part of Killarney National Park.
Exact location: goo.gl/maps/ZfenDjuLpXgdfr1Q7
Entry Point: goo.gl/maps/NNBwK1kLqBEE5z4e9
Hope that helps!
My friend your accent is very unusual to me but it’s cool I’m from the Northern Ireland
Hello Cody, waving to you in Northern Ireland, all the way from co. Kerry!
That exquisite accent (yes - that is sarcasm!) is the unholy combination of Dutch and Kerry. It is a thing not meant to be... but it is! :)
This is so helpful thank you so much. A question about encountering the tour buses, would a motorhome be able to pass a tour bus? Ty
This depends where on the Ring you encounter tourbuses on your trip. For the majority of the Ring, a tourbus and a motorhome can pass each other without issue.
*HOWEVER*, you will always see that when you do encounter a tourbus with your motorhome, you are at the most narrow parts of the Ring. And there, **no**, tourbuses and motorhomes will **no**t be able to pass each other.
Because of this, motorhomes and tourbuses are asked very strictly to all go and follow the same direction. That is counterclockwise. So for example if you are starting in Killarney, you will first be driving towardsto Killorglin, Caheersiveen, Waterville, etc.
In that way, all the 'heavy traffic' is following each other and not encountering each other as oncoming traffic. There are even signs just outside Torc Waterfall for people going clockwise on the Ring, to not do so with large vehicles - because they inevitably are going to be bumping into oncoming tourbuses. In the height of the tourist season, with cars in front and behind, you will not be able to turn or get out of the way. So, follow the tourbuses, and go counterclockwise. If we follow our earlier example of starting in Killarney, this means you will do Molls Gap, Ladies View and Torc Waterfall at the end of your Ring of Kerry, when starting in Killarney.
Hope that helps.
ThAnk u sir. If we miss toadd any figure al can we revise dpt 3
Got a trip planned for next year and trying to get all the information I can get. My sister and cousin will not do any of the driving so it's up to me. Are there any road signs I need to know the meaning of? I guess I should look that up! Great video!!
Glad you liked the video, Sherri! I'm sure you and your family will absolutely love it here! Other than the signs mentioned at 20:27, the only one that comes to mind is the so-called "rural speed limit sign", that I've not seen in other places. I'll link to it below. Basically it is put into place on small rural backroads and tells you that even though the national limit on said road might be some rediculously speedy number, best to take it slow. It is basically the government reminding you that these are bad, bendy roads, and to sloooooow down. I've not seen the sign in other countries. Take a look: speedlimits.ie/rsl
Hope that helps!
@@AdventuresInQuietPlaces I always drive extra careful in an unfamiliar area, this will be an unfamiliar country! Safety first. I'll check the video out. Thanks!
We may be there in November. Can you suggest a good tour operator since I may prefer to enjoy the views rather than drive. Appreciate all the info. Thanks
Hi, thank you so much for the tips we will be there in the fall. You mention that we need an international driver's permit, but it looks like the Ireland embassy website says tourists can drive with their own license for up to 12 months. Can you clarify please? My husband and I will be doing most of the driving for our group.
Hi I am loving your videos. I thought maybe you could help. I want to visit the secret waterfall from Killybegs.... I may need to tell the taxi driver the exact location.
Can you help me with that. I am on a cruise ship and will be arriving May 11, 2024. I have checked tide schedule but want to confirm best time to hike it. Any info is greatly appreciated.
This is a informative and nice video. I learned a thing or two which will be useful on my trip this fall 23 or spring 24 to Ireland. One thing I am confused about is the driver's licensing requirement. I believe I heard in other videos and read in other articles that an international driver's license or international driving permit is not required and an American driver's license, in my case California, will suffice. I did hear that it is a good idea to check with your own current car insurance to see if you are covered outside of The US. Most people have said it is still best to pay extra and get insurance or even additional car insurance in Ireland. Anyone know about the international driver's license requirement? Please kindly let me know. Thank you very much.
My brother (from California) rented a car last fall, he did NOT need an international drivers license. I am planing to rent a car this fall and won’t bother getting one..
@@frednorman1 Thanks. I am probably going there this early fall too, maybe we'll run into each other :)
Hey ! First of all thanks a lot for all your videos. It's really a goldmine of informations for me. I'm coming to Ireland on this Saturday, planning to do the ring of Kerry in one week. And I have a question, not really the subject of this video but I think you could help ! Do you know what is the actual situation due to the Covid to come to Ireland ? Because I saw earlier on a (French) website that, when you had just one dose of the vaccin (cause you have been positive to the Covid in the past), it's not considerate like a valid pass to come. But impossible to actually find a similar information on Irish website. Do you know anything about this ? I have big trouble finding something concrete and precise and it's pretty stressful.
A whole week for the Ring of Kerry, in the beginning of autumn no less! You'll love it, and great time to visit.
I'm so sorry I'm only seeing your comment now. I don't know the current situation with restrictions due to the pandemic, as they seem to change from time to time. My best tip would be to reach out to your country's own Irish Embassy, as they will have the most up to date information.
Have a great trip!
Hi! I am coming to Ireland for around 20 days with my family (6 members). We intend to go for a tour of the Ring. what car should I rent when I go for the Ring of Kerry? I am from Kashmir (Pakistan) and surely used to drive the bumpy meandering roads.
Problem number 8:
Dont drink the water from rivers or lakes. Contamination! Loads of water. And now, in Galway there is a watr alert after some sonny days.
Ireland really has a major water Problem even if it rains all the time!
Do cars get broken into very often on the ring?
Are the pullover spaces full of vehicles and thus unavailable during tourist season?
Do you mean places to put a camper-fan overnight? Or just a normal spot to pull over and take a few moments to enjoy the view?
During tourist season, the Ring of Kerry can get quite busy. Places like Ladies View, Gap of Dunloe and Moll's Gap are busy, crowded even at times, but usually you are able to find a spot for your car. If you front run the crowds by leaving early on your Ring of Kerry drive, you should have no problems at these most touristy spots.
If instead you are talking about the the little 'bays' to the side of the road, those are not meant for parking, but for letting other oncoming cars pass at places where the road is very narrow. On the Ring of Kerry you will only find those at the Gap of Dunloe, the rest of the road is two lane.
The place where you will find the most 'fighting for a spot to pull over' will be around Ladies View in Killarney National Park. Luckily, a little further up the road you will find multiple spots with just a good a view, where the majority of the cars don't stop, as they go for Ladies View.
So, long story short - busy, but still enough space all over the ring to pull over and enjoy the views, take pictures, have an impromptu picnic and just relax!
Hope that made sense and my response wasn't all over the place :)
Scots-Irish? What do ya recommend as far as time spent to do the ring? I'll have 2 days sweetie, is that ok?
Thanks for asking the question, Jen.
Yes - two days is good to get most of the highlights, without feeling rushed. I have a video of what to see if you only have 1 day. You can find it here: th-cam.com/video/9f22fb-A4Zo/w-d-xo.html. However, truth be told, that is a very, very full day, and you can easily spend two days or more on that list in that video, if you want to take it a bit more easy.
Also, if you have an extra day to spare, consider doing the Ring of Beara (the little brother just to the South of the Ring of Kerry). Far less touristy, and absolutely worth it (it is our personal favorite!)
So, to summarize, two days would be a great introduction to the Ring, without feeling too rushed. Hope that answers your question and enjoy your time in beautiful Kerry!
Oh, and the accent is Dutch, with the local Kerryman starting to rub off on me after 7 years. Bit of an unusual combination :)
Did you miss the big one....you drive on the left.
Noooooo! Lol. I hope it would be obvious that you drive on the left, but come to think of it... there are actually signs **on** the Ring of Kerry that remind you in German and French and English to drive on the left!
Just be aware that Irish drivers are often unaware of their own mortality.
haahaha the finger flick wave is a country thing. dont do it in dublin
Now that is a pro-tip, if I've ever read one.
Strange accent??