
How long is the Ring of Kerry?
Ireland, europe
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in County Kerry, Ireland, ready to tackle the legendary Ring of Kerry! This isn't just a drive, it's a full-on immersion into 10,000 years of history and ridiculously stunning scenery.
This 179-kilometer (111-mile) loop, mainly composed of the N70, N71, and N72 around Killarney, kicks off and wraps up in the lively town of Killarney.
Now, heads up! This coastal road can get twisty and tight as it snakes through a mountainous region dotted with lakes. It's especially busy during holidays. Tour buses stick to an anti-clockwise route, so you can choose your direction. Some say go against the bus flow to avoid constant maneuvering, while others recommend the same direction as the buses so you aren't constantly passing them.
But the views? Seriously epic. Prepare for a jaw-dropping panorama of rugged coastlines pummeled by the Atlantic, dramatic mountains, impossibly green fields, ancient sites, and shimmering glacial lakes. You'll wind through landscapes where wild deer roam free and waterfalls plunge into crystal-clear streams teeming with salmon.
Without stops, the drive is about 3.5 hours, but who does that? You'll want a whole day to soak it all in, with plenty of detours for photos and exploration. Think pristine beaches, medieval ruins, and endless views of the Atlantic dotted with islands. The Ring of Kerry is super popular, and for good reason!
Road Details
- Country
- Ireland
- Continent
- europe
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardRoad trip guide: Conquering Mount Perelik
🌍 Bulgaria
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Golyam Perelik! This beauty tops out at 2,180 meters (7,152 feet) and hangs out in Bulgaria's Smolyan Province, practically waving hello to Greece. You'll find it snuggled in south-central Bulgaria, and the drive is a real treat. The road's paved most of the way to the Perelik hut, but heads up, the last bit's a dirt track and pretty tight, so a 4x4 is your best bet. Trust me, the views are worth it. On a clear day, you're talking Rozhen, Rila, Pirin, the Stara Planina range, Greece's Mount Olympus, and even glimpses of the Aegean Sea! It's a climb, no doubt. From Route 866, it's about 10 kilometers (6 miles) uphill. You'll gain almost 500 meters in elevation, so expect a steady, but not killer, gradient. Keep in mind this is Rhodope Mountain territory, so summer is your prime time for access. Heads up, there's a military base at the very top, so you can't explore that part.
hardPuerto de San Lorenzo
🇪🇸 Spain
# Puerto de San Lorenzo: A High-Alpine Adventure in Asturias Nestled in the rugged mountains of northern Spain's Asturias region, Puerto de San Lorenzo sits at a lung-busting 1,348 meters (4,422 feet) above sea level. If you're looking for a proper climbing challenge, this is it—steep doesn't even begin to describe it, with some sections hitting a brutal 18% gradient that'll have your legs burning and your heart racing. The good news? The whole route is perfectly paved on the AS-265, and it stays open year-round (though winter weather might occasionally force brief closures). Once you've conquered the summit, you'll find a parking lot and viewpoint waiting to reward your effort with absolutely jaw-dropping panoramic views. Connecting the small villages of San MartĂn and La Riera, this pass has serious cycling credentials—it's been featured in the Spanish Vuelta. Coming from La Riera de Somiedo, you're looking at a 10.4 km climb with 871 meters of elevation gain and an average gradient of 8.4%. From the San MartĂn side, it's slightly longer at 10.6 km (867 meters elevation gain, 8.2% average), but either way, you'll encounter plenty of sections where the gradient consistently exceeds 10%. It might not be the longest pass out there, but don't let that fool you—this is a proper mountain challenge with scenery that makes every brutal pedal stroke totally worth it.
hardAuron
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're carving your way up a twisty mountain road in the French Alps, heading towards the ski resort of Auron. You start in the village of Le Bourguet and the road, known as the M39, is your ribbon of asphalt, pulling you higher and higher. Get ready for some seriously stunning views as you climb 591 meters over just 11 kilometers. The average grade is a manageable 5.4%, but hold on tight, because you'll hit some steep bits, up to 10.8%! Auron sits pretty at 1,652m (5,419ft), so prepare for that crisp mountain air! Get ready for hairpin turns, scenic vistas, and an unforgettable drive in the Alpes-Maritimes department.
hardCol de la Platta
🇫🇷 France
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Col de la Platta in the French Alps is calling your name! Nestled in the Savoie department within the stunning Vanoise National Park, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a gnarly gravel road that climbs to a whopping 2,391 meters (7,844 feet)! Expect a bumpy, rocky ride with some seriously steep sections and hairpin turns galore. Not for the faint of heart! Think breathtaking scenery, but also be prepared for some white-knuckle moments. If unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, maybe skip this one. And definitely avoid it in winter – it's impassable! Wet conditions can turn the road into a muddy mess, adding to the challenge. But if you're an experienced off-roader with a love for heights and incredible views, Col de la Platta is an adventure you won't soon forget!