Overview
The Skellig Ring is the quiet alternative to the Ring of Kerry. It branches off at the south-western end of the Iveragh Peninsula and runs on narrow roads, which is much of the appeal. From Waterville it takes in Ballinskelligs, St Finian’s Bay, the Coomanaspig pass and Portmagee, and you can add Valentia Island by crossing the bridge from Portmagee. The road hugs the shoreline with frequent pull-offs to watch the Atlantic hit the cliffs, and fuchsia hedges flush pink along the lanes through late summer and autumn.
If you make one stop, make it the Kerry Cliffs near Portmagee, a fine mainland view towards the Skelligs.
History & Local Character
Long before it was a scenic drive, this coast supported monastic settlements, fishing communities and terraced farms. The ruins of Ballinskelligs Abbey sit beside a stone castle, from a time when the coast needed both spiritual and military cover. On Valentia Island, the cable station at Knightstown tells the story of the lasting telegraph link established across the Atlantic in 1866, a genuine turning point in global communications.
The route’s modern popularity climbed after the Skellig Islands appeared as the planet Ahch-To in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi. The islands themselves need a separate boat trip, but the mainland drive gives you the same Atlantic backdrop that drew the film crews.
Key Stops Along the Route
Waterville – A colourful harbour town with a long promenade and a direct view of the Skelligs. Walk Waterville Beach or play the links-style Waterville Golf Links.
Ballinskelligs – Home to the abbey ruins, a castle and a sheltered beach. The Cill Rialaig Arts Centre shows local craft and gallery work. Use designated parking and keep gateways and passing places clear.
St. Finian’s Bay – Known for its Atlantic surf, the bay also holds the Skelligs Chocolate Factory. The Bolus Head Loop Walk climbs to a plateau with clear sightlines to the Skelligs and nearby Puffin Island.
Coomanaspig Pass – The road climbs steeply over the pass to a wind-blasted viewpoint over Valentia Island, the Dingle Peninsula and the open ocean.
Kerry Cliffs – Cliffs dropping a long way to the sea. For views towards the Skellig Islands, follow the managed path at the Kerry Cliffs. Check opening and prices with the operator and stay on the visitor route near the cliffs. On a clear day you can see Skellig Michael and Little Skellig, with the Dingle headlands beyond.
Portmagee – A working fishing village on the water’s edge. The harbour front is lined with seafood restaurants and the Portmagee Whiskey Experience, which offers guided tastings in a converted 19th-century building.
Valentia Island – Reached by the bridge from Portmagee. The island packs a lot into a short drive: the Skellig Experience Visitor Centre, the cable station at Knightstown, the Telegraph Field, the Bray Head Loop Walk and the lighthouse. It’s worth crossing for the tetrapod footprints, dating back some 350 million years, and the climb up Geokaun Mountain for coastal views. The Valentia ferry runs between Renard Point near Cahersiveen and Knightstown when in service, so check sailing dates if you plan to use it.
Outdoor Activities & Dark Skies
The Skellig Ring forms part of the Wild Atlantic Way. The roads are mostly single-track, which makes for a manageable ride for a reasonably fit cyclist. Walkers have the Kerry Way long-distance trail running through the area, plus shorter routes like the Bolus Head and Bray Head loops.
Water sports are active at St. Finian’s Bay and Ballinskelligs Beach, where local operators run kayaking, paddle-boarding and surf lessons. Valentia Island Sea Sports hires equipment and runs guided coastal tours. Stay out of the water in rough conditions.
Much of the route falls within the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve. Light pollution is minimal, and on a clear night the Milky Way stretches across the sky without binoculars.
Practical Information
Driving – These are narrow, winding roads with passing places, not a road for nervous drivers, with a steep climb over Coomanaspig. If you are travelling in a large vehicle or campervan, check whether your planned route is suitable before setting out.
Parking – Use designated parking, and check with the operator for parking at the Kerry Cliffs. Keep gateways and passing places clear.
Getting there – Local Link Kerry and the TFI Journey Planner can help you check bus connections from larger towns before you plan around them.
Boats and Skellig Michael – The Office of Public Works has closed Skellig Michael to landings until the 2027 season. Check the OPW island page for opening dates, restrictions and permitted boats. Landings depend on weather and sea conditions.
Best time to visit – Late spring to early autumn gives the longest days and the most services open. In winter the weather and empty viewpoints suit landscape photographers and stargazers, but check that cafés and attractions are open.
Accessibility – The path to the Kerry Cliffs platform is uneven with a short climb, and the historic ruins sit on natural stone surfaces that can be awkward for wheelchairs or strollers.
Nearby Attractions
If you have extra time, these sit within reach of the Skellig Ring:
- Aghadoe – A historic ridge above the Killarney lakes, with an early-Christian ring fort and clear views across the water.
- Annascaul – A quiet village around a small lake, with traditional pubs and access to coastal walking trails.
- Ballybunion – A seaside resort known for its beach, golf and a 16th-century fort.
- Blasket Islands – Reached by boat from Dingle, these remote islands offer rugged terrain, seabird colonies and the preserved legacy of Irish-language island life.
Family-Friendly Tips
- Pack layers – Coastal weather turns fast; a waterproof jacket and a warm mid-layer earn their place even in July.
- Choose manageable walks – The Bolus Head and Bray Head loops have clear paths, but check conditions first.
- Bring snacks and water – Remote viewpoints like the Kerry Cliffs and Coomanaspig Pass have limited facilities.
- Stargazing etiquette – The Dark Sky Reserve asks visitors to use red-filtered torches and dim phone screens to protect everyone’s night vision.
Fill the tank and pick up food before you set off, as services on the loop itself are thin, and carry a physical map or offline GPS, because the mobile signal can drop out in several valleys.