Most visitors do the Ring of Kerry as a single 180 km loop in a day. You see a lot of beautiful country that way. You also miss most of it. These are the small detours we send our guests on when they are staying for a few days.

Valentia Island and the Cromwell Point Lighthouse

A twenty-minute drive west takes you across the bridge to Valentia. Drive on round to the lighthouse, pay a small admission, and climb the tower for one of the best views in Ireland — Skelligs to the south, the Blasket Islands to the north. A small café at the base for tea.

Coomakista Pass

The high-point of the coast road between Caherdaniel and Waterville. Pull in at the marked viewpoint; on a clear day the panorama covers Derrynane Bay, the Skelligs and the Iveragh interior. A two-minute stop, but one of the most memorable two minutes of a trip.

Staigue Stone Fort

A 2,500-year-old circular dry-stone fort in a quiet valley fifteen minutes east. No ticket, no fence, no fuss — just the stones, the sheep, and you. Bring a torch if you want to climb the internal staircases.

Ballinskelligs Priory and Abbey

A 12th-century McCarthy Mór ruin standing on a sandy spit out into Ballinskelligs Bay. Walk out at low tide; the photographs will make any phone look good.

The Skellig Chocolate Factory

A small artisan chocolate maker tucked into a cottage above St Finian’s Bay. Tastings are free; the espresso is excellent; the view from the picnic tables outside is a small but distinct upgrade on whatever you had planned for elevenses.