Skellig Ring

The Skellig Ring is an eighteen-kilometre loop that branches off the main Ring of Kerry and runs out to the far western tip of the Iveragh peninsula through Portmagee, Ballinskelligs and over the Coomanaspig Pass. Its roads are too narrow for tour coaches, which are banned from most of it, and the difference in traffic against the main Ring is immediate. The route takes in the Kerry Cliffs, the bridge to Valentia Island, the Coomanaspig road over the ridge at one of the highest points reachable by car in Ireland, Saint Finian's Bay, and Ballinskelligs with its Gaeltacht community, ruined abbey and castle on the strand. Skellig Michael is visible from several points. The roads are genuinely narrow with passing places, blind bends and stone walls close to the tarmac, and meeting a farm vehicle means reversing.

What you actually see

• The Coomanaspig road - over the ridge, near the highest drivable point here.
• Portmagee and Valentia - the harbour village and the bridge across.
• Ballinskelligs - Gaeltacht village with abbey and castle on the strand.
• The coach-free roads - narrow enough that tour buses cannot use them.

When to go

April to October. The roads are unpleasant in fog or heavy rain. Early or late in the day gives the best light on the Skelligs, weather allowing.

Honest expectations

Single-track with passing places, blind bends and walls at the edge - not a relaxed drive. No fuel or services for stretches. Cloud regularly hides the Skelligs and the coastal views entirely.

Nearby

The Kerry Cliffs and Valentia Island are on the loop; the Ring of Kerry rejoins at Waterville.