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Scenic Drives Via & Near Cahersiveen
Discover Ireland’s most iconic routes—from coastal
wonders to hidden mountain passes.
Cahersiveen is your gateway to some of the most unforgettable drives in Ireland. Nestled between sea and mountain, our town sits directly on two legendary routes: the Ring of Kerry and the Wild Atlantic Way.
From here, you can explore world-famous scenic drives, dramatic viewpoints, and peaceful backroads that bring you closer to the soul of the Iveragh Peninsula.
Kerry Cliffs, Portmagee: Where the land ends in towering drama
—just off the Ring of Kerry and Skellig Ring
The Ring of Kerry
A Legendary Loop Through Mountains, Coast, and Time
Distance: ~179 km loop
Ideal For: Classic Irish sightseeing, day trips, photo stops
The Ring of Kerry is one of Ireland’s most famous drives—and for good reason. This circular route wraps around the entire Iveragh Peninsula, passing through coastal towns, mountain passes, and lush valleys.
Cahersiveen lies right on this ring, making our hotel the perfect starting point or overnight stop.
Highlights near us include Kells Bay Gardens, Valentia Island, and Waterville. Whether you do the full loop or explore in sections, every stretch offers cinematic beauty and a deep sense of place.
The Wild Atlantic Way
A Coastal Journey Through Ireland’s Untamed Soul
Distance: 2,600 km (full route) | We’re on the Skellig Coast section
Ideal For: Coastal adventures, cliffside views, windswept magic
The Wild Atlantic Way is the longest defined coastal touring route in the world, stretching from Donegal to West Cork. Cahersiveen is on the Skellig Coast section—one of its most breathtaking stretches.
This is where the Atlantic crashes into ancient cliffs and where remote inlets and tiny harbours tell centuries of stories.
Use Cahersiveen as your base to explore this section of the WAW, with easy access to places like St. Finian’s Bay, Ballinskelligs, and the Kerry Cliffs.
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End-of-the-world beauty on the edge of the Wild Atlantic Way in Kerry
Skellig Ring Drive
Cliffs, Sea Spray, and the Edge of the World
Distance: ~18 km (loop)
Ideal For: Sea views, off-the-beaten-path adventure
Branching off from the Ring of Kerry, the Skellig Ring is a narrower, lesser-known route that packs in jaw-dropping coastal scenery.
Wind your way past St. Finian’s Bay, the chocolate factory at Loher, and the stunning Skellig Viewpoint, where you can glimpse Skellig Michael rising from the sea.
It’s best for confident drivers and rewards you with fewer crowds and unspoiled views.
Ballaghisheen Pass
A winding road through silence, sky, and raw Kerry beauty
Distance: ~27 km (Cahersiveen to Glencar)
Ideal For: Remote landscapes, dramatic elevation, moody skies
For something more rugged and remote, take a day to explore the Ballaghisheen Pass.
This mountain road cuts through the wild centre of the Iveragh Peninsula and offers one of the most dramatic inland drives in the country.
Expect twisting roads, rolling bogland, and stunning silence. It’s one of those roads where you pull over often—just to take it all in.
Skellig Ring Drive: Where every bend reveals the sea
and a new chapter
Ballaghisheen Pass: A winding road through silence, sky, and raw Kerry beauty
Valentia Island Drive
Where History Rests Beside the Sea
Distance: ~20 km (loop)
Ideal For: Island charm, heritage sites, gentle day trips
Just across the bridge from Portmagee, Valentia Island offers a relaxed driving loop filled with local charm. Stop at the Slate Quarry, ascend Geokaun Mountain and Fogher Cliffs, or walk to Bray Head for panoramic views.
It’s ideal for a half-day outing, especially for couples or families who want a slower pace.
A gentle island loop with wild views in every direction, the Valentia Island Drive is where
quiet roads meet crashing waves and centuries of history.
Stay Where the Journey
Never Ends
When the road winds down, come home to comfort. At the Kerry Coast Hotel, you’re perfectly placed to explore every turn and trail.
Whether you're tracing the entire Ring of Kerry, chasing sea spray along the Wild Atlantic Way, or seeking hidden gems like the Skellig Ring, our hotel in Cahersiveen is your base for it all.
Relax in our cosy rooms, share your day’s stories over a pint in Frank’s Bar & Bistro, and plan tomorrow’s adventure—with the best drives in Ireland right outside your door.