Skellig Ring

The well-signposted Skellig Ring connects the two villages of Portmagee and Ballinskelligs via narrow back roads along one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline on the Iveragh Peninsula. For many visitors, a drive along the Ring of Skellig is the real highlight of the Ring of Kerry. So if you are driving the Ring of Kerry and have enough time, this detour, which is also part of the Wild Atlantic Way, is well worth it! The Skellig Ring takes its name from the two Skellig Islands, Little Skellig and Skellig Michael, which rise majestically from the waters far out in the Atlantic. The islands were once described by George Bernard Shaw as "not belong to any world". Since the key scene of the Star Wars film "The Force Awakens" was filmed on Skellig Michael, the legendary rock has received an enormous boost in popularity.

From the N70, the Ring of Kerry, signs point to Portmagee shortly beyond Cahersiveen. Either take the route by ferry via Valentia Island (in the summer months) or through varied heathland straight to Portmagee. The Skellig Ring begins in this picturesque fishing village with its colourful houses. From the busy harbour of the village, visitor boats leave for Skellig Michael in good weather conditions. Right next to the village is a bridge that leads over to Valentia Island. A detour is also worthwhile. Once you have passed Portmagee on the onward journey, you next pass the Kerry Cliffs - a section of coast with steep cliffs on the top of which a viewing platform is located. As the route continues, the narrow road leads very gradually up to a hilltop, with an immense climb before reaching the top of the pass. Up here, the Coomanaspig Pass car park overlooks Valentia Island and St. Finian's Bay - a fabulous view. The drive down the hill is also quite challenging, as the road descends steeply with a mighty gradient and several twists and turns, past a hidden pier to St. Finian's Bay. The next stop is a small place called "The Glen". Right at the edge of the village, the Skellig Ring passes one of the most beautiful beaches on the Iveragh Peninsula. Just a stone's throw away is the Skellig Chocolate Factory. On the onward journey, a breathtaking view of the coast and sea reveals itself along St. Finian's Bay, and both Puffin Island and the Skellig Islands out on the horizon are constant companions. A detour towards Bolus Head, one of the most unspoilt corners of the Emerald Isles with dramatic cliffs, lush green pastures, sheep and only a handful of houses, is particularly recommended.

The Skellig Ring continues over a hilltop to Ballinskelligs, which is signposted here with the Irish name Baile an Sceilg. As you approach the village, it seems as if you are heading straight towards the ruins of an old tower house - McCarthy's Castle. The ruins are idyllically situated in the middle of the bay on a narrow headland opposite Ballinskellig beach. The extensive sandy beach itself is perfect for long walks along the beach. Not far from the beach are the ruins of Ballinskelligs Abbey from the 12th century and Ballinskelligs Pier a little further on. Boats also leave from here to Skellig Michael. Ballinskelligs itself is a very popular holiday resort and one can hardly avoid the impression that it consists mainly of scattered holiday homes.

As the route continues, it passes through heathland and at several points you catch a glimpse of Ballinskelligs Bay. Near Waterville, the Skellig Ring rejoins the N70 and ends here.