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If you’re dreaming of a scenic loop through Ireland, you’re in for a treat. The emerald isle is packed with dramatic coastlines, medieval towns, castles, lush countryside and so much more —all perfect for a great adventure. Our recent road trip actually started in Belfast, Northern Ireland, took us north, west, south and circled all the way to Dublin. We included the Ring of Kerry, a breathtaking 179 km (111 mile) circular route around the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry, southwest Ireland. It’s suggested that you drive in a clockwise direction to avoid getting stuck behind tour buses which go in an anti-clockwise direction, makes total sense.

The following interactive guide includes a Google Map with plotted stops, driving directions, and suggested itineraries. It’s great for planning your own route or following a pre-made one. We also did the Dingle Peninsula loop in County Kerry. This is another one of Ireland’s most spectacular drives, especially along the Slea Head Drive, a 30-mile loop that hugs the rugged coastline and offers jaw-dropping views.

One of the stops on our itinerary was to see the Cliffs of Moher on the rugged Atlantic west side. This portion of our drive took us by the historic Kylemore Abbey. Built in 1868 as a private residence, it became a Benedictine monastery in 1920. We arrived in the pouring rain but stopped in for a visit anyway.

As we continued our drive, we arrived at the Cliffs of Moher natural area where there were already lots of tour buses. Conventional wisdom says you should get there early if you want to avoid this but I’m not sure it would make much difference as this is a pretty popular attraction. For parking, we used the official visitor center lot, which was included in the €10 entry fee. A short walk to the Visitor Centre reveals a row of buildings that are tucked discreetly into the hillside. They look and feel more like a hobbit’s haven than a modern facility. The turf-covered roofs blend seamlessly into the landscape, as if designed by nature. There are plenty of restrooms, cafés, gift shops, first aid, water stations, and even a doggy pit stop.

The first point of interest as you leave the Visitor Centre is O’Brien’s Tower. It’s a scenic and moderately uphill walk with paved and well-maintained steps and ramps, (wheelchair and stroller accessible.) As you ascend, the panoramic views of the cliffs and Atlantic Ocean unfold beautifully. We dressed in layers as it can be windy and chilly, even in summer—bring a jacket! The area around the tower, is where you can expect to find a lot of people, especially around midday. To avoid the crush of the crowds, you can choose your adventure—from a few hundred-meter stroll to a 20km coastal hike.

Perched dramatically near the cliff edge, O’Brien’s Tower marks the highest point (188 masl or 616 ft) of this iconic coastline. Built in 1835 by local landlord and MP Cornelius O’Brien, this limestone tower was designed as an observation point for tourists drawn to the area’s breathtaking scenery. From the top, you can gaze across Galway Bay to the north, Loop Head to the south and the Aran Islands directly west.

After climbing the tower, (it’s free), we set out on our cliff walk, taking note of the warning signs along the way. There are several spots to pause and admire the cliffs and gaze at the soaring sea birds.

Another of those signs reminding visitors of the potential danger. Throughout the years, there have been fatal accidents so it’s wise to stay on the marked trails.

The ravens at the Cliffs of Moher add a haunting elegance to an already dramatic landscape. Their deep, croaking calls, echo ominously across the cliffs, amplifying the eerie mystique of the landscape and evoking a sense of lurking danger. These intelligent and charismatic birds are part of the rich avian tapestry that makes the cliffs one of Ireland’s most important bird habitats.

The trail winds through pastureland where you will see cows and sheep grazing.

A few hours spent at the Cliffs of Moher is not enough. There are numerous hiking trails and much more to explore, but there are only so many hours in a day. Leaving the Cliffs, we set out for the town of Dingle, a three-and-a-half-hour drive through some amazingly beautiful Irish countryside. After a much-welcomed good night’s sleep, our next stop would be Dunmore Head on the Dingle Peninsula.

Dunmore Head: Ireland’s Wild Western Edge, the most western point of the Dingle Peninsula—and of mainland Ireland. Jutting dramatically into the Atlantic Ocean, this rugged promontory in County Kerry is part of the legendary Slea Head Drive, a scenic loop that showcases Ireland’s coastal majesty.

A Galactic Connection: Ireland’s Dunmore Head played a starring role in Star Wars, The Last Jedi as part of the remote planet Ahch-To, where Luke Skywalker lived in exile.

Our daughter works in the film industry so in our travels, we like to look out for movie film locations and share the experience through our photographs.

Moving right along, we stopped at an overlook where there was a plaque detailing various filming locations for the Star Wars movie. From this vantage point, we could see the areas where some of the scenes were shot.

Following the “StarWars” sign, we drove to the small parking lot and hiked the path down to Coumeenoole Beach.

Driving from Dunmore Head to the Kerry Cliffs: We left Coumeenoole Beach, following the coastal road (Wild Atlantic Way) through County Kerry and connected to the Ring of Kerry. It’s as scenic as it gets—think windswept rolling hills, sheep-dotted fields, and dramatic Atlantic views.

We made a quick stop to check out this beehive hut on the Dingle Peninsula. Constructed entirely without mortar, many of these huts were built and inhabited by hermit monks between the 6th and 12th centuries AD. Seeking isolation for prayer and contemplation, they chose remote coastal cliffs and islands like Skellig Michael.

Continuing along Ireland’s rugged southwestern edge near Portmagee, the Kerry Cliffs tower over the pounding surf. Rising over 300 meters (984 feet) these ancient formations are just breathtaking. While they are taller than the Cliffs of Moher, which peak at 214 meters (702 feet), Moher draws the crowds as it is more well known. The Kerry Cliffs, however, offer a more raw, untamed experience.

From the moment we arrived, we felt a sense of a welcoming calm and silence except for the call of sea birds and the whispering wind, not a tour bus in sight. It’s a lot quieter and not as touristy as the Cliffs of Moher but the scenery is no less dramatic. The Kerry Cliffs are privately owned, lovingly preserved, and gently mysterious. Entrance is modest, (€5–6) the pathways with some viewing platforms are well-kept, and the atmosphere thick with the feeling that you’ve stepped somewhere significant. They offer overnight camping (tent, campervan or car) and bathroom facilities. Some food and drink are available as well.

The cliffside is unexpectedly vibrant. In the spring and summer wildflowers bloom in bursts of purple and yellow.

The view of Portmagee after leaving the Cliffs of Kerry, very windy at this overlook.

Winding through Ireland is like stepping into a living myth, each stop brimming with history and nature. You follow roads that hug the Atlantic as waves crash along the rugged cliffs, then detour into emerald, green valleys where folklore lingers in the mist. Ireland is as varied in its offerings as it gets.

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