IRELAND'S SOUTHWEST
A land of dramatic Atlantic coastlines, towering mountains, and deep-green valleys. This guide helps you explore the world-famous Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula, discover ancient history, and soak up the lively ‘craic’ of traditional pub culture in Counties Cork and Kerry.
Why Visit Ireland’s Southwest?
Wild Atlantic Way: Drive the iconic Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula for breathtaking coastal scenery.
Traditional Culture: Experience genuine Irish ‘craic’ with traditional music sessions in the region’s many vibrant pubs.
Stunning Nature: Explore rugged Killarney National Park, home to lakes, mountains, and historic estates.
Smart Travel
Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): This is the ideal time to visit, with moderate weather, blooming wildflowers in spring, and beautiful autumn colours. Crowds are fewer than in summer.
Deep Off-Season (November-March): You will find the best value on accommodation and a quiet, peaceful atmosphere. Be prepared for shorter daylight hours and a higher chance of rain.
Peak Season (June-August): The warmest months offer the longest daylight hours (up to 17 hours). It is the busiest time, so book accommodation and major attractions well in advance.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
The Ring of Kerry
This world-famous 179 km route circles the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry. It is a spectacular journey past rugged cliffs, golden beaches, and charming towns like Kenmare and Portmagee. Highlights include the Gap of Dunloe and the views of the Skellig Islands.
Your Smart Tip: To beat the bus tours, drive the Ring of Kerry clockwise, which is the opposite direction most tours go. Start early in the morning for the best experience.
Dingle Peninsula & Dingle Town
A smaller, more rugged peninsula offering some of Ireland’s best coastal drives (Slea Head Drive) and rich Irish-speaking culture. Dingle Town is known for its brightly coloured shops and pubs, and is a hub for traditional Irish music.
Your Smart Tip: Spend a full day exploring Slea Head Drive and stop at some of the smaller villages for a more authentic and less hurried experience than the Ring of Kerry.
Killarney & Killarney National Park
The gateway to the region, Killarney is a bustling town surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Killarney National Park. You can visit Muckross House and Gardens, the 15th-century Ross Castle, and the lakes via a traditional ‘Jaunting Car’ (horse-drawn carriage).
Your Smart Tip: Walk or cycle the park’s many trails instead of driving to truly appreciate the ancient woodlands and mountain views, especially around Torc Waterfall.
Cork City & Kinsale
Cork City is Ireland’s second-largest city, known for its vibrant food scene, the historic English Market, and a rebellious spirit. Nearby Kinsale is famed as Ireland’s “Gourmet Capital” with colourful streets, a picturesque harbour, and the star-shaped Charles Fort.
Your Smart Tip: Kinsale is a must for food lovers. Book dinner in advance, especially in high season, as the best restaurants fill up quickly due to its culinary reputation.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
The climate is mild, wet, and often unpredictable, heavily influenced by the Atlantic. Expect rain showers at any time. Summers are mild, rarely hot (average high 15-18ºC), and winters are cool, rarely freezing (average low 4-6ºC).
Local Customs And Etiquette
Language: English is the main language, but Irish (Gaelic) is the first official language. The Dingle Peninsula is a Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking region), so you will see many road signs only in Irish.
The Pub: Pubs are central to social life. Tipping the bartender is not common, but do offer to buy a round of drinks for your companions if drinking in a group.
“Craic”: The Irish term for fun, entertainment, or gossip. If a local asks “What’s the craic?”, they are asking how you are or what’s going on.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($30–$50), B&Bs/mid-range hotels ($90–$150), luxury ($200+). Prices are significantly higher in summer.
Food: Pub lunch/dinner ($15–$25), dinner at a mid-range restaurant ($30–$55 per person), fine dining ($70+).
Transport: Car rental ($40–$80/day), Bus ticket (regional $10–$25).
Activities: Castle entrance ($10–$18), boat trip to Skellig Michael ($100+).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $70–$100 (hostels, pub food, public transport/hitchhiking).
- Mid-range: $120–$200 (B&Bs/hotels, restaurant dinners, attractions).
- Luxury: $250+ (boutique hotels, gourmet meals, private tours).
Getting Around
By Car: A car is essential for exploring the scenic peninsulas like the Ring of Kerry and Dingle. Driving is on the left.
By Bus: Bus Éireann runs intercity and regional routes, but services to remote areas can be infrequent.
By Train: A limited network connects major towns like Cork and Killarney, but does not serve the scenic coastlines.
Must-Try Food
Seafood Chowder: A creamy, hearty soup packed with locally caught white fish, salmon, and shellfish.
Irish Stew: Traditional lamb or mutton stew with potatoes, carrots, and onions, often thickened with oatmeal.
Black Pudding/White Pudding: Blood sausage (black) and a non-blood sausage (white) that are staples of the Full Irish Breakfast.
Bacon and Cabbage: A simple, classic dish of boiled bacon with boiled cabbage and potatoes.
Smoked Salmon: High-quality Irish salmon, often served with traditional brown bread.
Cork Spiced Beef: A Christmas-time delicacy from Cork, cured and spiced with allspice, cloves, and brown sugar.
Fresh Oysters: Especially popular along the Wild Atlantic Way, often served with a dash of Tabasco or lemon.
Colcannon: Mashed potatoes mixed with kale or cabbage and butter.
Irish Soda Bread: A dense, traditional bread made with buttermilk and baking soda, served with creamy Irish butter.
Barmbrack: A fruited tea bread, traditionally served sliced and buttered, often a Halloween treat.
Must-Try Drinks
Guinness Stout: The world-famous dry stout, best enjoyed poured slowly and correctly in a traditional pub.
Murphy’s Stout: A less bitter, creamier stout from Cork, popular in the Southwest.
Local Craft Beer/Ale: The Southwest has a growing craft beer scene, with breweries in Dingle and Cork.
Irish Whiskey (Single Pot Still): A distinct style of Irish whiskey, historically associated with the Cork distilleries.
Poitín: A traditional Irish distilled beverage, historically illegal, now available commercially. Strong and clear.
Jameson Irish Whiskey: While now distilled elsewhere, it has strong historical roots in Cork (Midleton Distillery).
Irish Coffee: Hot coffee mixed with Irish whiskey, sugar, and topped with thick cream.
Hot Whiskey (or Hot Toddy): Whiskey mixed with hot water, lemon, honey, and cloves, popular for warding off a chill.
Barry’s Tea: A popular black tea brand, strongly associated with Cork.
Club Orange: A popular Irish orange-flavoured soft drink with a characteristic orange pulp.