Day Trips from Waterville, Kerry

Waterville is a good base for day trips because the Skellig Ring, Valentia Island, Derrynane and Cahersiveen are all within about 25 to 40 minutes by car. Drive times here are estimates, and the roads are narrow in places.

The Skellig Ring and Valentia Island

The Skellig Ring loop is about 50 km including Valentia and takes about 1.5 hours of driving. With stops, allow 3 hours for the loop, or about 5 hours if you add Valentia properly. The usual order from Waterville is:

  1. Ballinskelligs, about 15 minutes away, with a castle and priory by the bay.
  2. Skelligs viewpoint near Ballinskelligs, where there is a small parking bend. Stop only where it is safe.
  3. St Finian’s Bay, about 25 minutes from Waterville, where Skelligs Chocolate Company offers free viewing and tasting. Check its opening days.
  4. Coomanaspig Pass, at about 248 m.
  5. Kerry Cliffs, about 5 minutes short of Portmagee. Entry is about €5 per person, and hours are seasonal.
  6. Portmagee, about 35 minutes from Waterville (roughly 40 km), with the bridge to Valentia.

On Valentia, Geokaun Mountain and Fogher Cliffs are open every day, at any hour. Fees are €8 for a car and €4 for a walker. Cromwell Point Lighthouse is also on the island. The Tetrapod Trackway at Dohilla has been closed for repairs since 13 November 2025, so check the NPWS website before going.

Derrynane and Staigue Fort

Derrynane is about 25 minutes each way. Derrynane House is open 13 March to 1 November 2026 (adults €5), and the parkland, beaches and trails are open to walk. The Blue Flag beach has a marked no-swim section with strong currents, so swim only where a lifeguard flag is up in season. The path to Abbey Island is tidal, the south side has unprotected cliff edges, and it is not suitable for small children.

Staigue Stone Fort at Castlecove can be added on the same trip, and a voluntary donation is asked.

Cahersiveen

Cahersiveen is roughly 25 to 30 minutes away. It has two stone forts, Cahergall and Leacanabuaile, and the Old Barracks heritage centre, whose hours should be checked.

Killarney

Killarney is about 110 km by the N70, roughly 2 hours each way, so it makes a long day. The Local Link Route 280 bus runs from Waterville through Cahersiveen to Killarney, with four daily through trips since June 2025. Dingle is more than 2.5 hours each way and does not work as a day trip.

Tips

  • The N70 is a busy main road, and walkers and cyclists share it.
  • The Atlantic weather changes quickly, so carry a rain jacket.
  • If you want a Skellig boat trip, plan it as its own day, with a spare day in case of cancellation.

Read more: multi-day trips from Waterville spreads these stops over three days.

Check closures on the NPWS Tetrapod Trackway notice , read about the bus in the TFI Local Link Route 280 notice , see current Derrynane House hours, and browse guided trips on GetYourGuide .