In Rick's 2018 Ireland book, he starts by saying that we should "drive counterclockwise around the Ring to entirely miss the chain of tour buses." But then, later on that page, he says to "head clockwise (against the prevailing tour-bus traffic)." Later, in the driving tour, it says the tour is for his "preferred clockwise route." Does anyone have any tips in general? Should we drive clockwise or counter-clockwise? Which has the best views? Which best avoids tour buses?
Thanks!
I prefer clockwise. It makes pulling in and out of the turnouts much easier. And don’t worry about the oncoming buses. The main ROK road has been improved so it’s not nearly as nerve wracking as it was.
We just spent a month plus in Kerry and drove the ROK almost every day.......it's really no problem either way. Tour buses aren't remotely the problem they used to be. Road improvements have been wonderful. Previous poster makes an excellent point on the pull offs...... making clockwise a bit more convenient. On the rare "jam" just pull off and let them go on their way.....and let the bus drivers direct you.....it really rarely comes up.
Enjoy it without worry.......it's a fantastic......the towns, the people, the sights......all incredible. You'll love it.
Oh and make sure you take the incredibly scenic Skellig Ring drive.......no tour buses allowed......and its right there off the ROK. So much to see and do ! We can't wait to get back ourselves !!!
Im not sure how many days you will be in Kerry but if you are doing a driving tour of Ireland you might consider giving yourself a break from driving one day and hire a private tour for the ring. We did it and it was great. I enjoy driving and loved the freedom of cruising south west Ireland on our own but it was really awesome to take a day off from behind the wheel and allow myself (as the driver for our trip) to sit back, hear stories of Ireland from a local, and to soak in the wonderful scenery with no worries. It was well worth the price for just my wife and I on an 8 hour day tour of the ring with Paul Brown from Kenmare Taxi Tours. www.kenmaretaxitours.com
I've checked with the editors and that first occurrence of "counterclockwise" was a typo in the first printing of Ireland 2018. It was corrected for the second printing and has been noted in Guidebook Updates.
