Sip Your Way Around the Ring of Kerry: A Whiskey Lover’s Guide to Ireland’s Most Scenic Drive

The Ring of Kerry is famous for dramatic coastlines, mountain passes, colorful villages, and unforgettable views. It's one of Ireland's most iconic driving routes – and for good reason. But beyond the photo stops and scenic overlooks is another experience that rewards travelers willing to slow down.

For this guide, County Kerry native and whiskey expert Neil Saad shares how travelers can discover the region through its craft distilleries, local stories, and welcoming pubs. Rather than simply sampling a drink, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the people, history, and traditions that make Kerry such a memorable destination.

This article is based on podcast episode 345 featuring Neil Saad, owner of Kingdom Whiskey Experiences in County Kerry.
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Explore the Ring of Kerry Through Whiskey

Most visitors begin the Ring of Kerry in Killarney before heading anti-clockwise through Killorglin, Cahersiveen, Portmagee, Sneem, Kenmare, and back through the mountains.

While the drive itself can technically be completed in a day, that's not how Kerry is best experienced. Spending two or even three days along the route allows time to step inside small villages, enjoy local conversations, and discover experiences that many travelers simply drive past.

One of those experiences is Ireland's growing craft whiskey scene.

Over the past fifteen years, Ireland has experienced a remarkable whiskey revival. Alongside well-known brands, dozens of independent producers have opened across the country, with County Kerry becoming one of Ireland's strongest regions for both whiskey and gin production.

Drink Tourism Is About More Than the Drink

Drink tourism isn't simply about sampling whiskey or gin.

It's about meeting the people behind the bottles, learning why they've chosen to build businesses in rural Kerry, and understanding how local landscapes, history, and community shape every product they create.

Whether someone considers themselves a whiskey enthusiast or simply enjoys discovering local culture, these experiences offer a fascinating look behind the scenes.

Skellig Six18 Distillery: Kerry's Craft Spirit Story

Just outside Cahersiveen sits Skellig Six18 Distillery, housed inside a former sock factory that has been transformed into a modern craft distillery.

Visitors tour an active gin distillery while also learning the whiskey-making process, from grain selection through maturation. Although the whiskey is still developing toward full on-site production, guests gain an excellent understanding of how Irish whiskey is created and what the future holds for the distillery.

One of the highlights is hearing founder June O'Connell's story and learning why the business chose this corner of Kerry as its home.

Tours conclude with tastings, allowing visitors to choose whiskey, gin, or both depending on their interests. Even travelers who think they don't enjoy gin are often surprised by how different botanical recipes create dramatically different flavor profiles.

Take the Skellig Ring to Portmagee

After Cahersiveen, leave the main Ring of Kerry and follow the Skellig Ring toward Portmagee.

This quieter road offers spectacular coastal scenery while avoiding much of the coach traffic found on the main route.

Portmagee itself is a tiny fishing village overlooking Valentia Island, but it has become home to one of Kerry's most unique whiskey experiences.

Portmagee Whiskey Blends History and Heritage

The Spirit of the Sea Visitor Experience, created by brothers John and James Murphy, is far more than a whiskey tasting.

Inside a series of immersive domes, visitors learn the history of Portmagee, hear fascinating local stories, and experience interactive exhibits that celebrate the area's maritime heritage.

One memorable presentation even places guests inside a traditional rowing boat during the village's annual regatta, bringing local traditions vividly to life.

Whiskey certainly plays an important role, but the real focus is storytelling.

As Neil explains, the whiskey simply becomes the vessel for sharing the history of Portmagee with visitors.

Don't Miss Deliberator Whiskey

Not every Kerry whiskey producer welcomes visitors, but that doesn't mean they should be overlooked.

Wayward Irish Spirits produces Deliberator Whiskey, created by Maurice O'Connell, a descendant of Daniel O'Connell—known throughout Irish history as “The Liberator.”

Rather than operating a visitor center, Deliberator focuses on creating carefully blended whiskeys with approachable yet complex flavor profiles. They're well worth seeking out in local pubs or bottle shops throughout Kerry and make an excellent souvenir to bring home.

Kingdom Whiskey Experience

Neil Saad is the founder of Kingdom Whiskey, a mobile whiskey and gin tasting experience based in County Kerry.

Instead of asking travelers to visit a single location, Neil brings guided tastings directly to guests staying throughout Kerry, including Killarney, Dingle, Kenmare, Tralee, and beyond.

His experiences combine carefully selected local whiskeys with the stories behind each producer, making every tasting equal parts history lesson, cultural experience, and enjoyable evening. Private tastings are available for groups of two or more.

Contact Neil vis the website: kingdomwhiskey.com
Or follow on Instagram and Facebook.

Neil's Three Favorite Whiskey Bars in County Kerry

If you're hoping to continue your whiskey exploration after touring the distilleries, Neil recommends these favorites:

Pigs Lane, Killarney

Hidden beneath street level, this atmospheric whiskey bar offers one of Kerry's largest selections of Irish whiskey alongside knowledgeable staff who can help guide your tasting.

Bailey's Corner, Tralee

Combining live music, an excellent whiskey collection, and a friendly local atmosphere, Bailey's Corner is an easy recommendation for visitors spending time in Tralee.

Falvey's, Killorglin

Neil's local favorite is this traditional pub where knowledgeable staff, an impressive whiskey selection, and plenty of local conversation create an authentic Kerry pub experience.

The Ring of Kerry will always be famous for its scenery. But taking time to meet the people crafting Kerry's newest traditions adds another layer to the journey—one that's every bit as memorable as the views.