Waterville is one of the most scenic villages on the famous Ring of Kerry and a lovely place to visit while exploring the Skellig Coast. Just a 15-minute drive from Portmagee, the village is best known for the famous Waterville Golf Links, dramatic Atlantic scenery, and its relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Many visitors exploring the Skellig Ring and Valentia Island take a short drive to Waterville for lunch, a walk along the promenade, or to see one of Ireland’s most beautiful golf courses.
Waterville Golf Links – One of Ireland’s Great Coastal Courses
Golfers from around the world visit Waterville as part of Ireland’s famous southwest golf circuit, alongside courses like Tralee, Ballybunion, and Lahinch.
Even if you are not a golfer, the coastal scenery around the course is stunning and worth seeing while exploring the Ring of Kerry.
Waterville Village
Visitors often stop here for:
lunch or coffee on the Ring of Kerry
a walk along the seafront promenade
views across Ballinskelligs Bay
the famous Charlie Chaplin statue, marking the actor’s long connection with the village
It’s a relaxed stop on the drive around the peninsula and a pleasant place to spend an hour or two.
Lough Currane –
Just beside the village lies Lough Currane, a large freshwater lake surrounded by mountains and Atlantic coastline.
The lake is famous for:
salmon and sea trout fishing
peaceful countryside scenery
birdlife and wildlife
beautiful drives along the lakeshore
The road around Lough Currane is one of the quieter and more scenic stretches of the Ring of Kerry.
Why Many Visitors Stay Near Portmagee Instead
While Waterville is a beautiful village to visit, many travellers exploring this part of Kerry choose to stay closer to the Skellig Ring and Portmagee.
Staying near Portmagee places you closer to some of the region’s most famous attractions:
Skellig Michael boat tours
Valentia Island
The Skellig Ring scenic drive
Ballinskelligs Beach
The Kerry Cliffs
From Portmagee, Waterville is still only a short 15-minute drive, making it an easy stop during the day while exploring the peninsula.
This allows visitors to enjoy both the Ring of Kerry and the Skellig Ring without needing to stay in a busier tourist village.
Visiting Waterville During Your Skellig Ring Trip
Many visitors exploring South Kerry follow this simple route:
Portmagee → Valentia Island → Skellig Ring → Ballinskelligs → Waterville → back to Portmagee.
This loop offers some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in Ireland, with quiet roads, Atlantic views, and small traditional villages along the way.
A Quiet Base Near Portmagee
If you are planning to explore the Skellig Coast, Valentia Island, and the Ring of Kerry, staying near Portmagee offers a peaceful and convenient base.
Our self-catering studio apartments near Portmagee provide a quiet place to stay while still being just a short drive from:
Waterville village
Waterville Golf Links
Skellig Michael boat tours
Valentia Island
Ballinskelligs Beach
👉 View our Portmagee accommodation here
