http://fabcare.com/wp-json/wp/v2/tags/1238 Bantry Bay was the location for an attempt to spark off rebellion in Ireland by one of the founding United Irishmen, Wolfe Tone and the French navy in 1796. Poor weather forced the fleet to turn back and the rebellion was delayed until 1798.
Ireland Experiences
Beara Peninsula Bike Tour
One of the most scenic tours in Ireland.
Itinerary
Our Beara Peninsula bike tour in West Cork is possibly one of the most scenic tours in Ireland. Experience the unspoiled beauty of the sourrounding landscape and visit picturesque towns and villages, including Killarney, Kenmare, Castletownbere and Glengariff.
Killarney ~ Allihes ~ Glengariff ~ Castletownbere
8 Days/ 7 Nights Self Led Bike Tour, from Euro 995.00 per person
The Beara Peninula in Ireland’s West Cork, is an ancient, magical region where the power of the past is ever-present and the present just blooms with welcome for you the visitor. Laden with magnificent landscapes and history, the Beara peninsula is a special region and worthy of exploration.The rugged road that follows the coast along the Beara peninsula, on the SouthWestern coast, is one of the most scenic in Ireland. The Beara Peninsula is quite remote and has remained perhaps the most unspoilt part of the south west region of Ireland, and like the peninsulas to the north, is a magical world of mountains and lakes surrounded by a picturesque coastlinet. The Beara peninsula is possibly the least travelled but the most beautiful of the Kerry and Cork peninsulas.
Day 1: Welcome to Killarney!
Your tour starts in Killarney, Co. Kerry, one of Ireland’s most charming towns. A trip welcome pack, itinerary, route directions and maps will await you at your first nights accommodation. Collect your bikes and, if time allows, take a short cycle around the town to get a “feel” for your surroundings. We recommend a visit to Muckross House and Killarney National Park. Tearooms are open. A CycleWest Ireland favourite spot! Overnight in Killarney. Daily Distance: 21km / 12 miles
Day 2: Killarney to Kenmare
Today you cycle out of Killarney following a cycle path through the Killarney National Park which brings you to a quite country road. This road brings you to the iconic Gap of Dunloe which is one of the highlights of your cycle tour. With jagged rock walls rising above you as you wind between glistening lakes this is a majestic place to experience. From here you descend into the Black Valley and have a marvellous ride through some remote countryside with nothing but sheep for company. You will climb up out of the valley before a nice descent into the beautiful town of Kenmare. Overnight in Kenmare. Distance: 47kms / 29 miles.
Day 3: Kenmare to Lauragh
Leaving Kenmare behind you, today’s cycle takes you on a lovely route to across what was Irelands first suspension bridge. Following the coast of Kenmare Bay you have beautiful views before you turn inland onto country lanes that winds into Gleninchaquinn valley where you have the option to visit the ancient Uragh Stone Circle which offers sensational views of the lakes which lie in the valley.
You continue along this road to reach Gleninchaquinn Nature Park where you can choose from a number of walking route in the park and view the cascading waters of the beautiful waterfall which is the centrepiece of the park. (there is a small entrance fee for the park). You leave the valley by the same road and take another winding coastal road which will lead you to the sleepy village of Lauragh where you will stay overnight. Distance: 44kms / 26 miles
Day 4: Lauragh to Allihies
Today your bike ride follows the northern coast by Coulagh Bay, with views of Miskish Mountain to the south, through the picturesque village of Eyeries, famous for its colorful houses. Along the route there is ample evidence of ancient habitation with numerous standing stones, cairns and ancient burial sites. A twisting route with wonderful scenery. From there you continue to the tiny village of Allihies, reputed, by folklore, to be the spot where the four ‘Children of Lír’ came ashore after spending 300 years adrift on the Atlantic. The area was once noted for its copper mines and evidence of the long-ceased activity still remains. Overnight in Allihies. Distance: 44kms/ 27 miles.
Day 5: Allihes to Castletownbere and Dursey Island
Your route today takes you to the Dursey Sound where a trip to the glorious Dursey Island can be taken by cable car. Remember to pack a picnic lunch! Spectacular sea views – looking out to the Bull Rock (and its Lighthouse), Cow and Calf Rocks , the Skelligs and the wild Atlantic Ocean. Bull Rock is reputed to be the site of Teach Doinn (‘the house of Donn’ ~ Irish God of the underworld) and it is here that souls wait to enter his domain. Back on the mainland – you continue cycling east to finish in the fishing port of Castletownbere. Take a walk on the expansive wharf where you will find lots of things of interest, from fishing boats to net mending. Overnight in Castletownbere. Distance: 38kms / 24 miles.
Day 6: Castletownbere to Glenarriff
Today you have the option to take your bike over to Bere Island for a cycle around this hidden beauty, adding 14kms onto your day. The area is the setting for Daphne du Maurier’s 1943 novel Hungry Hill named for the mountain of the same name which is the highest peak in the Caha Mountains. A ten-minute ferry trip from Castletownbere takes you to Bere Island with its great forts, Martello tower, Ardnakinna Lighthouse and a number of looped walks. Get the lay of the land in the Bere Island Heritage Centre
From Castletownbere you then cycle east through Adrigole – with an option here to go kayaking if you wish. Continue along the coast to Glengariff, which takes its named from the nearby Glengarriff Forest (loosely translated as: rough glen) containing some of the oldest and most extensive oak and birch groves left in Ireland. Overnight in Glengarriff. Distance: 38kms / 24 miles.
Day 7: Glenarriff to Kenmare
Today’s stunning inland route brings you through rugged countryside which this region is know for. With view of mountains and valleys stretching in all directions you are never far from another impressive vista. You will meander along quite country roads with some good uphill sections before descending to the riverside route which will take you into the town of Kenmare.
Day 8: End of tour
After a farewell Irish breakfast you are then free to take the bus back to Cork & continue your onward journey from there.
Contact us at tours@cyclewest.com for more details or to book this tour.
What’s Included?
This tour includes
- 7 nights accommodation. Bed and Full Irish Breakfast. Family run B+B’s,
- Quality, Hybrid Bikes, ladies and gents, with full back-up service.
- Luggage transport each moving day
- Full cycling details and maps of the area.
- Full cycling descriptions of each suggested days route.
- Meet and greet telephone contact to assure that all is in order.
- Pre-departure information pack
- 24 hrs Emergency/Information contact/back-up number.
- Airport transfers arranged/booked if required.
What’s not included?
- Any personal expenses – drinks, medical, gratuities etc.
- Lunches or evening meals
- Any extra days/nights
- Any costs to cycle repairs that are caused by bad care of bicycles whilst in your care
- Helmet and Water Bottle are NOT provided,
Dates and Pricing
Dates
Start any day of the week. March to September. Subject to availability.
Pricing : €995 per person sharing.
Single Supplement : €250.
Pricing for additional days:
If you choose to extend your holiday into a tailor made tour, the rate for an extra night in any of the accommodations is €49. An extra days cycle hire is €25.
A luggage transfer supplement will apply for a single cyclist booking.
Please contact us at tours@cyclewest.com if you have any queries with regards to specific dates or would like more information.
Helpful Notes
Optional extra days
This tour can be tailored to suit your needs and we can organise a shorter or longer tour depending on your preference. If you are hoping to expand on your time in west Cork, we recommend the following extra days:
- Day 1: Stay a night in Kilcrohane, allowing you more time to explore the western tip of the Sheeps Head Peninsula.
- Day 2: Take the opportunity to stay in Kenmare and enjoy time around this magnificent heritage town famous for its handmade lace & wonderful restaurants.
- Day 3: Stay an extra night in either Allihies or Castletownbere to give sufficient time to explore Dursey or Bere Islands. This is such a fantastic area it is well spending some extra time exploring it.
If you would like to incorporate any of these or another activity into your itinerary, please feel free to contact us at tours@cyclewest.com.
Difficulty level
This tour is suitable for people who cycle regularly. Please contact us if you have any questions!
