Ireland Experiences
Iconic Ring of Kerry
Ring of Kerry Bike Tour
Itinerary
Our Ring of Kerry Bike Tour is an epic self guided bike tour explores the magic of the kingdom of Kerry! Wind your way along the island-dotted Atlantic coastline, visit small fishing villages, explore medieval ruins and pedal in the foothills of the mountains of South Western Ireland.
Killarney ~ Glenbeigh ~ Cahersiveen ~ Kenmare
Self Guided Tour, 8 Days/ 7 Nights, Euro 1050.00 per person sharing
The Ring of Kerry bike tour offers breathtaking views and wonderful scenery. Starting in the town of Killarney, the “Ring” continues anti-clockwise through the village of Killorglin. It continues onward to Cahersiveen, Waterville and Sneem before returning to Killarney.
Day 1: Arrival Day
This epic Ring of Kerry bike tour starts in the lovely town of Killarney, County Kerry. A trip welcome pack, itinerary, route directions and maps will await you at your first nights accommodations in Killarney. We arrange for you to collect your bicycles and Information Pack. We highly recommend a short circular cycle to Muckross House and Killarney National Park as a warm up bike ride, returning to Killarney for your overnight stay. Distance 20km / 12ml
Day 2: Killarney to Glenbeigh
This morning, you bike trip takes you from Killarney, cycling westward in the foothills of Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrantuohill, around the beautiful Caragh Lake before heading to the picturesque village of Glenbeigh, a place often referred to as “The Jewel in the Ring of Kerry”. It is cosily tucked in to the surrounding horseshoe of hills and Seefin Mountains. The Caragh River and the Behy River flow at either side of the village into Castlemaine Harbour. Overnight in Glenbeigh. Distance 45km /28ml
Day 3: Glenbeigh to Cahersiveen
Heading west from Glenbeigh, today’s route takes you to the peaceful and tranquil shores of Kells Bay. Pedal west to finish the days cycle outside the town of Cahersiveen. This beautiful town overlooks Valentia Island. One highlight of this area is the offshore Skellig Island. We recommend you try to visit the island during your stay in this area. Failing that, we recommend ‘The Skellig Experience’, and exhibition and visitor centre that relates the history and archaeology of Skellig Michaels Early Christian monastery. Learn about sea birds, their habitat, their world wide travels. Discover the lighthouses which have given 161 years of service to mariners. The Underwater Skellig, which has colour and magic equal to any sea in the world. You spend two nights here in Cahersiveen. Distance 43km /27m
4: Rest day
Today you have a free day. You can arrange a boat trip to the famous 6th century Skellig Island. As an option take the ferry over to Valentia Island and explore this lovely little island that is steeped in history. Nearby ‘The Skellig Experience’ gives you a close an encounter with a unique way of life completely apart from the rest of the world!
Day 5: Cahersiveen to Kenmare
From Cahersiveen, today you bike one of the most glorious route’s imaginable. An inland trip takes you through the Inny Valley and the legendary Ballaghisheen Pass. This gets its name from Oisin, the son of the legendary warrior Fionn MacCumhail. Continue through Ballaghbeama Pass, a low but beautiful pass in the centre of the peninsula. Spectacular views as you descend to the southern shores of the peninsula into heritage town of Kenmare. This is your stopover for the next two nights.
Distance 55km /34m
Day 6: Kenmare Circular Route
Today brings a looped bike ride to the remote and rugged Beara Peninsula. You pedal around Lough Inchiquinn before returning back to Kenmare. Alternatively, continue on to Glengarriff and return to Kenmare through Turner’s Rock tunnel road. Experience two dramatically different peninsulas today, in terms of landscape and geography. Distance 40km /25m
Day 7: Kenmare to Killarney
Today you cycle along backroads to the famous Molls Gap. Named after a local woman, Moll Kissane, who reputedly ran a shebeen (a hostelry of dubious reputation) in this area in the 1800s. Set high on a rocky ridge, the gap overlooks mountains, rivers and the famous Lakes of Killarney. Truly breathtaking views. Vistas include Carrantuohill, Ireland’s highest mountain to one side, the Gap of Dunloe to the other. Ladies, Avoca have a wonderful shop and Café here for you to enjoy ~ but remember, what you buy, you must carry on your bike!! Return to Killarney for your final night. Distance 38km /24m
Day 8: Slán go Fóill!
After a final breakfast and farewell, we sadly bid you adieu! Today you continue on your onward journey. We are happy to assist with journey planning. If you have any questions! Contact us at: tours@cyclewest.com
What’s Included?
- 7 night’s Bed and Breakfast. B&B Accommodation, ensuite bathrooms.
- Breakfast provided daily.
- Quality Hybrid Bikes, with full back-up service.
- 6 days biking. Varied and interesting each day.
- Luggage transfers each cycling day.
- Full cycling details and maps of the area.
- Full cycling descriptions and routes for each cycling day.
- 24 hrs Emergency/Information contact number.
- Digital Route Notes & Maps or GPS Navigation app
What’s not included?
- Cost of travel to and from Ireland
- Transfer to and from start and finish sites
- Items of a personal nature – 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
- Helmet and Water bottle are not provided
Dates and Pricing
€1050 per person sharing.
Road Bike Supplement – €460.00 | eBike Supplement – €500.00
(bike delivery and collection included)
- Airport transfers arranged/booked if required.
- Public transport details, www.buseireann.ie and www.irishrail.ie.
- Weather Details, www.met.ie
- Full pre-departure information pack to allow you to fully plan for your holiday and so get the
most from this Irish cycling experience. - Extra days/nights booking with Travel/Tourism advice service.
Dates
Start any day of the week. March to September.
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 extras:
If you wish to extend your tour, we recommend the following extra days, which are suitable rest days:
- Day 1: Stay an extra day in Killarney to enjoy some of the local sights, or to take a boat trip through the famous Three Lakes of Killarney or visit Inisfallen Island or Ross Castle.
- Day 5: Stay an extra day in Kenmare to enjoy this wonderful heritage town. This is an ideal excursion for craft lovers, as Kenmare is a historic center for Irish needle point lace making.
Difficulty Level
Up to 10% of this tour is made up of “Moderate” cycling such as steep climbs and has a maximum daily distance of 55km. It is suitable for those who cycle regularly. If you have any questions, please contact us at tours@cyclewest.com for more information.
