Self-guided cycling
6 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
10.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
Optional
e-bike hire
Free £150 National Trust gift card when you book by 17 September. Find out more.
The Iveragh Peninsula is a stunning region of islands. With Killarney at its epicentre, it is the largest of the 'five fingers' of Ireland, better known as the Ring of Kerry. Mystical, beautiful and grand, the route is also a tourist hotspot, so can be a little unkind to cyclists. Our routes maintain the same beauty and splendour but take you off the path to enjoy a more leisurely and quieter mix of inland and coastal scenery.
You'll pedal through lush countryside and lively, friendly towns, soaking up the charming Irish welcome, which is certainly as great as people talk about. Starting in the large town of Killarney, which offers an array of bars and restaurants where live Irish music can be found every night.
The routes follow quiet country roads and lanes (boreens in Irish), passing dramatic mountains, sparkling blue loughs, boulder-strewn fields, lush green meadows, fast running rivers and spectacular beaches and bays. This small corner of Ireland is quite rightly famous but still holds on to its traditions and general rural feel - with enough sites to explore for longer than one week. From 19th century Muckross House to the UNESCO World Heritage (and, more recently, of Star Wars fame), Skellig Islands.
You'll stay in a mix of bed and breakfasts, where you'll enjoy an Irish breakfast (one which is quirky and located off-the-beaten-track on the banks of the Curragh river) and an historic hotel. Along with the stunning scenery, you'll receive a hearty welcome everywhere you stay.
Check into your B&B and then explore the town, choosing from one of its many restaurants for dinner or enjoying some live music.
You stay at Abbey Lodge.
Mastercard
Visa
WiFi
TV
Safe
Tea/coffee
Abbey Lodge offers guests complimentary WiFi, spacious en-suite rooms, and onsite car parking. The large rooms have a power shower, radio, and a TV. Each also includes a safety deposit box, a work desk, and ironing facilities.
Abbey Lodge is an ideal base for exploring all that Killarney and County Kerry has to offer. Killarney National Park is home to Muckross House, Ross Castle, Muckross Abbey, and Torc Waterfall. Killarney Racecourse and the INEC are both within a 10-minute walk.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Leaving Killarney behind, you'll follow the Fossa Way cycle route, before heading on small country roads as you slowly climb up to the pretty Lough Acoose, below the peak of Carrauntuohill, Ireland's highest mountain. Descending, you'll cycle along the shores of Lough Caragh and on to charming Glenbeigh and its blue flag beach. If you have time, pedal down to Rossbeigh Strand and dip your toes in the Atlantic.
You stay at The Towers Hotel.
Mastercard
AmEx
HairdryerWiFiTVTea/coffee
The Towers Hotel is centrally located in the small village of Glenbeigh. This historic hotel was built in 1895 in the late Victorian style. Throughout the years it has hosted many famous people and it is where the cast of Ryan's Daughter (filmed locally) stayed when filming. The famous Irish artist Marshall C Hutson, spent a lot of time here drawing inspiration for his famous pieces.
The hotel has a traditional feel to it, and offers recently refurbished large rooms, and there is a large lounge area and ample gardens. The hotel boasts an a la carte restaurant or you can enjoy less formal dining in its adjoining pub. They serve a full Irish breakfast and offer an accompanying cold buffet. WiFi is free in the public areas including the pub.
Glenbeigh is lovely small village with a couple of pubs and restaurants, the nearby Rossbeigh Strand is one on the nicest beaches in the region.
You'll follow the route of the coast today, passing small farms and on to the beautiful and peaceful shores of Kells Bay. Heading along a scenic narrow road fringed by large green meadows and peaks in the distance, a circular loop at the end takes you past Ballycarbery Castle and a wonderful seaside view and two early Christian stone forts. You'll arrive in the lively town of Cahersiveen, the birthplace of Daniel O'Connell, the Irish political leader (1775-1847).
You stay at San Antoine B&B.
PoolHairdryerTVTea/coffee
The family run San Antoine B&B has been run by the same family for the last 2 generations and offers 6 cosy rooms.just a short walk from the main town centre.
Today's route takes you on coastal roads to your next destination of Sneem, passing through the quaint little town of Waterville on your way, the home away from home for Charlie Chaplin and his family throughout the 60's. Leaving Waterville you take on the climb of Coomaskista, to be awarded with stunning coastal vistas at the viewing point on the summit of the climb before skirting the Derrynane coastline and beaches on your final push to Sneem. Options to visit Derrynane House, the ancestral home of Daniel O'Connell, one of Irelands most important historical figures.
You stay at Coomassig View B&B.
HairdryerWiFiTVTea/coffee
The Coomassig View B&B is lovely and welcoming, and just a five-minute walk out of pretty Sneem. You will be given a warm welcome by Maureen and her family. On arrival tea and coffee is served. The rooms are large and have all the amenities you require. There is small sitting room and WiFi is free throughout the B&B. Breakfast is a full Irish breakfast and your host can provide a packed lunch for your next walks. Sneem has a good choice of pubs and restaurants where you can eat. If you are spending extra time here you, there are circular walks and a riverside walk where you can find one of Ireland's two coral beaches. Coomassig View is officially classed as a 4 star Bed and Breakfast.
Departing Sneem the routes heads back inland on rolling country roads, surrounded by Emerald Green farmland and dense ancient hedges with dry-stone walls. Your day will finish in the vibrant heritage town of Kenmare, well renowned for its cuisine and live music.
You stay at Rockcrest House.
ShopsHairdryerWiFiTVTea/coffee
Set in beautifully landscaped gardens, the Rockcrest Bed & Breakfast offers clean, modern, spacious rooms and a very warm welcome from hosts Marian and David O'Dwyer. Excellent full Irish breakfasts are cooked to order using local produce. Situated within a 5 minute walk to Kenmare and a choice of pubs and restaurants for evening meals.
As final bike rides go, they don't get much better than this. You'll cycle to Moll's Gap - a panoramic spot that reaches a summit of 860 feet - and continue to the Black Valley. This is one of the last remaining areas of Ireland that is still remote and untouched; with rich fertile meadows and a roaring river, it feels like a land that time forgot. From here you'll climb to one of the most beautiful places in Ireland, the Gap of Dunloe, which was created during the Ice Age. Cycling along this glaciated valley, you'll meander around the many glacial lakes dotted throughout and marvel at the sheer jagged rock faces towering above you. You'll head back into Killarney through the National Park, passing the 15th century Ross Castle, before returning to your B&B for your last night (and perhaps a final Guinness).
Departure after breakfast. Transfers can be arranged at a supplement, perhaps enjoy extra nights in Killarney to finish your trip.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £228.
These flight inclusive prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £228.
Our aim is to provide holidays that are unbeatable for choice and flexibility. We've listed our most popular travel options below, however you aren't limited to these - we can tailor-make virtually any holiday to suit.
This holiday does not include any flights or rail
Standard transfers
Transfers can be arranged at a supplement to and from Killarney train station.
Alternative transfers
If you require alternative transfers (because you will be arriving at a different time to our standard flights), then we can usually arrange these for you (there may be an additional charge).
To find out more about the travel options available call our sales team on 01606 720199, use our live webchat (we're open until 5pm today) or email sales@headwater.com
Should you require overnight airport accommodation, airport parking or even a uniformed chauffeur to take your car from your departure terminal and park it for you, we can arrange this for you through Holiday Extras. You can book airport parking, airport hotels and executive lounges through their website or contact us for further details. Early booking is recommended to obtain the best availability and prices.
Self-guided cycling
6 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
10.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
Optional
e-bike hire
