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Ireland

Unspoilt Ring of Kerry Cycling

Trip code: C07KE 4.4 (5 reviews)

Self-guided cycling

7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 2
Moderate

10.0Kg CO2e

Headwater
Navigation App

Optional
e-bike hire

Book Early and Save 10%. T&Cs Apply

SUMMARY

  • The Ring of Kerry - the 'real' Ireland, away from the crowds in beautiful scenery
  • Our cycle routes feature a quieter mix of inland and coastal routes
  • 10,000 years of dramatic history - an early Celtic tribe settled in the area around 300BC
  • The Gap of Dunloe - a magnificent glaciated valley
  • The stunning Three Lakes of Killarney in Killarney National Park - look out for native red deer
  • This trip is also available as a six-night tour, staying just one night at Killarney at the beginning of the holiday

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • All breakfasts and 1 evening meal
  • Bike fitting and briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Headwater navigation app
  • Bike hire included
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • GPS Navigation App

TRIP DESCRIPTION

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.

After a lovely warm-up day seeing the sights of Killarney National Park, 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.

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DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Arrive in Killarney

Check into your B&B for two nights, perhaps explore the town, choosing from one of its many restaurants for dinner. Then why not enjoy some live traditional Irish music in a local bar?

You stay at Abbey Lodge.

hotel details

 equivalent

Abbey Lodge, Killarney

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

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.

Day 2: Killarney National Park 21km/13.5mi

A short warm-up ride through the stunning Killarney National Park follows a series of cycle trails where you'll see the meeting of the waters where two of the 'Three Lakes of Killarney' converge. Marvel at Torc Waterfall, the second highest in Ireland, visit Muckross House and its magnificent gardens, looking out for the famous red deer.

elevation

Day 3: Killarney to Glenbeigh 53km/33.5mi

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.

elevation

You stay at The Towers Hotel.

hotel details



The Towers Hotel , Glenbeigh

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Tea/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.

Day 4: Glenbeigh to Cahersiveen 38km/24mi

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).

elevation

You stay at San Antoine B&B.

hotel details

 equivalent

San Antoine B&B, Cahersiveen

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Pool
Hairdryer
TV
Tea/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.

Day 5: Cahersiveen to Sneem 53km/27mi

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.

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You stay at Coomassig View B&B.

hotel details

 equivalent

Coomassig View B&B, Sneem

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Tea/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.

DAY 6: SNEEM TO KENMARE 33KM/21MI

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.

elevation

You stay at Rockcrest House.

hotel details



Rockcrest House, Kenmare

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Tea/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.

Day 7: Kenmare to Killarney 54km/34mi

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).

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Day 8: Leave Killarney

Departure after breakfast. Transfers can be arranged at a supplement, perhaps enjoy extra nights in Killarney to finish your trip.

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These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £300.

TRAVEL DETAILS

This holiday does not include any flights or rail.

REVIEWS

Reliable agency. Made me feel confident I had made the right choice. Well paced, good accommodation and importantly well located.

Vanessa Rivers, 18 Jul 2024

 

This was our7th assisted cycling hol with headwater. Prev were 2002-2009 various locations in France. So you may conclude satisfaction with our relationship.

Trevor Brown, 6 Jun 2024

 

Ring of Kerry's scenery and hospitality is wonderful - extremely earthy and heartening. You truly feel connected to both the people and the land through this experience. The riding is by no means for the faint hearted though. The hills over mountain passes are challenging, particularly with Ireland's wet and windy conditions. You will need to be fit, resilient and prepared to be wet!. Bring wet weather gear. The rewards are significant though - a sense of achievement and a highly authentic cultural experience riding through Irelands farmlands, history and natural landscapes.

Ms Miller, 18 Sep 2019

 

The Go Ride App was great, Maurice was very knowledgeable and Neil from the bike shop was very helpful. The scenery was very beautiful, we were lucky with the weather but it was not easy even with e bikes, be prepared for some challenging hills towards the end. A rest day in Cahersiveen would be good to explore Valentia Island. The Climbers Inn was a great place for a rest along the way.

Ms Turner, 12 Jun 2019

 

Ireland is stunningly beautiful. Cycle paths were quiet. Accommodation was fantastic with very friendly and helpful Irish hosts who made you feel most welcome.

Mr Philips, 30 Jul 2018

 


Self-guided cycling

7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 2
Moderate

10.0Kg CO2e

Headwater
Navigation App

Optional
e-bike hire

7 nights from £1229

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE

Call: 01606 720199

 

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