Ms Miller says...
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 ...
Read reviews »
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.
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 the Abbey Lodge (breakfast included)
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.
You stay at the Abbey Lodge (breakfast included)
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 (breakfast included)
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 the Ring of Kerry Hotel (breakfast included)
Leaving Cahersiveen on the old road you'll pass the ruins of Daniel O'Connell's birth home, before heading back inland where you'll see ruined abbeys and ancient graveyards. After a short descent, a climb up and over the stunning Ballaghasheen Pass will reward you with views back to Killarney and Ireland's highest mountain. A long descent on narrow roads alongside a gushing river takes you to Blackstones Bridge and your quirky and welcoming B&B for the night.
You stay at the Blackstones House (breakfast and evening meal)
Another stunning rural ride today as you head up and over the spectacular Ballaghbeama Gap; you are more likely to encounter sheep on the roads than vehicles. The road takes you through boulder-strewn countryside, cycling by small lakes, following the Blackwater River. Your day finishes in the beautiful town of Kenmare, also called 'the gateway to Kerry', and your luxury guesthouse for the night.
You stay at the Rockcrest House B&B (breakfast included)
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).
You stay at the Abbey Lodge (breakfast included)
Departure after breakfast. Transfers can be arranged at a supplement, perhaps enjoy extra nights in Killarney to finish your trip.
During your holiday you stay at the following hotels. If you'd like to extend your time at any of these or, if you'd like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking. If you'd like to keep your bikes with you for any extra nights we can arrange this for you for just £ per adult per day and £ per child per day.
To find out more call our sales team on 01606 720199, use our live webchat (we're open until 5pm today) or email sales@headwater.com
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
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.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
The ideally located family owned Ring of Kerry hotel offers a warm welcome from friendly, helpful staff. The 23 comfortable rooms all come with DVD player, tea and coffee making facilities and wifi. Enjoy a drink and the craic at John D's, the popular lobby bar which has an Irish pub atmosphere and live entertainment. Alternatively, there is locally produced contemporary Irish food served in the Restaurant.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
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.
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
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).
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 directly through their website - or call us on 01606 720199 for further details of all the services on offer. Early booking is recommended to obtain the best availability and prices.
Everyone who goes on a Headwater holiday will be emailed a link to our post-holiday questionnaire where they can give us an honest assessment of all aspects of their holiday - everything from how quickly we answer the phone to how clean the hotels were - plus an overall rating and comments about their holiday.
Any feedback collected is posted to our website, so that people can make an informed decision based on past experiences before heading off on holiday. We don’t edit the reviews, the only thing we do is proofread them and alter any typos, where necessary, to ensure they are easy to read for everyone. All reviews will be published (except in certain extreme circumstances), and a member of the Headwater team will respond to any constructive criticisms/comments under the reviews, at their discretion. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of our holidays, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.
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.
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.
Ireland is stunningly beautiful. Cycle paths were quiet. Accommodation was fantastic with very friendly and helpful Irish hosts who made you feel most welcome.
You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.
This 7 night self-guided cycling holiday includes:
Hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of , , and hotels
All breakfasts and 1 evening meal
Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
GPS route directions and maps
RideWithGPS navigation app
High quality bikes
Standard transfers at the start/end of the trip (if booking inclusive flights)
Luggage transfers between hotels
GPS routes available
How to book:
For further details, or to check availability, speak to our sales team on 01606 720199 (we're open until 5pm today) or complete our holiday enquiry form (we'll contact you at a time that's most convenient for you).
Complete our holiday enquiry form - we'll get in touch when it's most convenient for you
Speak to our sales team on 01606 720199 - we're open until 5pm today
Use our live chat to ask us a question
Departing | Tour only | Prices ![]() |
|
---|---|---|---|
1st Apr 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
3rd Apr 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
5th Apr 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
7th Apr 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
9th Apr 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
11th Apr 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
13th Apr 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
15th Apr 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
17th Apr 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
19th Apr 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
21st Apr 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
23rd Apr 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
25th Apr 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
27th Apr 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
29th Apr 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability |
Departing | Tour only | Prices ![]() |
|
---|---|---|---|
1st May 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
3rd May 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
5th May 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
7th May 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
9th May 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
11th May 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
13th May 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
15th May 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
17th May 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
19th May 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
21st May 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
23rd May 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
25th May 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
27th May 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
29th May 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
31st May 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability |
Departing | Tour only | Prices ![]() |
|
---|---|---|---|
2nd Jun 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
4th Jun 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
6th Jun 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
8th Jun 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
10th Jun 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
12th Jun 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
14th Jun 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
16th Jun 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
18th Jun 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
20th Jun 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
22nd Jun 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
24th Jun 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
26th Jun 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
28th Jun 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
30th Jun 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability |
Departing | Tour only | Prices ![]() |
|
---|---|---|---|
2nd Jul 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
4th Jul 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
6th Jul 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
8th Jul 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
10th Jul 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
12th Jul 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
14th Jul 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
16th Jul 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
18th Jul 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
20th Jul 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
22nd Jul 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
24th Jul 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
26th Jul 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
28th Jul 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
30th Jul 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability |
Departing | Tour only | Prices ![]() |
|
---|---|---|---|
1st Aug 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
3rd Aug 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
5th Aug 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
7th Aug 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
9th Aug 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
11th Aug 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
13th Aug 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
15th Aug 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
17th Aug 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
19th Aug 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
21st Aug 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
23rd Aug 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
25th Aug 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
27th Aug 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
29th Aug 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
31st Aug 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability |
Departing | Tour only | Prices ![]() |
|
---|---|---|---|
2nd Sep 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
4th Sep 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
6th Sep 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
8th Sep 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
10th Sep 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
12th Sep 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
14th Sep 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
16th Sep 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
18th Sep 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
20th Sep 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
22nd Sep 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
24th Sep 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
26th Sep 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
28th Sep 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
30th Sep 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability |
Departing | Tour only | Prices ![]() |
|
---|---|---|---|
2nd Oct 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
4th Oct 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
6th Oct 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
8th Oct 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
10th Oct 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
12th Oct 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
14th Oct 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
16th Oct 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
18th Oct 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
20th Oct 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
22nd Oct 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability | |||
24th Oct 2021 | £1549 | Tour only: £1549 | Check availability |
Check availability |
The prices quoted for each individual departure supercede those published in our current brochures. Air prices are subject to change and we advise early booking to obtain the best prices. Please see our Planning your holiday and What's included in the price? pages for additional information.
Minimum group sizes
No minimum group size, however transfers are subject to at least 2 people (in total) booked on each departure.
Singles
Add £42 per person per night for a single room. Solo traveller supplement £80 total on top of the single supplement.
Children
Please contact us for child prices.
Holiday type
Self-guided cycling Managed locally by Headwater appointed agent.
Departures
Every 2 days from 1st Apr 2021 to 24th Oct 2021, for 7 nights. All dates are subject to availability, please contact us to check.
Meals
All breakfasts and 1 evening meal
Electric bikes
It is possible to hire electric bikes for this holiday at a supplement of £244 per person. As these are available on a first come first served basis, we recommend early booking to avoid disappointment.
Tour only
Transfers can be arranged at a supplement to and from Killarney train station.
For further details, or to check availability, speak to our sales team on 01606 720199 (we're open until 5pm today) or complete our holiday enquiry form (we'll contact you at a time that's most convenient for you).
Complete our holiday enquiry form - we'll get in touch when it's most convenient for you
Speak to our sales team on 01606 720199 - we're open until 5pm today
Use our live chat to ask us a question
Please note: The prices and travel options shown are provided for customers based in, and travelling from/to, the UK. We are happy to arrange holidays for non-UK customers however, if you are travelling from USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand, we recommend that you contact your local agent as they can provide appropriate transport options and advice.