Day 1 – Arrival Day
Welcome to Killarney and ‘The Kingdom’ of Kerry. On arrival you may have some time to wander around the beautiful town centre or have a quick walk in Killarney House & Gardens before settling into your accommodation. Relax and take time to read your cycle pack and notes and maps for your week ahead.
Overnight in Killarney.
Day 2 – Killarney to Glenbeigh
Total distance of 49km/31 miles • Ascent: 463m/1520ft.
Collect your bike close to your accommodation and test it out before setting off. Your first cycle takes you from the National Park town of Killarney to the Reeks District & coastal village of Glenbeigh through Beaufort Valley and onto the isolated valley of Glencar where you may like to take a break for lunch and enjoy the serenity of this area.
In the afternoon you cycle along the shores of Caragh Lake, bringing breath-taking scenery to a new level, allowing you appreciate what you have achieved already on your first day as you continue onto the seaside village of Glenbeigh.
Overnight in Glenbeigh.
Day 3 – Glenbeigh to Waterville
Total distance of 46km/28 miles (optional 67km/42 miles) • Ascent: 480m/1574ft (optional 736m/2415ft)
Leaving the Reeks District behind, today’s cycle takes you further down the southern section of the Wild Atlantic Way and along the shores of Dingle Bay with great views of the Dingle Peninsula in the distance and onto the market village of Cahersiveen where you can stop for your lunch break.
In the afternoon you have the optional longer cycle of detouring to Valentia Island, on route to the seaside village of Waterville or go directly via the main road. See how your legs are bearing up before you decide, but remember you do have a free day tomorrow!
Overnight in Waterville for 2 nights.
Day 4 – Free Day
Today is a day to do as you please. We have included some local cycles which you may like to venture out on. If you decided against Valentia Island yesterday you may like to explore it today. Take a trip out to or around the Skellig Islands. Play a round of golf or simply relax and rest those legs!
Day 5 – Waterville to Sneem
Total distance of 48km/30 miles • Ascent: 705m/2313ft
Be ready for a tough but rewarding start. Today’s cycle takes you up through Coomakista Pass, which is one of the best viewing points in Ireland with magnificent views over Kenmare Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. And remember what goes up must come down!!
A choice of lunch break awaits in either Derrynane House, which is the home of the Irish Liberator Daniel O’Connell or in the small village of Caherdaniel.
In the afternoon continue cycling along this spectacular coast to the beautiful village of Sneem.
Overnight in Sneem.
Day 6 – Sneem to Killarney
Total distance of 45km/28 miles or 61km/38 miles • Ascent: 640m/2100ft (optional 778m/2552ft).
You are nearly there!! Today’s cycle takes you inland and off the main Ring of Kerry road back to Killarney where it all began! The highlight of today is your well-earned rest at the top of Molls Gap where you may like to stop for lunch. The climb is well worth it for you to enjoy the impressive view of the spectacular Lakes of Killarney. In the afternoon take your time on your way down to Killarney with recommended stops at Ladies View, Torc Waterfall, Killarney National Park and Muckross House (19th C).
If you want to lengthen today’s cycle you can detour to the heritage town of Kenmare. Overnight in Killarney for 2 nights.
Day 7 – Killarney to Black Valley
Total distance of 24km/15 miles or 56km/35 miles • Ascent 250m (optional 760m)
You’re not finished yet!!! Today you cycle again through part of Killarney National park to the renowned Kate Kearney’s Cottage and embark on your last cycle through the dramatic Gap of Dunloe and into the remote setting of the Black Valley.
Return to Killarney either by cycling by the Three Lakes or getting a boat through them from Lord Brandon’s Cottage to Ross Castle where you have a very short cycle back to Killarney town and reflect and celebrate your remarkable Ring of Kerry week.
Day 8 – Departure Day
‘All good things must come to an end’. Enjoy your final hot cooked Irish breakfast and you’re ready to go. Killarney bus and train stations provide several transfer options for you to continue on your journey. Slán abhaile – safe home!
- 7 nights’ accommodation in family run guesthouses with en suite facilities
- 7 hot cooked full Irish breakfasts
- Welcome pack waiting for you at your B&B on arrival
- Luggage transfers each day
- 21 speed touring hybrid bike, carrier, mud guards, pannier bag, lock, repair kit & helmet*
- Detailed notes and maps of the route
- Support and back up of Go Visit Ireland team throughout your holiday
Note: We recommend that clients bring their own helmets and raingear for
comfort and hygiene purposes
We do have a limited number of Electric bikes and road bikes available for our cyclists who wish to ride with ease and in comfort.
E-bike Supplement: €160 per bike
Road bike Supplement: €90 per bike (no luggage panniers)