Highlights
- Cycle the full Ring of Kerry route, staying in comfortable B&Bs at night
- Enjoy nature and incredible views in Killarney National Park
- Visit historic Valentia & Skellig Islands to see medieval ruins
- See spectacular landscapes in Ballaghisheen Pass and Gap of Dunloe
Brief Itinerary
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Killarney & Short Cycle | Killarney |
Day 2 | Killarney to Glenbeigh | Glenbeigh |
Day 3 | Glenbeigh to Caherciveen | Cahersiveen |
Day 4 | Rest Day or Option to do Valentia Loop | Cahersiveen |
Day 5 | Caherciveen to Blackstone's Bridge | Glencar |
Day 6 | Blackstone's to Kenmare | Kenmare |
Day 7 | Kenmare to Killarney | Killarney |
Day 8 | Departure |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Killarney & Short Cycle
Welcome to Ireland! Arrive in Killarney and check into your cozy B&B. Collect your bike, information packet, and maps, then if there's time head out for a short warm-up cycle to Killarney National Park to stretch your legs. See the 15th-century Muckross Abbey and the 19th-century Muckross House and its wonderful gardens.
Take the time to enjoy the iconic landscape as your bike around Muckross Lake—one of Killarney's three famous lakes. Return to Killarney and enjoy the vibrant town in the evening.
Today’s Cycle Distance: 13 miles/ 21 km
Day 2: Killarney to Glenbeigh
Leave Killarney behind you today as you cycle west under the foothills of Ireland's highest mountain, Carrantuohill, and circumnavigate the scenic Caragh Lake. Make your way to the beautiful village of Glenbeigh, your home for the night.
Today’s Cycle Distance: 33 miles/54 km
Day 3: Glenbeigh to Caherciveen
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Head west from Glenbeigh today to the tranquil shores of Kells Bay. From here, continue west to finish the day's cycle outside the town of Caherciveen, overlooking Valentia Island.
Today’s Cycle Distance: 22 miles/ 35.5 km
Day 4: Rest Day or Option to do Valentia Loop
Today is a free day. Arrange a boat trip to the famous Skellig Island to see 6th-century monastic ruins, or if the sea conditions are rough, take the ferry to Valentia Island for a lovely cycle around the small island. Explore history, from the 360 million-year-old Tetrapod fossils to the medieval Knights of Kerry ruins.
Today’s Cycle Distance: 21 miles/ 33.5 km
Day 5: Caherciveen to Blackstone's Bridge
Departing from Caherciveen, today's cycle takes you on one of County Kerry's most spectacular routes through Inny Valley. Wind your way through the landscape to reach Ballaghisheen Pass, enjoying the sweeping views of the valley below. Finish your day on the banks of the Blackstone's River and settle in for a relaxing evening, hearty Irish dinner, and the relaxing sounds of the river as you fall asleep.
Today’s Cycle Distance: 24.5 miles/ 39 km
Day 6: Blackstone's to Kenmare
Start your morning by heading deep through the heartland of County Kerry, with views of the Brida Valley keeping you company. Meander your way along the quiet country roads to the striking Ballaghbeama Gap. Cycle through peatland as you follow the Blackwater River and enjoy the views across Kenmare Bay.
Your day ends with well-deserved dinner in a cozy pub in the small town of Kenmare.
Today’s Cycle Distance: 32 miles/ 41 km
Day 7: Kenmare to Killarney
Today you cycle along backroads to reach the famous Molls Gap, where you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Three Lakes of Killarney. From here, continue cycling to the Black Valley via the dramatic landscape of the Gap of Dunloe, before reaching Killarney for your final evening.
Today’s Cycle Distance: 26 miles/ 42 km
Day 8: Departure
After your final breakfast, leave your bike behind and head to the local bus or train station to continue your journey home. Safe travels!