Cycle the historic Ring of Kerry on this 8-day biking tour, staying at night in cozy B&Bs. Trace the coastline of the Iveragh Peninsula, explore Killarney National Park, and visit the historic villages of Sneem and Kenmare. See 6th-century ruins on Skellig and Valentia Islands, and enjoy sweeping views of the wild Atlantic Ocean. You'll cycle along quiet country roads, take in the serene countryside, and hear local stories and legends in the neighborhood pub.

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

Typical local B&B
Typical local B&B

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

One of the residents
One of the residents

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

Dramatic skies on a Glenbeigh beach
Dramatic skies on a Glenbeigh beach
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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

Fogher Cliffs and Valentia Island
Fogher Cliffs and Valentia Island

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

Blackstone's Bridge
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

En route to Kenmare
En route 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

Gap of Dunloe
Gap of Dunloe

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

Resting after the journey
Resting after the journey

After your final breakfast, leave your bike behind and head to the local bus or train station to continue your journey home. Safe travels! 

Map

Map of Self-Guided Ring of Kerry Bike - 8 Days
Map of Self-Guided Ring of Kerry Bike - 8 Days