Self-Guided Ring of Kerry Hike & Bike - 8 Days

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 beautiful 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. 

Biking distance: 13 miles (21 km)

Day 2: Warm up - Cycle Gap of Dunloe 

If you missed out on a warm-up ride yesterday, start your day with an easy cycle to the 15th-century Ross Castle, once home to the O’Donovan Rossa Clan. You will then take to the water for a pleasurable cruise through the three Lakes of Killarney, ending at Lord Brandon’s Cottage where you can enjoy this tranquil spot with a coffee or small lunch from the café.

Afterward, it’s time to conquer the Gap of Dunloe. Weave your way through a rugged landscape of vertical glaciated valleys and glistening mountain lakes until you pedal through the Gap. There'll be time post-climb for a rewarding rest of coffee (or something stronger) before picking up your bike and taking to the road again. This time for a gentle ride through Killarney National Park and back to your accommodation.

Biking distance: 15 miles (24 km)

Day 3: Hike Galway's Bridge to Killarney 

This morning you'll transfer to Galway’s Bridge just outside of Killarney for the starting point of today's hike. Trek along this stunning route on the Old Kenmare Road and through Esknamucky Glen, taking in breathtaking views of the Killarney lakes and surrounding mountains. Nearing the end of the hike, you'll come across the famous Torc Waterfall before carrying on to Killarney for a restful evening.

Hiking distance: 6 miles (10 km) 
Elevation: 656 feet (200 m)

Day 4: Transfer to Dingle

Transfer from Killarney to Dingle, home to traditional Irish music, culture, and language, where locals still speak Gaelic. The day is yours to spend as you choose, perhaps join a tour of the Dingle Micro Distillery and sample its whiskey, gin, and vodka. Alternatively, consider taking a boat trip into Dingle Harbor in search of Dingle's most famous resident Fungie, the bottlenose dolphin. 

Day 5: Cycle Slea Head

It's time to get back on the bike. Heading west from Dingle you'll ride to Slea Head via Ventry, admiring the magnificent views to Blasket Sound and Blasket Island. From here, you'll continue to Dunquin and Ballyferriter on your way back to Dingle. There's also the option to cycle directly to Dunquin Pier and take the ferry to Blasket Island for a little exploration.

Biking distance: 25 miles (41 km)

Day 6: Hike Tiduff to Cloghane

After breakfast, you'll transfer from Dingle to the tiny village of Tiduff to begin today's hike. Set out on an old military road and trek to the northern side of the Dingle Peninsula, ending in Cloghane. This is a remote but spectacular walk, accessible only by foot.

Hiking duration: 6.5 hours
Hiking distance: 14 miles (22 km)
Elevation: 1,476 feet (450 m)

Day 7: Hike Cloghane to Annascaul

From north to south, you'll follow a spectacular old farmer's track as it cuts through the Dingle Peninsula. Along the way, you'll cross a plateau and pass a deserted famine village until you reach Annascaul Lake. From there you'll continue south, descending into the village of Annascaul.

Hiking distance: 9 miles (14 km)

Day 8: Depart

After a final breakfast and farewell, leave your bike behind and follow your arrangements for your onward journey.