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.
Day 1: Arrive in KillarneyCheck into your B&B and then explore the town, choosing from one of its many restaurants for dinner or enjoying some live music. (Staying at Abbey Lodge)
Day 2: Killarney National ParkA 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. (Staying at the Abbey Lodge)
Day 3: Killarney to GlenbeighLeaving 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. (Staying at the Towers Hotel)
Day 4: Glenbeigh to CahersiveenYou'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). (Staying at the San Antoine Hotel)
Day 5: Cahersiveen to SneemToday's route takes you on coastal roads to your next destination of Sneem, passing through the quaint little town of Waterville on your way, the home away from home for Charlie Chaplin and his family throughout the 60's. Leaving Waterville you take on the climb of Coomaskista, to be awarded with stunning coastal vistas at the viewing point on the summit of the climb before skirting the Derrynane coastline and beaches on your final push to Sneem. Options to visit Derrynane House, the ancestral home of Daniel O'Connell, one of Irelands most important historical figures. (Staying at the Coomassig View)
Day 6: Sneem to KenmareDeparting Sneem the routes heads back inland on rolling country roads, surrounded by Emerald Green farmland and dense ancient hedges with dry-stone walls. Your day will finish in the vibrant heritage town of Kenmare, well renowned for its cuisine and live music. (Staying at Rockcrest House, B&B)
Day 7: Kenmare to KillarneyAs 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). (Staying at Abbey Lodge)
Day 8: Leave KillarneyDeparture after breakfast. Transfers can be arranged at a supplement, perhaps enjoy extra nights in Killarney to finish your trip.
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