Ireland by bike: the Kerry and the West Cork

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Tour

Bike Tours

Duration

8 days

Distance

305Km

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Self-guided

The beauty of this package is in the freedom it offers: without a guide, you are free to decide the timing, pace, and stops of your journey. Travel freely, travel your way!
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3/5 Medium

Moderate, between 35 and 85 kilometers per day with an elevation gain between 300 and 1000 meters.

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Ring

The starting point is the same as the ending point, with overnight stays in different hotels and daily stages.

Description

Day 1: Killarney
Individual arrival in Killarney and hotel accommodation. If you have time in the afternoon, visit Ross Castle, a wonderful 16th-century mansion, now restored, overlooking Lough Leane. From here you can also rent a boat and row to the monastic site located on one of the nearby islands. Ross Castle is about 2.5 km from the town.

Day 2: Killarney – Kenmare (36 km)
The cycle tour of Ireland begins following a cycle path, through the beautiful Muckross House park, which houses the Franciscan abbey founded in the 15th century and now in ruins. Located in a great position, it has a large yew tree growing through the cloisters. After a walk around the famous Muckross gardens, you will continue pedaling along a quiet path between two of Killarney's lakes before returning to the main road. The long climb up to Molls Gap will be rewarded with a delicious lunch at a restaurant and a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon, you will descend to the picturesque coastal town of Kenmare. If you feel like stretching your legs, you can choose from many longer options.

Day 3: Kenmare – Castletownbere (51 km)
Today you will follow the spectacular coastal road that wraps around Kenmare bay, with a fantastic view of the MacGillikuddy Reeks mountains, before stopping for lunch at a small pub on the bay. In the afternoon you can visit the nearby Dereen gardens, with its wonderful variety of plants. Leaving the gardens, you will cycle west, where you can visit the ancient monolith circle, or explore the beautiful landscapes and quiet secondary roads of Beara Way. The town of Castletownbere, where you will spend the next two nights, is at the foot of the Cahas mountains and here you can see Ireland's largest white fish port.

Day 4: Eyeries – Allihies circular tour (40 km)
Today you will do a circular tour that will take you to the Beara Peninsula, one of the highlights of the week, with its mountain landscape and breathtaking coastal views. The tour starts by taking the road to Eyeries village; from here, to the lunch break in Allihies, you can really feel far away from everything, in an unknown part of Ireland, and off the beaten tourist paths. After lunch, you will continue to pedal around the peninsula, always accompanied by a splendid view of the sea. You will also have the opportunity to deviate from the main path to cycle a scenic circuit at the crossing point for Dursey Island, which can be reached by taking the only cable car in Ireland. After this interesting deviation, you will return to the main road and continue towards Castletownbere, passing the entrance of Dunboy Castle, which is worth a visit.

Day 5: Castletownbere – Sheep’s Head Peninsula (50 or 70 km)
Today's tour takes place along the coast of Bantry Bay, one of Europe's lowest natural ports. You will then cycle towards the Sheep’s Head Peninsula: this is one of the most remote places in Ireland, with a fantastic view over the open Ocean and the landscape, giving you the impression of being truly on a small island on the edge of the Atlantic.

Day 6: Bantry – Gougane Barra (50 km)
Today you will head inland and pedal along quiet country roads, skirting fields dotted with cattle and sheep, before arriving at the refuge on Lake Gougane Barra, the first National Park in Ireland and where the Lee River originates. This beautiful and peaceful place is the perfect spot to spend the last night immersed in nature, before returning to the bustling metropolis of Killarney.

Day 7: Gougane Barra – Killarney (58 km)
During the last day of cycling you will pedal in the Coolea Region, on quiet mountain roads, where you can feel truly far away from everything. You can stop for a cup of tea in Ireland's largest pub, Creedons, before coming back down to Killarney, where you will spend your last night of the tour.

Day 8: Killarney
After breakfast, end of services and individual departure.
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By choosing to travel by bike with us, you help us make the world a better place: we plant a tree for every trip sold

Why book online on Cyclando?

Because we guarantee you the lowest price and if your tour is not available or confirmed, you can always opt for the refund of the amount paid, or choose another tripfrom the over 800 on the platform.

Our cancellation insurance is the most advantageous you will find around!

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Cancel for any reason

Trip cancellation for any documentable reason: pregnancy, illness, work and more, guaranteed.

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Coverage of all costs

Full insurance covers all travel costs and penalties from companies, without worries.

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Refund in 7 days

With Smart Claims, we guarantee fast refunds in just 7 days for complete peace of mind.

✅ What is included in the trip?

  • Travel/Medical Insurance 24/24
  • Overnight stay and breakfast
  • GPS or navigation APP
  • Luggage transfer
  • Local telephone assistance 7/7
  • Detailed description and maps of the itinerary
  • Guides in support van on set departure dates with minimum of 8 people
  • 1 dinner (Gougane Barra)

❌ What is not included?

  • Transfers not listed as "Included"
  • City tax
  • Tips
  • Journey to/from the starting point of the tour
  • Meals and drinks not listed as "Included"
  • Bike rental
  • Extras
  • Entrance fees, ferries and anything not listed as "Included"
  • Welcome briefing

💸 Cancellation fees

  • Time Range
  • Full refund
  • More 29 days of departure
  • 50%
  • Up to 7 days before departure
  • Not refundable

Ireland by bike: the Kerry and the West Cork

  • To reach the enchanting Beara Peninsula, with its wild nature and fairytale colors
  • To cycle in the green landscapes of the Sheep’s Head Peninsula, one of the most remote places in Ireland
  • To reach by bike the Gougane Barra Park, a natural paradise with a suggestive monastery on the lake
  • To travel the quiet roads of the Coolea region and stop for a tea in the largest pub in Ireland
  • To discover Ireland by bike, cycling at your own pace and stopping whenever you want
  • To cycle in the most spectacular landscapes of Ireland by bike, between majestic lakes and the highest mountain range in the country

Package only on request.

Some of our tours are not available or bookable at the moment. If you are interested in this tour, then ask our team for more information on upcoming availability, or on a similar tour available or bookable immediately!

🙋 Frequently asked questions

  • Can I bring my own bike?

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  • What kind of assistance will I have during the trip?

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  • How do I know if a tour is within my capabilities?

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  • What is the cost of renting bicycles?

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  • Are rented bikes equipped with accessories like lights or bags?

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Organized by

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Irish Cycling Safaris

Cyclando srl

Tour operator with Europe Assistance RC Insurance 4249713 - Registered with the Guarantee Fund with A.I.A.V. Associazione Italiana Agenti di Viaggio trough IL SALVAGENTE s.c. a r.l.. All rights reserved.

VAT ID: 03880320365

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