Kerry, Dingle & Beara Cycling
Three Irish Peninsulas
Kerry is situated in the extreme southwest of Ireland, at the very edge of Europe. It is a land of spectacular beauty. This corner of Ireland has a rich history of Celtic culture and one of the most striking aspects of travelling through the region is the abundance of ancient monuments. Perhaps you will see a farmer cutting grass, oblivious to the 3,000 year old wedge grave in the centre of the field, or maybe cattle taking shade from the midday sun in the lee of a 16th century castle or the little church graveyard, now covered in ivy, once home to 9th century monks. History is all around you. Kerry is best known for the "Ring of Kerry" but in fact the area is made up of three peninsulas, Kerry, Dingle and Beara. All three offer spectacular scenery, from long coastal rides to stupendous views a top mountain passes with evocative names such as the Gap of Dunloe, Moll's Gap and Ladies View. We offer you the choice of three different rides in the area.
Kerry Circuit
Dingle Peninsula
Beara Tour
Kerry Circuit
Day 1: You are met and transferred to Killorglin from Killarney.
Day 2: Cycle to Glenbeigh via Caragh Lake. The ride will take you past Macgillycuddy's Reeks, where there are fabulous vistas of the area from sea to mountain top (40km).
Day 3: Cycle along the north coast of the peninsula, along golden beaches with views of Dingle Bay to Portmagee, named after a famous Irish smuggler (50km).
Day 4: Adjacent to Portmagee is Valencia Island, you can spend the day cycling the island or take the ferry out to Skellig Rocks where early Christian settlers built a monastery (40km).
Day 5: Leave Portmagee on backroads overlooking the Atlantic and visit the ruins at Ballinskelligs, then on to Waterville (40km).
Day 6: Today you will climb 700 feet in the morning with views over Ballinkelligs Bay, the Skellig Rocks, Kenmare River, Scariff Island and the Beara Peninsula. You then descend to Staigue Fort, one of Ireland's finest archaeological remains (40km).
Day 7: Today you will cycle up Moll's Gap and past Ladies View, both fabulous viewpoints. We overnight in Killarney (35km).
Day 8: Depart after breakfast.
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Dingle Peninsula
Day 1: Arrive and overnight in Killarney.
Day 2: We climb to Aghadoe Hill with fine views over Lough Leane and the Killarney area. Cycle past the 7th century settlement, then descend to the beautiful silver beach of Inch (40km).
Day 3: Depart along the coastal road to Minard Castle, the largest fortress on the peninsula. Today is a day of beautiful coastline and small village life. We end our day in the fishing town of Dingle (38km).
Day 4: There are a number of rides today depending on how energetic you are. You can cycle to the most westerly point in Europe at Slea Head which is arguably the best coastal ride in all of Europe (40km).
Self Guided Inn to Inn 8 days
CODE: SCK
GRADE:
CYCLE HIRE: Included in package price. 21 speed hybrid bicycles with straight handlebars, helmet and pannier.
TERRAIN: Moderate climbs, some long flat sections.
ACCOMMODATION & MEALS: Bed and breakfast throughout staying in small guest houses. En suite facilities are available in most hotels.
ARRIVAL: Afternoon in Killarney. Fly to Shannon or Kerry airports. Transfer to Killarney by bus. There are also direct rail connections with Dublin.
END OF TOUR: In Killarney, bus or train to Shannon Airport
Day 6: Today you have your hardest ride, but with almost a week under your belt, Connor Pass should present a reasonable challenge. At the top you will have views over both sides of the peninsula; to the north the bays of Tralee and Brandon and to the south, Dingle Bay (40km).
Day 7: Today we return to Killarney but not before cycling past the town of Tralee, and many small typical Kerry villages and hamlets (36km).
Day 8: Depart after breakfast.
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Beara Tour
Day 1: Arrival Killarney and overnight.
Day 2: Today we cycle to one of Ireland's few planned towns, designed by Sir William Petty. Its limestone facades and ornate plasterwork pay tribute to craftsmen of a bygone age. Overnight in Kenmare.
Day 3: Cycle along the Kenmare River through Lauragh and Ardgroom, home to some of the best trout fishing in the area and also one of Ireland's best preserved stone circle sites (50km).
Day 4: A cycle around perhaps the most beautiful part of the Beara taking in the towns of Allihies and Eyeries and the Beara's most extreme western point.
Day 5: Its off to Glengarriff, which is rich in archaeological monuments. Today's ride goes along the coast with great views everywhere (45km).
Day 6: We return to Kenmare today through the centre of the peninsula. Fortunately we do not have to climb over the spine as they have conveniently built a tunnel for us (35km).
Day 7: Today you will cycle up Moll's Gap and past Ladies View, both fabulous viewpoints. We overnight in Killarney.
Day 8: Depart after breakfast.
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