Southwest of Ireland – The Kingdom of Kerry

DAY 2 - Killarney - Sneem

61km (38miles) Gradient +815m/-823m

Cycle from Killarney to Sneem via the famous Gap of Dunloe, a narrow pass in the McGillycuddy mountain range (boasting the highest mountain in Ireland). You will share the road with pony and carts, walkers and some tourist cars. The route takes you then on quiet backroads into Black Valley. Finish the day in the small village of Sneem.

DAY 3 - Sneem – Glenbeigh

53km (33mls) Gradient +705m/-698m

The interior of the Iveragh Peninsula is peacefully quiet, with scenery dominated by mountains, rivers, farmland, and bogs. A climb to Ballaghbeama Gap offers wonderful views into the valleys beyond. Descending from here, the road skirts the shores of Carragh Lake before heading back to the Atlantic coast and the village of Glenbeigh. After check-in perhaps visit Rossbeigh Beach stretching for 4miles of golden sand and offering breathtaking views of the mountains on the Dingle Peninsula across the waters.

DAY 4 - Glenbeigh – Killarney 

46km (29mls) Gradient +467m/-456m

After a visit of the informative Kerry Bog Village museum you continue the loop around Carragh Lake. From the small hamlet of Glencar you enjoy a cycle along the stunning mountain lake of Lough Acoose. You are then heading back to Killarney via the foothills of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks.

DAY 5 - Killarney – transfer Inch Beach – Dingle

27km (17mls) Gradient +500m/-500m

The day starts with a transfer from Killarney to Inch Strand avoiding the busy (and uninteresting) roads. Inch is a beautiful 3mls long beach and nature reserve. The Southpole Inn in Anascaul was home of Tom Crean the Irish Antarctic explorer who was a member of Shackleton’s team on the Endurance and rescue mission from Elephant Island to South Georgia. Minard Castle on the extension is a ruined towerhouse in a wonderful location overlooking Dingle Bay. Also along the route are Ogham Stones. Dingle Town is the centre of the Peninsula and a hub of excellent restaurants and above all pubs with traditional Irish music. Stay here for the next 3 nights.

DAY 6 - Dingle Loop

46km (29mls) Gradient +533m/-532m

The Slea Head Loop is among the most breathtaking scenic cycling routes in Ireland. Along the way, you'll find numerous points of interest, including Dunbeg Promontory Fort — one of the most dramatic archaeological sites on the peninsula due to its striking coastal location. Excavations reveal it dates back to the late Bronze Age, around 800 BC, and was in use through the Celtic period until the 10th century. Other highlights on the route include the Fahan Beehive Huts, the Blasket Exhibition Centre, Mulcahy’s Pottery, and the historic Gallarus Oratory.

DAY 7 - Dingle Connor Pass

65km (41mls) Gradient +900m/-900m

The most challenging cycle of the trip. Going north of Dingle town you will encounter the highest mountain pass in Ireland, the Conor Pass, which offers extraordinary views over large parts of the Dingle Peninsula. Continue to the village of Castlegregory and the Mahereee tip

for a well earned pint and lunch. The area also boasts the longest beach in Ireland, which starts in Cloghane and runs unbroken through Fermoyle, Castlegregory, and down the Maharees peninsula. For the avid cyclists you will return to Dingle back up the Connor Pass thus enjoying the views in the opposite direction.

DAY 8 - Depart - Dingle

Breakfast, followed by farewell and departure for your onward journey.  We are happy to provide advice on how to continue to your next location.