Ring of Kerry Cycling Escape

We arrive in Tralee and settle into the hotel. If time allows, you can take a leisurely spin along the Tralee–Fenit Greenway – an ideal way to get comfortable with the bikes away from traffic – ending at the pretty fishing village of Fenit, where you can unwind on the Blue Flag beach or walk up to the St Brendan the Navigator statue for sweeping views of the northern Dingle Peninsula. Back in Tralee, you can enjoy a relaxed evening ahead of the cycling to come; you might treat yourself to dinner in town or explore local culture with a show or exhibition at Siamsa Tíre, the National Folk Theatre of Ireland.

We begin with a short warm up through Killarney National Park, following a network of cycle trails to the Meeting of the Waters where two of the Three Lakes of Killarney converge. We admire Torc Waterfall, Ireland’s second highest, then visit Muckross House and its magnificent gardens, keeping an eye out for the famous red deer.

We leave Killarney on the Fossa Way, then take quiet country roads on a gentle climb to the pretty Lough Acoose beneath Carrauntuohill, Ireland’s highest mountain. We descend to trace the shores of Lough Caragh and continue to charming Glenbeigh with its Blue Flag beach. If time allows, you can pedal down to Rossbeigh Strand and paddle in the Atlantic.

We follow the coastal route past small farms to the beautiful, peaceful shores of Kells Bay, then continue along a scenic narrow road fringed by broad green meadows and distant peaks. A circular loop at the end carries us past Ballycarbery Castle, wonderful seaside views and two early Christian stone forts before returning to lively Cahersiveen, birthplace of Daniel O’Connell.

We ride coastal roads towards our next destination, Sneem, passing through the quaint town of Waterville – a beloved retreat for Charlie Chaplin and his family in the 1960s. Leaving Waterville, we take on the climb of Coomaskista and are rewarded with stunning coastal vistas from the summit viewpoint, before skirting the Derrynane coastline and beaches on the final push to Sneem. You may choose to visit Derrynane House, ancestral home of Daniel O’Connell.

We depart Sneem and head inland on rolling country roads, surrounded by emerald green farmland, ancient hedgerows and dry stone walls. Our day finishes in the vibrant heritage town of Kenmare, well renowned for its cuisine and live music.

For a final ride, it scarcely gets better. We climb to Moll’s Gap – a panoramic viewpoint at 860 feet – then roll into the Black Valley, one of the last truly remote corners of Ireland, where rich meadows and a rushing river make it feel like a land time forgot. From here we ascend to the magnificent Gap of Dunloe, a glaciated valley carved in the Ice Age, weaving past a string of lakes beneath towering jagged rock faces. We return to Killarney through the National Park, pass the 15th century Ross Castle and arrive back at the B&B for our last night – you might toast the journey with a final Guinness.

Departure from Killarney after breakfast. Transfers can be arranged at a supplement, or you may choose to add extra nights in Killarney to round off your trip.