Trip code: C07KE 4.4 (5 reviews)
Self-guided cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
10.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
Optional
e-bike hire
Save 10% on this holiday. Offer code: JANUARY-SALE-25. Terms and conditions apply
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.
You'll stay in a mix of bed and breakfasts, where you'll enjoy an Irish breakfast (one which is quirky and located off-the-beaten-track on the banks of the Curragh river) and an historic hotel. Along with the stunning scenery, you'll receive a hearty welcome everywhere you stay.
The suggested cycling mainly follows quiet tarmac roads and lanes.
On arriving in Tralee, check into your Hotel. If time permits, take a scenic ride along the Tralee to Fenit Greenway. This is an excellent chance to get comfortable with your rental bike away from busy roads. The route leads to the picturesque fishing village of Fenit, where you can unwind on the blue-flag beach or climb to the St. Brendan the Navigator statue for stunning views of the northern Dingle Peninsula.
Back in Tralee, enjoy a relaxed evening in preparation for your cycling adventures. Treat yourself to a meal at one of Tralee's many restaurants or explore local culture with a show or exhibition at Siamsa Tire, the National Folk Theatre of Ireland.
You stay at Meadowland Hotel.
Meadowland Hotel, Tralee
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The Meadowlands Hotel, a family-run, four-star gem on the Wild Atlantic Way, is just 1km from Tralee Town Centre. Surrounded by manicured gardens, it offers luxurious rooms, fantastic dining with locally sourced ingredients, and warm hospitality.
This is our standard hotel, in case of no availability, an option of similar level will be offered.
Your cycling adventure begins in Tralee, heading southwest beneath the majestic foothills of Carrantuohill, Ireland's tallest mountain. The route offers spectacular views of the serene Caragh Lake as you traverse quiet backroads away from the busy Ring of Kerry. Your day concludes in the quaint coastal village of Glenbeigh, where you'll spend the night. Known for its traditional pubs, unspoiled beaches, and the stunning Rossbeigh Strand, Glenbeigh is an ideal retreat for those seeking a peaceful seaside escape.
You stay at The Towers Hotel.
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The Towers Hotel is centrally located in the small village of Glenbeigh. This historic hotel was built in 1895 in the late Victorian style. Throughout the years it has hosted many famous people and it is where the cast of Ryan's Daughter (filmed locally) stayed when filming. The famous Irish artist Marshall C Hutson, spent a lot of time here drawing inspiration for his famous pieces.
The hotel has a traditional feel to it, and offers recently refurbished large rooms, and there is a large lounge area and ample gardens. The hotel boasts an a la carte restaurant or you can enjoy less formal dining in its adjoining pub. They serve a full Irish breakfast and offer an accompanying cold buffet. WiFi is free in the public areas including the pub.
Glenbeigh is lovely small village with a couple of pubs and restaurants, the nearby Rossbeigh Strand is one on the nicest beaches in the region.
This is our standard hotel, in case of no availability, an option of similar level will be offered.
Heading west from Glenbeigh, your journey takes you to the serene shores of Kells Bay, a haven of tranquillity. Continuing along the route, you'll arrive in Cahersiveen, a charming town overlooking Valentia Island. Known as the gateway to the Ring of Kerry, Cahersiveen features vibrant streets lined with colourful buildings, inviting shops, and cosy cafes. As you wander through its welcoming streets, you'll experience the heart of a traditional Irish town. With two nights here, you'll have plenty of time to explore the area and savour its natural beauty, making this leg of your adventure both peaceful and rewarding.
You stay at San Antoine B&B.
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The family run San Antoine B&B has been run by the same family for the last 2 generations and offers 6 cosy rooms.just a short walk from the main town centre.
This is our standard hotel, in case of no availability, an option of similar level will be offered.
With no need to change accommodations today, you have a range of exciting options to explore. If sea conditions allow, consider a boat trip from Portmagee to Skellig Michael, a remarkable 6th-century monastic site that feels like stepping into another world.
Alternatively, you can opt for a looped cycling route to Valentia Island. Discover its fascinating history, from the residence of the Knights of Kerry to the ancient Tetrapod tracks, dating back 360 million years. Along the way, don't miss the awe-inspiring Kerry Sea Cliffs, offering stunning views and an unforgettable experience.
You stay at San Antoine B&B.
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The family run San Antoine B&B has been run by the same family for the last 2 generations and offers 6 cosy rooms.just a short walk from the main town centre.
This is our standard hotel, in case of no availability, an option of similar level will be offered.
Today'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.
You stay at Coomassig View B&B.
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The Coomassig View B&B is lovely and welcoming, and just a five-minute walk out of pretty Sneem. You will be given a warm welcome by Maureen and her family. On arrival tea and coffee is served. The rooms are large and have all the amenities you require. There is small sitting room and WiFi is free throughout the B&B. Breakfast is a full Irish breakfast and your host can provide a packed lunch for your next walks. Sneem has a good choice of pubs and restaurants where you can eat. If you are spending extra time here you, there are circular walks and a riverside walk where you can find one of Ireland's two coral beaches. Coomassig View is officially classed as a 4 star Bed and Breakfast.
This is our standard hotel, in case of no availability, an option of similar level will be offered.
Departing Sneem, your route takes you inland along gently rolling country roads. You'll pass through lush green farmland framed by ancient hedgerows and dry-stone walls, a quintessentially Irish landscape. The day ends in Kenmare, a lively heritage town renowned for its array of restaurants, pubs, and shops offering local cuisine, live music, and handcrafted goods. With its well-preserved Georgian architecture and rare traditional market square, Kenmare provides the perfect setting to savour delicious food and immerse yourself in the local culture.
You stay at Rockcrest House.
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Set in beautifully landscaped gardens, the Rockcrest Bed & Breakfast offers clean, modern, spacious rooms and a very warm welcome from hosts Marian and David O'Dwyer. Excellent full Irish breakfasts are cooked to order using local produce. Situated within a 5 minute walk to Kenmare and a choice of pubs and restaurants for evening meals.
This is our standard hotel, in case of no availability, an option of similar level will be offered.
As 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).
You stay at Abbey Lodge.
Abbey Lodge, Killarney
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Abbey Lodge, a charming family-run guesthouse on Muckross Road (N71), is just a 3-minute walk from Killarney town centre's shops, restaurants, bars, and transport links.
Guests enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and spacious en-suite rooms equipped with power showers, TVs, safes, work desks, and ironing facilities.
Ideally located for exploring Killarney and County Kerry, Abbey Lodge is near Killarney National Park's attractions, including Muckross House, Ross Castle, Muckross Abbey, and Torc Waterfall. The INEC and Killarney Racecourse are within a 10-minute stroll.
This is our standard hotel, in case of no availability, an option of similar level will be offered.
Departure after breakfast. Transfers can be arranged at a supplement, perhaps enjoy extra nights in Killarney to finish your trip.
These tour prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £300.
This holiday does not include any flights or rail.
Self-guided cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
10.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
Optional
e-bike hire
