Ring of Kerry Cycling Tour

Overview

Cycling the Ring of Kerry is the most renowned bike tour in all of Ireland! This eight-day self-guided Ring of Kerry cycling tour delivers the best of a region celebrated for its scenery, history, and timeless culture. Your tour begins and ends in the town of Killarney. Setting out westward around the northern section of the Ring, you’ll cycle around glittering lakes and through the shadows of Ireland’s tallest mountain until you reach the coastal town of Caherciveen. Two nights here provide an opportunity to soak in all the rugged beauty of the seaside cliffs and historic communities that tell Kerry’s story. Turn back inland to work through the heart of the County, stopping along the way by secluded rivers and charming rural villages. The loop closes back in Killarney after a final day of stunning mountain passes that put you on top of the world! This tour begins and ends in the town of Killarney, the gateway to the Ring and all its wonders. Setting out westward around the northern section of the Ring, you’ll cycle around glittering lakes and through the shadows of Ireland’s tallest mountain until you reach the coastal town of Caherciveen. Two nights here provide an opportunity to soak in all the rugged beauty of the seaside cliffs and historic communities that tell Kerry’s story. Turn back inland to work through the heart of the County, stopping along the way by secluded rivers and charming rural villages. The loop closes back in Killarney after a final day of stunning mountain passes that put you on top of the world! Day 1: Arrival in Tralee. Take a scenic ride along the Tralee to Fenit Greenway. The Greenway leads to the charming fishing village of Fenit. Back in Tralee, enjoy a relaxed evening. Distance 1-2 hours, 28.5km, 200m of ascent, 271m of descent. Overnight Location BnB in Tralee. Included Meals None. Day 2: Lakes & Mountain Shadows. Starting from Tralee, your cycling journey heads southwest beneath the foothills of Ireland’s tallest peak, Carrantuohill. Along the way, soak in the breathtaking scenery around the stunning Caragh Lake. Following peaceful backroads away from the main Ring of Kerry, you'll arrive at the charming coastal village of Glenbeigh, where you'll spend the night. Distance 3-4 hours, 49.2km, 530m of ascent, 479m of descent. Overnight Location B&B in Glenbeigh. Included Meals Breakfast. Day 3: Cycling Out to Sea. Continue westward along the Ring, the North Atlantic Ocean never far away. Pass through the lovely shores of Kells Bay, offering an excellent beach with great vistas of the Dingle Peninsula across the water. The day ends in Caherciveen, where you’ll spend the next two nights. Distance 2-3 hours, 37.5km, 474m of ascent, 466m of descent. Overnight Location B&B in Caherciveen. Included Meals Breakfast. Day 4: Free Day on the Coast. Top of the list is Valentia Island – a ferry from Reenard Point will get you there in mere minutes. Bring your bike as there’s plenty to discover. Historical intrigue abounds on this island. Loop back onto the mainland via the road bridge on the island’s south shore, where the village of Portmagee makes for a lovely lunch stop. Don’t miss a visit to the Kerry Cliffs towering a thousand feet above the wild Atlantic. Distance 3 hours, 39km, 562m of ascent, 562m of descent. Overnight Location B&B in Caherciveen. Included Meals Breakfast. Day 5: Into the Inny Valley. A stunning day unfolds as you turn back to the east and work inland through the Inny Valley. This is a lush landscape full of forested hills and winding rivers. Conquer the Ballaghisheen Pass, magnificent views stretching in all directions. Your day concludes in Sneem. Distance 3 hours, 37.5km, 597m of ascent, 610m of descent. Overnight Location B&B near Sneem. Included Meals Breakfast. Day 6: Heartland of Kerry. Head south through the Bridia Valley, where rural Ireland shines in all its glory. Ride through the Ballaghbeama Gap, a narrow track cut through the mountains providing the rush of true exploration! Follow the Blackwater River across Irish peatland until you reach the shores of tranquil Kenmare Bay. The town of Kenmare at the bay’s head is your destination for the night. Distance 3 hours, 39km, 592m of ascent, 602m of descent. Overnight Location B&B in Kenmare. Included Meals Breakfast. Day 7: North to Killarney. The trip back to Killarney is full of outstanding sights and scenery. Cycle through the mountain pass of Moll’s Gap, where breathtaking views of Killarney’s Three Lakes greet you. Continue through the Black Valley and tackle your final challenge, the Gap of Dunloe, formed thousands of years ago by a glacial breach. Then, you’ll coast down into Killarney. Distance 3-4 hours, 51.2km, 679m of ascent, 659m of descent. Overnight Location B&B in Killarney. Included Meals Breakfast. Day 8: Departure Day. Time to depart from County Kerry. Check out of your accommodations, leave your bicycles behind (if renting), and embark on your next adventure. Distance None. Overnight Location None. Included Meals Breakfast. This self-guided cycling tour is always run as a private tour for your group only. This tour can be customized for you, and prices depend on group size, room types, trip customizations, and date of travel. The starting price for two people sharing a double or twin room is $1,525USD per person. For a hybrid bike rental is $250USD, a road bike rental is $575USD and an e-bike is $625USD. 7 breakfasts are included. Accommodations for 7 nights are included. Accommodations before or after the tour can be added as a supplement. Luggage transfers are included on a daily basis during the tour. Airport transfers will need to be arranged individually, but your designated Holiday Specialist can assist you with this. GPS-enabled app for navigation & points of interest. Detailed road book with full area maps. 24-hour emergency/information support. Full pre-departure information. In-house Holiday Specialist to assist with any additional services. This tour is based in hotels and small B&Bs and/or guesthouses. Each property offers warm rooms with an ensuite washroom and daily hot Irish breakfast. Rooms are double occupancy. If you can request a for single room with an extra charge. We are Canadian. Book with a Canadian company whose mission is to help you travel the world. Self-guided Specialists: Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of the logistics are taken care of. Packed with Inclusions: Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories. World Class Support: Have peace of mind for when travel plans change with our hassle-free booking process and unbeatable support.

Daily Ride Schedule

Accommodation & Services

Accommodation

B&B

What's Included