Ring of Kerry: Quintessential Ireland

Day 1: Arrival in Tralee, 18 mi. (29 km) 
Day 2: Tralee- Glenbeigh, 30 mi. (49 km) 
Day 3: Glenbeigh - Cahersiveen, 22 mi. (37 km) 
Day 4: Valentia Island, loop rides, or rest day, 30 mi. (49 km)
Day 5: Cahersiveen - Sneem, 32 - 36 mi. (51 - 58 km) 
Day 6: Sneem - Kenmare, 20 mi. (32 km)  
Day 7: Kenmare - Killarney, 30 mi. (47 km)
Day 8: Departure

Distances are approximate. Unforeseen circumstances like weather conditions or local directives may lead to changes in the itinerary before or during your holiday. Temporary deviations or detours due to roadwork may not be reflected in your road book or GPS tracks.

Day 1: Arrival in Tralee, 18 mi. (29 km) | Elevation: 656ft / 200m
Upon arriving in Tralee, check into your B&B and, if time permits, take a scenic cycle along the Tralee to Fenit Greenway. This route offers a perfect chance to get comfortable with your bike in a safe, traffic-free environment. The Greenway leads to the fishing village of Fenit, where you can visit its blue-flag beach or climb the steps to the St. Brendan the Navigator statue for views of the northern Dingle Peninsula. After returning to Tralee, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of Tralee's many restaurants, or perhaps attend a show or exhibition at Siamsa Tíre, The National Folk Theatre of Ireland.

Day 2: Tralee- Glenbeigh, 30 mi. (49km) | Elevation: 1739ft / 530m
Your cycling adventure begins in Tralee, heading southwest beneath the foothills of Carrantuohill, Ireland's highest mountain. The route takes you through stunning landscapes, including the beauty of Caragh Lake. Riding along quiet backroads away from the bustling Ring of Kerry, you'll arrive at the coastal village of Glenbeigh, where you'll spend the night. Glenbeigh is a perfect retreat, featuring traditional Irish pubs, tranquil beaches, and the nearby Rossbeigh Strand.

Sample accommodation: Tower's Hotel or similar

Day 3: Glenbeigh - Cahersiveen, 22 mi. (37 km) | Elevation: 656ft / 200m
Today Ireland's beauty and the unique character of County Kerry are on full display.  As you pedal westward, you pass through charming countryside, and lush greenery to the tranquil shores of Kells Bay. You end in the heart of Cahersiveen on Kerry’s spectacular Wild Atlantic Way, accommodating for two nights in the town of Caherciveen overlooking Valentia Island. 

Sample accommodation: San Antoine B & B or similar

Day 4: Valentia Island, loop rides, or rest day, 30 mi. (49 km) | Elevation: 1310ft / 400m
You have options today since you will once again spend the evening at Quinlan & Cooke Boutique Townhouse. Perhaps you would like a day off the bike? Or immerse yourself in the coastal beauty of Kerry. A wonderful option is to take a local ferry to Valentia Island and trace its history back to the Knights of Kerry, or even further with a visit to the Tetrapod Tracks, prehistoric imprints that whisper tales from a staggering 360 million years ago! The majestic rock walls of Kerry Cliffs will impress. Atop, you can gaze out across the vastness of the Atlantic, an experience that promises to be both exhilarating and humbling.  Consider enjoying lunch in the quaint village of Portmagee, adding a touch of local charm to your day. You can end your day at the Skellig Islands Interpretive Centre to learn more about the rich history of the Skellig Islands.

Sample accommodation: San Antoine B & B or similar

Day 5: Cahersiveen - Sneem, 32 - 36 mi. (51 - 58 km) | Elevation gain: 1761 - 2800ft / 537 - 850m
Today's journey takes you along scenic coastal roads to your next stop, the village of Sneem, with a stop in the quaint town of Waterville along the way. After leaving Waterville, you'll tackle the climb of Coomakista, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking coastal views from the summit. From there, you'll follow the Derrynane coastline and its beautiful beaches before completing the final stretch to Sneem.

For a quieter, more adventurous experience, you can opt for an alternative route through the mountains. This path offers a serene and less touristy atmosphere, particularly during the busy summer months. However, it is more challenging, with significant elevation gains, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a secluded and rewarding cycling adventure.

Sample accommodation: Coomassig View B&B or similar

Day 6: Sneem - Kenmare, 20 mi. (32 km)  | Elevation gain: 1361ft (415m)
Departing from Sneem, your route takes you inland along gently rolling country roads past emerald-green farmland, bordered by ancient hedgerows and traditional dry-stone walls. The day's ride ends in the heritage town of Kenmare, known for its lively atmosphere, excellent restaurants, traditional pubs, and unique artisan shops.

Sample accommodation: Rockcrest House or similar

Day 7: Kenmare - Killarney, 30 mi. (47 km) | Elevation gain: 2053 ft / 626m
You cycle lesser-known undulating backroads through challenging yet rewarding terrain to the famed Molls Gap, a scenic mountain pass. Here you soak in stunning panoramic views of the rugged Macgillycuddy's Reeks mountain range and the Three Lakes of Killarney—Lough Leane, Muckross Lake, and Upper Lake. You cycle through the captivating Black Valley and traverse the renowned Gap of Dunloe before making your way back to Killarney for the grand finale of your cycling escapade.

Sample accommodation: Abbey Lodge or similar

Day 8: Departure
Today is the last official day of your tour. Whether you embark on new travels, return to familiar places, or venture into the next chapter, the memories of the road and the experiences of this cycling excursion will undoubtedly linger. The words of the Irish blessing. "May the road rise up to meet you" – is a fitting farewell to an unforgettable cycling escapade.

Day 1: Arrival in Killarney, 12 mi. (20 km) 
Day 2: Killarney - Glenbeigh, 30 mi. (49 km) 
Day 3: Glenbeigh - Cahersiveen, 22 mi. (37 km) 
Day 4: Valentia Island, loop rides, or rest day, 30 mi. (49 km)
Day 5: Cahersiveen - Sneem, 32 - 36 mi. (51 - 58 km) 
Day 6: Sneem - Kenmare, 20 mi. (32 km)  
Day 7: Kenmare - Killarney, 30 mi. (47 km)
Day 8: Departure

Distances are approximate. Unforeseen circumstances like weather conditions or local directives may lead to changes in the itinerary before or during your holiday. Temporary deviations or detours due to roadwork may not be reflected in your road book or GPS tracks.

Day 1: Arrival in Killarney, 12 mi. (20 km) | Elevation: 600ft / 200m
Upon arriving in Killarney, check into your B&B. If you arrive before 3 PM, you will be met for a briefing and bike setup. We recommend taking a short circular cycle through Killarney National Park afterward. If you arrive later, the briefing and bike setup will take place before your Day 2 ride, so plan accordingly if you'd like to include the National Park cycle. During the ride, you'll visit the 16th-century Muckross Abbey, a beautifully preserved monastic site. Continue to the grand Victorian Muckross House, surrounded by stunning gardens. Afterward, relax in Killarney town and savor a locally brewed pint at a traditional pub.

Sample accommodation: Great Southern Hotel 

Day 2: Killarney - Glenbeigh, 32 mi. (53km) | Elevation: 1350ft / 408m
Your cycling adventure begins in Tralee, heading southwest beneath the foothills of Carrantuohill, Ireland's highest mountain. The route takes you through stunning landscapes, including the beauty of Caragh Lake. Riding along quiet backroads away from the bustling Ring of Kerry, you'll arrive at the coastal village of Glenbeigh, where you'll spend the night. Glenbeigh is a perfect retreat, featuring traditional Irish pubs, tranquil beaches, and the nearby Rossbeigh Strand.

Sample accommodation: Ard na Sidhe Country House Hotel: Translated as 'the Hill of the Fairies' or similar

Day 3: Glenbeigh - Cahersiveen, 22 mi. (37 km) | Elevation: 656ft / 200m
Today Ireland's beauty and the unique character of County Kerry are on full display.  As you pedal westward, you pass through charming countryside, and lush greenery to the tranquil shores of Kells Bay. You end in the heart of Cahersiveen on Kerry’s spectacular Wild Atlantic Way, accommodating for two nights in the town of Caherciveen overlooking Valentia Island. 

Sample accommodation: Quinlan & Cooke Boutique Townhouse: showcasing South Kerry's beauty, or similar

Day 4: Valentia Island, loop rides, or rest day, 30 mi. (49 km) | Elevation: 1310ft / 400m
You have options today since you will once again spend the evening at Quinlan & Cooke Boutique Townhouse. Perhaps you would like a day off the bike? Or immerse yourself in the coastal beauty of Kerry. A wonderful option is to take a local ferry to Valentia Island and trace its history back to the Knights of Kerry, or even further with a visit to the Tetrapod Tracks, prehistoric imprints that whisper tales from a staggering 360 million years ago! The majestic rock walls of Kerry Cliffs will impress. Atop, you can gaze out across the vastness of the Atlantic, an experience that promises to be both exhilarating and humbling.  Consider enjoying lunch in the quaint village of Portmagee, adding a touch of local charm to your day. You can end your day at the Skellig Islands Interpretive Centre to learn more about the rich history of the Skellig Islands.

Sample accommodation: Quinlan & Cooke Boutique Townhouse: showcasing South Kerry's beauty, or similar

Day 5: Cahersiveen - Sneem, 32 - 36 mi. (51 - 58 km) | Elevation gain: 1761 - 2800ft / 537 - 850m
Today's journey takes you along scenic coastal roads to your next stop, the village of Sneem, with a stop in the quaint town of Waterville along the way. After leaving Waterville, you'll tackle the climb of Coomakista, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking coastal views from the summit. From there, you'll follow the Derrynane coastline and its beautiful beaches before completing the final stretch to Sneem.

For a quieter, more adventurous experience, you can opt for an alternative route through the mountains. This path offers a serene and less touristy atmosphere, particularly during the busy summer months. However, it is more challenging, with significant elevation gains, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a secluded and rewarding cycling adventure.

Sample accommodation: Parknasilla Resort and Spa; four-star luxury hidden within an expansive 500-acre estate, or similar

Day 6: Sneem - Kenmare, 20 mi. (32 km)  | Elevation gain: 1361ft (415m)
Departing from Sneem, your route takes you inland along gently rolling country roads past emerald-green farmland, bordered by ancient hedgerows and traditional dry-stone walls. The day's ride ends in the heritage town of Kenmare, known for its lively atmosphere, excellent restaurants, traditional pubs, and unique artisan shops.

Sample accommodation: Sheen Falls Lodge

Day 7: Kenmare - Killarney, 30 mi. (47 km) | Elevation gain: 2053 ft / 626m
You cycle lesser-known undulating backroads through challenging yet rewarding terrain to the famed Molls Gap, a scenic mountain pass. Here you soak in stunning panoramic views of the rugged Macgillycuddy's Reeks mountain range and the Three Lakes of Killarney—Lough Leane, Muckross Lake, and Upper Lake. You cycle through the captivating Black Valley and traverse the renowned Gap of Dunloe before making your way back to Killarney for the grand finale of your cycling escapade.

Sample accommodation: Great Southern Hotel 

Day 8: Departure
Today is the last official day of your tour. Whether you embark on new travels, return to familiar places, or venture into the next chapter, the memories of the road and the experiences of this cycling excursion will undoubtedly linger. The words of the Irish blessing. "May the road rise up to meet you" – is a fitting farewell to an unforgettable cycling escapade.