The Ring of Kerry abounds in natural wonders and the beauty and grandeur of the scenery is unsurpassed by any in Ireland. Starting in the town of Killarney – made famous by the magnificent "Three Lakes of Killarney" the "Ring" then continues anti-clockwise through Killorglin, to Caherciveen, on to Waterville and Sneem before returning to Killarney. We, however, find this route to be "over-run" with tourists and therefore unkind to cycles – so for that reason – we suggest a much more leisurely and quieter mix of inland and coastal routes to give just the same beauty and splendour – if not more. Day 1 - Arrival Day - today’s distance 20km / 12ml Arrive in Killarney and check into your B&B. Collect your bicycles and Information Pack with Route Description and map from the proprietor. If you have time take the short circular cycle to Muckross House and Killarney National Park and then back to Killarney for your overnight stop. Day 2 - Killarney to Glenbeigh - today’s distance 45km /28ml Leaving Killarney you cycle west under the foothills of Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrantuohill, around the beautiful Caragh Lake before heading to the picturesque village of Glenbeigh and your overnight stop. Day 3 - Glenbeigh to Caherciveen - today’s distance 43km /27ml Heading west from Glenbeigh, today’s route takes you to the peaceful and tranquil shores of Kells Bay. From here you continue on west finishing the days cycle outside the town of Caherciveen over looking Valentia Island. You spend two nights in Caherciveen. Day 4 - rest day Today you have a free day. You can arrange a boat trip to the famous 6th century Skellig Island or as an option if the weather does not permit take the ferry over to Valentia Island and cycle around this lovely little island that is stepped in history. Day 5 - Caherciveen to Kenmare - today’s distance 55km /34ml From Caherciveen, today’s cycle takes you on one of the most glorious route’s imaginable. An inland trip through the Inny Valley and the legendary Ballaghisheen and Ballaghbeama passes offering spectacular views as you descend to the southern shores of the peninsula and Kenmare and your stopover for the next two nights. Day 6 - Kenmare circular route - today’s distance 40km /25ml Leaving your Kenmare B&B you can enjoy a lovely circular cycle over to the Beara Peninsula and around Lough Inchiquinn before returning back to Kenmare. As an option you can continue on to Glengarriff and return to Kenmare through Turner’s Rock tunnel road. It is hard to imagine that two peninsulas so close together geographically can be so different in landscape and appearance & today gives you the opportunity to see this contrast first hand. Day 7 - Kenmare to Killarney - today’s distance 38km /24ml Today you cycle along backroads to the famous Molls Gap offering wonderful views over the spectacular Three Lakes of Killarney. From here you continue cycling to the Black valley and through the renowned Gap of Dunloe before returning to Killarney for your final night. Day 8 After a final breakfast and farewell you leave your cycle behind you and follow your own arrangements for your onward journey. The above cycle details are a guideline and all distances may vary according to your chosen route.
Should you wish to extend your holiday - we recommend the following extra days, which are suitable for rest days: - Day 1 Stay an extra day in Killarney to enjoy some of the local sights - or to take a boat trip through the famous Three Lakes of Killarney or visit Inisfallen Island or Ross Castle.
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