Ring of Kerry: Quintessential Ireland

Day 1: Arrival in Killarney, 12 mi. (19 km) 
Day 2: Killarney- Glenbeigh, 33 mi. (52 km) 
Day 3: Glenbeigh - Cahersiveen, 24 mi. (38 km) 
Day 4: Valentia Island, loop rides, or rest day, 24 mi. (39 km)
Day 5: Cahersiveen - Sneem, 33 mi. (53 km) 
Day 6: Sneem - Kenmare, 21 mi. (33 km)  
Day 7: Kenmare - Killarney, 29 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. (19 km) | Elevation: 656 ft.
After arrival and check in to your historic accommodation, collect your bike, and if you would like, take a circular ride to Muckross House, with its picturesque backdrop of the Lakes of Killarney and Killarney National Park, Ireland's first national park. It spans over 100 square kilometers and encompasses diverse landscapes, including lakes, mountains, woodlands, and waterfalls. What an introduction to your cycling vacation!

Sample accommodations:

• Standard: Abbey Lodge or similar
• Premium: Great Southern Killarney, Killarney’s premier historic hotel, or similar

Day 2: Killarney- Glenbeigh, 33 mi. (52km) | Elevation: 1565 ft / 477m
Leaving Killarney you cycle west under the foothills of Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrantuohill, as your backdrop, You Pedal along the western shores of beautiful Lake Caragh before heading further south to another lake, Lough Caragh, and your overnight destination in the village of Glenbeigh. Walk into your fairytale at the 4-star Ard na Sidhe Country House Hotel. Translated ‘The Hill of the Fairies’, the majestic panorama envelops you completely. 

Sample accommodation:

• Standard: Tower's Hotel or similar
• Premium: Ard na Sidhe Country House Hotel: Translated as 'the Hill of the Fairies' or similar

Day 3: Glenbeigh - Cahersiveen, 24 mi. (38 km) | Elevation: 1561 ft / 476m
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:

• Standard: San Antoine B & B or similar
• Premium: Quinlan & Cooke Boutique Townhouse: showcasing South Kerry's beauty, or similar

Day 4: Valentia Island, loop rides, or rest day, 24 mi. (39 km)
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:

• Standard: San Antoine B & B or similar
• Premium: Quinlan & Cooke Boutique Townhouse: showcasing South Kerry's beauty, or similar

Day 5: Cahersiveen - Sneem, 33 mi. (53 km) | Elevation gain: 2007 ft / 612m
Picturesque coastal roads lead through the town of Waterville, the cherished retreat of Charlie Chaplin, to the charm of Sneem. But first, leaving Waterville, get ready for the exhilarating ascent of Coomaskista. The reward at the summit is nothing short of breathtaking, making the climb worth the effort. A descent follows (thankfully) and traces the Derrynane coastline with its golden beaches. Finally, reach Sneem and the Parknasilla Resort and Spa.

Sample accommodation:

• Standard: Coomassig View B&B or similar
• Premium: Parknasilla Resort and Spa; four-star luxury hidden within an expansive 500-acre estate, or similar

Day 6: Sneem - Kenmare, 21 mi. (33 km)  | Elevation gain: 1456ft (444m)
By now you are ready for some fun. As you bid farewell to the tranquility of Parknasilla, the next leg of your journey leads inland through verdant, rolling farmland along serene country roads. The scenes are quintessential Ireland. Picture emerald-green landscape and rolling hills. You seamlessly transition onto the smooth and well-maintained N70 road for the final stretch into the vibrant town of Kenmare.

Sample accommodation:

• Standard: Rockcrest House or similar
• Premium: Relais & Chateaux Hotel: Nestled overlooking the scenic Sheen Falls, your accommodation for the night is a prestigious five-star haven celebrated for its 2AA Rosette restaurant and an array of luxurious rooms, suites, and villas.  

Day 7: Kenmare - Killarney, 29 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:

• Standard: Abbey Lodge or similar

• Premium: Great Southern Killarney 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.

You will find the name of each day’s tour hotel in the detailed Day to Day description. You choose which level of accommodation you would like. Standard accommodations feature staying in guesthouses, B&Bs, and small hotels. Premium accommodations include boutique, 4 or 5-star establishments.

Bicycles

Touring Bicycle

Ridgeback Element

• Lightweight aluminum frame & fork (available in men & women's frames)
• Shimano 27-speed groupset
• Ridgeback custom saddle
• 700c x 35mm tires
• Shimano hydraulic disc brakes
• Rear rack
• Panniers & basic repair kit

Electric Bicycle

Haibike Trekking 6 Low EBike

• Low step frame
• XLC trekking saddle
• Schwalbe tire, 60-584, 27.5 x 2.4 inch
• Shimano Deore 1 x 11 Groupset
• Shimano hydraulic disc brakes.
• 630wh battery for extended range.
• Full mudguards
• Integrated lights
• Rear rack
• Panniers & basic repair kit

Road Bike

Boardman SLR 8.9 Carbon Road Bike

• Carbon fiber frame & fork
• Shimano 105 11 speed groupset
• Compact 50/34t crankset accompanied by an 11-30 cassette
• 25mm tire
• Tektro R315 rim brakes
• Basic repair kit