Day 1. Arrive KILLARNEY
1830hrs, introductory meeting with the guide. If you have time, you could visit Ross Castle a wonderfully restored 16th Century Norman Tower House overlooking Lough Leane.

 

Day 2. KILLARNEY - KENMARE 23ml(37km)

The route follows a cycle track through Muckross House and Gardens. From there continue between the famous Lakes of Killarney before climbing through Molls Gap in between the beautiful mountains. In the afternoon cycle to Kenmare. There are longer options available if you fancy stretching your legs this afternoon.

 

Day 3. KENMARE - CASTLETOWNBERE 32ml(51km)
We follow a spectacular coast road hugging Kenmare Bay with its wonderful views of the MacGillikuddy Reeks Mountains. Stop for lunch at a small pub overlooking the bay. In the afternoon you can visit the nearby Dereen Gardens with its amazing variety of flora. Leaving the Gardens you cycle west where you can visit an ancient stone circle or explore the beautiful scenery and quiet back roads of the Beara Way. Castletownbere, where we will spend the next two nights, is nestled at the foot of the Cahas Mountains and is Ireland’s largest white fish port.

 

Day 4. Rest day CASTLETOWNBERE Round trip to EYERIES/ALLIHIES 25ml(40km)
Today’s cycle is a circular route, taking in the Beara Peninsula, one of the week’s highlights, with its twisted mountainscapes and breathtaking coastal scenery. We begin by retracing our route to Eyeries; from here, to our lunch-stop in Allihies, you can really feel you are away from it all, experiencing an undiscovered part of Ireland well away from some of the bustling tourist routes. After lunch you continue cycling around the peninsula with more wonderful views of the ocean. You have the option of detouring off the main route for a scenic bike ride to the crossing point for Dursey Island, which can be reached by catching a ride on the only cable car in Ireland. After this interesting detour you return back to the main road and continue on towards Castletownbere.

 

Day 5. CASTLETOWNBERE - GLENGARRIFF 22ml(35km)

We cycle along the shores of Bantry Bay, one of the deepest natural harbours in Europe. Located just outside Glengarriff is Garnish Island, which was transformed between 1910 and 1913 from a bare limestone rock into a luxuriant garden island, known worldwide for its huge selection of plants and its Italian Garden full of exotic plants. A local regular ferry service provides a non-stop ferry service to the island. click to view>>>

 

Day 6. GLENGARRIFF - GOUGANE BARRA 21ml(34km)
Cycle inland to our hotel in Gougane Barra, which is in isolated splendor, overlooking the lake in this dramatic glacial valley. It is Irelands first National Park and the source of the River Lee.

 

Day 7. GOUGANE BARRA - KILLARNEY 35ml(57km)
Heading homeward today on little-known roads with swimming stops in river pools along the way, return to Killarney for a final evening meal together and a night on the town.

 

Day 8. Depart KILLARNEY