BICYCLE TOURS & MOUNTAIN BIKING

Biking in Ireland: Coasting Kerry

Fuchsia hedgerows line the first day’s ride through the famed headlands of the Dingle Peninsula. In the Gap of Dunloe, pedal past tumbling waterfalls, forest glens, and glacial lakes that have graced many a postcard. The handsome market town of Kenmare will be your base for exploring the rugged beauty of the Beara Peninsula. On the island of Skellig Michael, those who wish can climb its 600 steps to visit the stone huts that once comprised a 6th-century monastery. Here monks once searched for meaning on the edge of their universe; today the only inhabitants are a huge colony of puffins and a resident archaeologist!

You’ll experience Ireland’s cultural riches firsthand throughout the tour. Spend two nights in Dingle Town, legendary for its traditional music scene. In Killarney, a renowned storyteller will regale you with tales of old Ireland. History comes alive with visits to the Blasket Heritage Center, Neolithic stone forts, and the 18th-century estate of Daniel O’Connell, one of Ireland’s great Nationalist heroes. The final destination is Carrig House, a Victorian country estate overlooking Lough Caragh, where you’ll savor a farewell feast along with one of the loveliest views in Ireland.

Tour Details

Day 1:
Morning transfer from Shannon Airport to Dingle for a two-night stay at a four-star guesthouse overlooking the harbor. Afternoon free to explore town. Welcome dinner, followed by traditional music at O’Flaherty’s Pub.

Day 2:
Cycle the Slea Head Drive, with views of the now-abandoned Blasket Islands. Stops at an Iron Age fort, the Blasket Heritage Center, and Gallarus Oratory, where monks spreading the word of St. Patrick once sojourned. (29, 35, or 46 mi.)

Day 3:
Follow the south coast of the Dingle Peninsula via the beach at Inch. Tiny back roads pass a reputed “fairy fort” en route to Killarney, where you’ll overnight near the stately Muckross House and Gardens. After-dinner storytelling performance by shenachie Eddie Lenihan. (43 or 48 mi.)

Day 4:
Free morning for shopping or a warm-up spin along the Lakes of Killarney. The route through the Gap of Dunloe is surrounded by MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland. Pedal on past glacial ponds and cascading streams in the Black Valley to Moll’s Gap. A five-mile descent leads to Kenmare for a two-night stay. (28, 41, or 53 mi.)

Day 5:
The Beara Peninsula loop begins with easy cycling to exotic Derreen Gardens. Longer options lead to spectacular headlands, colorful fishing villages at Eyeries and Allihies, and a challenging climb over Healy Pass. (32, 50, 66, or 84 mi.)

Day 6:
Along the Iveragh Peninsula, you’ll stop to meet a friendly family of artisans at Brushwood Studio Galleries, visit Staigue ring fort, and tour O’Connell’s estate at Derrynane National Park. Take in the panoramic view from Coomakesta Pass, then descend to the seaside village of Waterville for a two-night stay. (37 or 42 mi.)

Day 7:
Free day to relax or ride: Take the ferry to monastery ruins at Skellig Michael and the puffin sanctuary on Little Skellig, or bike the challenging Ring of Ballinskelligs, a hidden pocket of Kerry’s best scenery. (0, 32, or 44 mi.)

Day 8:
Follow the coast around Dingle Bay to Lough Caragh. Along the way, visit the British Garrison museum in Caherciveen, Bronze Age ring forts, and Valentia Island. Farewell celebration at Carrig House. (35, 46, or 52 mi.)

Day 9:
Transfer to Shannon Airport for early afternoon flights.