DAY 1 KILLARNEY
The cycling safari starts with a meeting of the group at 6:30pm in the Bar of the Killarney Royal Hotel. This is just a meeting up point and not where you are actually staying. After an introductory talk from the guide, an evening meal is organised in the hotel, while your luggage is transported to our nearby guesthouse(s).
If you get there early you can leave your luggage with the hotel reception and explore this bustling town. If you have time, you could visit Ross Castle, a wonderfully restored 16th Century Norman Tower House overlooking Lough Leane. You can even hire a boat from here and row out to a 6th Century monastic site located on one of the nearby islands. Ross Castle is about 1.5 miles from the town.
If you are unexpectedly delayed please ring our office number where we will have left your guide’s mobile number on our answering machine or, alternatively, call the hotel and leave a message for the guide as to when you expect to arrive.
DAY 2 KILLARNEY TO SNEEM 29 miles / 47kms
The tour starts off by following a cycle track into the beautiful grounds of Muckross House. Located on the grounds is a Franciscan Abbey founded in the 15th Century. It is now in ruins but is beautifully situated with a large yew tree rising up through the cloisters. After a stroll around the celebrated Muckross gardens there follows a wonderful cycle along a quiet cyclepath between two of the Killarney lakes before we return to the main road. A steady climb follows to our lunch stop at Molls Gap where you are rewarded with delicious food in the restaurant with its beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon we cycle to Sneem looking out over panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
DAY 3 MONDAY SNEEM TO GLENBEIGH 32 miles / 51 kms
Avoiding the main Ring of Kerry road we cycle across the peninsula. Passing along quiet country roads with stunning views of the surrounding mountains, we climb up to the beautiful Gap of Ballaghbearna and descend the other side into another valley with views of Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest mountain. After lunch there is a wonderful cycle through quiet fields and over old stone bridges before coming to Caragh Lake. Following the lakeside we then head west to the seaside village of Glenbeigh where we spend the night in a comfortable hotel.
DAY 4 TUESDAY GLENBEIGH TO DINGLE 30 miles / 47 kms
We start the day with a short coach trip to the Dingle where we are basing ourselves for two nights. After getting back on the bikes we then follow the Slea Head Route around the tip of the Dingle peninsula. This is one of the highlights of the tour with a wide variety of archaeological sites to visit along the route and some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery in the country.
DAY 5 WEDNESDAY REST DAY IN DINGLE
A wide variety of activities can be organised from the town. You can join an archaeological bus tour of the peninsula or you can swap your bike saddle for a horse saddle and go horse riding. There are boat trips to the largest of the Blasket islands with its wonderful walking trails offering the most magnificent views of Dingle Bay. You can also take a boat trip to see "Fungi", the Dingle Dolphin or simply potter around the town with its many shops and aquarium. Finally for those with stiff limbs there is also a massage centre in which to pamper yourself.
Day 6 THURSDAY DINGLE TO KILLORGLIN 43 miles / 69 kms
The morning starts with a long steady climb up to the Conor Pass with its stunning views of Mount Brandon and the coastline in the distance. There follows a wonderful descent and then a nice flat cycle along the coast to the village of Camp where we stop for lunch. In the afternoon we head straight into the mountains and traverse the peninsula heading up over one side of the mountains to magnificent views of the other side of the peninsula with Dingle Bay and Ireland’s highest mountain range stretching out in front of you. We then descend down the other side and cycle the final stretch to our night stop in Killorglin and an evening of traditional music.
DAY 7 FRIDAY KILLORGLIN TO KILLARNEY 40 miles / 64 kms
In the morning we cycle on quiet back roads to Kate Kearney’s Cottage where you can stop for a cup of tea. We then enter the final highlight of the tour, the Gap of Dungloe, a place you will never forget. Coming out of the gap you have an incredible view looking down the Black Valley before following a small quiet route through a peaceful valley surrounded by green fields full of grazing sheep. We climb out of the valley to return to Molls Gap where we had lunch on the first day. After lunch there is a wonderful freewheel back down to Killarney. That evening we have a final farewell night on the town together before heading our separate ways the following morning
DAY 8 Departure
There are a number of hills on this route but you have all day to do the cycling. The van is always there to give you a lift should you want one. You will be provided with a more comprehensive route description and maps at the start of the tour. There is an option each day for a variety of longer routes and will be indicated by the guide. With the exception of the roads in and out of Killarney, the traffic on the route should be quite light. You should however cycle carefully at all times, especially when going downhill or during any rain showers.
Starting times:
Each of the tours start with a meeting of the group at 6.30pm on the Saturday evening in a central hotel close to the local train and bus station. This is only a meeting point, typically the group will be staying in nearby guesthouses. The guide is able to return to the meeting place at 9.30pm again that evening. After an introductory talk the guide will organise an evening meal and direct clients to their first nights bed & breakfast accommodation.
For those arriving unexpectedly late they can phone our office number in Dublin and the guides’ mobile phone number will be on our answering machine.
The bicycles:
We supply 21 speed hybrid touring bikes for the tours.
Repair equipment, helmets (for guided tours only) and front handlebar pannier bag are available for each client.
Clients are required to take due care of any rented equipment (includes bike, panniers, tool kits and helmets), we reserve the right to charge for any damages caused due to loss or negligence.
Distances:
The average cycling distance is an easy 30 – 40 miles (48- 64 km) with longer routes being available most days. The safaris are suitable for adults of all ages and fitness levels but the tours are not suited for children under 13 years of age.
There are a number of hills on the route but you have all day to do the cycling. You will be provided with a more comprehensive route description and map at the start of the tour. There is an option each day for a variety of longer routes. With the exception of the roads in and out of Killarney, the traffic on the route should be quite light. You should however cycle carefully at all times, especially when going downhill.
The Group, Guide and Back-Up Support
The group size varies from 12 to 20 people . Each group is lead by a local guide driving a support van. She/He will sweep during the day to check on cyclists. In the afternoon they will be gone for about two hours to leave the luggage off at your accommodation therefore may not be on hand to give you a lift, but there is no rush; you have all day to complete the ride. As soon as the guide has delivered the luggage to your accommodation they will sweep back to do a final check on cyclists.
Our aim is to allow you feel like an independent traveller, free to cycle each day at your own pace while at the same time having the security of knowing that a support van is nearby just in case you might need it. Most importantly, our guide is there to help in whatever way possible so that all you have to do is leave your worries behind and enjoy the many wonderful experiences that this cycling holiday has to offer.