The road around the Ring of Kerry is a major attraction for tourists, which makes it less attractive for cyclists. However, it is easy to avoid the main road and by taking some hillier options, get away from it all in the spectacular scenery of these two peninsulas.

Day 1 - SATURDAY - KILLARNEY

The starting point is in a hotel close to the railway station in Killarney.

Day 2 - SUNDAY - KILLARNEY TO SNEEM - 36 miles (57kms)

Today you cycle out of Killarney through Muckross National Park, and on to Molls Gap for lunch, before heading west on the Iveragh Peninsula to the town of Sneem.

Day 3 - MONDAY - SNEEM TO GLENBEIGH - 32 miles (51kms)

Avoiding the main Ring of Kerry road, you cycle by the Gap of Ballaghbearna and along Lough Caragh to the seaside village of Glenbeigh.

Day 4 - TUESDAY - GLENBEIGH TO DINGLE - 20 miles (32kms - short option)

The day starts with a coach trip to the village of Camp on the Dingle Peninsula. You cycle from there via the dramatic Conor's Pass onto the town of Dingle.

Day 5 - WEDNESDAY - REST DAY IN DINGLE

Dingle is a bustling town with plenty of restaurants, musical pubs, a busy fishing fleet and dramatic surrounding countryside.

Day 6 - THURSDAY - DINGLE TO KILLORGLIN - 35 miles (56kms)

Today you will follow a quiet coastal road to Inch beach for a swim before lunch. Continue in the afternoon to the market town of Killorglin.

Day 7 - FRIDAY - KILLORGLIN to KILLARNEY - 35m (56kms)

Keeping to the backroads, head to the famous Gap of Dunloe for a spectacular cycle through the Black Valley, and then return via the National Park into Killarney.

TOUR DETAILS

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is on a twin-sharing basis in a mixture of family run hotels and guesthouses with breakfasts included. On booking we will need to know whether sharing will be on a twin (two beds) or double (one bed) basis. Due to the isolated nature of several of the places on the itineraries, single rooms cannot be guaranteed. For people traveling alone, we can twin share them with another single person on the tour. In exceptional cases one single room may be provided at a supplement of 100.00 Irish Pounds for the week. This is on a request only basis.

FITNESS, DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY

Other than young children whom we discourage, people of all ages and abilities come on the tours, so do not worry if you are not super-fit. You have all day to cover the recommended route and while Irish roads rarely follow a straight line, there are few really high climbs. Sore bottoms are an occupational hazard on a cycling tour, but a pair of padded cycle shorts or a gel saddle cover can work wonders. Complete beginners might also take a few practice rides before coming on the tour. The average cycling distance is an easy 30 miles with longer routes being available each day. 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. The Ring of Kerry, The Highlands of Donegal and the Derry Air tours have more hills than the other routes.

MEALS

The guide will recommend a lunch stop each day where a snack lunch will cost between 3 -5 Irish Pounds. A group evening meal is also organised by the guide each night, which costs between 10 - 15 Irish Pounds.

THE BICYCLE

A 21 Trek Hybrid touring model is available for the tours. Each booking should give the clients name and approximate height. Repair equipment, helmets and pannier bags are available on request.

INSURANCE

We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance.

STARTING TIMES

Each of the tours start with a meeting of the group at 6.30 pm 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 9.30 pm again that evening and the following morning for those arriving late. After an introductory talk the guide will organise an evening meal and direct clients to their first nights accommodation in bed & breakfasts.

WHAT TO BRING

As baggage is transferred each day you are free to bring the ball gown and tuxedo should you wish to. However, we find that more experienced travellers arrive with one compact piece of luggage and look on with amusement at those who have to drag their kitchen sink containers along airport corridors. Do bring a comfortable outfit for the cycling and a pair of cycling shorts if you have them. The Irish sun is stronger than people think, so a sun hat, sunglasses and sun cream are also recommended.