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Highlights
Cycle one of Ireland’s most popular routes on the marvellous Ring of Kerry.
Ride through the shadows of Ireland’s highest mountains.
Travel back in time at the ancient footprints on Valentia Island.
Explore the woods and streams of Kerry’s charming countryside as you cycle.
Marvel at the views from glacier-made lakes around Dunloe’s Gap.
The Ring of Kerry is the most renowned route in all of Ireland! This eight-day self-guided cycling tour delivers the best of a region celebrated for its scenery, history, and timeless culture. If you’ll only ever do one cycling adventure in Ireland, it should be this one.
Your tour begins and ends in the town of Killarney, the gateway to the Ring and all its wonders. Setting out westward around the northern section of the Ring, you’ll cycle around glittering lakes and through the shadows of Ireland’s tallest mountain until you reach the coastal town of Caherciveen. Two nights here provide an opportunity to soak in all the rugged beauty of the seaside cliffs and historic communities that tell Kerry’s story. Turn back inland to work through the heart of the County, stopping along the way by secluded rivers and charming rural villages. The loop closes back in Killarney after a final day of stunning mountain passes that put you on top of the world!
Incredible scenery awaits around every corner on the Ring of Kerry cycling tour. Towering mountains, lush valleys, ancient history, and fresh cuisine – it’s got a little bit of everything, and a whole lot of reasons to go!
The Ring of Kerry is the most renowned route in all of Ireland! This eight-day self-guided cycling tour delivers the best of a region celebrated for its scenery, history, and timeless culture. If you’ll only ever do one cycling adventure in Ireland, it should be this one.
Your tour begins and ends in the town of Killarney, the gateway to the Ring and all its wonders. Setting out westward around the northern section of the Ring, you’ll cycle around glittering lakes and through the shadows of Ireland’s tallest mountain until you reach the coastal town of Caherciveen. Two nights here provide an opportunity to soak in all the rugged beauty of the seaside cliffs and historic communities that tell Kerry’s story. Turn back inland to work through the heart of the County, stopping along the way by secluded rivers and charming rural villages. The loop closes back in Killarney after a final day of stunning mountain passes that put you on top of the world!
Incredible scenery awaits around every corner on the Ring of Kerry cycling tour. Towering mountains, lush valleys, ancient history, and fresh cuisine – it’s got a little bit of everything, and a whole lot of reasons to go!
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Ring of Kerry Cycling Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Killarney
Arrive in the town of Killarney, one of Ireland’s most popular destinations for travellers across the globe. This is a perfect starting point for your County Kerry journey!
Check into your accommodations, then collect your bikes (if renting) along with your information pack. The day is yours to settle in and explore Killarney. If you’re keen to start cycling, head down to the famed Muckross House mansion on the edge of Killarney National Park before looping back into town.
Overnight Location: B&B in Killarney
Distance: 1-2 hours, 19km, 271m of ascent, 271m of descent
Meals: None
Day 2 Lakes & Mountain Shadows
Today is your first day on the Ring of Kerry! Head out westward along the north shores of Lough Leane, Killarney’s largest lake. Cycle through the foothills of Carrauntoohill, the tallest mountain in all of Ireland, reaching over a kilometre into the sky.
You’ll cruise around the edge of beautiful Caragh Lake before arriving in the town of Glenbeigh, your home for the night. Flanked by rivers and surrounded by hills, this is a picturesque taste of what’s to come!
Overnight Location: B&B in Glenbeigh
Distance: 3-4 hours, 52km, 475m of ascent, 479m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Cycling Out to Sea
Continue westward along the Ring, the North Atlantic Ocean never far away. Pass through the lovely shores of Kells Bay, offering an excellent beach with great vistas of the Dingle Peninsula across the water.
The day ends in Caherciveen, where you’ll spend the next two nights. Enjoy the views over nearby Valentia Island, chock-full of intriguing history to discover.
Overnight Location: B&B in Caherciveen
Distance: 2-3 hours, 37.5km, 474m of ascent, 466m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Free Day on the Coast
Today is a free day to explore this stunning coastal region to your heart’s content! Top of the list is Valentia Island – a ferry from Reenard Point will get you there in mere minutes. Bring your bike as there’s plenty to discover.
Historical intrigue abounds on this island. Dive into tales of the Knights of Kerry, who’ve called the island home since the turn of the 19th century. This pales in comparison to the “Tetrapod Tracks” on Valentia’s north coast. These footprints were left by a creature leaving the ocean for life on land some 360 million years ago!
Loop back onto the mainland via the road bridge on the island’s south shore, where the village of Portmagee makes for a lovely lunch stop. Don’t miss a visit to the Kerry Cliffs towering a thousand feet above the wild Atlantic. On a clear day, you can spot the faraway Skellig Islands, where memorable scenes from the new Star Wars films were captured.
Overnight Location: B&B in Caherciveen
Distance: 3 hours, 39km, 562m of ascent, 562m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Into the Inny Valley
A stunning day unfolds as you turn back to the east and work inland through the Inny Valley. This is a lush landscape full of forested hills and winding rivers. Conquer the Ballaghisheen Pass, magnificent views stretching in all directions.
Your day concludes in Sneem. Leave your bikes at the B&B and stroll around this serene landscape, checking out the old stone bridge built over the water. A relaxing evening of hearty Irish cuisine and the sounds of nature provide the perfect end to the day’s adventure.
Overnight Location: B&B near Sneem
Distance: 3 hours, 37.5km, 597m of ascent, 610m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Heartland of Kerry
Head south through the Bridia Valley, where rural Ireland shines in all its glory. Ride through the Ballaghbeama Gap, a narrow track cut through the mountains providing the rush of true exploration! Follow the Blackwater River across Irish peatland until you reach the shores of tranquil Kenmare Bay.
The town of Kenmare at the bay’s head is your destination for the night. With its strategic position near two of Ireland’s most popular loops, it boasts some exceptional restaurants and pubs to enjoy.
Overnight Location: B&B in Kenmare
Distance: 3 hours, 39km, 592m of ascent, 602m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 North to Killarney
It’s your final day on the Ring! The trip back to Killarney is full of outstanding sights and scenery. Cycle through the mountain pass of Moll’s Gap, where breathtaking views of Killarney’s Three Lakes greet you.
Continue through the Black Valley and tackle your final challenge, the Gap of Dunloe, formed thousands of years ago by a glacial breach. Then, you’ll coast down into Killarney. Take plenty of stops to soak it all in!
Overnight Location: B&B in Killarney
Distance: 3-4 hours, 51.2km, 679m of ascent, 659m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Departure Day
Time to depart from County Kerry. Check out of your accommodations, leave your bicycles behind (if renting), and embark on your next adventure.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Ring of Kerry Cycling Tour Price and Dates
This self-guided cycling tour in Ireland is run as a custom tour for your group and the price per person is fixed. Prices below are per person:- Self-guided groups of 2+: EUR875 per person
Accommodation on the Ring of Kerry Cycling Tour
This tour is based in hotels and small B&Bs and/or guesthouses. Each property offers warm rooms with an ensuite washroom and daily hot Irish breakfast.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible while traveling with your group.
What’s Included in the Ring of Kerry Cycling Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included. Accommodations before or after the tour can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Luggage transfers are included on a daily basis during the tour. Airport transfers will need to be arranged individually, but your designated Holiday Specialist can assist you with this.
Also Included
- GPS-enabled app for navigation & points of interest
- Detailed road book with full area maps
- 24-hour emergency/information support
- Full pre-departure information
- In-house Holiday Specialist to assist with any additional services
Not included
- Flights to and from Kerry
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Transport into or out of Killarney
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Ferry tickets
- Entrance fees to any sites
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Bike rental:
- Hybrid bike
- Road bike
- E-Bike
- How hard is the Ring of Kerry Cycling Tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Ireland?
- Are meals included on the Ring of Kerry Cycling Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Killarney to start this tour?
- Where does the Ring of Kerry Cycling Tour end?
- Can I rent a bike?
- Can I bring my own bike?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Ireland?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Ireland?
We rate this tour as a 3/5. A moderate level of fitness is required for the distance and elevation changes on this route, and previous cycling experience is recommended. However, no technical expertise is necessary. The main routes are paved road.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
7 breakfasts are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover cycling. Get your Travel Insurance.
Fly into Kerry Airport (KIR). From Kerry Airport, Killarney is a 15-minute taxi ride. You can also drive straight from the larger Cork Airport (ORK), which is about 75 minutes from Killarney. Your Holiday Specialist can assist you with logistics further if needed.
The tour begins and ends in Killarney. You will need to arrange transportation to the nearby Kerry Airport to depart.
Yes, you can rent a bike during the booking process. Rental bikes are offered in road, hybrid, and e-bike models.
Yes. If you bring your own bike, it should be a bike suitable for the demands of the tour. It is recommended that you ship it ahead of time to the first hotel using a reputable shipping company.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Customer Ratings
Ireland Walk Hike Bike was set up with one purpose in mind – to show you the real Ireland that we know and love. Having watched many visitors “flash” through Ireland – founder Linda Woods decided back in 1994 to find a better way to see the country. “My aim was to slow people down, so they really get their feet into the soul of the country, meet the locals & discover what makes Ireland & the Irish tick………” and 25 years later – this is exactly what Ireland Walk Hike Bike is still doing today…
Whatever holiday you want – walk, hike, bike, more active than that or less active than that – we will be delighted to chat with you, help plan your holiday with you to ensure you have a really memorable trip to Ireland.
