Ireland Bike Tour

This morning you'll explore the famous Ring of Kerry, along the most beautiful parts of the Iveragh Peninsula. We'll shuttle approximately 30 minutes to the ideal starting point in order to make the most of the day's spectacular scenery; or, if you're feeling avid you can choose to ride straight from the hotel! Today’s ride will take you along the northern coast of the peninsula, to a medieval stone fort with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. You’ll stop in the fishing village of Cahersiveen for a relaxing lunch of your choice, whether it's pub-style or at a cozy café. After lunch the ride back takes you through the Glencar Valley, a popular forested birding site in the shadow of the Macglillycuddy Reeks, Ireland’s tallest mountain range. At day’s end, you'll retire to your stately country hotel and enjoy a pre-dinner stroll through the grounds or a pint in the vaulted library. This evening, you’ll savor local specialties at our hotel's vibrant restaurant.

You head south this morning, following the winding road that leads to the Gap of Dunloe, the most famous and picturesque pass in the Ring of Kerry. Be sure to capture the panorama of Macgillycuddy’s Reeks before enjoying a well-earned descent, passing the Killarney National Park on your left. Before stopping for lunch at a local Kerry favorite, master one final climb up through the Black Valley and up Moll’s Gap. After lunch at Moriarty's Heather Restaurant, enjoy a long, rolling descent into Kenmare, or choose to loop out and around to the coast and over Blackwater Bridge. Cradled in the heart of Kenmare Bay, the bustling town of Kenmare will be your home for the next three nights. Enjoy a historic and hilarious walking tour with one of the few true Kenmare locals. Our tour culminates with a pint at a pub, naturally, and we may get a few special stories from our local friend, in exchange for a few pints of Guinness. Afterward, you are free to explore Kenmare for dinner. Your guides can provide recommendations for excellent dining in this delightful town.

This morning’s ride will take you through the vast countryside along the Beara Peninsula. You’ll follow winding roads alongside weathered stone walls, past quiet bays and stellar views of the dramatic coastline. For a short option, follow the rolling country roads back to Kenmare for a delightful bistro lunch. Meanwhile, Today's Ride continues on to Castletownbere where you will pause for a lunch of your choosing: options are sure to include some of the freshest seafood you've ever tasted. Shuttle back from there, or tackle Healy Pass where the high country will lead you to rocky peaks and gorgeous lakes, offering spectacular views of the Bantry Bay. This evening, freshen up and prepare for an entertaining education of the lesser-known drinks of Ireland. Your bike guides will swap hats to become your Irish beverage guides, and will take you on an "Ireland Beyond Guinness" tasting journey of locally favored beers, gins, and whiskeys. This evening, the group will follow the tasting with a wonderful dinner at one of Kenmare’s best restaurants.

Your morning begins with a short ride to Lorge Chocolatier, where you'll indulge in an authentic European chocolate tasting and learn the fine art of ganache and truffles under the tutelege of our host, Master Chocolatier Benoit Lorge. Resist the temptation to overindulge, though, as the jaw-dropping views of the Bonane Valley call you to pedal up the twisting, turning roads to Caha Pass. Watch out for sheep blocking the road as you make your well-earned descent. Today's excursion finishes at the maritime town of Bantry where we hop on a rib (a modern, inflatable boat) with a local guide to explore the bay. We'll pull up some lobster pots, try catching some fish, and land on Whiddy Island for a cozy, celebratory Guinness and seafood snack before returning to the hotel. Here, your group will raise a glass to toast an incredible week of riding before enjoying a last sumptuous supper together.

Featured meal:

Fresh seafood snack on Whiddy Island

It’s one thing to eat a really lovely plate of seafood but having the opportunity to pull the lobster pots and pick mussels yourself, while listening to the stories of the local men and women for whom the ocean provides their livelihoods, really brings your understanding of the Atlantic Ocean closer to home. Your meal goes from delicious to unforgettable.The best way to get a sense of these tiny island communities is through the eyes of locals who call the coasts of West Cork their home. Having traversed this beautiful corner of Ireland, you’ll swap bike for boat, heading out onto the sea with local fisherman Aaron to explore one of his favorite places in West Cork. Landing on the shores of Whiddy Island, you’ll find a glass of Guinness and a seafood tasting right on the beach.

It's time to say goodbye to our magical vacation in the hills of Ireland. This morning is yours to explore as you wish. Go for one last early morning ride to a highland lake, stroll into town for a last-minute purchase, or perhaps linger over a relaxing Irish breakfast. You'll say farewell to your guides at 11:00 AM at Sheen Falls Lodge. You'll then board a one-hour private shuttle to the Killarney Train Station, arriving in time for afternoon departures to other cities. Please do not book train tickets for departure prior to 12:00 PM. If you’re flying out of Kerry Airport on this day, please do not schedule a flight prior to 3:00 PM.