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Ring of Kerry, Ireland | Kenmare, Ireland
Caragh Lake to Milltown
Approximately 23 miles with 950 feet of climbing
Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at Killarney Station at 11:00 AM on the first day of the trip. After a shuttle, you’ll arrive at our stunning lakeside hotel, where you'll enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch. You'll then have some time to explore the magnificent gardens before your Trek Travel guides familiarize you with your Trek bicycle, ensuring that you and your bike are the perfect fit. Your warm-up ride will take you through the surrounding countryside, providing a small taste of the delights that are in store for the week, and concludes at the magnificent Ard na Sidhe Country House. Lovingly restored to its original glory as one of the most beautiful hideaways in Ireland, this country manor has a timeless quality with fine antique furnishings. This evening, you’ll gather with the rest of the group for cocktails, introductions and a discussion of the wonderful week ahead. Then, you and your traveling companions will enjoy a sumptuous dinner, overlooking Lake Caragh and surrounded by the mountainous Kerry countryside.
Caragh Lake to Cahersiveen to Ballaghisheen Pass Loop
Approximately 50 miles with 3,480 feet of climbing
Caragh Lake to Cahersiveen
Approximately 22 miles with 975 feet of climbing
Caragh Lake to Cahersiveen to Ballaghisheen Pass Loop with Valentia Island
Approximately 70 miles with 4,330 feet of climbing
This morning you will explore the famous Ring of Kerry, along the most beautiful parts of the Iveragh Peninsula. Today's ride will lead you to one of the largest islands off the southwest coast of Kerry, Valentia Island, home of the first transatlantic communications link. 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. Opt to shuttle back to the hotel from here, or continue your ride. Today’s longer option takes you through the Glencar Valley, a popular forested birding site, and over Ballaghisheen Pass. 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 cozy lounge. This evening, you’ll savor fresh fish or other local specialties at the restaurant of your choice.
Caragh Lake to Gap of Dunloe | Walking Tour of Kenmare
Approximately 30 miles with 3,200 feet of climbing
Caragh Lake to Beaufort
Approximately 23 miles with 2,025 feet of climbing
Caragh Lake to Gap of Dunloe to Kenmare
Approximately 43 miles with 4,600 feet of climbing
This morning, you’ll ride the winding road beside Caragh Lake and eventually follow the shoreline of the Upper Caragh River. The stunning views of Glencar Valley will lead you to the Gap of Dunloe, the most famous and picturesque pass in the Ring of Kerry. Enjoy lunch at the gourmet Heather Cafe before you ascend the pass by bike or in the shuttle. Be sure to capture the panorama of Macgillycuddy’s Reeks before enjoying a well-earned descent. Shuttle home from there, or master one final climb up through the Black Valley and up Moll’s Gap before enjoying a long descent into Kenmare. 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 guide 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.
Kenmare to Castletownbere | Whiskey Tasting
Approximately 32 miles with 2,400 feet of climbing
Kenmare to Ring of Beara Loop with Shuttle
Approximately 22 miles with 1,500 feet of climbing
Kenmare to Castletownbere Loop via Healy Pass
Approximately 65 miles with 3,100 feet of climbing
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 enjoy views of the dramatic coastline. For a short option, follow the rolling country roads back to Kenmare for a delightful bistro lunch. If you’re looking for more miles, continue on to Castletownbere for lunch including 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, you will be educated on the Irish heritage of whiskey at a private tasting, followed by a delicious meal at our hotel.
Kenmare to Glengarriff with Shuttle
Approximately 19 miles with 1,400 feet of climbing
Kenmare to Bonane Return
Approximately 15 miles with 600 feet of climbing
Kenmare to Glengarriff to Kilgarvan Loop
Approximately 48 miles with 3,200 feet of climbing
Your morning begins with a short ride to perhaps our most anticipated destination of the trip, Lorge Chocolatier, where you'll indulge in a 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. Then enjoy lunch at a quaint seaside bistro in Glengarriff, famous for its mussels and seaside vistas and climate. If you choose to continue your ride, you will be rewarded during a picturesque climb on a nearly-deserted road offering vistas for miles on end. This evening, the group will dine in one of Kenmare’s best restaurants, and raise a glass to toast an incredible week of riding before enjoying a last sumptous supper together.
Kenmare to Loughbarfinnihy with Molls Gap Climb Return
Approximately 14 miles with 1,100 feet of climbing
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 the Brook Lane Hotel. You'll then board a 1-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.
Breakfast
Caragh Lake to Milltown
Approximately 23 miles with 950 feet of climbing
Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at Killarney Station at 11:00 AM on the first day of the trip. After a shuttle, you’ll arrive at our stunning lakeside hotel, where you'll enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch. You'll then have some time to explore the magnificent gardens before your Trek Travel guides familiarize you with your Trek bicycle, ensuring that you and your bike are the perfect fit. Your warm-up ride will take you through the surrounding countryside, providing a small taste of the delights that are in store for the week, and concludes at the magnificent Ard na Sidhe Country House. Lovingly restored to its original glory as one of the most beautiful hideaways in Ireland, this country manor has a timeless quality with fine antique furnishings. This evening, you’ll gather with the rest of the group for cocktails, introductions and a discussion of the wonderful week ahead. Then, you and your traveling companions will enjoy a sumptuous dinner, overlooking Lake Caragh and surrounded by the mountainous Kerry countryside.
Caragh Lake to Cahersiveen to Ballaghisheen Pass Loop
Approximately 50 miles with 3,480 feet of climbing
Caragh Lake to Cahersiveen
Approximately 22 miles with 975 feet of climbing
Caragh Lake to Cahersiveen to Ballaghisheen Pass Loop with Valentia Island
Approximately 70 miles with 4,330 feet of climbing
This morning you will explore the famous Ring of Kerry, along the most beautiful parts of the Iveragh Peninsula. Today's ride will lead you to one of the largest islands off the southwest coast of Kerry, Valentia Island, home of the first transatlantic communications link. 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. Opt to shuttle back to the hotel from here, or continue your ride. Today’s longer option takes you through the Glencar Valley, a popular forested birding site, and over Ballaghisheen Pass. 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 cozy lounge. This evening, you’ll savor fresh fish or other local specialties at the restaurant of your choice.
Caragh Lake to Gap of Dunloe | Walking Tour of Kenmare
Approximately 30 miles with 3,200 feet of climbing
Caragh Lake to Beaufort
Approximately 23 miles with 2,025 feet of climbing
Caragh Lake to Gap of Dunloe to Kenmare
Approximately 43 miles with 4,600 feet of climbing
This morning, you’ll ride the winding road beside Caragh Lake and eventually follow the shoreline of the Upper Caragh River. The stunning views of Glencar Valley will lead you to the Gap of Dunloe, the most famous and picturesque pass in the Ring of Kerry. Enjoy lunch at the gourmet Heather Cafe before you ascend the pass by bike or in the shuttle. Be sure to capture the panorama of Macgillycuddy’s Reeks before enjoying a well-earned descent. Shuttle home from there, or master one final climb up through the Black Valley and up Moll’s Gap before enjoying a long descent into Kenmare. 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 guide 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.
Kenmare to Castletownbere | Whiskey Tasting
Approximately 32 miles with 2,400 feet of climbing
Kenmare to Ring of Beara Loop with Shuttle
Approximately 22 miles with 1,500 feet of climbing
Kenmare to Castletownbere Loop via Healy Pass
Approximately 65 miles with 3,100 feet of climbing
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 enjoy views of the dramatic coastline. For a short option, follow the rolling country roads back to Kenmare for a delightful bistro lunch. If you’re looking for more miles, continue on to Castletownbere for lunch including 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, you will be educated on the Irish heritage of whiskey at a private tasting, followed by a delicious meal at our hotel.
Kenmare to Glengarriff with Shuttle
Approximately 19 miles with 1,400 feet of climbing
Kenmare to Bonane Return
Approximately 15 miles with 600 feet of climbing
Kenmare to Glengarriff to Kilgarvan Loop
Approximately 48 miles with 3,200 feet of climbing
Your morning begins with a short ride to perhaps our most anticipated destination of the trip, Lorge Chocolatier, where you'll indulge in a 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. Then enjoy lunch at a quaint seaside bistro in Glengarriff, famous for its mussels and seaside vistas and climate. If you choose to continue your ride, you will be rewarded during a picturesque climb on a nearly-deserted road offering vistas for miles on end. This evening, the group will dine in one of Kenmare’s best restaurants, and raise a glass to toast an incredible week of riding before enjoying a last sumptous supper together.
Kenmare to Loughbarfinnihy with Molls Gap Climb Return
Approximately 14 miles with 1,100 feet of climbing
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 the Brook Lane Hotel. You'll then board a 1-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.
Breakfast
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Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself.
Every moment of a Trek Travel bike trip has more than you could have ever dreamed. More romance. More scenery. More choice. It's the little additions to every Trek Travel cycling vacation that make it truly special. And that’s how we help you create more memories. See more
Gratuities for your Trek Travel guides are not included in your trip price. We recommend tipping 7.5-10% of your trip price for the guide team. Local currency is preferred and unless you want to tip separately, guides will divide tips amongst themselves. Please tip your guides at your discretion, based on their level of professionalism, guest care and service.
Our itineraries are an approximation of our trips. Trek Travel strives to offer each and every guest a vacation of a lifetime on every trip. At times routes, hotels, activities, etc. listed here may change at the discretion of the trip designer or guides to improve the trip experience.
Summer temperatures range from the 50s to 70s. Always remember that rain is possible at any time of the year–daily Irish weather is very unpredictable! It’s a good idea to bring a light rain jacket, as well as layers.
On all of our vacations, Trek Travel strives to find quiet, paved secondary roads or bike paths to experience a region; busy roads are avoided as much as possible. Ireland is best suited for our Type 3 Riders. Our Trek Travel guides can also easily accommodate Type 2 Riders, who seek less mileage or fewer uphills, with a boost in the van. Those who wish to ride every mile but are concerned about their physical ability may want to try our electric bike option–you still get a workout but can climb alongside even the strongest rider. Type 4 Riders will enjoy the extra mileage the avid route options offer. The terrain is varied with sustained ascents and somewhat challenging climbs, if you opt for the more difficult routes. There are no shoulders but there are plenty of sheep! See Itinerary for specific daily ride distance and elevation options.
On most Trek Travel trips, we offer non-riding options for riders who want to take the afternoon off, or travel companions who want to spend little or no time in the saddle. Some of these options may need to be scheduled before your trip–please contact one of our Trip Consultants for more information. Expenses and/or related transportation to these activities may not be included in the trip price. See Included In The Trip Price for more information.Some non-riding options on this trip are:
For an additional fee you may request to upgrade to the brand new Trek Emonda SLR with Shimano Di2 Electronic shifting or Bontrager Aeolus carbon wheels for the ultimate riding experience. Contact our trip consultants for more details.
If you’re going we’re going on almost all our trips. Trips with 1 guest booked are guaranteed to run. Select trips like Cross Country, Race and Special Edition trips require a minimum number of guests to run and are not guaranteed until that number is reached. Contact your Trip Consultant for more details.
In the event that a departure has low enrollment, we will notify guests at 60-90 days before departure to give the option to select a different date with more guests booked. Please do not reserve airfare before confirming your Trek Travel trip.
When a trip is booked, a guest confirmation letter is immediately sent out. One week prior to the trip start you will receive an email containing a trip start meeting location reminder and any last minute information that you will need to know before your trip. Once you arrive at your destination Trek Travel staff will brief you on the day-to-day plan for the trip and provide you with daily route guides and a detailed map allowing you to ride with complete confidence and independence.
We understand things happen in life and sometimes you have to cancel or change your bike tour. We want to make it as easy as possible to do so and below you will find our timeline. If you ever have a question, just give us a call, 866 464 8735. Read our cancellation policy.
Didn't find what you were looking for? Check out our General FAQs section. You will find answers to all the most common questions that don't necessarily pertain to a specific trip.
We suggest that you arrive at least one day prior to the trip start, which will enable you to adjust to the time zone and minimize the risk of missing the trip start due to flight-related delays. We recommend that you fly into Cork Airport, and then take a train to Killarney. Train schedules can be found at www.irishrail.ie. Alternatively a taxi to the first night’s hotel, Ard Na Sidhe Country House, will cost approximately 150 euros.
Killarney Station | Co. Kerry, Ireland
Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the Killarney Station (East Ave, Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland) at 11:00 AM on the first day of the trip. Your guides will arrive wearing Trek Travel gear so you can easily identify them. You’ll then shuttle approximately one hour to the trip start. Please have your bike gear packed in a separate bag, as you probably will not be able to check into your rooms prior to your bike ride and will not have easy access to your luggage as your guides ensure it is delivered to the hotel.
If you will be late for the pick-up or are going to miss it altogether, please inform your guides. You will receive an email a week before the trip start with their names and contact details. If you cannot reach them, please call our first hotel, Ard Na Sidhe Country House +353 (0)66 976 9105, and leave a message with your expected arrival time and contact details. A taxi to the first night’s hotel, the Ard Na Sidhe Country House, will cost approximately 150 euros.
Killarney Station | Co. Kerry, Ireland
You will say farewell to your guides at 11:00 AM at the Brook Lane Hotel. You'll then board a 1-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.
We recommend spending some time in Ireland either before or after your trip. While there is an endless amount of things to see in this country as a whole, here is a brief list of suggestions that you may enjoy in the city of Killarney. One of the town’s most popular attractions is in fact the town itself. Killarney meaning “church of the sloes”. Killarney is located at the Gateway to Killarney National Parklands.It is the largest town in county Kerry with a population of over 14,000 inhabitants. Although in saying this, the town centre is compact and easily manageable on foot for the best experience with a choice of Art Galleries, Traditional Craft shops, Elegant Boutiques, Award Winning Restaurants and Lively Pubs there is plenty to experience. Visit www.discoverireland.com/us/ to search upcoming events. We recommend the following accommodations for your pre-trip hotel:
Championship golf, incredible angling, unparalleled scenery and leisure facilities are all on our doorstep. Just a 10-minute drive from the centre of Killarney town and a 3-minute drive from Killeen and Mahony’s Point Golf courses. History in unclear as to whether Conrad Hilton had Aghadoe in mind when he declared the three most important criteria for any hotel - location, location, location! All 23 bedrooms are all furnished impeccably, ensuring you will experience comfort like never before.
Aghadoe, Aghadoe, Killarney, Ireland | +353 64 663 1711 | www.killeenhousehotel.com | ~$200
A gateway to the Ring of Kerry, it is an oasis on this splendidly spectacular route – the ideal location to explore and experience local hills, National parks, world renowned golf courses and the magic and beauty of the Kerry landscape.
Fossa, Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland | +353 64 663 1260 | LochLein.com | ~$180
Whether your visit is for work or for pleasure, The Ross Hotel in Killarney boasts luxury accommodation in Killarney, providing superb facilities with a touch of Irish luxury and all with a warm, friendly Irish welcome. Your room at one of the most luxurious Killarney Hotels, The Ross Hotel in Killarney is your home away from home.
Town Centre, Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland | www.TheRoss.ie | +353 64 663 1855 | ~$250
If you are able to spend some time in Dublin either before or after your trip, there are countless things to see, but here is a brief list of suggestions that you may enjoy: spend a few extra days in downtown Dublin listening to live music in the thriving Temple Bar district; visit Trinity College’s Old Library, which houses the famous Book of Kells; view Ireland’s visual history at the National Photographic Archives; enjoy distillery tours, such as the Guinness Storehouse and the Old Jameson Distillery. Tours to the Burren region and the Cliffs of Moher make for a superb day trip out of Galway City. Include a visit to the seaside village of Doolin, a musical hotspot in the west. We recommend the following accommodations for your post-trip hotel:
This medium-sized hotel is situated in the heart of Temple Bar. The rooms are spacious and carefully decorated with an Art Deco flair.
Parliament Street and Essex Gate | +353 (0)1 417 9900 | www.ParamountHotel.ie | ~$270
Opened in 1997, this boutique hotel in the Temple Bar district boasts ultra-stylist rooms, enhanced with modern undertones and artwork.
10 Fleet Street | +353 (0)1 679 3939 | www.TheMorgan.com | ~$200
This hotel is comprised of five Georgian townhouses and is tucked away on a quiet side street, across from the National Museum. It is a short walk away from Dublin’s famous Grafton Street, St. Stephen’s Green, and Temple Bar. Each charming room is large and period-furnished.
23-26 Molesworth Street | +353 (0)1 676 4013 | www.Buswells.ie | ~$200
