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Check into your B&B and then explore the town, choosing from one of its many restaurants for dinner or enjoying some live music. *(Staying at the Killarney Lodge)*
Leaving Killarney behind, you'll follow the Fossa Way cycle route, before heading on small country roads as you slowly climb up to the pretty Lough Acoose, below the peak of Carrauntuohill, Ireland's highest mountain. Descending, you'll cycle along the shores of Lough Caragh and on to charming Glenbeigh and its blue flag beach. If you have time, pedal down to Rossbeigh Strand and dip your toes in the Atlantic. *(Staying at the Towers Hotel)*
Distance in Km: 53
Distance in Miles: 34
You'll follow the route of the coast today, passing small farms and on to the beautiful and peaceful shores of Kells Bay. Heading along a scenic narrow road fringed by large green meadows and peaks in the distance, a circular loop at the end takes you past Ballycarbery Castle and a wonderful seaside view and two early Christian stone forts. You'll arrive in the lively town of Cahersiveen, the birthplace of Daniel O'Connell, the Irish political leader (1775-1847). *(Staying at the Ring of Kerry Hotel)*
Distance in Km: 38
Distance in Miles: 24
Leaving Cahersiveen on the old road you'll pass the ruins of Daniel O'Connell's birth home, before heading back inland where you'll see ruined abbeys and ancient graveyards. After a short descent, a climb up and over the stunning Ballaghasheen Pass will reward you with views back to Killarney and Ireland's highest mountain. A long descent on narrow roads alongside a gushing river takes you to Blackstones Bridge and your quirky and welcoming B&B for the night. *(Staying at the Blackstones House)*
Distance in Km: 40
Distance in Miles: 25
Another stunning rural ride today as you head up and over the spectacular Ballaghbeama Gap; you are more likely to encounter sheep on the roads than vehicles. The road takes you through boulder-strewn countryside, cycling by small lakes, following the Blackwater River. Your day finishes in the beautiful town of Kenmare, also called 'the gateway to Kerry', and your luxury guesthouse for the night. *(Staying at Rockcrest House, B&B)*
Distance in Km: 42
Distance in Miles: 27
As final bike rides go, they don't get much better than this. You'll cycle to Moll's Gap - a panoramic spot that reaches a summit of 860 feet - and continue to the Black Valley. This is one of the last remaining areas of Ireland that is still remote and untouched; with rich fertile meadows and a roaring river, it feels like a land that time forgot. From here you'll climb to one of the most beautiful places in Ireland, the Gap of Dunloe, which was created during the Ice Age. Cycling along this glaciated valley, you'll meander around the many glacial lakes dotted throughout and marvel at the sheer jagged rock faces towering above you. You'll head back into Killarney through the National Park, passing the C15 Ross Castle, before returning to your B&B for your last night (and perhaps a final Guinness). *(Staying at the Killarney Lodge)*
Distance in Km: 54
Distance in Miles: 34
We take you to Killarney Station for your onward journey, or perhaps enjoy extra nights in Killarney to finish your trip.
* 6 nights, hotel-to-hotel
* 5 days cycling
* Departs every 2 days
* Route notes and maps provided
* High quality bikes provided
* Luggage transfers between hotels
* GPS routes provided
All breakfasts included.
Irish food is not exactly famous, but what you will find is extremely
good ingredients used to create basic and classic dishes, both Kerry beef
and Kerry lamb, are certainly well known all over Ireland and further
afield. You will see rack of lamb, lamb stew and shepherd’s pie, in most
places. The county’s other basket is the Atlantic Ocean, and its rivers
and loughs. Sea bream and Sea Bass are popular.Trout and Salmon can be
served in many different ways, and there is an abundance of shell fish,
local chowders are excellent and look out for crab gratin.
Wine is readily available but of course one of the symbols of Ireland
is Guinness, and we can say from experience that it tastes better in
Ireland, but if have a thirst after a long walk, beware the Guinness is not
poured quickly, many might say there is a certain amount of time you need
to leave after filling the glass halfway up the harp. However it should be
left until you see a vivid distinction between the dark body and the
creamy white head. Only then can the rest of the glass be filled. Learning
from the locals, you should order your second pint before you have finished
your first!
Craft beer is making a name for itself in Ireland and there are
some excellent local ones. Then there is the Irish whiskey, the famous one
being Bushmills and Jameson’s, and there are many local whiskies for you
to try, the Dingle distillery produces a good whiskey and an excellent gin.
* 6 nights, hotel-to-hotel
* 5 days cycling
* Departs every 2 days
* Route notes and maps provided
* High quality bikes provided
* Luggage transfers between hotels
* GPS routes provided
*Average daily distance on move on days*: 45km (28 miles).
*No. of days cycling*: 5
*Terrain and route*: The suggested cycling mainly follows quiet tarmac roads
and lanes.
*Vehicle* *Support*: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to cycle
independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the
logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodations, provide you with a
map and route notes so that you can cycle at your own pace, while your bags
are transported from one hotel to the next. A representative will be there to
meet you, make sure the bikes are all set up and will be on call throughout
the trip should you need.
It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we
make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked. Where
possible we stick to cycle tracks and quiet roads to make the journeys as
pleasant as possible, however, on occasion we have to use busier routes.
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There maybe
others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised
together. The route notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone
number should you need it and in emergencies, the local representative is
normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to
charge for this service.
*Families*
Self-guided cycling holidays are a perfect option for families as they offer
the freedom for you to take your holiday at your own pace. You can stop as
and when you want and need, at the cafes and restaurants that suit your
family and the sites that interest you. We have suggested the minimum age for
this trip is 12yrs as we feel they will be able to ride the bikes we have to
offer and complete the route. However our local partner is able to offer
child seats for children aged 2-4yrs (max. weight 22 kg, hills will be
tricky). These are all subject to availability, and therefore we ask that you
enquire about these on booking. As a guide we have suggested that 12yrs is
the minimum age for this trip, but as it is self-guided and you will be
leading your own family we will ultimately leave this decision up to you. The
daily distances are all published in the trip notes along with a description
of each days cycling so you have a good idea of what to expect. However, if
you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact one of our experts.
The principle idea is that these holidays can be as flexible as you like,
with logistical support but no group or leader to dictate the daily
activities. Please bear in mind the weather when choosing to book,
temperatures can be high in the middle of summer and the child seats provided
do not have any shade.
Hotels
You'll stay in a mix of bed and breakfasts, where you'll enjoy an Irish
breakfast (one which is quirky and located off-the-beaten-track on the banks
of the Curragh river) and an historic hotel. Along with the stunning scenery,
you'll receive a hearty welcome everywhere you stay.
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. A local
representative is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the beginning of
the week to go through the route notes and point out particular places of
interest. Your luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided.
Please note: the walking and luggage transfers included in this tour are
subject to a minimum of 2 people (in total) booked on the departure. A
supplement (payable in advance) to cover these transfers and sole occupancy
of a room will apply if only 1 person travelling on a departure date.
All breakfasts included.
Irish food is not exactly famous, but what you will find is extremely
good ingredients used to create basic and classic dishes, both Kerry beef
and Kerry lamb, are certainly well known all over Ireland and further
afield. You will see rack of lamb, lamb stew and shepherd’s pie, in most
places. The county’s other basket is the Atlantic Ocean, and its rivers
and loughs. Sea bream and Sea Bass are popular.Trout and Salmon can be
served in many different ways, and there is an abundance of shell fish,
local chowders are excellent and look out for crab gratin.
Wine is readily available but of course one of the symbols of Ireland
is Guinness, and we can say from experience that it tastes better in
Ireland, but if have a thirst after a long walk, beware the Guinness is not
poured quickly, many might say there is a certain amount of time you need
to leave after filling the glass halfway up the harp. However it should be
left until you see a vivid distinction between the dark body and the
creamy white head. Only then can the rest of the glass be filled. Learning
from the locals, you should order your second pint before you have finished
your first!
Craft beer is making a name for itself in Ireland and there are
some excellent local ones. Then there is the Irish whiskey, the famous one
being Bushmills and Jameson’s, and there are many local whiskies for you
to try, the Dingle distillery produces a good whiskey and an excellent gin.
Your luggage is transported from hotel to hotel for you.
If you have pre-booked a transfer you will be met at Killarney train station
and transferred to your bed and breakfast , less than five minutes walk from
the centre of Killarney.
Transfers to and from Killarney train station can be pre-booked for a
supplement.
The climate on the South West Coast of Ireland is mild due to its location
and the influence of the Gulf Stream. The weather, however, is temperamental
and proves quite hard to predict, therefore it is important to be prepared
for all weather. The warmer months tend to be the summer months, July and
August, with an average temperature of 20 degrees Celsius. Temperatures
rarely fall below 0 during the year. The wettest months tend to be from
October through to March. April is often the driest month. Rain can be
expected at any time of the year.
Waterproofs
Warm jumper/fleece
Suncream
Water bottle (1 litre) you will be able to refill each day at the
accommodation.
You will need spending money for meals not included in the itinerary and all
drinks. We suggest €25 per day to cover a few drinks if not then €10 per
day. On the days where lunch or dinner is not included expect to spend
€10-€15 for lunch and €15-€35 for dinner.
* Visas and vaccinations
* Travel insurance
* Single supplements
* Arrival and departure transfers (pre-bookable for a supplement.)
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.