Difficulty Rating : 6 Start: KILLARNEY Finish: KILLARNEY Terrain: Although there are a few hills to climb the mileage on a number of days is low.. Daily Average: 34-57km Weekly Average: 260km Tour Type: Self Guided,Group,Short Break
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A tour that takes in the stunning remote beauty of the Beara peninsula, the unique beauty of Gougane Barra along with the bustling character of Killarney and its lakes. Shadowed by mountains and adjacent to Muckross National Park, Killarney has been impressing visitors with its dramatic scenery, long before Queen Victoria made it fashionable.

Our Safari winds its way through the National Park, passing by the famous "Ladies View", to bring us to the coast and the picturesque town of Kenmare. We then make our way out along the Beara Peninsula following its Northern Edge with its stunning vistas and colourful villages of Eyeries and Allihies.

Castletownbere offers an obligatory pint at the famous McCarthy's bar before we take in the views and vistas afforded by the southern side of the peninsula. For 2021 we are taking a transfer direct to explore the magnificent jewel of West Cork, the Sheeps Head Peninsula

The serenity of the glacial valley of Gougane Barra is a wonderful overnight stop before completing our loop by returning to Killarney.

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A downloadable version of the itinery is available from the Resources Tab

Itineraries

Day 1

Arrival in Killarney

On arrival in Killarney you should make your way to your accommodation and explore this bustling town. If you have time you could visit nearby Ross Castle a wonderfully restored 16th Century Norman Tower House overlooking Lough Leane. You can even hire a boat from here and row out to a 6th Century monastic site located on one of the nearby islands.

Day 2

Killarney ~ Kenmare (37 kms)

The day starts off by following a cycle track into the beautiful grounds of Muckross House. En route is a Franciscan Abbey founded in the 15th Century, now in ruins it is beautifully situated with a large yew tree rising up through the cloisters. A wonderful cycle along a quiet path between two of Killarneys lakes followed by a steady climb up to Molls Gap you are rewarded with a delicious lunch enjoying beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon you sweep down to the picturesque seaside town of Kenmare.

Day 3

Kenmare ~ Castletownbere (51 kms)

You follow a spectacular coast road hugging Kenmare Bay with its wonderful views of the MacGillikuddy Reeks Mountains, before stopping for lunch at a small pub overlooking the bay. In the afternoon you can visit the nearby Dereen Gardens with its amazing variety of flora. Leaving the Gardens you cycle west where you can visit an ancient stone circle or explore the beautiful scenery and quiet back roads of the Beara Way. Castletownbere, where you spend the next two nights, is nestled at the foot of the Cahas Mountains.

Day 4

Loop of Eyeries ~ Allihies (40 kms)

Today’s cycle is a circular route of the Beara Peninsula, with its breathtaking coastal scenery. Experience an undiscovered part of Ireland with wonderful views of the ocean, well away from some of the bustling tourist routes. You can detour off the main route to the crossing point for Dursey Island, which can be reached by catching a ride on the only cable car in Ireland!. After this interesting detour, you return to the mainland and continue on towards Castletownbere, passing the entrance for Dunboy Castle, which is well worth a visit.

Day 5

Sheeps Head Loop

After a transfer to Bantry, you cycle along the shores of Bantry Bay, one of the deepest natural harbours in Europe., and make your way down the Sheeps head peninsula. This is one on the most remote places in Ireland. The Peninsula offers fantastic views of the open Ocean and rolling lanscape that gives a feel that you really are in on a small island on the edge of the Atlantic.

Day 6

Bantry ~ Gougane Barra (34 kms)

Today you head inland and cycle along quiet country roads with rolling fields dotted with grazing cattle and sheep, before arriving at the lakeside retreat of Gougane Barra, Ireland’s first National Park and the source of the River Lee. This is a beautiful peaceful place and an ideal setting for your last night in the countryside before you head back to the hustle and bustle of the great metropolis of Killarney!

Day 7

Gougane Barra to Killarney (57 kms)

For the last day, you cycle up into the Coolea region via remote, peaceful mountain roads where you can really feel you are away from it all. You can stop for a cup of tea at Irelands Highest Pub before descending back down into Killarney for a final night on the town. There are a number of hills on the route but you have all day to do the cycling.

7 NIGHT TOUR INCLUDES:

  • 7 nights  accommodation incl. breakfast 
    ( mix of small hotels and guesthouses )
  • 1 evening meal (in Gougane Barra)
  • Guide in a support van (on group tour only) 
  • Luggage transfer
  • Transfer from Castletownbere to Bantry
  • 24 hour service hotline
  • GPS tracks available (on request)


In 2023 Bike Rental is not included in the basic tour price.

All rentals come with a pannier, lock, helmet and repair equipment

On a self guided tour we will organize your bike hire, the accommodation and the luggage transfer. Your route details will be waiting for you in your first night’s accommodation. In the route details you will also find recommendations for lunch stops and places to have dinner. You will set off by yourself and the luggage will be transferred to the next stop by our local taxi transfers. And should there be a day you won’t be able to cycle, it is possible to arrange a lift with the luggage transfer.

You can also contact us in the office (info@cyclingsafaris.com) or on our emergency number if you need assistance.

Guide in a support van / no cycling guide

We offer set departure dates for group tour bookings. If we reach a minimum of 8 people on the set departure tour date the tour will be run with a guide in a support van.
The guide will meet you each morning to give you a short briefing for the day ahead. Then you can set off in small groups or individually. Each person has their own route details. Your guide will then collect the luggage and deliver the bags to the next night's accommodation before catching up with the group again.
Although the guide will not be cycling with you, he or she will be driving the support van and will make a sweep to ensure that all is well, and offer lifts to those who want a break.
This provides a sense of freedom in that you can travel at your own pace in the security that the guide is there for you in the event that you might need them. The guide will recommend places to eat and try to find out where the best entertainment is each night.
Most importantly, the guide sets the right tone to make you feel welcome to the country and to help you in whatever way possible so that each day you are free to leave your worries behind.

If we don’t reach the minimum of 8 bookings, this tour will go ahead as self guided version with luggage transfers via our local taxi companies. There might be others cycling the same route, but there won’t be a guide in a support van. However, you can always contact us in the office to get assistance and if you need a lift we can organize this for you

Bike rental is not included in the basic tour price

In Kerry you can rent a Hybrid Focus Crater Lake 3.9 e2019 bicycle in Killarney.
Bikes come in different sizes and in gents and lady's style frames.
It is very important you give us your height on booking so that we can allocate the correct bike to you.

E-Bikes can also be rented in Killarney
Our Easy E-bikes include:
Tektro hydraulic disc brakes
Shift levers: Shimano 7 speed
Rear derailleur: Altus 7 speed
Motor: Bosch Active Line
Battery: Bosch Power Pack Frame Mount 300Wh, 36V
Display: Bosch Purion
Range: up to 148km from Eco mode
There are 3 setting: Eco - Normal - Turbo ( Eco will last long ) 120km

Our normal daily cycling route A to B is between 50-60km

ooking at a scale from 1 - 10 (1 = easiest, 10 = hardest) we are giving this tour 6 points.

Other than young children, whom we discourage from attending, 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.

The average daily cycling distance is around 50km.

We offer Garmin files on request, but you need to bring your own device.

We would seriously recommend that you bring padded cycling shorts and / or a gel saddle cover that will definitely make your day’s cycling more comfortable. Cycling gloves are also a good investment. You can also bring your own saddle which we should be able to attach to our bikes.
We provide 40l pannier bags (waterproof) in which you can keep your day-to-day items. Otherwise you may prefer to use a daypack and there are back carriers on each bike for this purpose.
We do not provide rain gear so be sure to bring your own light weight waterproofs.
Don’t forget sun cream, sunglasses, sun hat as well as a bathing suit for that refreshing dip in the Atlantic Ocean.
Our rental bikes don’t have lights – no problem on the long summer evenings, but if you are travelling in May or September, please bring your own light or high-visibility vest.
Finally if you wish to use toe clips please bring your own pedals with toe clips which we can attach to our bikes (the pedals on our bikes do not accommodate toe clips)

You have the option of booking different room types:

Double room = Room with one big bed for two people
Twin room = Room with two single beds for two people
Single room = Room with one single bed
Triple room = Room with one double and one single for three people OR room with three single beds
Family room = Room with one double and two single beds

If the room type you would like to book is not listed on the booking form, you can specify this in the section "other details"

On this tour you will be staying in Killarney, Kenmare, Castletownbere, Glengarriff & Gougane Barra.

Click here to see the sample accommodation list.

It is possible to upgrade accommodation in Killarney, Kenmare, Castletownbere & Glengarriff.

To confirm you onto our tour, we require a deposit of 250 euro per person.
After your initial booking request, we will be in touch with payment details.

The remaining balance for the cycling tour will be due 60 days prior tour start.

Should you wish to cancel, cancellation charges will be imposed. These are calculated from the day written
notification is received by the company or their agent as a percentage of the total tour price, including
surcharges as follows:

> 60 days before departure – retention of deposit (250 euro per person)
60-14 days before departure – 50%
< 14 days before departure – 100%

To claim the balance back, you need to send the details on to your travel insurance who should reimburse you. Please make sure that your travel insurance covers the costs for unforeseen cancellation before signing up.

It was an amazing trip. Our entire family loved the trip and would consider doing another biking trek with your company.

Eve R. (West Cork Kerry customized 2014)

The trip was well organised, the B&B's were lovely and friendly and well placed and our luggage arrived safely each evening! The route was very well thought out and passed through gorgeous scenery. The itinerary was very comprehensive and we didn't take a wrong turn once! We were also blessed with amazing weather, glorious sunshine every day so we were very lucky!

Cathy Darbyshire (West Cork Kerry short break 2014)

We enjoyed our West Cork and Kerry tour. The cycling holiday went very, the areas we got to visit were beautiful and well worth the long cycle. The accommodations were great and the breakfasts also. Thank you.

Belinda Ritchie (West Cork & Kerry 2016)

We enjoyed our ride. Everything went well, with mountains, Guinness and glimpses of the ocean. Thank you again for your help. cycling in Ireland is a great experience.

J. Friedman (West Cork & Kerry 2016)

  • €1050.00 per person sharing off peak
  • €  50.00 per person high season supplement July & August
  • €350.00 single occupancy (if traveling with others)
  • €210.00 solo traveller / an additional charge if travelling on your own to cover the costs of the transfer

Note bike hire is separated out of the tour price

  • €125.00                 24 speed touring bike with water bottle cage, lock, helmet and a small pannier bag
  • €280.00                 E-bike

How to get to Killarney:
It is possible to fly to Kerry airport,  Cork airport,  Dublin airport or Shannon airport. 

From Kerry airport
Outside the main terminal is a Bus Terminus with services available directly from Kerry Airport to Tralee, Killarney and Limerick linking into the Bus Eireann network. Tickets for all bus services may be purchased on-board the bus.
You can visit the main BusEireann website for full timetables

From Cork airport
From Cork Airport, you can take the 226 to Parnell Place Bus Station, the main bus station for Cork city.
From here you can take a bus to Killarney,  you can visit the Bus Eireann website for more details
You can also take a train from Cork city to Killarney,  timetable and details are on the Irish Rail website 

From Shannon airport:
First you need to take a bus to Limerick city, and there you will transfer to another bus to Killarney town 
Check BusEireann for info or GetThere.ie for bus timetables

You can also take a train from Limerick city to Killarney,  but the train time on this route is not always quicker! 
All details are on the IrishRail website

From Dublin airport:
There are Bus services direct from Dublin airport to Killarney town. Check BusEireann for more information

Alternatively take the Airlink shuttle service into Dublin city and transfer to get train to Killarney. 
( Take note that the airlink bus requires exact change and the cost for a single ticket into the city centre is currently €7 )
The train to Killarney from Dublin takes approx 4hrs. Details on IrishRail )  

As always please contact us in the office for more information (info@cyclingsafaris.com).

KILLARNEY

We use a variety of accommodations on Muckross Road and Castle Lodge B&B is one that we use and images are left and right. It is in a fantastic location,  very close to the town centre as well as the National Park and Ross's Castle.

KILLARNEY image 1KILLARNEY image 1

KENMARE

Staying just outside the centre we use family-run B&Bs with a warm welcoming atmosphere. Only a short walk away from the town centre where traditional music is never far away.

Brass Lante

Cahas B&B

KENMARE image 1KENMARE image 1

CASTLETOWNBERE

Staying in family run B&Bs nestled in the town or just outside the town overlooking the Ocean. The town has still got a strong fishing industry today making the sea food here a must try. Along with the traditional style pub makes this the perfect town to explore. All a short walk away from your B&Bs

Sea Breeze

CASTLETOWNBERE  image 1CASTLETOWNBERE  image 1

BANTRY

The stylish 4* Maritime Hotel is set on Bantry Bay amid the three rugged peninsulas of Mizen Head, Sheep’s Head and Beara.

BANTRY image 1BANTRY image 1

GOUGANE BARRA

Hidden in a glaciated valley of the Cork Mountains the Gougane Barra hotel sits on the shore the Lough overlooking St Finbarr’s Oratory. The warm and welcoming atmosphere is one achieved by the family who have been running the hotel for 5 generations. Also boasting one of the best restaurants in Ireland it really makes this an unforgettable place to stay. 

Gougane Barra 

GOUGANE BARRA image 1GOUGANE BARRA image 1

Tour Date Options

Red = booked out / not available, Blue = Limited Availability, Green = available

Book now

Booking Form

Primary Contact Details.

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Insurance

We require you to have Travel Insurance when you book the tour. It is important that you are covered in case of cancellation due to injury as the deposit is non refundable

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Other members of your group if applicable.

Please indicate below how many people are in your group including yourself.

Second person details

Third person details

Fourth person details

Fifth person details

 

Sixth person details

 

Seventh person details

 

Eighth person details

 

Ninth person details

 

Tenth person details

 

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Acommodation

For single travellers, we organise accommodation on a twin sharing basis. Please note it may not be possible on all our tours and a single supplement will be applied.

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Other Information

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Payment Information

If you have been on a previous tour, there is a €50.00 discount on our week long tours in Ireland (unfortunately this discount does not apply to other European trips)

A €250.00 deposit is required for each person booking on a holiday. The Balance payment is required two month prior to the starting date. The deposit is forfeited in the event of a cancellation of your booking. The balancing payment is also non-refundable in the event of the cancellation occuring within 14 days of the tour starting date. All transactions are taken in Euro.

We will contact you to confirm your booking and payment details.

Please ensure that you have read the terms and conditions before proceeding.

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Booking Conditions

Irish Cycling Safaris Ltd (“the Company”) accepts bookings subject to the following conditions:

  • The contract is between the Company and the client, being any person travelling or intending to travel on a tour operated by the company. The contract, including all matters arising from it, is subject to Irish law and the exclusive jurisdiction of the Irish courts. A booking is accepted and becomes definite only from the date when the company sends a confirmation. It is at this point that a contract between the company and the client comes into existence. Before your booking is confirmed and comes into existence the company reserves the right to increase or decrease brochure prices. The company or their agents reserve the right to decline any booking at their discretion.
  • To secure a booking the Company or their agent requires a completed booking form and the necessary deposit. (Full payment if travel within 60 days). The first named client must be over 18 years of age. Clients booking by telephone, by website/E-mail or fax will be deemed to have signed the booking form and read and accepted our terms of booking. The person signing, or being deemed to sign, the booking form warrants that he/she has full authority to do so on behalf of all persons whose names appear thereon, and confirms that all such persons are fully aware of and accept these conditions.
  • The balance of all monies due, including any surcharges applicable at the time, must be paid to the company or their agents not later than 60 days before departure. In the case of non-payment of the balance by the due date the Company reserves the right to cancel your booking and cancellation charges will apply. If any cheque is dishonoured we reserve the right to charge €25 to cover administration costs.
  • Travel Insurance is mandatory for all clients whilst on a tour organised by the Company. Clients are wholly responsible for arranging their own insurance. Clients are responsible for ensuring that they are in possession of private Travel insurance with protection for the full duration of the tour in respect of at least medical expenses, injury, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment, with adequate cover.
  • An administration fee of €25 per booking plus any additional costs incurred will be charged if a confirmed booking is changed or transferred to a different departure date or tour, up to 60 days prior to departure. Thereafter all changes will be treated as cancellations and subject to the relevant charges. Changes are subject to availability. For an administration fee of €25 you may request a credit voucher. This must be redeemed within 12 months of issue and must be used against a new booking. The voucher is non transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash. In certain circumstances, which the Company considers reasonable, the booking may be transferred to another suitable person; however the tour arrangements must remain the same and will only be allowed if all suppliers agree to accept the name change. If a transfer is allowed an administration charge of €25 per person will be charged plus any extra charges levied by suppliers.
  • Should the client wish to cancel, cancellation charges will be imposed. These are calculated from the day written notification is received by the company or their agent as a percentage of the total tour price, including surcharges as follows:

    > 60 days before departure – retention of deposit

    60-14 days before departure – 50%

    < 14 days before departure – 100%

  • Clients are responsible for arranging, and must be in possession of, a valid passport and any visas and vaccination certificates required for the whole of their journey. Information about these matters or related items (climate, clothing, baggage, personal items etc) is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of the company.
  • Should the client have a reason to complain, you must immediately notify our representative and the relevant supplier. If the client’s complaint is not dealt with satisfactorily at the time, they must write to us with full details of the complaint within 28 days of the end of the tour. Failure to notify complaints entirely within accordance of this clause will diminish or extinguish the client’s ability to claim compensation.
  • The company provides all services on a “ground only” basis. The client is responsible for arranging their own travel to the designated start points of each tour. The company cannot accept any liability for any delay/cancellation in your transportation and cannot offer any refunds for lost holiday time.
  • Clients agree to accept the authority and decisions of the Company’s employees, tour leaders and agents whilst on the tour with the company. If in the opinion of such persons the health, level of fitness or conduct of a client at any time before or after departure appears likely to endanger the safe, comfortable or happy progress of a tour the client may be excluded from all or part of the tour without refund or recompense. In the case of ill health the company may make such arrangements as it sees fit and recover the costs thereof from the client. If a client commits an illegal act the client may be excluded from the tour and the Company shall cease to have responsibility to/for them. If you are affected by a condition, medical or otherwise, that might affect you or affect other people’s enjoyment or active participation of the tour, you must advise us at the time of booking. No refund will be given for any unused services.
  • The Company will use its best endeavours to operate all tours as advertised. However, it reserves the right to change any of the facilities, services, prices or itineraries described in our brochure/website. If a major change is necessary or deemed advisable, the company will advise the client as soon as reasonably possible, if there is no time before departure. A major change does not apply to a change of transport or named accommodation, but is usually considered a major change in itinerary or change in duration of a client’s holiday. If advised of a major change before departure, the client will have the choice of accepting changes (at additional cost if applicable), purchasing another available tour from the company, or cancelling the tour with a full refund.

    Provided that the major change is not as a result of situations outside the company’s control or consolidation, compensation will be paid as follows:

    Notification Period Given / Compensation Per Person

    More than 30 days: Nil

    14-30 days: €40

    Less than 14 days: €50

     
  • Force Majeure. We regret we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected by reasons of circumstance amounting to “force majeure”. In these conditions “force majeure” means any event which we the supplier of services in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events include war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, industrial dispute, terrorist activity, natural or nuclear disaster, fire or adverse weather conditions, epidemics or health risks and all similar events outside our control.
  • The company reserves the right to cancel a tour in any circumstances but will not cancel a tour less than 4 weeks before departure except for “force majeure”, consolidation, or the client’s failure to pay the final balance. Unless the client fails to pay the final balance, the company, upon cancellation will return all monies paid to it, or offer the client an alternative holiday of comparable standard if available (if less expensive than original we will refund the difference, if more expensive, the client will have to pay the difference). Compensation will not be payable (1) where the company is forced to cancel as a result of unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which we could not have avoided even with all due care or (2) where an insufficient number of people book the clients chosen holiday and we notify we are cancelling for this reason not less than 28 days before departure. In all cases our liability is limited to offering the above choices and the compensation payments (where applicable) set out in clause 11. No compensation is payable if we notify you of cancellation more than 8 weeks before departure. We cannot be held responsible for any costs or expenses you may have as a result of cancellation.
  • Client’s bookings are accepted on the understanding that they appreciate the risks inherent in adventure travel and that they undertake the tours featured in our programme at their own volition. Our obligations, and those of any suppliers providing any service or facility involved in any travel arrangements you book with us, are to provide services and facilities with reasonable care and skill. Facilities will be provided to the realistic minimum standard recommended by the regulatory authorities responsible.
  • Bike Hire: The equipment including all accessories supplied is let out on hire. The equipment remains the property of the company and the Client will not sell, hire out or otherwise part with the possessions thereof.

    The Client undertakes not to misuse the equipment and to return it with all accessories in the same condition as when received (ordinary wear and tear accepted). The company shall be entitled to charge the client for any damages caused to equipment during the period of hire. In event of a breakdown, other than a result of the Clients misuse, the company will use its best endeavours to repair or procure repair of the equipment.

    The company will not be liable for any damage or loss whatsoever, through breakdown or other defect in the equipment or other circumstances beyond the company’s control. The Client shall indemnify the company with respect to all costs, claims, expenses and demands suffered or incurred which arise directly or indirectly out of the use of the equipment during the period of hire. The company reserves the right to charge the client for partial or full settlement of any claim. In the event of the equipment being stolen or lost, the company reserves the right to call upon the client to indemnify the company the replacement of the equipment. However, should the equipment subsequently be returned in a satisfactory condition, the company undertakes to refund the clients indemnity within 14 days.

    The Client will ensure that the equipment is adequately secured when not in use, will not use the equipment whilst under the influence of drink or drugs and will immediately notify the company in the event of breakdown or loss of equipment.

  • Clients bringing their own bikes do so on the proviso that their equipment is in a suitable condition for participation in a tour. Responsibility for maintenance of bicycles brought by clients rests with the client. The company will endeavour to accommodate such clients, but cannot guarantee that correct tools and spares will be available, given the wide range of possibilities that exist.