DAY 1 SATURDAY KILLARNEY
The cycling safari starts with a meeting of the group at 6:30pm in the lounge of the Arbutus Hotel. This is a meeting point only, you are not actually staying here. After an introductory talk from the guide, an evening meal is organised in the hotel, while your luggage is transported to our nearby guesthouse(s). If you get there early you can leave your luggage with the hotel reception and explore this bustling town. If you have time, you could visit 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. Ross Castle is about 1.5 miles from the town.
DAY 2 SUNDAY KILLARNEY TO KENMARE 23 miles / 37 km
The tour starts off by following a cycle track into the beautiful grounds of Muckross House. Located on the grounds is a Franciscan Abbey founded in the 15th Century. It is now in ruins but is beautifully situated with a large yew tree rising up through the cloisters. After a stroll around the celebrated Muckross gardens there follows a wonderful cycle along a quiet path between two of the Killarney lakes before we return to the main road. A steady climb up to Molls Gap is rewarded with a delicious lunch in a restaurant with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon we sweep down to the picturesque seaside town of Kenmare.
DAY 3 MONDAY KENMARE TO EYRIES 31 miles / 49.5km
We 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. That night we stay in the picturesque village of Eyeries with its small bright coloured houses. We have dinner that evening in our guesthouses before heading to one of the little pubs in the village for a nightcap.
DAY 4 TUESDAY EYRIES TO CASTLETOWNBERE 32 miles / 52km
In the morning we cycle the highlight of the tour, the Beara Peninsula, with its twisted mountainscapes and breathtaking coastal scenery all the way to our lunch stop in the village of Allihies. Here you can really feel you are away from it all, experiencing an undiscovered part of Ireland well away from some of the bustling Tourist Routes. After lunch we continue cycling around the peninsula with more wonderful views of the ocean. You have the option of detouring off the main route for a scenic bike ride 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 can then return back to the main road and continue cycling all the way to the lively town of Castletownbere where we will spend the next two nights.
DAY 5 WEDNESDAY REST DAY IN CASTLETOWNBERE
A wide variety of activities can be organised from the town. You can take a ferry across to Bere Island and spend the day exploring it by bike. You can also visit the nearby ruins of Dunboy Castle and Puxley Manor located in a wonderful setting by the sea., a nice place to spend the day with a picnic and a good book. Finally for those who are feeling fit there is a challenging hike up the Hungry Hill offering the most spectacular views of Bantry Bay. If you are interested in doing this bring proper hiking boots and some warm weather gear. Alternatively you could just spend the afternoon pottering around the village.
DAY 6 THURSDAY
CASTLETOWNBERE TO GOUGANE BARRA 44 miles / 70kms
In the morning we cycle along the shores of Bantry Bay one of the deepest natural harbours in Europe. After lunch in the village of Glengarriff we 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 FRIDAY
GOUGANE BARRA TO KILLARNEY 35 miles / 57 kms
For the last day we cycle up into the Coolea region via remote, peaceful mountain roads where you can really feel you are away from it all. We stop for a cup of tea at Irelands Highest Pub before descending back down into Killarney where we meet for a farewell night on the town together before heading our separate ways the following morning.
DAY 8 SATURDAY
After breakfast you are free to head your separate ways.
Note: The recommended route involves a total distance of 182 miles / 291 kms. There are a number of hills on the route but you have all day to do the cycling. You will be provided with a more comprehensive route description and map at the start of the tour. There is an option each day for a variety of longer routes which will be indicated by dotted lines on the route map. With the exception of the roads in and out of Killarney, the traffic on the route should be quite light. You should, however, cycle carefully at all times, especially when going downhill or during any rain showers.
Starting times:
Each of the tours start with a meeting of the group at 6.30pm on the Saturday evening in a central hotel close to the local train and bus station. This is only a meeting point, typically the group will be staying in nearby guesthouses. The guide is able to return to the meeting place at 9.30pm again that evening. After an introductory talk the guide will organise an evening meal and direct clients to their first nights bed & breakfast accommodation.
For those arriving unexpectedly late they can phone our office number in Dublin and the guides’ mobile phone number will be on our answering machine.
The bicycles:
We supply 21 speed hybrid touring bikes for the tours.
Repair equipment, helmets (for guided tours only) and front handlebar pannier bag are available for each client.
Clients are required to take due care of any rented equipment (includes bike, panniers, tool kits and helmets), we reserve the right to charge for any damages caused due to loss or negligence.
Distances:
The average cycling distance is an easy 30 – 40 miles (48- 64 km) with longer routes being available most days. The safaris are suitable for adults of all ages and fitness levels but the tours are not suited for children under 13 years of age.
There are a number of hills on the route but you have all day to do the cycling. You will be provided with a more comprehensive route description and map at the start of the tour. There is an option each day for a variety of longer routes. With the exception of the roads in and out of Killarney, the traffic on the route should be quite light. You should however cycle carefully at all times, especially when going downhill.
The Group, Guide and Back-Up Support
The group size varies from 12 to 20 people . Each group is lead by a local guide driving a support van. She/He will sweep during the day to check on cyclists. In the afternoon they will be gone for about two hours to leave the luggage off at your accommodation therefore may not be on hand to give you a lift, but there is no rush; you have all day to complete the ride. As soon as the guide has delivered the luggage to your accommodation they will sweep back to do a final check on cyclists.
Our aim is to allow you feel like an independent traveller, free to cycle each day at your own pace while at the same time having the security of knowing that a support van is nearby just in case you might need it. Most importantly, our guide is there to help in whatever way possible so that all you have to do is leave your worries behind and enjoy the many wonderful experiences that this cycling holiday has to offer.