There's just something about Ireland. You get swept up in it. The indescribable hues of green. Tiny thatch-roofed homes. City names that sing like songs - Ballylickey, Clonakilty and Glengarriff. Your stay at Park Hotel Kenmare only adds to the drama. Herds of sheep add to the comedy. The accents of locals. Stopping in a small pub for a pint. And every person you meet strikes up a conversation. It seems like everyone has a story to tell in Ireland. And now so do you.
Day 1 Spin through the classic Irish landscape:
green hills, small farms, quaint cottages and woolly sheep 
Listen to the lilt of Gaelic in Ballyvourney Arriving in Gougane Barra, a town surrounded by lush forest and mountains, spot the 300-year-old church set on a tiny island Villages painted in cheery colors line our country roads to Ballylickey.
Day 2 A private whiskey tasting
with expert John Moriarty Bike past streams and waterfalls in scenic Glengarriff State Forest Reserve en route to a unique sculpture garden A gradual five-mile climb leads to magnificent Caha Pass, complete with tunnels and sweeping views of Kenmare Bay.
Day 3 The hospitality of the acclaimed Park Hotel Kenmare
On the sparsely populated Beara Peninsula, pedal by pristine lakes, stately cliffs and glacier-carved mountains Check out Kenmare's shops, discover an impressive prehistoric stone circle or just relax at the hotel - spa time, anyone? How's your Irish accent? Our friend and guide Mike Murphy gives pointers over a pint.
Day 4 An evening with a well-known Irish storyteller
at a local pub Gorgeous cycling routes wind through Moll's Gap and the Gap of Dunloe, a narrow pass cutting between the Purple Mountains and MacGillycuddy's Reeks.
Days 5-6 Soak up fascinating history and lively village culture
Peaceful country roads lead you to some of the most dazzling spots along the magnificent Ring of Kerry Ferry to Valentina Island, often overlooked by visitors Spin through the farmlands around Killorglin in the shadow of mountain peaks.
Trip Highlights
- Spin through the classic Irish landscape: green hills, small farms, quaint cottages and woolly sheep
- The hospitality of the acclaimed Park Hotel Kenmare
- A private whiskey tasting
- Soak up fascinating history and lively village culture
- Ring of Kerry treasures, including sweeping coastal views, by land and sea
Premiere Inns
Seaview House (1 night): Owner Kathleen O'Sullivan pampers us at her country house on the shore of Bantry Bay.
Park Hotel Kenmare (2 nights): It's just a short walk to the pubs and shops from this regal Victorian estate, nestled amid magnificent parkland on Kenmare Bay. A Small Luxury Hotels of the World member. (pool, spa, tennis, golf)
Carrig Country House (2 nights): Enjoy the gracious hospitality of Mary and Frank Slattery at this restored Victorian gem - originally a hunting lodge - beautifully set on the world-renowned Ring of Kerry.
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of
interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one
day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat
from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each
day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Daily Route Options | ||||||||||
| Day | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | ||||||
| miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | |
| 1 | 11* | 300 | 25 | 900 | ||||||
| 2 | 16* | 1100 | 22 | 1000 | 31 | 1700 | 42 | 2100 | ||
| 3 | 30* | 2100 | 49* | 3100 | 64 | 3400 | ||||
| 4 | 28* | 1300 | 38 | 1900 | 56 | 2900 | ||||
| 5 | 26* | 1100 | 37* | 1700 | 55 | 3600 | ||||
| 6 | 16 | 200 | ||||||||
* Includes a shuttle
2013 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 6/2-7 Price: $4198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $750 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/23-28 Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $750 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/7-12 Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $750 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/21-26 Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $750 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/18-23 Price: $4198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $750 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/1-6 Price: $4198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $750 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/15-20 Price: $4198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $750 for sgl. occ.)
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
The lush green meadows of Ireland's countryside were surpassed only by the sparkling vibrancy of the Backroads experience.- New York, NY
Beautiful country, warm, friendly people - a great way to see Ireland for the first time. Backroads did a nice job of providing a slice of the country, its culture and history.- Evanston, IL
We are loyal Backroads travelers because we love seeing the country from the seat of a bicycle. However, this trip was AMAZING because of the range of activities available to the guests. Our leaders made everyone feel good about their choice of activity (or inactivity, as the case may have been!).- Santa Monica,CA
This was my 13th trip with Backroads and it definitely exceeded my expectations which is harder and harder to do!- San Francisco, CA
The Ireland trip was way over the top in all aspects. As usual, the leaders were exceptional and complimented the country, routes, and wonderful people of Ireland.- Nashville, TN