Ireland Biking
"Ireland, especially the rural West, is a cyclist’s dream," writes Bicycling magazine. "A network of intertwined little roads...wind above seaside cliffs and past evenly spaced white cottages with gray slate roofs, each one trailing its signature plume of smoke from a turf fire." Join Backroads to weave your way through this spectacular landscape, along the quiet nooks of western Cork and Kerry, and past ancient fortresses, crumbling churches and peaceful glens dressed in emerald. You’ll be charmed by a local historian, a spinner of folk tales and an expert in fine whiskey. After a day of riding, enjoy warm Irish hospitality in country manors and inns.
Day 1 Kinsale
Meet in Cork 
Pedal into the countryside, following a hilly route to the cliffs at the Old Head of Kinsale, where castle ruins and a watchtower from the Napoleonic War invite exploration Join a local historian for a walking tour of Kinsale.
Day 2 Baltimore
Take in sweeping vistas of the south coast’s emerald bluffs en route to the market town of Clonakilty Continue on to Baltimore, winding through a classic Irish tableau of verdant hills, small farms, quaint cottages and woolly sheep 
Enjoy an evening of local entertainment.
Day 3 Ballylickey
Ferry to Schull, a vibrant resort town An afternoon ride to Ballylickey follows quiet country roads lined with small villages painted in cheery colors Visit Mannings’ Emporium for a cheese tasting.
Days 4-6 Kenmare
Bike to Glengarriff and catch a ferry to Garinish Island, an unlikely garden paradise filled with fountains, statues and plants from around the world Explore the town of Kenmare or treat yourself to an afternoon at the Park Hotel’s world-renowned spa Explore the wild and rugged Beara Peninsula and subtropical gardens of Derreen House Enjoy a private whiskey tasting with expert John Moriarty Ride alongside the Roughty River and past rolling green pastures dotted with cows.
IRISH TRADITIONS: Premiere Inns
Old Bank House (1 night): The picturesque town harbor is just steps from this welcoming Georgian inn, decorated with period pieces and original art.
Casey's of Baltimore (1 night): Ann and Michael Casey’s cheery inn with a traditional pub is tucked in a classic fishing village.
Seaview House (1 night): Owner Kathleen O’Sullivan pampers us at this four-star country house on the shore of Bantry Bay.
Park Hotel Kenmare (2 nights): A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, with luxurious guest rooms and a world-renowned spa.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- 19 miles
- 1500 - 2000 feet elevation gain
- Optional Walking 3.5 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 5 4 Route Options Available
- 29, 43, 57 miles
- 1000 - 3500 feet elevation gain
- Optional Beacon Walk 3 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- 20, 30 miles
- 1000 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 8, 25, 31 miles
- 500 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 3 to 5 2 Route Options Available
- 33, 64 miles
- 1000 - 3000 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 16 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Conclusion of Trip
Due to the constantly rolling hills, the regular route options are considered moderate to challenging. Other conditions, including rain, headwinds and narrow bumpy roads, can make the riding feel tougher than the mileage might suggest.
Trips 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.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Average Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biking | Walking & Hiking | ||
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
2009 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 6/21-26Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1580 for sgl. occ.)
The trip you have selected is different from the one displayed. Here's how:
Early Booking Promotion: $500 Savings per Couple currently available for this departure.
Call today to book and save. Limited time offer. - 7/12-17Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1580 for sgl. occ.)
The trip you have selected is different from the one displayed. Here's how:
On Day 4 and 5 we stay at Sheen Falls Lodge, a Relais & Châteaux property near the Kenmare River, with luxurious rooms and a full-service spa.
Early Booking Promotion: $500 Savings per Couple currently available for this departure.
Call today to book and save. Limited time offer. - 8/16-21Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1580 for sgl. occ.)
The trip you have selected is different from the one displayed. Here's how:
On Day 4 and 5 we stay at Sheen Falls Lodge, a Relais & Châteaux property near the Kenmare River, with luxurious rooms and a full-service spa.
Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. 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