Region Overviews: Ireland Travel Guide: Overview
Ireland is an enchanting place, and the serene, beautiful scenery features breathtaking views and stunning landscapes throughout the whole country.
Biking
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Ireland’s County Cork & Kerry Bike Tour
Village Charm & Enchanted Countryside
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days 5 nights
Activity Level: 2-4
Premiere Hotels
From: $5,199 - $5,399 pp dbl occ
($1,450 for sgl occ)
There's something legendary about Ireland. Rolling emerald hills, stunning coastlines, herds of sheep and tiny thatch-roofed homes. City names sing like songs—Kilgarvan, Clonakilty and Glengarriff. Park Hotel Kenmare only adds to the drama. Stopping in a small pub for a pint, it seems everyone has a story to tell. Make this trip a part of yours.
Ireland County Cork & Kerry Bike Tour map
Ireland
Start/End Cork
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
- Share a private Irish whiskey tasting with John Moriarty, a local expert and our resident whiskey aficionado
- Experience fascinating history and village culture, then take in a pint and some local lore with our longtime friend and guide
- Explore the heart of Kerry by land and sea, including deep forests and rugged coastline, and iconic Healy Pass
- Cycle through a quintessential Irish landscape of verdant hills, family farms and plenty of the requisite woolly sheep
Itinerary
Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
6 Days Premiere Hotels
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Days 1-3
Description
Discover a classic Irish landscape—green hills, small farms and quaint cottages—on two wheels | Find ancient stone landmarks dotting remote valleys | Pass rushing rivers filled with salmon and fishermen | Cycle through hand-hewn tunnels on historic roads through Borlin Valley | Bike past streams and waterfalls in scenic Glengarriff State Forest Reserve | A gradual climb leads to magnificent Caha Pass, complete with tunnels and sweeping views of Kenmare Bay | Savor award-winning treats from a chocolatier in Bonane | Join a private whiskey tasting with an expert | On the Beara Peninsula, cycle by lakes, cliffs and glacier-carved mountains | Check out Kenmare’s shops or its prehistoric stone circle—or just relax at the acclaimed Park Hotel Kenmare | How’s your Irish accent? Our friend and local Kenmare guide gives pointers over a pint.
Accommodations
Park Hotel Kenmare
Kenmare
| Premiere Hotel It's just a short walk to the pubs and shops from this regal Victorian estate, nestled amid magnificent parkland on Kenmare Bay. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)
Days 4-6
Description
Gorgeous cycling routes wind through Moll’s Gap and wild Ballaghbeama | Breathtaking views of Killarney National Park and the iconic Gap of Dunloe await | Bike the well-worn lane over Ballaghbeama Pass | Ride around remote Glencar Valley and Caragh Lake | Legend comes to life during an evening with a well-known shanachie (Irish storyteller) | Country roads lead to dazzling spots along the Ring of Kerry | Take in the views from Dingle Bay during a ferry ride to Valentia Island | Extend your vacation in Munster’s historic Cork City, where grand avenues intersect centuries-old alleyways.
Accommodations
Ard na Sidhe Country House
Caragh Lake
| Premiere Hotel Built in 1913, this lakeside manor is beautifully set amid sprawling gardens on the world-renowned Ring of Kerry.
Dates & Prices
The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy.
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
June 2024
July 2024
August 2024
September 2024
Looks like you’re traveling with a smaller group
Our Private Trips are best for groups of 6 or more. We suggest joining a scheduled trip.
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From our Guests
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Activity Level:
2-4
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.
Route notes
Ireland's landscape is characterized by constant rises and valleys, and the continuously rolling terrain (as well as other conditions such as rain) can make routes feel more challenging than the mileage may suggest. Many of the roads are made of chip seal and have soft shoulders, and sections can be rough.
Daily Route Options
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.
Route notes
Ireland's landscape is characterized by constant rises and valleys, and the continuously rolling terrain (as well as other conditions such as rain) can make routes feel more challenging than the mileage may suggest. Many of the roads are made of chip seal and have soft shoulders, and sections can be rough.
What's Included
Available Bike Options
The key to a stellar day's ride is a bike that's perfectly in tune with your cycling style… Backroads has you covered with the best bike fleet in the world! Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.
Click the arrow to see all bike options.
Backroads Performance Road Bike
Performance Road Bike
Included in your trip price
This custom-designed titanium bike is lightweight and responsive, featuring Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, 11-speed compact gearing, a premium Mavic Ksyrium Pro wheelset and a full carbon fork.
Backroads Touring Bike
Touring Bike
Included in your trip price
A proven classic, this custom-designed titanium bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. It features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability.
Backroads Electric-Assist Bike
Electric-Assist Bike
Included in your trip price
Keep pace or zip ahead, pedaling with an electric boost. This bike provides plenty of power to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance.
Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+
Cannondale Synapse Pro Carbon Bike
Carbon Bike
Ride like a pro with the top-of-the-line carbon Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Red ETAP AXS. Delivering phenomenal acceleration and handling in a light and powerful package.
$650 rental fee; subject to availability
Co-Motion Torpedo Tandem Bike
Tandem Bike
This hand-built frame features Co-Motion's custom-designed cro-moly steel tubeset, powerful Avid disc brakes, Shimano Ultegra drive train, and a custom, upgraded wheelset. For experienced tandem riders.
$400 rental fee
Also Included
- All breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
- On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
- Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
- Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
- Park and other entry fees
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
- Select coach transfers
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Straight talk
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Air-Conditioning
Park Hotel Kenmare and Ard na Sidhe Country House are Premiere Hotels. While they offer outstanding service and amenities, please note that they are not equipped with air-conditioning. Despite the region's generally temperate climate and cool nights, guestrooms can occasionally become warm during peak temperatures.
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Air-Conditioning
Park Hotel Kenmare and Ard na Sidhe Country House are Premiere Hotels. While they offer outstanding service and amenities, please note that they are not equipped with air-conditioning. Despite the region's generally temperate climate and cool nights, guestrooms can occasionally become warm during peak temperatures.
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