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.
There's only one way to truly see what makes Ireland so special. You have to be here. To feel the depth of history. To be seat-high in a charming sea of sheep. To gather at a neighborhood pub with locals, so full of good humor and pride in their heritage. To behold infinite shades of green.
THIS ITINERARY: 6 days, 5 nights
ACCOMMODATIONS: Casual Hotels
Start/End Cork
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Spin through a classic Irish landscape of emerald hills, small farms, quaint cottages and woolly sheep | A gorgeous cycling route winds through Moll's Gap and along Blackwater Valley's tranquil roads | Partake in a private whiskey tasting | Bike by pristine lakes, stately cliffs and glacier-carved mountains on the untamed Beara Peninsula | Browse Kenmare's craft shops, meander by the River Finnihy, check out the nearby prehistoric stone circle or kick back with a pint at a lively pub.
It's just a short stroll to the center of Kenmare from this contemporary boutique hotel.
Savor deliciously fresh seafood, like mussels and hearty chowder | A gradual climb leads to magnificent Caha Pass, complete with tunnels and panoramic views of Bantry Bay | Ride through Glengarriff on your way to picturesque Bantry | Gather at a cozy pub, where an Irish troubadour regales us with songs and prose.
A stylish hotel on the quayside with views over Bantry Bay. (pool, spa)
Soak up fascinating history and lively village culture | Stunning coastal scenery lines the route to Courtmacsherry Bay and the remains of 13th-century Timoleague Abbey | Wander Kinsale's medieval alleys, shop or stroll along the shoreline of this colorful port town | Pedal amid ancient battlefields and seaside vistas | Two-wheel it to the Old Head of Kinsale, where a ruined castle and watchtower from the Napoleonic War stand guard | A favorite local restaurant serves up classic Irish dishes with a modern twist.
This elegantly renovated hotel is nestled in the heart of Kinsale.
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.
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. LEARN MORE.
Note: 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.
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! Read on for your available bike options for this trip.
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.
A proven classic, our most popular 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.
Our newly redesigned titanium e-bike is a lightweight yet powerful machine unique in the world of e-bikes. It provides plenty of power to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance.
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—it’s built for hard-core riders.
$400 rental fee
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
Ireland is an enchanting place, and the serene, beautiful scenery features breathtaking views and stunning landscapes throughout the whole country.
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