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.
On two wheels and on foot in Ireland, it's easy to feel connected to your surroundings—and to each other. Gaze at the clouds. Listen to birdsong. Visit Inchigeelagh and Gougane Barra. And giggle as you try to pronounce their names. There's a fortress to explore, a national park to visit, whiskey tasting for adults and Gaelic sports for kids. Ease, simplicity and an unforgettable family vacation.
THIS ITINERARY: 6 days, 5 nights
ACCOMMODATIONS: Premiere Hotels*
Start/End Cork
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Bike through a quintessentially Irish landscape of emerald-green hills dotted with woolly sheep and classic cottages | Revel in the lilt of Gaelic in Inchigeelagh | In Gougane Barra, spot the 300-year-old church set on a tiny island.
Owner Ronan O'Sullivan pampers us at his country house on the shore of Bantry Bay.
Enjoy a cup of tea at a historic cottage and traditional farm | Bike past streams and waterfalls in scenic Bonane Valley | A gradual descent leads to magnificent Dromquinna Manor on the peaceful shore of Kenmare Bay | Hop in a sea kayak for a different perspective of the area's spectacular landscape | A festive Irish dance and music demonstration gets feet stomping! | Soak up stunning views of the Glen Inchiquin Valley's glacier-carved mountains and sparkling lakes on a hike over Mount Knockagarrane | The pristine Beara Peninsula—one of Ireland's warmest areas—likely looks today like it did to the ancient Celts | Behold a 4,000-year-old Druid stone circle, one of County Kerry's most impressive | Join a private whiskey tasting with an expert while youngsters indulge in fish-and-chips.
Set on a sprawling waterfront estate, this luxurious inn offers stunning views of Kenmare Bay, MacGillycuddy's Reeks and Sheen Falls. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)
A gorgeous cycling route winds through Moll’s Gap | Views of wild Killarney National Park serve as the backdrop to lunch | Families bike through the Blackwater Valley en route to the Gap of Dunloe | This narrow pass cuts through the highest peaks in Ireland | Hike through Killarney National Park with views of serene lakes, rushing waterfalls and dense forests | In Killarney, rows of houses sport cheerfully painted façades and ornate plasterwork | Settle in for an evening of classic storytelling with a well-known Irish shanachie | Make your way to 15th-century Ross Castle on foot for a tour of this old tower house.
A handsome family-owned hotel, promising and delivering "warmth beyond the smile," in the heart of Killarney. (pool, spa)
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.
Backroads is the only travel company to manufacture its own line of kid's bikes. While the wheels might be small, the performance is big—it's the perfect choice for kids. On our Family Trips, you'll find 20" and 24" bikes.
The Burley Kazoo trailer bike, for children up to 85 pounds, attaches to an adult bike with your child providing some of the pedal power for a real team effort! It's ideal for kids who aren't yet ready for bike touring.
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.
Sheen Falls Lodge is a Premiere Hotel. While it offers outstanding service and amenities, please note that it is not equipped with air-conditioning and guest rooms can occasionally become warm during peak temperatures.
Ireland is an enchanting place, and the serene, beautiful scenery features breathtaking views and stunning landscapes throughout the whole country.
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