Grand Southwest Ireland Self-Guided

Arrive in Killarney. On arriving in Killarney, you can check into your accommodation and pick up your bike and equipment (if renting). Spend the afternoon exploring the town and/or go for a short warm up ride in the Killarney National Park.

Killarney Loop 56km / +766m (L, S) The ride is a wonderful loop to the south of Killarney, starting with a gentle ascent up to the much-photographed Gap of Dunloe. From here you drop south into the Black Valley before climbing again to Moll’s Gap. The ride north from here has plenty of magnificent viewpoints over the Killarney Lakes, including Ladies’ View. As you approach Killareny there is the option to turn off into the National Park to visit Muckross House and Ross Castle.

Killarney to Gougane Barra 56km / +766m (L) Riding south from the town past Muckross Abbey, you turn east past Lough Guitane to Glenflesk. South from the village you cross over the Roughty River on Morley’s Bridge and start a gradual ascent on tiny country roads to the pass which marks the county border. The route continues through forests and atmospheric moorland before dropping down to the village of Ballingeary – and the chance for refreshments. You might choose at this point to extend the ride with a loop around Lough Allua to the east of the village before riding the final few kilometres to the beautifully located Gougane Barra.

Gougane Barra to Bantry 65km / +749m (L, S)If you didn’t ride the Gougane Barra Forest loop or the Lough Allua loop towards the end of yesterday’s ride, you have the option to do one or both before heading west. After a short ascent, it is downhill all the way to meet the coast at Ballinakill. from where you follow the coast south to Bantry. You may want to visit Bantry House, or for more riding you can tackle the Sheep’s Head peninsula.

Bantry Loop 50km / +629m (L, S) The loop from Bantry takes you south to Mizen Head, the most southerly point on the Irish mainland, and the start point for Mizen Head to Malin Head, Ireland’s end to end ride. En route attractions include Mizen Head Signal House, Crookhaven Harbour, and Altar Wedge Tomb. The village of Durrus is a good stopping off point on both the outward and the return legs.

Bantry to Castletownbere 51km / +531m Riding north along the coast you pass through Ballinakill again before climbing and then dropping down to the pretty resort of Glengarriff. From the pier you can take a boat trip to Garinish Island – you should allow around 3 hours in total if you plan to do this. Leaving Glengarriff you head west along the southern shore of the Beara Peninsula enjoying some wonderful coastal scenery as you ride through Adrigole en route to the bustling fishing port of Castletownbere.

Castletownbere Loop 42km / +710m (L) Today’s loop ride takes you around the western end of the Beara peninsula for more jawdropping seascapes. At the end of the peninsula you can take Ireland’s only cable car across Dursey Sound to Dursey Island – a haven for sea birds. Watch for dolphins in the ocean below. You might find yourself sharing the car with a cow or a couple of sheep! North of Dursey, Allihies Copper Mine is well worth a visit. The evidence of this industry is to be seen all around Allihies in the form of the large Cornish engine houses that housed the magnificent steam engines that made the mining possible.

Castletownbere to Kenmare 55km / +695m (L) From Castletownbere you retrace your route from two days before as far as Adrigole. Here you turn north to cross the Peninsula via the beautiful Healy Pass which marks the border between the counties of Cork and Kerry. Dropping down from the pass you can visit Dereen Gardens before stopping for a pub lunch by the harbour in Bunaw. Continuing around the coast, you cross the Kenmare River to arrive in bustling Kenmare.

Kenmare to Waterville 62km / +748m Riding west from Kenmare you on the legendary Ring of Kerry route that follows a circular path around the Iveragh Peninsula. The quaint village of Sneem offers mid-morning refreshment possibilities. A little further on and you have the option to ride away from the coast to visit Staigue Fort (8km round trip). At the village of Caherdaniel you turn off the Ring to Derrynane House, the ancestral home of Daniel O’Connell (the Liberator), one of the most revered Irish political leaders of the 19th century. A climb and descent from here brings you into the resort of Waterville at the western tip of the peninsula.

Waterville Loop 51km / +628m (L, S) Today’s loop ride takes you around the spit of land to the northwest of Waterville through Ballinskelligs to Portmagee. This is the departure point for the boats going to The Skelligs – if you want to include this on your itinerary you will have to book well in advance, and arrive in Portmagee by 09.30am. From the village you have the option to extend the ride by crossing the bridge and riding around Valentia Island before returning to Portmagee and continuing on the last leg back to Waterville.

Waterville to Killorglin 57km / +624m From Waterville you leave the Ring of Kerry coastal route, turning inland on quiet country backroads and climbing very gently towards Ballaghisheen Pass in the centre of the peninsula. There is a short steep section just before the summit, rewarded by a great downhill and panoramic views towards McGillacuddy’s Reeks in the distance. The Climbers’ Inn at Glencar is a welcome rest and refreshment halt. From here you have a beautiful ride around the shores of Lough Caragh before turning north to the bustling market town of Killorglin.

Killorglin to Dingle 56km / +495m Leaving Killorglin you cross the river and strike out north on country backroads to Castlemaine where you turn due west and hug the south coast of Dingle Peninsula, heading for the town after which the peninsula is named. You can stop off at magnificent Inch Beach, used as one of the main locations for filming Ryan’s Daughter. Passing through Annascaul you canenjoy some wonderful ocean vistas on the ride into Dingle.

Dingle Loop 56km / +560m The loop ride around Slea Head to the west of Dingle Town is, quite simply, magnificent. The breath-taking scenery coupled with the numerous sites of interest en route (beehive stone dwellings, Gallarus Oratory, Dunbeg Fort) will give you one of the most memorable day’s riding of your life!

Dingle to Killarney 68km / +515m (S) Leaving Dingle, you must first tackle the Conor Pass – a good work out for your legs and lungs to start the day. Dropping down from the pass you then follow the northern shores of the Dingle Peninsula towards Castlegregory and on to Tralee – a convenient lunch stop. The ride from here back to Killarney is on quiet country roads, but if you decide to spend some time exploring Tralee, there is always the option to catch the train back to Killarney.