Ireland Bike Tour

Welcome to County Kerry! Your guides will meet you at Tralee train station, and we’ll waste no time getting to our first traditional Irish pub for lunch. After a safety briefing, our opening ride follows several of the small roads called boreens that characterize the southern coast of the Dingle peninsula. Pass beautiful coves and castle ruins before rolling into the quintessential Irish village of Dingle. This evening, a master storyteller joins our cocktail hour and brings Irish legends to life with his captivating tales.

Meals: Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Dublin, Dingle
Accomplished: 13 miles / 21 km, elevation gain: 968 feet / 295 meters
Longer Option: 22 miles / 35 km, elevation gain: 2,378 feet / 725 meters
Accommodations: Heatons Dingle

Following a relaxed Irish breakfast, we hit the road to explore the beautiful Dingle Peninsula. This is Gaeltacht country where the Irish language is still widely spoken as a first language and culture and traditions remain strong. Our ride takes us west past a fascinating array of ancient sites including Iron Age forts, beehive huts, inscribed stones, and historical churches. The Peninsula culminates at the dramatic Slea Head—Europe’s most western point. After lunch, we’ll pop into a local brewery to learn why beers aren’t just a fixture of Irish culture, but in fact a rich tradition with history that reaches back to the Bronze Age. This evening, there is time to explore the charms of Dingle Town itself, including its traditional music scene before heading out for a dinner at a celebrated seafood restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Slea Head, Ballyferiter
Accomplished: 26 miles / 42 km, elevation gain: 1,000 feet / 305 meters
Longer Option: 34 miles / 55 km, elevation gain: 1,312 feet / 400 meters
Accommodations: Heatons Dingle

Today we hit all the highlights, including the Gap of Dunloe, a private boat journey across Lough Leane with a local legend, a 15th-century castle, and a National Park. After an hour-long transfer, our ride begins on the Ivearagh Peninsula, dominated by Magillycuddy’s Reeks—Ireland’s highest mountain range, also known as “the black stacks.” Pass through the iconic Gap of Dunloe, a narrow rocky opening in the heart of the peninsula that leads to the shores of Lough Leane. A memorable boat journey carries us through Killarney National Park to the front door of Ross Castle, poised on the Lakes of Killarney. From here, it’s only a short walk to your Killarney hotel.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Gap of Dunloe, Killarney
Accomplished: 29 miles / 47 km, elevation gain: 1,781 feet / 543 meters
Longer Option: 59 miles / 95 km, elevation gain: 2,198 feet / 670 meters
Accommodations: The Great Southern Killarney

Departing Killarney, we embark on the most challenging climb of the week. Through groves of twisted oaks, the road rises past the spectacular Ladie’s View to Moll’s Gap. Behind us is yesterday’s conquered Killarney National Park; on the other side of the gap lies one long descent to the south side of the peninsula and the picture-perfect village of Kenmare. We’ll arrive in time for the farmers market that fills the square every Wednesday with local crafts and delicacies. This afternoon, we have a date with a hawk: we’ll join a falconer on a walk through the grounds of our hotel, perhaps even trying our hand at flying these regal birds of prey. Tonight, choose from a wide range of top-notch restaurants in this renowned foodie village.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Destinations: Moll’s Gap, Kenmare
Accomplished: 24 miles / 38 km, elevation gain: 1,250 feet / 381 meters
Longer Option: 31 miles / 50 km, elevation gain: 1,250 feet / 381 meters
Accommodations: Sheen Falls Lodge

Our final ride follows an easygoing route through the Caha mountains. We’ll bike into some idyllic countryside on virtually traffic-free roads—this peninsula is the least known in Kerry and truly a hidden gem. Stop for lunch at a quaint stone cottage with fantastic views and fill up on hearty, traditional fare. As we loop back to the hotel, hop off the bikes for a visit to a French chocolatier. An afternoon pick-me-up comes in the form of Benoit’s finest confections, and we’ll even have the chance to craft our own chocolates. This evening, join us for a farewell dinner and toast to a week of accomplishments over a bounty of local ingredients.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Bonane
Accomplished: 18 miles / 29 km, elevation gain: 1,178 feet / 359 meters
Accommodations: Sheen Falls Lodge

After a leisurely breakfast, say your final farewell to the Emerald Isle. Your guides will transfer you to Tralee station where we bid you slán go fóill—until next time!

Meals: Breakfast