Guided Ireland Cycle Tour

West Cork and Kerry

Any trip to Ireland has a mix of idyllic landscapes, rich culture and many miles of paved, quiet Day 1 Arrival Killarney roads. This is certainly true of this bicycling trip to the Kerry and Dingle peninsulas. In this

Day 2 36 km magical, sometimes challenging countryside, you are dazzled by the rocky peaks and neatly To Kenmare cultivated fields dotted with grazing sheep. Day 3 50 km To Castletownbere The Beara peninsula is considered to be Ireland’s most beautiful. It embodies the tough ro- Day 4 40 km mantic spirit of Ireland. We climb up to Molls Gap with its wonderful views of the Macgilly- To Eyeries / Allihies cuddy Reeks, Ireland’s highest mountain range. We ride through Muckross National Park to Day 5 35 km the picturesque village of Sneem on the Inveraugh Peninsula. The rest of the week involves To Glengarriff more of the same stunning scenery with a wonderful coastal cycle along Kenmare Bay. Day 6 41 km To Gougane Barra Day 7 58 km We stop at the fishing town of Glengarriff where you have time to explore the area on your To Killarney own. Meet the Dingle dolphin or scour the deserted parts of the peninsula for incredible Day 8 vistas and “ogham” stones. Return to Killarney via the Coolea region. End of Services

Tour Details 2020 Departures: June 6 August 8

Cost: $1695 per person Fast Facts Single Supplement: Limited  Seven nights in charming accommo- E-Bike Info : Bike Rental: $175 dations with full Irish breakfast & 1 dinner  E-bike rental: $350 Length: 8 days / 7 nights  Limited supplies available, so reservations  Detailed route maps and details recommended Grade: Moderate  Guide in support van, luggage trans-  Giant City models available Starts / Ends: Killarney fers each day  GPS track available (upon request)

Active Journeys Contact: 11----800800800----597597597----55945594 or 416416----236236236----50115011 Email: [email protected]

ITINERARY

Day 1 Arrive Killarney Individual arrival in Killarney. If you get there early the rooms in the B&Bs will not usually be ready till midday so you can leave your luggage at the guesthouse and explore this bustling town.

Day 2 To Kenmare 36 km You cycle out of Killarney through the beautiful grounds of Muckross National Park following a quiet path between two of the Killarney lakes. A steady climb up to Molls Gap is rewarded with a delicious lunch in a restaurant with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon there will be a choice of itineraries and routes to the seaside town of Kenmare.

Day 3 To Castletownbere 50 km Follow a spectacular coast road along Kenmare Bay, with won- derful views of the MacGillicuddy Reeks Mountains. In the after- noon you can visit the nearby Dereen Gardens with its amazing variety of flora. Leaving the Gardens you cycle west where you can visit an ancient stone circle or explore the beautiful scenery and quiet back roads of the Beara Way. Castletownbere, where we will spend the next two nights, is nestled at the foot of the Cahas Mountains.

Day 4 To Eyeries/Allihies 40 km In the morning cycle towards the highlight of the tour, the Beara Peninsula, with breathtaking coastal scenery all the way to your lunch stop. Here you can experience an undiscovered part of Ireland far away from the main tourist routes. You can detour off the main route for a scenic bike ride to the crossing point for Dursey Island, which can be reached by catching a ride on the only cable car in Ireland. After this interesting ride, cycle all the way to the lively town of Castletownbere, passing the entrance for Dunboy Castle, which is well worth a visit.

Day 5 To Glengarriff 35 km Today’s cycle is along the shores of Bantry Bay, one of the deep- est natural harbours in Europe. Glengariff occupies a beautifully sheltered position surrounded by mountains. Located just out- side Glengarriff is Garnish Island, which was transformed be- tween 1910 and 1913 from a bare limestone rock into a luxuriant garden island, known worldwide for its exotic plants. A local regular ferry service provides a non-stop ferry service to the island.

Day 6 To Gougane Barra 41 kms Today you head inland and cycle along quiet country roads with rolling fields dotted with grazing cattle and sheep, before arriv- ing at the lakeside retreat of Gougane Barra, Ireland’s first Na- tional Park and the source of the River Lee. This is a beautiful, peaceful place, and an ideal setting for your last night before you head to Killarney.

Day 7 To Killarney 58 kms For the last day you cycle up into the Coolea region via remote mountain roads, where you can really get away from it all. Stop for a cup of tea at Ireland’s Highest Pub before descending back down into Killarney for a farewell night out on the town.

Day 8 End of tour Tour ends after breakfast.

What to Expect What will the weather be like? The daytime temperature will be around 15 to mid-20 degrees C ( 60’s to 70’s F), Getting There with moderate rainfall. It often rains in Ireland, making the countryside lush and  green. It is usually misty and not torrential downpours, but rain gear is still nec- Fly to Dublin or Shannon essary, both a jacket and a pair of pants.  From there, transfer to

train or bus station to get How many hours of cycling a day? Be prepared to ride between 4 to 6 hours daily. The roads are all tarmaced and to Killarney. Travel time is the route is designed to ensure that you spend most of the week on quiet about 3 hours. backroads, away from the main tourist routes.

How fit do I need to be? The fitter the better, so you will be able to ride more. There are some hills and some level terrain so you will be able to ride to your next village and hotel.

What is the food like? We have included a full Irish breakfast each day. For lunch, you can stop in a pub and local restaurant for a full meal or mid-day snack. For dinner, your guidebook will suggest a location.

What are the hotels like? They are chosen for their charm and location. Properties are charming B&Bs and guesthouses, well- located in the towns. All the rooms have private facilities.

More Information How to book your holiday If these dates do not work for you we offer a self  Contact our office to make sure there is space available. -guided tour with the same itinerary. Departures daily and cost will be the same. One of our travel planners will walk you through the entire process. The difference will be that there will be no van support and you must cycle to the next  Download the reservation form from our site and send in destination on your own. the completed form by fax or email. Once this is done, your

space is confirmed and pre-departure packet will be sent.

 A deposit is required immediately, and final payment is re- quired 60 days prior to the trip departure. Terms & condi- tions are outlined in our Reservation Form.

 Plan your air travel as soon as possible.

 We encourage you to purchase travel insurance, either through us or a travel insurance provider directly.

 Ensure you are in proper health for the trip chosen. Contact us for more information on vaccinations, inoculations, and fitness requirements.