Ireland Biking
Counties Cork & Kerry in the Southwest
Join Backroads for an unforgettable week exploring the quiet nooks of west Cork and Kerry, and admiring breathtaking scenery. Begin in Kenmare and travel east along flower-lined country lanes to historic Kinsale. Ride into the untamed landscape of the Beara Peninsula. Spin past ancient fortresses, crumbling churches, dramatic coastlines and peaceful glens cloaked in emerald. Off your bike, relax and rejuvenate with a leisurely stroll, an afternoon of shopping or a round of golf. And best of all, get to know the Irish people - friendly, full of good humor, and overflowing with pride for their country's heritage and natural wonders.
- Spinning through a classic Irish landscape of green hills, small farms, quaint cottages and woolly sheep
- Soaking up fascinating history and lively village culture
- Private whiskey tasting
- Biking on the rugged Beara Peninsula
- Garinish Island - its unique and beautiful gardens are world renowned
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2 kenmare
Meet in Cork 
Pedal alongside the Roughty River and past undulating hills dotted with cows 
Explore the wild rugged Beara Peninsula and the subtropical gardens of the Derreen House In Kenmare, explore the many craft shops and coffee houses, walk the banks of the River Finnihy or visit the nearby prehistoric stone circle Top off the day with a whiskey tasting.
Days 3-4 bantry
Bicycle over Caha Pass with magnificent views of Bantry Bay Ride through Glengarriff on your way to picturesque Bantry Breathe in fresh sea air during the optional ferry ride to Garinish Island, a lush and unexpected Italian garden Relax at Bantry's local pub Admire sweeping vistas of the south coast's emerald bluffs as you ride to Sheep's Head Peninsula, a narrow headland jutting into the Atlantic Enjoy an afternoon of leisure: shop, golf or visit the 18th-century manor near our hotel.
Days 5-6 kinsale
Take in more impressive coastal scenery while riding to the bustling market town of Clonakilty Spin along Courtmacsherry Bay through a classic Irish tableau of green hills, small farms, quaint cottages and woolly sheep Fall under the spell of a charismatic local storyteller, who regales us with Irish history and legend Join a local historian for a walking tour or pedal to the Old Head of Kinsale, where a ruined castle and watchtower from the Napoleonic War stand sentinel.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
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Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
This being my first Backroads trip, I really didn't know what to expect. I loved that within the structure of the itinerary, there was always room to move at my own speed. It meant that the trip was truly tailor-made for me on a day to day basis.- Palo Alto, CA More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
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Ireland Biking
IRISH TRADITION: Casual Inns
Brook Lane Hotel
Kenmare (2 nights) This locally owned boutique hotel on the outskirts of Kenmare features well-appointed guest rooms and an inviting bistro.
The Maritime Hotel
Bantry (2 nights) This modern hotel overlooking Bantry Bay welcomes us with richly decorated guest rooms, a swimming pool, whirlpool, fitness center and steam room.
Friar's Lodge
Kinsale (1 night) This guesthouse in the heart of Kinsale combines traditional Irish hospitality with modern facilities.
Ireland Biking
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Routes For All Abilities
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.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insider Trips | Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more. | ||
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Day 1
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 16 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 3 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 33, 41 miles
- 1000 - 2500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 18, 35, 41 miles
- 1000 - 2500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 23, 31, 48 miles
- 500 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 24, 40, 51 miles
- 2000 - 3500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- 15 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
- Walking Tour of Kinsale
Due to the constantly rolling hills, the regular route options are considered moderate to challenging. Other conditions, including rain, headwinds, and narrow and bumpy roads, can make the riding feel tougher than the mileage might suggest.