Ireland’s County Cork & Kerry Bike Tour

Couples, Friends & Solos

Small Group Adventures for:

Couples, Friends & Solos Adults 18+

Women's Adventures Women 18+

Families with Young Adults 20s & Beyond Best for ages 20+ (min. age 18)

Families with Teens & 20s Best for ages 16-23 (min. age 14)

Families with Kids & Teens Best for ages 7-17 (min. age 4)

6 days

5 nights

Activity Levels 2-4

We categorize our trips based on a range of activity levels from leisurely (1) to avid (5) with plenty of options in between.

Premiere Hotels

Premiere Hotels - Experience the world’s best, from lavish luxury to chic retreats with prestigious alliances.

Deluxe Hotels - Find modern comforts in extraordinary settings, with great ambience and ample amenities.

Casual Hotels - Known for their character, charm and proximity to outdoor adventures and Backroads activities.

Small Luxury Ships - Unpack once and cover more distance on an intimate ship with spacious staterooms and superb amenities.

Ireland’s County Cork & Kerry Bike Tour

Couples, Friends & Solos

Small Group Adventures for:

Couples, Friends & Solos Adults 18+

Women's Adventures Women 18+

Families with Young Adults 20s & Beyond Best for ages 20+ (min. age 18)

Families with Teens & 20s Best for ages 16-23 (min. age 14)

Families with Kids & Teens Best for ages 7-17 (min. age 4)

6 days

5 nights

Activity Levels 2-4

We categorize our trips based on a range of activity levels from leisurely (1) to avid (5) with plenty of options in between.

Premiere Hotels

Premiere Hotels - Experience the world’s best, from lavish luxury to chic retreats with prestigious alliances.

Deluxe Hotels - Find modern comforts in extraordinary settings, with great ambience and ample amenities.

Casual Hotels - Known for their character, charm and proximity to outdoor adventures and Backroads activities.

Small Luxury Ships - Unpack once and cover more distance on an intimate ship with spacious staterooms and superb amenities.

2025: May-Sep2026: May-Sep

Village Charm & Enchanted Countryside

There's something legendary about Ireland. Rolling emerald hills, stunning coastlines, herds of sheep and tiny thatch-roofed homes. City names sing like songs—Kilgarvan, Clonakilty and Glengarriff. Park Hotel Kenmare only adds to the drama. Stopping in a small pub for a pint, it seems everyone has a story to tell. Make this trip a part of yours.

... Read more

Highlights

  • Share a private Irish whiskey tasting with John Moriarty, a local expert and our resident whiskey aficionado
  • Experience fascinating history and village culture, then take in a pint and some local lore with our longtime friend and guide
  • Explore the heart of Kerry by land and sea, including deep forests and rugged coastline, and iconic Healy Pass
  • Cycle through a quintessential Irish landscape of verdant hills, family farms and plenty of the requisite woolly sheep
  • Read More
Ireland County Cork & Kerry Bike Tour map

Ireland

Start/End Cork

Airports & Travel details*

* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.

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Itinerary

Red Jacket Cyclist Sheep Ireland

Days 1-3

Description

Discover a classic Irish landscape—green hills, small farms and quaint cottages—on two wheels • Find ancient stone landmarks dotting remote valleys • Pass rushing rivers filled with salmon and fishermen • Cycle through hand-hewn tunnels on historic roads through Borlin Valley • Bike past streams and waterfalls in scenic Glengarriff State Forest Reserve • A gradual climb leads to magnificent Caha Pass, complete with tunnels and sweeping views of Kenmare Bay • Savor award-winning treats from a chocolatier in Bonane • Join a private whiskey tasting with an expert • ​On the Beara Peninsula, cycle by lakes, cliffs and glacier-carved mountains • Check out Kenmare’s shops or its prehistoric stone circle—or just relax at the acclaimed Park Hotel Kenmare • How’s your Irish accent? Our friend and local Kenmare guide gives pointers over a pint.

Accommodations

Nights 1-3

Park Hotel Kenmare
Kenmare​
Premiere Hotel

It’s just a short walk to the pubs and shops from this regal Victorian estate, nestled amid magnificent parkland on Kenmare Bay. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa) 

Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.
Evening Mainstreet Ireland

Days 4-6

Description

Gorgeous cycling routes wind through Moll’s Gap and wild Ballaghbeama • Breathtaking views of Killarney National Park and the iconic Gap of Dunloe await • Bike the well-worn lane over Ballaghbeama Pass • Ride around remote Glencar Valley and Caragh Lake • Legend comes to life during an evening with a well-known shanachie (Irish storyteller) • Country roads lead to dazzling spots along the Ring of Kerry • Take in the views from Dingle Bay during a ferry ride to Valentia Island • Extend your vacation in Munster’s historic Cork City, where grand avenues intersect centuries-old alleyways.

Accommodations

Nights 4-5

Ard na Sidhe Country House
Caragh Lake
Premiere Hotel

Built in 1913, this lakeside manor is beautifully set amid sprawling gardens on the world-renowned Ring of Kerry.

Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.

Want to learn more about this trip?

Request a Detailed Itinerary! Complete with descriptions of each day, tips on travel arrangements, regional highlights and more, it’s the perfect tool to help you choose. You can easily share it with friends too!

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What's Included

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Straight Talk

We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

From $5,499 /person

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Hotels

World-Class Hotels

Our hand-selected Premiere hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.

Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.

See itinerary withCasual Hotels

Nights 1-3

Park Hotel Kenmare
Kenmare​

Premiere Hotel

It’s just a short walk to the pubs and shops from this regal Victorian estate, nestled amid magnificent parkland on Kenmare Bay. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa) 

Nights 4-5

Ard na Sidhe Country House
Caragh Lake

Premiere Hotel

Built in 1913, this lakeside manor is beautifully set amid sprawling gardens on the world-renowned Ring of Kerry.

From $5,499 /person

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Bikes

Choose Your Perfect Bike

Our bikes are designed and built with specific cyclists and riding styles in mind, so we can always offer you a perfect ride. Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.

Bike with drop handlebars and a "New" label on the top left
Backroads Next Generation Performance Road Bike

Included in your trip price

  • Ideal for avid cyclists
  • Redesigned for 2024
  • Next gen titanium frame with carbon wheels
  • Responsive, efficient and comfortable
  • Drop handlebars only
Backroads Touring Bike
Backroads Touring Bike

Included in your trip price

  • Suited for a wide range of cyclists
  • Comfortable ergonomic seat
  • Long wheel base adds to the bike's control and stability
  • Upright handlebars only
Backroads Electric-Assist Bike
Backroads Electric-Assist Bike

Included in your trip price

  • One of the lightest e-bikes available
  • Provides plenty of power and more than enough battery
  • Lower top tubes for easier mounting and dismounting
  • Upright handlebars only
  • Limited availability on Unplugged Bike Tours;  learn more

Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+

Co-Motion Torpedo Tandem Bike
Tandem Bike
  • $400 rental fee
  • Hand-built frame features Co-Motion's custom-designed Cro-Moly steel tubeset, powerful Avid disc brakes, Shimano Ultegra drive train
  • Custom upgraded wheelset
  • Best for riders with some tandem experience.

From $5,499 /person

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Reviewed by 20 customers

Just Magical !

Submitted September 2024

By alicia

From Bainbridge Island Washington

To start with, we had the Dream Team of leaders.. Ciaran and Nat. They were an extraordinary team who quickly brought a group of strangers together to become friends and mates. Such a fun, exhilarating 6 days with gorgeous scenery, fabulous hotels and amazing food. Cannot wait for our next Backroads trip but wondering how it can possibly top this one.

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend to a friend

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Best way to see Ring of Kerry!

Submitted August 2024

By Dr. Kev

From Tahoe

Best trip with Backroads we've taken. Lovely countryside and wonderful hospitality in every way.

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Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend to a friend

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First Timer to Ireland & Backroads - Exceeding Expectations

Submitted September 2023

By Raoul

From Vienna, VA

We took this trip for our 30th anniversary. Ireland has been a bucket list item for my wife and I but we were quickly overwhelmed when trying to plan our own trip. Then some friends told us to use the Backroads "easy button" since they did an Ireland bike trip in 2021 telling us it was "to die for". Needless to say, our expectations were VERY high and Backroads did what rarely happens today - exceed already high expectations. I literally have NO criticisms of this trip. The Team Leaders were FANTASTIC - completely prepared so that everything went smoothly even when circumstance beyond their control caused some issues. The routes, hotels and towns selected reflect the knowledge Backroads has acquired after providing these types of trips to Ireland for 30+ years. You truly are in "safe" hands when you book with Backroads and we will definitely do so again. While this was our 1st backroads trip, there were people in our group for whom this trip was their 7th, 9th and 10th trip with Backroads! That is a testimonial that can't be matched!

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Ard Na Sidth Country House and Carragh Lake - perfect settings for 1st timer to Ireland and Backroads
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Just rewards after a lovely day cycling through County Kerry

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend to a friend

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Trip exceeded every expectation we had for this trip.

Submitted August 2023

By TERRI

From Princeton, NJ

Hotels, leaders, support staff, meals, entertainment, routes, bikes, hotels all EXCELLENT.

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend to a friend

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Best Backroads trip so far

Submitted July 2023

By Jill

From Richmond, VA

All around perfection, from our leaders (Ciaràn and Colm) to the challenging but rewarding rides, to the gorgeous scenery, to the food, culture, and hospitality.

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Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend to a friend

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Our trip exceeded expectations AGAIN!

Submitted August 2022

By cheryl

From Denver

Leaders were awesome. They worked hard to exceed our expectations...very organized. They were very knowledgeable, personable, fun loving and overall a pleasure to be with for our 6 days. Activities were fun, interesting and very appropriate for the area (i.e. Ireland).

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend to a friend

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Backroads continues to deliver an excellent experience!

Submitted July 2022

By Pam

From Bend OR

If you want to experience the culture, have the stress taken out ofplanning for a foreign country, and have the most compotent leaders who give you an outstanding experience, sign up for Backroads… you will not be disappointed!!

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend to a friend

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Ireland met and exceeded my expectations!

Submitted September 2021

By Izzy

From Chadds Ford, PA

Amazing scenery and wonderful guides! Valencia Island is a highlight ride and hidden gem - a great way to the end the trip.

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend to a friend

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An exceptional experience was had

Submitted September 2021

By Batman

From Gotham

My recent trip to Ireland was the first with a Backroads expedition. I have traveled extensively throughout the years and have visited many exotic locales. This trip was truly one of the finest experiences of my life. Our talented guides, Cairan, Tess and Martyn were absolutely delightful hosts as we cycled our way around Irelands countryside. Not for one minute did I feel that my needs were not met. All three guides worked in unison to keep the itinerary moving smoothly and on track from one destination to another. There was a lovely group of fellow travelers that ensured interesting dinner conversations that always seem to flow like the fine wines paired with outstanding cuisine. The Hotel accommodations were fit for royalty and absolutely magnificent destinations in their own right. All top drawer environments. Needless to say, I am already deciding on what trip to take next with Backroads and I haven't even unpacked from this one. From the bottom of my heart, a special thanks goes to Cairan, Martyn and Tess, and all those behind the scenes who made this trip a memorable experience.

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend to a friend

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Natural beauty, excellent hospitality, and a rich history

Submitted August 2019

By David

From San Francisco, CA

I've never seen such a combination of luxurious accommodations, expertly-planned and led rides, supportive and fun organizers, gorgeous landscapes, and genuinely warm locals. This trip was my first, and it certainly will not be my last! I recommend it to anyone who wants to relax and have fun while exploring one of the most beautiful places you'll ever see.

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Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend to a friend

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From $5,499 /person

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Dates & Prices

Please Select a Group Size

Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.

Want to learn more about this trip?

Request a Detailed Itinerary! Complete with descriptions of each day, tips on travel arrangements, regional highlights and more, it’s the perfect tool to help you choose. You can easily share it with friends too!

Download & Share

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Backroads provides flexible booking policies so that you can plan your vacation with complete peace of mind.

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From $5,499 /person

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