
Ireland’s County Cork & Kerry Bike Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
Ireland’s County Cork & Kerry Bike Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 2-4
Premiere Hotels
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.
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

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

Days 1-3
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.





Nights 1-3
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)

Days 4-6
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.





Nights 4-5
Built in 1913, this lakeside manor is beautifully set amid sprawling gardens on the world-renowned Ring of Kerry.
What's Included
See moreStraight 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.
Park Hotel Kenmare and Ard na Sidhe Country House are Premiere Hotels. While they offer outstanding service and amenities, please note that they are not equipped with air-conditioning. Despite the region’s generally temperate climate and cool nights, guestrooms can occasionally become warm during peak temperatures.
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.
Nights 1-3
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
Premiere Hotel
Built in 1913, this lakeside manor is beautifully set amid sprawling gardens on the world-renowned Ring of Kerry.
Gallery












#MyBackroadsTrip
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.

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

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

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+

- $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.
Review Snapshot
by PowerReviews
Reviewed by 20 customers
Just Magical !
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.
Best way to see Ring of Kerry!
Best trip with Backroads we've taken. Lovely countryside and wonderful hospitality in every way.

First Timer to Ireland & Backroads - Exceeding Expectations
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!


Trip exceeded every expectation we had for this trip.
Hotels, leaders, support staff, meals, entertainment, routes, bikes, hotels all EXCELLENT.
Best Backroads trip so far
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.

Our trip exceeded expectations AGAIN!
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).
Backroads continues to deliver an excellent experience!
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!!
Ireland met and exceeded my expectations!
Amazing scenery and wonderful guides! Valencia Island is a highlight ride and hidden gem - a great way to the end the trip.
An exceptional experience was had
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.
Natural beauty, excellent hospitality, and a rich history
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.

Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
Please Select a Group Size
Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.