Ireland Bicycle Tour – The Ring of Kerry
Irish American’s have a lot of distorted notions about Ireland. We basically have invented every one of them ourselves. A bicycle tour of Ireland can help to put those notions in perspective with the real places that are behind the modern myths.
Cycling in Ireland is like smooth sailing, flat road, no crowds and it’s usually only about 10 miles (16 km) from one town to the next. It’s also possible to rent bikes for a small daily fee and drop them off in another town.
The language issue in Ireland has some people confused. Though only about 5% of the residents of Ireland speak Irish or Gaelic as it is otherwise known, laws were passed in 2005 aimed at preserving it. As a result English has been outlawed in use on road signs and maps, so brush up on your Irish before heading out on your own.
The Ring of Kerry
If you’re looking for a tour that will take you back to where you started from this is the one for you. It’s also Ireland’s most popular tourist route, filled with majestic mountain and seaside views on every turn. You can take the route clockwise or counterclockwise, most tourist companies recommend going counterclockwise.
The trip in total is about 110 miles (176 km) and is narrow and winding so go slowly or you may run over a napping sheep.
It takes at least two days to give the ring a proper look on bike maybe more if you want to really sightsee. There are a couple variations on the ring. This route will follow the towns of;
- Killarney
- Kenmare
- Sneem
- Waterville
- Cahirciveen
- Glenbeigh
- Killorglin
Starting in Killarney head south on N71 until you reach Kenmore. Along the way you’ll pass the Muckcross House which houses the Kerry Folklife Center and the Torc Waterfall, well worth a quick stop.
About halfway between Killarney and Kenmare you’ll pass through the small village of Galways Bridge. Kenmare is a charming little town with hotels, youth hostels, campgrounds and self catering cottages for those who wish to spend the night here.
To leave Kenmare get on N70 and head southwest. In about 17 miles (27 km) you’ll hit Sneem, which means ‘knot’ in Irish. You can explore the 2,500 year old stone Staige Fort about 2 miles (4 km) inland while here and stay in one of a number of hotels, campgrounds or even the Harbour View Hostel.
Continue on N70 for 22 miles (35 km) and you’ll come to Waterville. Waterville is famous for its golf courses and game fishing. Eat at the Inny Tavern and enjoy some live Irish music. There are also plenty of accommodations here.
From Waterville head Northwest on N70 for about 13 miles (21 km) and you’ll find the Skelligs. They are islands visible from the coast that give an awe inspiring sight and make a great place to stop for a break. Get the rest of the way to Cahirciveen by heading north on N70 for about 11 miles (18 km). This small town rests at the foot of the Bentee Mountain. A great place to visit here is the Cahirciveen Heritage Centre. Mannix Point Camping and Caravan Park is an interesting camping park to visit with a view of the wide flatlands.
Arrive in Glenbeigh from Waterville by heading 17 miles (27 km) north on N70. This section of the road is the highlight of the Ring of Kerry. To the North you’ll see Dingle Bay with the jagged peaks of the peninsula shrouded in mists. You can stay in the local hotels or at the Hillcrest House Youth Hostel, while here.
From Glenbeigh head to Killorglin continue on N70 for 9 miles (14 km) take a short lunch break and enjoy the Puck Fair if you happen to be there during the second weekend of August. To continue on to Killarney and complete your journey head 14 miles (22 km) east.
- Traveler’s enjoying the Ring of Kerry can get lost because the road signs are in Irish, however most of the trip is on N70 going either direction. Just find your way back to N70 and you should eventually make it back to your base of operations.
- You may not need to make reservations ahead of time as this is a popular tourist area and there is an almost endless supply of accommodations.
- Take a camera and snap lots of photos of those Ocean views.
