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.
Tips:
-
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.
