Self-Guided Ring of Kerry Bike Tour

Arrive in Tralee and check into your hotel, taking some time to relax after your journey. If you have time, enjoy a gentle walk along the new Greenway route toward Fenit Harbour, a lovely coastal village with a scenic pier and sea views. Explore the harbour area before returning to Tralee for your overnight stay and a relaxed evening in town.

The journey from Tralee to Glenbeigh is a stunningly scenic ride that winds through the peaceful heart of County Kerry, showcasing its most beautiful landscapes while avoiding the busy Ring of Kerry road. Departing from Tralee, you’ll pedal south through Farmers Bridge and Firies, following quiet country roads surrounded by rolling green hills and open farmland. The route is gentle and enjoyable, with light traffic and steady gradients, as the graceful slopes of the Slieve Mish Mountains gradually give way to the dramatic peaks of the McGillycuddy’s Reeks.

From Firies, the path continues towards Beaufort, where the scenery opens up to reveal Kerry’s most breathtaking sights, including the Gap of Dunloe, Purple Mountain, and the sparkling waters of the Laune River. This stretch offers a perfect balance of rural calm and majestic mountain views, making it a delightful experience for nature lovers.

Beyond Beaufort, the road meanders towards Caragh Lake, a peaceful freshwater lake surrounded by wooded hills and glassy reflections. Skirting the northern shore, the route then leads to Glenbeigh, a charming seaside village at the gateway to the Iveragh Peninsula. Here, you can relax and enjoy the refreshing coastal air, perhaps ending the day with a hearty meal or a pint after your rewarding ride. Covering about 49 kilometers, the route takes around 4 to 5 hours at a comfortable touring pace, with gentle rolling hills and no major climbs. It is a perfect day’s journey for those seeking scenic beauty, quiet roads, and the true spirit of rural Kerry.

Elevation Gain: 530 m

The journey from Glenbeigh to Cahersiveen is a delightful ride through one of the most picturesque sections of the Ring of Kerry, where coastal beauty meets mountain grandeur. Leaving behind the seaside charm of Glenbeigh, you’ll follow quiet country lanes that gently rise through open landscapes, revealing splendid views over Dingle Bay and the faraway peaks of the Slieve Mish Mountains. The route feels calm and soothing, offering a true sense of connection with nature as you cycle through peaceful surroundings.

A short side trip takes you to Kells Bay, a sheltered coastal spot embraced by green hills and overlooking the Atlantic horizon. It is a wonderful place to pause, breathe in the sea air, or stroll through Kells Bay Gardens, known for their rare sub-tropical plant collection. Back on the main path, the road winds westward beneath the striking Coomacarrea Mountains, whose rugged slopes and deep valleys create an awe-inspiring backdrop.

Approaching Cahersiveen, the landscape turns gentler, guiding you through quiet farmland into this historic town set along the River Fertha. Take time to discover the ancient Cahergal and Leacanabuaile forts or visit the Old Barracks Heritage Centre to explore the region’s history. Spanning about 37 kilometers, this stage usually takes between two and a half to three and a half hours, with gentle climbs and plenty of scenic stops to enjoy along the way.

Elevation Gain: 454 m

Today can be enjoyed at your own rhythm in Cahersiveen, whether you wish to relax, wander through the town’s historic corners, or embark on an unforgettable cycling adventure. For those eager to stay active, the 60-kilometre loop around Valentia Island and the Kerry Cliffs promises a day filled with spectacular coastal views, fascinating landmarks, and a taste of local culture.

Leaving Cahersiveen behind, the route follows quiet lanes along the Skellig Ring, where sweeping views open up over Doulus Bay and the distant Skellig Islands. Before you reach Portmagee, stop at the impressive Kerry Cliffs, where dramatic cliffs drop steeply into the wild Atlantic, offering one of the most breathtaking sights in Ireland. Crossing over to Valentia Island, the trail winds through an area rich in both history and natural beauty. Take a moment to visit the Tetrapod Trackway, a rare prehistoric site that preserves footprints from creatures that first walked on land over 385 million years ago. Continue cycling through Chapeltown and the lively harbour village of Knightstown, where colourful houses, seaside cafés, and calm ocean views create the perfect place to pause and soak in the atmosphere. From here, you can either complete the full circuit by returning via the bridge at Portmagee or take the ferry from Knightstown to Reenard Point for a shorter and easier return to Cahersiveen.

Whether you prefer to rest, explore nearby attractions, or enjoy the scenic cycling route, this day allows you to experience the very best of Kerry’s wild landscapes, deep history, and warm coastal character.

Elevation Gain: 570m

Today offers two equally stunning routes, each revealing a different side of Kerry’s natural charm. Whether you are drawn to the wild coastlines or the quiet majesty of the mountains, this day promises remarkable views and a strong sense of discovery.

Option 1 – Coastal Route (around 50 km) This path follows the classic Ring of Kerry, tracing the southern coastline through Waterville and Caherdaniel. The journey unfolds along the edge of the Atlantic, where mountains rise steeply from the sea and every turn reveals a new panorama of Ballinskelligs Bay. In Caherdaniel, you can pause to explore Derrynane Beach and visit Derrynane House, once home to Daniel O’Connell, one of Ireland’s most celebrated historical figures. The route continues towards the ancient Staigue Fort, a beautifully preserved stone structure nestled high in the hills. With its lively seaside villages and cultural richness, this route is ideal for riders who enjoy vibrant surroundings, though it does encounter more traffic during the summer months.

Option 2 – Mountain Route (around 60 km) If you prefer quiet roads and dramatic scenery, the inland trail over Ballaghbeama Gap and Ballaghisheen Pass will take you deep into Kerry’s wild heart. The road meanders through remote valleys, surrounded by towering peaks, narrow glens, and rushing streams that echo through the hills. The climbs are long but steady, rewarding your effort with breathtaking views of the untouched mountain landscape. With very few vehicles and an atmosphere of complete solitude, this route is perfect for cyclists seeking peace, challenge, and the raw beauty of nature.

Both routes meet near Sneem, a charming village known for its colourful houses and friendly spirit. After a fulfilling day of cycling, you can relax and enjoy the evening, reflecting on whether you chose the coastal splendour or the mountain wilderness: both capturing the unforgettable essence of the Ring of Kerry.

Elevation Gain: Option 1 - 547m or Option 2 - 865 m

The route from Sneem to Kenmare offers a truly captivating cycling experience, blending serene countryside, peaceful woodlands, and spectacular coastal panoramas on this second-to-last stage of the Ring of Kerry. Departing from the cheerful village of Sneem, you’ll follow quiet rural lanes winding through green meadows and along the tranquil shores of Kenmare Bay, framed by the distant peaks of the Beara Peninsula shimmering across the water.

A gentle ascent leads you toward Glencar, where the scenery opens up dramatically into wild, unspoiled landscapes. Rolling hills blanketed with purple heather reveal occasional flashes of blue water below, while the fresh mountain breeze carries the scent of the sea. The trail continues through calm farmlands and shaded stretches of forest, where the aroma of pine and blooming wildflowers creates an atmosphere of pure tranquility.

Approaching Kenmare, the path slopes down toward Dromquinna, unveiling some of the most stunning views of the day like secluded coves, tree-covered cliffs, and silver-tinted tidal waters that shimmer under changing light. The final ride into Kenmare is smooth and delightful, guiding you straight into the town’s charming center, filled with vibrant shops, cozy cafés, and a warm, welcoming vibe.

Covering nearly 33 km (about 20 miles), the ride usually takes 2.5 to 3 hours at a leisurely pace. With soft, undulating hills rather than sharp climbs, this stage makes for a relaxed and memorable finale through one of Kerry’s most enchanting landscapes.

Elevation Gain: 444m

The final leg from Kenmare to Killarney is a truly unforgettable conclusion to your Kerry cycling adventure, blending majestic mountains, quiet valleys, and some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in Ireland. Spanning around 47 kilometers, the route leads you along peaceful backroads through the Black Valley and the famous Gap of Dunloe, offering both a challenge and immense natural beauty.

As you leave Kenmare, the road ascends gradually through forests and open moorland toward the well-known Moll’s Gap. A brief stop here rewards you with sweeping views over the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, Ireland’s highest mountain range. From this point, the route descends in a thrilling series of bends into the secluded Black Valley, once one of Ireland’s most isolated regions. Enclosed by towering peaks and crossed by sparkling streams, this hidden valley reflects the untouched and tranquil side of Kerry.

The ride continues into the dramatic Gap of Dunloe, a narrow glacial pass surrounded by steep cliffs, calm lakes, and ancient stone bridges. The scenery here feels timeless, as if lifted from a painting. Emerging from the Gap, the terrain softens, and soon you will reach Kate Kearney’s Cottage, an ideal place to rest before making your way to Killarney.

The final section follows the scenic Fossa Way, a gentle path guiding you toward Killarney town. Here, your journey concludes amidst lively streets, warm hospitality, and the vibrant music for which the town is famous. This 47 kilometer stage usually takes about 4 to 5 hours, allowing time for breaks and photos. It serves as a perfect finale, a day that captures the very spirit of Kerry, from its soaring mountains to its peaceful valleys and unforgettable vistas.

Elevation Gain: 627m

Begin your morning with a hearty Irish breakfast, taking a moment to reflect on the unforgettable memories and landscapes you’ve experienced throughout your Kerry journey. As you prepare to leave, enjoy a relaxed start to the day before setting off for your onward travel or next adventure.

If you are heading to Dublin, convenient transport options are available from Killarney’s train and bus stations. The train journey to Dublin takes approximately 3.5 hours, while the bus journey is about 4.5 hours, both offering comfortable and scenic routes across Ireland’s beautiful countryside.