From here, the route travels west toward the village of Glenbeigh. This village comes to life in the summer as it has been luring visitors since the 1850’s. Take time to travel a very short distance off the route to visit the 8km long Rossbeigh beach, stretching out into Dingle Bay.

Please note: We have a 3-day minimum bike rental period for the Ring of Kerry. We do not rent bikes for one day cycling events.

Just outside of Cahersiveen is the Renard-Valentia Island ferry, a great time saver to get onto the beautiful island, and directly to the village of Knightstown. This off-shoot of the ring of Kerry is well worth the visit, and you won’t be disappointed! If you prefer the longer route, cycling further along the main Ring of Kerry from Cahersiveen, a right turn will take to in the direction of Portmagee village, from where a bridge will take you across to Valentia Island.

Portmagee is a charming little fishing village and departure point for many boat trips to the Skellig Islands. Hardly in need of an introduction, Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage site has early Chrstian monastic ruins dating back to 600AD. 670 steps take you to the top of the island, and an experience you’ll never forget. The Great Skellig is also home to a wealth of birdlfe, most noteworthy being the puffin. The neighbouring Little Skellig is home to the second largest gannet colony in the world with 26,000 pairs.

If time is on your side, continue along the Skellig Ring route, through Ballinskelligs and back onto the Ring of Kerry, before reaching the town of Waterville. Famously visited by Charlie Chaplin, Waterville looks out onto Ballinskelligs Bay and is backed by the beautiful Lough Currane. A haven for anglers, the fishing season opens on January 17th and closes on September 30th. Pleases of interest are Church Island on Lough Currane, Loher fort, dating back to the 9th Century, and of course, Waterville famous links Golf Course.

Leaving Waterville, cycle up and over Coomakista Pass, another stop along with way with stunning coastal views. Next, its downhill to the little village of Caherdaniel, close to the former residence of the ‘Liberator’, Daniel O’Connell. Derrynane House is situated on the shores of Derrynane Bay and is well worth a visit. Derrynane Beach, a short stroll from Derrynane House is a spectacular little beach, located alongside Abbey Island, home to 6th century ruins and accessible on foot from the beach.

From here its onto Sneem, a picturesque little village which won Ireland’s National Tidy Towns Award in 1987 and the National Landscape Award in 1997. Sneem is home to a sculpture park featuring works by a variety of artists.

Continuing from Sneem, pass by Parknasilla, over Blackwater Bridge, through Templenoe and into the heritage town of Kenmare. Located at the head of Kenmare Bay the town dates back to 1678 and is known for its gourmet food and cosy bars. Twice winner of the National Tidy Towns Award in 2000 and 2008, the town’s original Irish name was ‘Neidín’ meaning ‘little nest’, due to its location nestled among the surrounding mountains and Kenmare Bay.

10km outside of Kenmare, ascend to Molls Gap with its view down into the Black Valley and the 25,000 acre Killarney National Park. Next comes a stunning downhill route passing the famous viewing point ‘Ladies View’, Derrycunnihy Church and past Killarney’s Upper and Middle Lakes before coming to Muckross, home of the famous Muckross House, Gardens and Traditional Farms. Only a short spin from here, pass Killarney Bike Rental and into Killarney town.

Handy distance table