Southwest of Ireland - The Kingdom of Kerry

This eight-day guided tour explores Ireland's southwest, combining the Ring of Kerry on the Iveragh Peninsula with the Dingle Peninsula. A local guide accompanies the group with a support vehicle that handles luggage and logistics, so riders can set their own pace, with shorter and longer options available.

The tour starts in Killarney, famous for its lakes and the McGillycuddy Reeks, then crosses the Gap of Dunloe and the Black Valley to Sneem. Mountain passes and lakes lead on to Glenbeigh and Rossbeigh Beach, before a ride past the Kerry Bog Village returns to Killarney.

A transfer to Inch Beach starts the Dingle leg, with three nights in Dingle. Highlights include the Slea Head loop, with its beehive huts, promontory fort and Gallarus Oratory, and the climb over the Conor Pass, Ireland's highest mountain pass. Private groups can request a customised itinerary.

Highlights:

• Gap of Dunloe and the Black Valley
• Killarney National Park and Muckross House
• Ballaghbeama Gap, Carragh Lake and Rossbeigh Beach
• Slea Head loop, Dunbeg Fort, the Fahan beehive huts and Gallarus Oratory
• Conor Pass, Ireland's highest mountain pass
• Inch Beach and the Maharees

Surface and terrain:
Quiet sealed backroads, mountain passes and coastal roads, with significant climbing. Daily ascent is 470 - 900 m, peaking on the Conor Pass loop. The gravel bike option suits occasional gravel paths.

Likely weather:
Mild, changeable Atlantic conditions, typically 10 - 19°C from April to October, warmest July and August. Rain is common, mountain passes can be cooler and misty, and coastal winds can be strong.

Suitable for:
Fit, confident riders comfortable with consecutive days of 45 - 65 km and long climbs on mountain passes. Rated Challenging by the operator; the support vehicle and e-bike option help on the hardest days.