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Leaving Cork City behind, this holiday explores the
picturesque scenery of West Cork and Kerry. The first
stop is Kinsale, a fishing town with a magnificent
marina and back streets. This holiday is a delight,
passing through fishing villages famous for their
restaurants, brightly coloured main streets and Irish
music. The cycling passes along coastal and inland
roads, passing by sleepy villages and houses, which
dot the hills before heading to Bantry. Bantry is
situated beneath the sheltering hills at the head
of famous Bantry Bay, one of the most beautiful bays
along the Irish coasts. The route then heads inland
to Killarney. A train transfer is provided back to
Cork Train Station. |
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Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday |
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Suggested Routing
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Please
be advised that one of the benefits of this independent
cycling tour is that you are able to modify the routes
to fit your cycling skill level and adjust distances
at your discretion. Due to the flexible nature of
this tour it is important that you have the contact
numbers with you at all times in the event a situation
arises where you need assistance. An international
cell phone is highly recommended. |
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Tour Details
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8
days (Saturday - Saturday)
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Cost
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May,
June & September: €470
July & August: €525
Single Supplement:
7 Days: €110
14 Days: €220
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Included
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Cross
Country Bicycle
Pannier Bag, Handlebar Bag
O/S Map 1:250,000 scale
Route information
Daily luggage transfer
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Accommodations
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Carefully
selected B&B's, guesthouses and small family run
hotels
Twin rooms with bathroom ensuite
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Meals Included
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Irish
Breakfast daily
Packed lunches available (supplement of 5 euro per
day)
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Route Information
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This
is a challenging route with some easier options available
on some days
Average 35-40 km per day
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FOR
YOUR INFORMATION
Cork - Corcaigh (marsh) population 123,062
PLACES
TO VISIT
Blarney Castle Estate
The famous Blarney Stone is kissed by many
visitors each year, and tradition says that those
who kiss the stone will receive the gift eloquence.
Millstreet Country Park
Over 500 acres of lakes, waterfalls, streams,
wetlands, walks, picnic areas, moorlands, arboretum,
herb rich meadows, ornamental gardens, archaeological
sites, native deer, birds and wildlife. Treat yourself
to a visit, you will find yourself coming back again
and again.
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PLACES
TO VISIT
Charles Fort Kinsale
Charles Fort is a classic example of a star-shaped
fort and has five bastions, constructed in the late
17th century on the site of an earlier coastal fortification.
Desmond Castle
Desmond Castle, (French Prison) Cork Street,
Kinsale, built as a custom house by the Earl of Desmond
c. AD 1500. Desmond
Castle has had a colourful history, ranging from Spanish
occupation in 1601 to use as a prison for captured
American sailors during the American War of Independence.
Known locally as 'The French Prison' after a tragic
fire in which 54 prisoners, mainly French seamen,
died in 1747. The castle was also used as a borough
jail from 1791 to the onset of the Great Famine when
it was used as an auxiliary workhouse tending to the
starving populace.
ROUTE
In Brief
Sections of todays route are relatively busy
roads and you will want to exercise caution riding
these segments. You will encounter some nice climbs
and less road traffic once you approach and pass the
Cork Airport. There will be plenty of shops and pubs
along the way to stop for refreshments.
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PLACES
TO VISIT
Clonakilty Model Village
Enjoy a visit to the West Cork Model Railway
Village - the first of its kind in Ireland. Experience
the sights and sounds of life in West Cork during
the 1940's.Easy to find. Situated beside picturesque
Clonakility Bay. The Model Village depicts in miniature,
life and industry in West Cork as they were 50 years
ago. The theme is enhanced by the miniature working
railway which depicts the long closed West Cork Railway.
West Cork Museum
The small West Cork Museum in Clonakility
has many mementos of Michael Collins, one of the great
heroes of the 1916-1922 period, born at Woodfield,
near here. He was General of the Free State Army,
and his dynamic and powerful personality made him
a legend in his own lifetime.. The memorial to him
at Sam's Cross was unveiled by General Tom Barry,
himself a prominent figure in the Republican Movement.
ROUTE
In Brief
The first half of the cycle is along the coastal
route out to the Olde Head of Kinsale. You then cycle
through forest and countryside. Buy drinks before
you leave Kinsale. There are several shops along the
route but their opening hours are a little unpredictable.
There is some gentle uphill cycling on this route.
The cycling is well paced. Approximately 38 - 40 km
ride today. |
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PLACES
TO VISIT
Union Hall
Nearly hidden in its own harbour, this small
port of Union Hall has always had a strong seafaring
tradition and now provides a safe shelter for its
own active fishing fleet as well as anchorage to pleasure
boats, and calm water for skiing, diving and canoeing.
Skibereen Heritage Centre
The Heritage Centre is located in the award
winning, beautifully restored Old Gasworks Building,
in Skibbereen, one of West Cork’s most picturesque
towns. The Centre consists of two themes. The Great
Famine Commemoration Exhibition commemorates the tragic
period in the 1840s that is known in Irish History
as the Great Hunger. Skibbereen was one of the worst
affected areas, and the events of the era are depicted
using local characters and events.
ROUTE
In Brief
The following directions to Skibbereen from Clonakilty
are excellent. There is a main direct route but we
would strongly recommend that you follow our suggestion.
The route passes by coast, forest and inland scenery.
A perfect combination for a days cycling. There are
some steep climbs but they are achievable if you take
today's route at a relaxed pace. You also visit the
beautiful villages of Glandore and Unionhall which
are typical west Cork villages. Remember to buy film
for your camera before you leave. There are pubs and
shops in the main villages but very few along the
road so buy your drinks before you leave Clonakilty.
Approximately 40km ride today.
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PLACES
TO VISIT
Bantry House & Gardens
Immerse yourself in the epic adventure of 1796 which
includes an individual sound tour, complete with accompanying
music and sound effects available in a choice of different
languages.
ROUTE
In Brief
Today you have two choices. Take the ferry or
stay on the roads. We recommend the route via the
ferry for a change in scenery. The ferry cost is not
included and is payable directly to the ferry company.
A brochure will be included with your cycling documents.
The distance cycling is nearly the same on both routes
but please allow 4 hours if you take the ferry (allowing
for the ferry crossing and visiting Baltimore and
Schull). The direct route from Skibberen -Bantry has
more traffic. |
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ROUTE
In Brief
A long cycle for you today (ranging from 44km
- 72+km depending on the route you select). The longer
route provides amazing cycling through some of the
most breath-taking scenery in Ireland. The cycling
is difficult so please only take this route if you
are a fit, competent cyclist. There is a very steep
climb up the Healy Pass so you may need to walk your
bicycle on this part of the route. There is a shop
which sells ice cream and drinks and the very top.
We recommend that you take a picnic with plenty of
drinks. The guide will be able to suggest an alternate
route which would not be as challenging.
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FOR
YOUR INFORMATION
Killarney - Cillairne (church of sloe) population
7,253
PLACES TO VISIT
Ross Castle
The Castle was built in the 14th Century by the O'Donoghue
chieftains, it was the last castle in Muster (the
province) to hold out against Cromwells army. General
Ludlow captured it in 1652 to 1815 it was used as
a military post. In the last two decades the castle
has been completely renovated. From the castle there
are some great views of the lakes. Waterboats are
available for trips out to the lakes from behind Ross
Castle. A 30 minute trip should cost around £5 per
head. You can also hire your own rowing boats from
here.
Muckross House
Muckross House is one of the most beautifully situated
stately homes in Ireland. It was built in 1843 and
is a magnificent Victorian mansion and of Irelands
stately homes. It is set amidst the spectacular scenery
of Killarney National Park. The fine, elegantly furnished
rooms portray the lifestyles of the landed gentry,
while below the stairs reveal the working conditions
of the servants. In 1910 William Bourn a wealthy Californian
mine owner bought the houses and gardens for his daughter
as a wedding present. Maud Vincent died in 1929 and
her husband Arthur Vincent gave the house and surrounding
11,000 acres to the Irish nation as its first National
Park.
Muckross Traditional Farms
In the grounds of Muckross is an exiting outdoor representation
of the lifestyle and farming conditions of a rural
community of the 1930's.Three separate working farms,
complete with animals, poultry and traditional farm
machinery vividly recreate the past. Muckross Traditional
Farms take the visitor down memory lane to a time
before electricity. This is not a museum but a real
life community of artisans carrying out their daily
tasks all year round.
Killarney National Park
This 10,00 hectare park of mountains and woodlands
surrounds the famous Lakes of Killarney.the main attraction
is Muckross House but there are many other things
to do and see. There is Muckross Abbey, Torc Waterfall,
the only native herd of deer in Ireland, nature trails,
walking routes,craft workshops and an audio visual
show.
Kate Kearneys Cottage
Before the great famine, Kate Kearney was rewound
throughout the land for her great beauty.Being popular,
she made and sold Poitin, for which she became famous.
The cottage is picturesquely situated at the entrance
to the most beautiful glacier valley in Western Europe.
Nowadays, Kate Kearneys cottage is now a bar and restaurant.
ROUTE
In Brief
Todays ride is approximately 45 km. This cycle
is one of the easiest cycles on the trip with wonderful
views of the Lakes of Killarney and plenty of downhill
time. |
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Morning rail transfer to Cork |
