Bike and Hike Ireland

Itinerary

Days 1-3 Dingle

Explore charming Dingle and the rich Celtic history of County Kerry. Take a bike ride along the coast for magnificent views across the Blasket Sound. There are many stops along the way - to see the clear waters of Ventry Beach, learn about the living conditions of peasants at Famine Cottage, to wander among millions of years of living history at the Celtic and Prehistoric Museum, and to marvel at the ancient clochains (beehive huts) that litter the hills. At the end of the day, indulging in Irish stew and a Guinness is a great reward.

Days 4-5 Cloghane

Follow Dingle Way out of town and hike quiet country roads and over Slive Mish Mountains to Cloghane, a tiny hamlet on the edge of the Owenmore Estuary. The area boasts the longest beach in Ireland, and there is also Ballyquin beach with its distinctive red sand - both are a walk or cycle away. For keen hikers, it is possible to make the spectacular climb to the summit of Mt Brandon for magnificent views of the Maharees Coast.

Days 6-8 Killarney

Cycle alongside Killarney National Park, heading for the Gap of Dunloe. Later, it's uphill with plenty of photography stops in this dramatic gorge with overhead cliffs, mountain streams and every shade of green as the tiny laneway twists and turns to the top. Enjoy a boat trip through Killarney Lakes to Ross Castle, a typical example of a stronghold of an Irish Chieftain. With is epic mountains, sparkling lakes and ancient forests, Killarney is host to a natural wonderland and a rare diversity of flora and fauna.