Discover the hidden treasures of the Beara Peninsula on this engaging cycling tour
If you’re searching for an Irish adventure away from the crowds, the Beara Way is the route for you. This eight-day self-guided cycling tour provides all the highlights of the Wild Atlantic Way without the tourists who flock to the Ring of Kerry. It’s the glorious Irish countryside at its best!
The route begins in Killarney, a major hub for the region with plenty of famous sights. Cut south to Kenmare, and then out along the northern flank of the Beara Peninsula, taking an inland detour to a gorgeous nature park and the captivating Uragh Stone Circle. Continue westward until you reach the very tip of the Beara Way, stopping in charming colourful seaside villages along the way. After a ride on Ireland’s only cable car to Dursey Island, work back eastward along Beara’s southern shores. You may never enjoy fresher seafood unless you catch it yourself! Finally cycle north back towards Kenmare, through idyllic rural scenes full of mountains, valleys, and rushing rivers to explore. The Beara Way is waiting for you!
Highlights of the Beara Way Cycling Tour
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Beara Way Cycling Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Tralee
Arrive in Tralee and begin your cycling journey southeast towards Killarney and Killarney National Park. Ride through scenic views of Carrauntoohill, taking quiet backroads to reach the village of Fossa. Continue along the Fossa Way through the National Park, where you can add a looped cycle to explore Muckross Abbey and Muckross House. End the day enjoying Killarney’s vibrant atmosphere.
Overnight Location: B&B in Tralee
Distance: 33-53km, 376m of ascent
Meals: None
Day 2 Tralee to Killarney
Begin the day on the Fossa Way, away from main roads, and cycle to the famous Gap of Dunloe, with stunning lake views. Descend into the peaceful Black Valley before continuing to the heritage town of Kenmare, known for its Georgian architecture and local food and music.
Overnight Location: B&B in Killarney
Distance: 46km, 590m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Killarney to Kenmare
Cross Ireland's first suspension bridge from Kenmare and cycle along the coast of Kenmare Bay. Ride through the scenic Gleninchaquinn Valley, with an optional visit to the ancient Uragh Stone Circle. Option to detour to Gleninchaquinn Nature Park for walks and waterfalls.
Overnight Location: B&B in Kenmare
Distance: 58km, 663m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Kenmare to Eyeries
Cycle west to Dursey Sound, with the option to visit Dursey Island by cable car (bikes remain on the mainland). Return to the mainland and cycle to Castletownbere, a fishing port with traditional pubs and fresh seafood.
Overnight Location: B&B in Eyeries
Distance: 49km, 786m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Eyeries to Castletownbere
Option to add 14 km by cycling to Bere Island (ferry ticket not included). Continue east through Adrigole along the coast to Glengarriff, where you can take a water taxi to Garnish Island for a scenic walk among beautiful gardens.
Overnight Location: B&B in Castletownbere
Distance: 36km, 496m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Castletownbere to Glengarriff
Cycle through the rugged countryside, including the historic Caha Pass, which was built in the 19th century. Option to visit Bonane Heritage Park before descending along a riverside route to Kenmare.
Overnight Location: B&B in Glengarriff
Distance: 33km, 487m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Return to Kenmare
This scenic inland route winds through the rugged countryside that defines this region, with striking mountains and valleys surrounding you at every turn. You’ll travel along peaceful country roads with a few challenging uphill sections, including the historic Caha Pass. Built in the 19th century as part of a famine relief project, the Caha Pass is a prominent feature of the Beara Peninsula. It provided vital work to local communities during hard times and remains a testament to their resilience.
As you ride through Bonane, consider stopping at the Bonane Heritage Park, where you can explore exhibits and artifacts that shed light on the area’s rich cultural history. Afterward, continue on a gentle descent along a riverside route, arriving in the charming town of Kenmare.
Overnight Location: BnB in Kenmare
Distance: 33km, 487m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Departure Day
Enjoy breakfast before a complimentary transfer back to Killarney or continue your travels from Kenmare.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Beara Way Cycling Tour Price and Dates
This self-guided cycling tour in Ireland is run as a custom tour for your group and the price per person is fixed.
Prices below are per person:
- Price per person sharing a double/twin room: $1,150 USD
Accommodation on Beara Way Cycling Tour
This tour is based in small B&Bs and/or guesthouses. Each property offers warm rooms with an ensuite washroom and daily hot Irish breakfast.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. If you can request a for single room with an extra charge.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel in Tralee
Welcome to County Kerry – enjoy the night in a hand-picked hotel room in a convenient location.
Guesthouse or B&B in Killarney
There’s plenty of quality accommodations in Killarney, and yours are no exception. Warm ensuite rooms and daily hot Irish breakfast help you make the most of your tour.
Guesthouse or B&B in Kenmare
Enjoy some of the finest food & drink in all County Kerry in your welcoming Kenmare accommodations.
Hotel in Eyeries
This tidy, colourful village is a lovely place to spend a night with Irish breakfast in the morning.
Hotel in Castletownbere
Your home in this historic fishing port provides daily hot Irish breakfast to complement the extraordinarily fresh seafood on offer.
Hotel in Glengarriff
Welcome to Glengarriff, where your ensuite accommodations provide the perfect starting point for your adventure along the Beara Way.
Guesthouse or B&B in Kenmare
Enjoy some of the finest food & drink in all County Kerry in your welcoming Kenmare accommodations.
What’s Included in the Beara Way Cycling Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Luggage transfers are included on a daily basis during the tour. Airport transfers are not included.
Also Included
- Detailed road book with full area maps
- GPS-enabled app for navigation & points of interest
- 24-hour emergency/information support
- Full pre-departure information to maximize your experience
- In-house Holiday Specialist to assist with any additional services
Not included
- Flights
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Transport into Killarney or out of Kenmare
- Ferry tickets
- Entrance fees to any sites or parks
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single room supplements
- Bike rental
Frequently Asked Questions about Beara Way Cycling Tour
Ireland Walk Hike Bike was set up with one purpose in mind – to show you the real Ireland that we know and love. Having watched many visitors “flash” through Ireland – founder Linda Woods decided back in 1994 to find a better way to see the country. “My aim was to slow people down, so they really get their feet into the soul of the country, meet the locals & discover what makes Ireland & the Irish tick………” and 25 years later – this is exactly what Ireland Walk Hike Bike is still doing today…
Whatever holiday you want – walk, hike, bike, more active than that or less active than that – we will be delighted to chat with you, help plan your holiday with you to ensure you have a really memorable trip to Ireland.
Learn MoreBeara Way Cycling Tour Route Map
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