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 Killarney
Arrive in the town of Killarney, one of Ireland’s most popular destinations for travellers across the globe. This is an excellent hub in which to arrive and get a taste of the week ahead.
Check into your accommodations, then collect your bikes (if renting) along with your information pack. The day is yours to settle in and explore Killarney. If you’re keen to start cycling, head down to the historic Muckross House mansion on the edge of Killarney National Park before looping back into town.
Overnight Location: B&B in Killarney
Distance: 21km
Meals: None
Day 2 Cycle the Gap of Dunloe
Time to set out on the Beara Way! To get there, begin by cycling around the north shore of Lough Leane, Killarney’s largest lake. Ascend through the striking Gap of Dunloe, a glacial pass with tremendous views of lakes and mountains in all directions.
Turn south and cycle through the Black Valley, past acres of farmland with plenty of sheep to watch you pass. Your ride ends in the lovely town of Kenmare, renowned for its food and pubs. Enjoy a delicious meal to celebrate the first day!
Overnight Location: B&B in Kenmare
Distance: 42km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Riding the Beara
The day starts with a ride across Ireland’s first suspension bridge (since upgraded) onto the Beara Peninsula. Head west along the coast of Kenmare Bay, with serene views across the water. Then turn inland along a country lane, stopping at the Uragh Stone Circle. A five-stone circle with a massive 3-meter outlier monolith, it’s simple and majestic all at once.
Continue to Gleninchaquin Park, a gorgeous area full of hills and waterfalls to explore. Set aside your bikes and stroll along one of six walking trails, or find a spot for a picnic lunch.
Head out the same way you came in and finish your day in the tiny village of Lauragh.
Overnight Location: B&B in Lauragh
Distance: 42km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 The Colours of History
Continue your westward journey along Beara’s northern shores. Pass through the village of Eyeries, one of Ireland’s most colourful with its brightly painted houses and shops. Perched on a bluff overlooking the bay, it’s well worth a stop for the views alone.
Your day wraps up in the village of Allihies, the westernmost overnight location on this route. In the 19th century, this was a copper hotspot, with thousands working the mines. Today, the wild coastal scenery delights locals and visitors alike.
Overnight Location: B&B in Allihies
Distance: 44km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 End of the Road
Today’s route takes you as far west as you can possibly go. Cycle south then out along the tip of the Beara Peninsula until you reach the ocean. But there’s more to explore – Dursey Island lies across the water, and Ireland’s only cable car will take you there!
Dursey Island is about as natural as it gets. There are a handful of permanent residents, but no shops or restaurants, so make sure to bring your own supplies. Birdwatchers will delight in the wildlife, and the rest of us will make do with endless vistas of the North Atlantic Ocean.
Return to the mainland and cycle east to the port of Castletownbere, your home for the evening. It’s the largest town on the peninsula, and you won’t find much fresher seafood anywhere else
Overnight Location: B&B in Castletownbere
Distance: 38km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 East through Bere Island
Continue east along the southern flank of the Beara Peninsula. You have the option right away to explore Bere Island, a mere 10-minute ferry from Castletownbere. The island is home to a plethora of outstanding archaeological sites, and chock-full of history from the Bronze Age on down.
Back on the mainland, cruise along the coast until you reach the seaside village of Glengarriff. The nearby Glengarriff Forest is home to one of the greatest oak groves in all of Ireland.
Overnight Location: B&B in Glengarriff
Distance: 38km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Return to Kenmare
Your final day on the Beara Way takes you back north to Kenmare. All the best features of this inland region are on display, from towering mountains to broad valleys and stunning views around every corner. Conquer a few solid uphill sections as you cross from County Cork to County Kerry, and descend along the river back to Kenmare.
The final night is yours to enjoy the town and toast a successful adventure along the Beara Way!
Overnight Location: B&B in Kenmare
Distance: 48km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Departure Day
Time to depart from your coastal home. Check out of your accommodations, leave your bicycles behind (if renting), and embark on your own arrangements.
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. Note that there are some upgrade options to add more support to your tour (including regular phone check-ins and a welcome briefing). Please contact us if you are interested in these.
Prices below are per person:
- Price per person sharing a double/twin room: $925 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. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. The required supplement for solo travellers is included in the listed price.
Hotels on Standard Tour
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 near Lauragh
Clean and comfortable ensuite rooms are a welcome rest after a day of exploring Ireland’s history.
Hotel in Allihies
Relax from your westward adventures in tidy ensuite accommodations here on the Atlantic shores.
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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