Embark on a true Irish cycling adventure on the Dingle Peninsula
For an authentic Irish exploration, there’s no better choice than the Dingle Peninsula! This eight-day self-guided cycling tour takes you through a region defined by its unforgettable scenery. For those with a taste for the old Gaelic ways, this is the route for you.
Your tour begins and ends in the town of Tralee at the base of the peninsula. Cycling out westward along its northern coast, you’ll eventually climb the famous Conor Pass (among the highest in Ireland) before a descent into the seaside town of Dingle. Work back inland along the peninsula’s southern shore, stopping in Inch at one of the nation’s most glorious beaches. The loop closes back in Tralee after a final day of historic sightseeing.
At every turn, you’ll feel the influence of the mighty sea. Wildlife, cuisine, and the people themselves are all tied to the ocean on the Dingle Peninsula. The Gaelic culture is strong here, and the pages of history are waiting to be read. This is the real Irish wilderness to discover!
Highlights of the Dingle Peninsula Cycling Tour
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Dingle Peninsula Cycling Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Tralee
Arrive in Tralee, the largest town in County Kerry. Located at the base of the Dingle Peninsula, this is the perfect place to begin your adventure!
Check into your accommodations, and if you’re renting bikes, they’ll be waiting there for your arrival. Enjoy an evening in Tralee. If you’re keen to get cycling, take a short loop out to the charming port of Fenit and back via the village of Ardfert. Don’t miss the latter’s newly restored cathedral, dedicated to Saint Brendan the Navigator, who was born nearby.
Overnight Location: B&B in Tralee
Distance: 2 hours, 32.2km, 255m of ascent, 255m of descent
Meals: None
Day 2 Cycle to Cloghane
It’s time to set out on the Dingle Peninsula! Embark westward along the north coast, aiming for the village of Cloghane. Stunning views flank your route, with the Slieve Mish mountains to your left and sparkling Tralee Bay on your right.
On your way, you’ll pass through the village of Castlegregory, once described by none other than National Geographic as “the most beautiful place on Earth.” Not a bad place for a stop! Its broad sandy beaches are the perfect place to take in the crisp sea breeze.
Overnight Location: B&B in Cloghane
Distance: 3 hours, 50.4km, 249m of ascent, 245m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Conquering Conor’s Pass
Today is a fantastic journey across the peninsula, heading for the town that gives the region its name. The highlight of your ride is Conor’s Pass. This is one of Ireland’s highest paved mountain passes, with views that seem to stretch on forever. Many consider it among Ireland’s greatest drives.
The ascent is not long in distance, but with a steep gradient, this will likely be your most demanding section of the tour. The vistas are more than worth it! Your cruise down to Dingle is a triumphant ending to the day’s adventure. You’ll spend the next three nights in this picturesque town, a perfect hub for exploring the rest of the peninsula.
Overnight Location: B&B in Dingle
Distance: 2-3 hours, 29km, 658m of ascent, 656m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Cycle the Ends of the Earth
Time to go as far west as you possibly can! Ride to Slea Head, a point on the peninsula’s fringe with jaw-dropping views in all directions. On a clear day, you’ll spot the nearby Great Blasket Island, one of the area’s most famous attractions.
Continue from here to the harbour town of Dunquin. If you’d like, hop on a ferry here to Blasket Island (running April to September). This is a truly wild and special place. While now uninhabited, it birthed three of Ireland’s most notable authors.
If the islands aren’t for you, continue through Dunquin to Ballyferriter and finally back to Dingle for the evening.
Overnight Location: B&B in Dingle
Distance: 2-3 hours, 42.4km, 483m of ascent, 484m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Leisure Day in Dingle
Today is a free day to enjoy Dingle and its surroundings any way you please! If you didn’t have a chance to visit the Blasket Islands yesterday, this is the perfect opportunity to make your visit. Or you can spend the day in town, checking out the shops, art galleries, restaurants, and pubs. Fresh seafood and live music are always around the corner. Kayaking along the coast is also a fantastic option.
If you do wish to fit in a cycle, head on a loop to the north coast of the peninsula, passing through the villages of Brandon Creek and Ballydavid before returning to Dingle.
Overnight Location: B&B in Dingle
Distance: 2 hours, 32km, 327m of ascent, 325m of descent (if taking the loop)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 A Day at the Beach
It’s time to head back inland as you set out for the village of Inch and its sublime beach, one of the best in all of Ireland. The glittering Dingle Bay is always on your right, a constant view to enjoy. You have the option for a slight detour to Annascaul, home of the legendary explorer Tom Crean, who played a prominent role in humanity’s initial expeditions to the South Pole.
Inch Beach is no less than 5km long, something you might not expect in Ireland! Perfect for a stroll, this is a lovely spot to wrap up your day.
Overnight Location: B&B in Inch
Distance: 2-3 hours, 34.3km, 702m of ascent, 701m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 North to Tralee
It’s your final day on the road! Continue along the shoreline to the historical village of Castlemaine, with a harbour designated as a conservation area for water birds. Then turn northward, riding the “short mountain route” back into Tralee.
This final section of the route is full of historical tidbits – none more mythical than the alleged grave of Queen Scotia. Legend tells she was the daughter of an Egyptian pharaoh who travelled to Ireland nearly four thousand years ago to avenge her husband’s death. Quite a journey!
Overnight Location: B&B in Tralee
Distance: 2-3 hours, 30.6km, 440m of ascent, 454m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Departure Day
Time to depart County Kerry. Check out of your accommodations, leave your bicycles behind (if renting), and head out to wherever’s next.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Dingle Peninsula Cycling Tour Price and Dates
This self-guided cycling tour of the Dingle Peninsula is run as a custom tour for your group and the price per person is fixed.
Prices below are per person:
- Self-guided groups of 2+: $1,175 USD per person
Accommodation on Dingle Peninsula 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 single room for 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.
Hotel in Cloghane
Rest from your first day on the road in your cozy room with an Irish breakfast in the morning.
Hotel in Dingle
This charming coastal village provides incredible seafood along with welcoming ensuite rooms and daily Irish breakfast.
Hotel in Inch
You’ll be glad for a welcoming room and a hearty Irish breakfast after playing in the sands of Inch Beach.
Hotel in Tralee
Welcome to County Kerry – enjoy the night in a hand-picked hotel room in a convenient location.
What’s Included in the Dingle Peninsula Cycling Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included. Accommodations before or after the tour can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Luggage transfers are included on a daily basis during the tour. Airport transfers are not included but can be arranged with the help of your Holiday Specialist.
Also Included
- GPS-enabled app for navigation & points of interest
- Detailed road book with full area maps
- 24-hour emergency/information support
- Full pre-departure information packet
- In-house Holiday Specialist to assist with any additional services
Not included
- Flights to and from Kerry Airport
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Transport into or out of Tralee
- Ferry tickets
- Entrance fees to any sites
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single room upgrades
- Private transport in/out of Tralee
- Bike rental:
- Hybrid bike
- Road bike
- E-Bike
- Welcome briefing and follow up calls during the tour
Frequently Asked Questions about Dingle Peninsula 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 MoreDingle Peninsula Cycling Tour Map
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