Cycling Holidays in Ireland Self - Guided Cycle Dingle Peninsula

ENQUIRE ABOUT THIS TOUR Tour Ref SGCDP. The Dingle peninsula is a spectacular landmass jutting out into the sea and is the most westerly point of Europe. The area is renowned for its rugged beauty and is a place rich in tradition, Irish culture and literature. The Dingle Peninsula boasts the highest concentration of archaeological sites in Ireland. This cycling tour will enable you to make the most of the spectacular mountain and sea scenery of the Peninsula as well as enjoying time in the fishing village of Dingle with its 50 pubs, craft shops, restaurants and Fungi the Dolphin. This cycle is self-guided. We provide you with your bike, book your accommodation in family run guesthouses along the route, transfer your luggage between each leg of the tour, provide you with detailed notes and maps of your route - and we are only a phone call away if you need assistance. You can therefore cycle at your own pace and enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Dingle Peninsula.
DAY 1	Arrival in Killarney. Optional transfer from Shannon or Kerry Airport (see below). Arrival at accommodation in Killarney, a very scenic town set in the heart of County Kerry. Collect your bike and time permitting, you have the option of cycling round Killarney National Park and places of interest around Killarney town, before returning to your family run B&B for your first night's accommodation.
DAY 2	Killarney to Killorglin. Total distance 42kms/26 miles. The morning cycle takes you through Killarney National Park, where you can divert your route to visit 15th century Muckross Friary and 19th century Muckross House, with its splendid gardens. This is a relaxing cycle designed to give you time to enjoy the park and lakeland scenery. It is a good introduction to the habitats and scenery of the southwest of Ireland, well represented in the Killarney National Park. In the afternoon you will follow the course of the River Laune west and northwest, to the town of Killorglin. Overnight in a family guesthouse in this small town on the River Laune, with its good restaurants and lively pubs.
DAY 3	Killorglin / Dingle Total distance 54kms/34 miles Today’s cycle takes you along the shores of Dingle Bay, along the mystical and magical Slieve Mish mountains to the attractive and lively town of Dingle, where you will overnight for 3 nights. Inch Beach is a vast expanse of golden sand and gives you an opportunity to swim in the cooling waters of the Atlantic. After lunch, continue along the beautiful coastline passing Lispole village and into the fishing town of Dingle. Overnight in your family guesthouse in Dingle and ample opportunity to enjoy the many pubs, restaurants and Irish music sessions in this lively town.
DAY 4	Dingle to Slea Head Circuit Distance 45km/28 miles Today’s cycle takes you around the renowned Slea Head in Dunquin, "the nearest parish to America". Archaeological remains abound and there are spectacular views of the coast and the Blasket Islands. This is one of the few remaining areas where the Gaelic language is spoken still in the home. You will probably want to make many stops to admire the rugged beauty of this coastline before returning to Dingle.
DAY 5	Rest Day/Option cycles You may decide not to cycle at all today, as there are plenty of things to do in Dingle. Apart from the craft shops, you may want to take a boat trip to see Dingle's wild resident dolphin, Fungi, or take a short cycle to one of the little sea coves around Dingle and spend a lazy afternoon along the sea. Final night in your guesthouse in Dingle.
DAY 6	Dingle to Castlegregory Distance 24km or 37km/15 or 23 miles Today’s cycle takes you over the highest road pass in Ireland, the Conor Pass and over the spine of the peninsula to reach the beaches of the Maharees Peninsula. Overnight in Castlegregory. You can lengthen the cycle by detouring to Cloghane and Stradbally.
DAY 7	Castlegregory to Killarney Distance 48kms/30 miles Today you have another steep ascent, but a truly magical one - take the only road which traverses the Peninsula, the mountain pass overlooked by Caherconree Mountain and its legendary fort. As you leave the views of Tralee Bay behind, more breathtaking sea views await you, this time of Castlemaine Harbour, Inch Beach and the Iveragh Peninsula beyond. The final leg takes you along the inner end of Dingle Bay and back to Killarney for your final night's accommodation.
DAY 8	Departure After your final Irish breakfast, optional transfer to Shannon or Kerry Airport (see transfer times below)
Price 2009 Self-Guided Cycle - Euro 690.00 per person sharing Accommodation is based on a twin sharing basis. A limited number of single rooms are available at a supplement of Euro 189.00 for the week. Price Includes: - 7 nights accommodation in Irish Tourist Board approved guesthouses or B&B's - 7 full Irish breakfasts - 21 speed touring bike - Luggage Transfer between each accommodation - Detailed notes and maps of the route - Courtesy transfer from/to Shannon or Kerry as per our schedule below. Note: We recommend that clients bring their own helmets and raingear for comfort and hygiene purpose DATES 2009 A self guided cycling tour can be booked commencing on any Saturday during the year. Airport Transfers Go Ireland Airport Transfers to/from Shannon Airport- Shannon Airport to Kerry ( 9th May - 3rd October) at 12.00 on Saturdays from the information point in the arrivals hall. Return transfer arrives at Shannon Airport at 11.00am on Saturdays. Shannon Airport to Killarney €50 (Single) €100 (Return) Shannon Airport to Tralee €50 (Single) €100 (Return) Shannon Airport to Camp €55 (Single) €110 (Return) Shannon Airport to Glenbeigh €50 (Single) €100 (Return) Public transport options- You can catch a shuttle bus which operates frequently between Shannon and Limerick city. From Limerick city, you can then hop on a Bus Eireann bus to Killarney or Tralee. Go Ireland Airport Transfers to/from Kerry Airport Kerry Airport to accommodation transfers run throughout the year, between 07.00 and 18.00 Hrs on Saturdays. Return transfer arrives at Kerry Airport between 07.00 and 18.00 Hrs on Saturdays. Kerry Airport to Killarney €15 (Single) €30 (Return) Kerry Airport to Tralee €15 (Single) €30 (Return) Kerry Airport to Camp €20 (Single) Kerry Airport to Glenbeigh €25 (Single) €50 (Return) Public Transport options- There is a very frequent bus service operating from Kerry Airport to Killarney and Tralee daily. Cork Airport Hop on the shuttle bus that operates between Cork Airport and Cork bus station. Here you can get a bus to Killarney which should take about 1hr 20 minutes. Dublin Airport Fly with Ryanair to Kerry Airport or get a train from Hueston Station which will drop you to Killarney or Tralee. Note: These prices are not included in the holiday price. Prices are based on per person and based on a minimum of 2 people per transfer. These transfers must be confirmed at time of booking with flight numbers and times for arrival and departure. If these transfers aren't confirmed at time of booking we will assume they are making their own way to their first nights accommodation. Refunds are not provided for any unused portions of transfer. Arrangements can be made for a private taxi transfer (at clients own expense) should the Go Ireland transfer timetable/public transport timetable not suit.

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