Cycling Holidays in Ireland Self - Guided Cycle Dingle Peninsula

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 complimentary 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 complimentary transfer to Shannon or Kerry Airport (see transfer times below)
Price 2008 Self-Guided Cycle - Euro 635.00 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 2008 A self guided cycling tour can be booked commencing on any Saturday during the year. Transfer Times Shannon Airport to accommodation at 12.00 on Saturdays from the information point in the arrivals hall and costs EUR35.00 each way per person. Return transfer arrives at Shannon Airport at 11.00am on Saturdays. Kerry Airport to accommodation, between 08.00 and 18.00 Hrs. Return transfer to Kerry Airport available between 08.00 and 18.00 Hrs on Saturdays. Clients who cannot make these transfer times should make their own way to the accommodation.

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