Kerry in May is when the country opens. The hawthorn is out, the gorse is yellow on every hill, and there is just enough warmth in the wind to ride in a base layer. Six days, six routes, all from one base in Kenmare: the Kenmare Bay Hotel & Resort.
The Iveragh and Beara peninsulas hold some of the best small roads in Europe — single track, stone walls, climbs that go on for an hour and descents that go on for an hour after that. The week is built around four of the iconic Kerry climbs (Healy Pass, Priest’s Leap, the Conor Pass, the Ring of Kerry) and two quieter days that let your legs come back to you in between.
Rides leave from the door when the route allows, with short transfers on the two days the route starts away from Kenmare. There is a support vehicle on the long days and a tea stop or two on every ride. The pace is steady, the group is eight, evenings are dinner together by the fire.
Bring a real rain jacket. Bring a thermal. Bring an extra pair of gloves. The weather will be what it is, and that is part of the trip.
The route
- Day 1Arrivals · Kenmare
Pickup from Kerry airport — arrive by 1pm. Settle in at the Kenmare Bay Hotel & Resort. Welcome dinner at the hotel.
Photo — Day 1 - Day 2Healy Pass & Priest's Leap78 km · 1350 m climbing
An easier intro by distance, but it doesn't go easy on you. Out of Kenmare to Lauragh, up the Healy Pass into Beara, down through Adrigole and Glengarriff, and home over the Priest's Leap. Two of the iconic Kerry climbs on day one.
Photo — Day 2Healy Pass 7.1 km · 317 m · 4.5% avg · 7% max 0 km ↑ 317 m 7.1 kmPriest's Leap 4.8 km · 450 m · 9.4% avg · 15% max 0 km ↑ 450 m 4.8 km - Day 3Ring of Beara108 km · 1280 m climbing
The peninsula loop. Stone walls, slate roofs, oysters at lunch in Eyeries, and the Atlantic on three sides. Tailwind home, if we're lucky.
Photo — Day 3Caha Pass 6.0 km · 255 m · 4.3% avg · 6% max 0 km ↑ 255 m 6.0 km - Day 4Inland through Ballyvourney82 km · 980 m climbing
An inland day east of Kenmare through the gap at Céim an Fhia and on to Ballyvourney. Country roads, fewer cars, the lightest climbing of the week — the closest thing to a recovery day on the schedule.
Photo — Day 4Céim an Fhia 6.3 km · 220 m · 3.5% avg · 5% max 0 km ↑ 220 m 6.3 km - Day 5Ring of Kerry120 km · 1450 m climbing
The classic. Short transfer to Killarney for the start, then around the Iveragh Peninsula — Killorglin, Cahersiveen, Waterville, Sneem, home. The day everyone tells stories about.
Photo — Day 5Coomakista Pass 4.8 km · 203 m · 4.2% avg · 6% max 0 km ↑ 203 m 4.8 km - Day 6Dingle & the Conor Pass95 km · 1200 m climbing
Transfer up to Dingle. Out across the peninsula and over the Conor Pass — the highest mountain pass in Ireland. Lunch in Dingle. The long quiet way back.
Photo — Day 6Conor Pass 6.2 km · 329 m · 5.3% avg · 8% max 0 km ↑ 329 m 6.2 km - Day 7Departures
Transfers to Kerry airport. A flask of tea for the road.
Photo — Day 7
What's included
- Six nights at the Kenmare Bay Hotel & Resort
- All meals provided by the hotel
- Daily guided rides with a small support vehicle
- Pre-trip route briefing
- Airport transfers from Kerry
- Short transfers to Killarney (Day 5) and Dingle (Day 6) on routes that start away from Kenmare
- Bike rental (we can arrange — $430 for the week)
- Travel insurance
- Flights
8 riders. 6 nights.
The journey is small on purpose. If it sounds right for you, send a note — we'll write back with the route notes and any open dates.
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