Cycling in the area
Kenmare by the sea, nested
among the mountains of Cork and Kerry, is ideally situated for a
cycling holiday. There is a large variety of cycling routes
around Kenmare. All offer good views and an opportunity to Relish
the Countryside at one's own pace. Likewise, more leisurely
outings may be found exploring the local points of interest,
parks and country roads. Using Kenmare as a base, day trips and
longer ventures are plentiful. There are two places where you can
rent bikes in town, Finnegans Rent-A-Bike Tel/fax 064-41083, and
Bobby Whyte Service Station on the Killarney Road Tel +353
(0)64-41316.
For good maps and books
contact the Kenmare Bookshop, Tel/Fax +353 (0)64 41578 also
contact the Kenmare Cycle & Touring Club for good advice and check their pages!
Some ideas!
Route 1 (38 miles 62 km)
Kenmare / Molls Gap 6 miles
Molls Gap / Gearha Bridge, Sneem 15 miles
Sneem / Blackwater / Kenmare 17 miles
Take the main Killarney road out of
Kenmare, 6 miles of moderate climbing brings you to Molls Gap.
Turn left for Sneem and enjoy a 7 miles decent to Gearha Bridge.
Now begin a 2.5 miles climb, followed by a decent into the
beautiful village of Sneem, a place well worth to stop.
From Sneem take the main Road via the Blackwater Bridge back to
Kenmare.
Route 2 (55 miles / 88 km)
Kenmare / Glengariff 18 miles
Glengariff / Adrigole 11 miles
Adrigole / Healy Pass to Lauragh 9 miles
Lauragh / Killmackkillogue to Tuosist 7 miles
Tuosist / Kenmare 10 miles
The experienced cyclist can do this in one go under 3.5 hours non
stop. Other should take a full day!
Out of Kenmare, over the suspension bridge, take the main Bantry / Glengariff road. After gentle climbing for 8 miles you pass Releagh Bridge and then start climbing steeply to the tunnels at 11 miles (1000ft).
The ensuing 6 miles downhill
run to Glengariff make it all worthwhile!
At Glengariff turn right for Adrigole and Castletownbere,
continue to Adrigole Church and Postoffice. Half a mile beyond
the P.O. cross a bridge and then off the main road towards the
Healy Pass and Lauragh. You face 4.5 miles of stiff but
spectacular climbing to the Pass, then a magnificient 4 mile
decent overlooking Glanmare Lake to Lauragh. Turn right over a
bridge and take next left. After 200 yards take the first right
and push on towards Killmackillogue, an ideal spot for
refreshments. From there you follow the coast road to the main
road which brings you back to Kenmare.
For those who are looking for even greater cycling challenges, how about the big ones?
RING OF KERRY
This world acclaimed trip is regarded as second to none for its beauty and variety in its views. This circle which is176 km. has numerous detours to smaller scenic coastal districts and is a must for the visitor to this area. It compromises Kenmare, Sneem, Waterville, Cahersiveen, Glenbeigh, Killorglin, Killarney and back to Kenmare.
RING OF BEARA
The Beara Peninsula is rich in sites of historical and archaeological interest. The area is dotted with stone circles alignments and gallauns. The coastal road twists its way around the beautiful Caha mountains with the Atlantic Ocean always in view.
This trip is 140km. and passes through the towns of Kenmare, Kilmakilloge, Ardgroom, Eyeries, Allihies, Castletownbere, Ardigole, Glengarriff and back once more to Kenmare.
One a year the Kenmare Cycle & Touring club organises a Ring of Beara cycle tour, they have a separate program with tours on Sunday's as well
KILLARNEY NATIONAL PARK
To the north of Kenmare, is the N71 National Route which brings you through the Killarney National Park, 10,000 hectares comprising of Woodlands and Magical Mountains with spectacular views of the Upper Lake, Long Range, Muckross Lake and Lough Leane. Muckross House is located in the National Park and the town of Killarney has much to see and explore, In the upland areas of the National Park, roam the only herd of native Red Deer who mingle Happily with the Japanese Sika Deer, Badgers, Otters and a large population of birds, both native and seasonal migrants can also befound.
SKELLIG ROCK
The sanctuary of the Monastic Cult on Skellig Michael where monks carved out an austere existence for 500 years and lived in beehive huts on barren rock rising 715 ft. out of the Atlantic Ocean is an incredible sight. The rock has become a great gannetry with about 20,000 pairs nesting on it. Daily trips are available from Ballinskelligs Pier where sea fishing trips are also very popular.
Errors or omissions? Greenane
Consultancy Ltd Templenoe, Kenmare
last updated: 26/05/97