SOUTHWEST IRELAND

SOUTHWEST IRELAND6-Day Cycling Tour

2 415.366.3806 lifecycleadventures.com & [email protected]

SELF-GUIDED TOUR SUMMARY

TOUR LENGTH

SERVICE HIGHLIGHTSPrivate transfer from Killarney with bike set up and full route briefing at the start of your ride

Expert guides delivering superior service

Select accommodations with breakfast

On-call roadside assistance

Luggage moved between lodgings and optional participant transfers along the routes

GPS units, maps, directions and guidebook

Private transfer back to Killarney at the end of your tour

RIDE OPTIONSLeisure* Intermediate Challenge Epic * The hilly terrain means that

Leisure riders require use ofan eBike.

BIKES AVAILABLEHybrid Road Premium Road eBike

DAY-BY-DAY FLOWDay 1 Camp to Dingle

Day 2 Dingle Loop Day

Day 3 Dingle to Killarney

Day 4 Killarney Loop Day

Day 5 Killarney to Kenmare

Day 6 Kenmare Loop Day

There are few places on earth that can match the southwest of Ireland for pure, rugged beauty. Along the coast, Atlantic rollers crash into precipitous cliffs, while inlets and bays are home to sheltered fishing harbors and white-sand beaches. Inland, rolling, emerald-green farmland is bounded by hedgerows and ancient drystone walls.

Visitors are assured a warm welcome from people who seem always to have time to talk and have a love of sharing. The pubs, with their snugs, stouts and live music, complete the picture. This is an area that stimulates the senses and creates amazing memories.

SOUTHWEST IRELANDRugged Beauty and a Warm Welcome

6 Days / 5 Nights

START & ENDKillarney or Tralee

BEST TIMES TO VISITMid-May to Early SeptemberMay and June are the sunniest months but July and August are the warmest.

OPTIONAL EXTRASAlternative start/end location in Limerick or Shannon Airport

Great Blasket Island tours

Distillery tours

Customize your route

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WHY LIFECYCLE ADVENTURES

ABOUT US

OUR SELF-GUIDED TOURSAt the start of your self-guided tour, your guide transfers you from your hotel, sets up your bike, and gives you a full route briefing. They then take care of all the behind-the-scenes logistics while you guide yourself along the routes; riding at your own pace and choosing a route that best suits your ability. Our support vans are nearby should you require assistance and your guide is also available by phone.

Your GPS unit and cycling maps help you navigate while our best-in-class guidebooks tell you about the towns you will visit and the sights along your route. We also recommend places to eat and would be pleased to make reservations for you.

When customizing your itinerary, you select your accommodation, trip duration, when you travel, and what type of bike you ride. This customization, support and insight helps make our self-guided tours the most personalized and well-supported in the industry.

Feature LifeCycle AdventuresSelf-Guided Tours

Typical Self-Guided Tours

Dates & Duration Fully flexible Limited & fixed

Accommodation From Budget to Luxury Set

Routes From Leisure to Epic Some choice

Ride Briefings Day 1 in personDaily by phone None or limited

Ride Support Van on callGuide by phone None or limited

Lunches & Dinners Help with reservations On your own

Pre- and Post-Tour Transfers Yes No

PRIVATE TOUR SPECIALISTS SINCE 2004With our unique blend of customized itineraries and personal service we create perfect cycling vacations for those who want to explore on their own terms. From the moment you contact us until the end of your tour, you will find us responsive, attentive and totally focused on creating your perfect cycling vacation.

We donate 10% of our profits to cycling advocacy and reduce our carbon footprint using offsets while working towards making all our operations carbon neutral.

OUR GUIDESOur expert guides live in the areas in which you tour and have the passion and knowledge to deliver superior service and exceptional insight.

YOUR GUIDE TO IRELAND

My name is Padraig and I will be one of the guides taking care of you during your tour.

Locally born, I love the southwest of Ireland and I love outdoor adventure – cycling, skiing and hiking. In my previous career, I was a police detective and finished that career teaching at the Garda College.

I am now pursuing my passion for hosting visitors and sharing my favorite bike routes in the area.

I look forward to meeting you at the start of your tour.

Padriag Sears



415.366.3806 lifecycleadventures.com & [email protected]

ABOUT US

BOOK AND TRAVEL WITH CONFIDENCEMORE FLEXIBILITY AND ENHANCED SAFETY IN A TIME OF COVIDIt is always our objective to make your booking and travel as easy and worry-free as possible. To that end, we have taken tours that were already well-suited to safe travel and added a number of new features to truly make this a great way to explore in these challenging times.

A Great Way to Vacation Book with Confidence Travel Safely

Our Self-Guided and Private Guided tours have always been perfect for those wanting to get off the beaten track and avoid the crowds.

Our tours have never mixed strangers together and have always been limited to just your group. All transportation is private – for just you and your travel companions.

You are in control: stop as much or as little as you like, eat where you choose, and only visit the sights you want.

In these times of uncertainty, we have improved our already generous cancellation policy.

Cancel penalty-free until March 1, 2021 for any tour starting after April 30. After March 1, 2021, you have the choice of a refund or a credit for a future tour.*

If you are unable to travel due to travel restrictions, you can choose to postpone your tour for up to two years.*

Our health-screened guides are available throughout your tour and will wear masks and take distancing precautions.

Overnight accommodations have been screened to help ensure they follow distancing protocols and sanitize rooms between guests.

Our equipment, from bikes to vans, are sanitized before and after serving guests.

* - See the Terms and Conditions at the end of this itinerary for details of our cancellation policy.




DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1

DAY 2

Camp to DingleAll of today’s routes begin with a van transfer from your tour’s start location.

Leisure riders start in Camp with a flat ride around Tralee Bay. There are views of the sea to your right and the Slieve Mish Mountains to your left. After the small hamlet of Kilcummin, the road climbs steadily over Conor Pass. This twisting climb, with panoramic views across craggy moorland, is classic Ireland! From the top of Conor Pass, you enjoy five flowing-miles of descending to Dingle Bay.

The Intermediate route follows the Leisure route with the addition of an out-and-back to Brandon Point: a local beauty spot with stunning views from the clifftops across to the Magharee Islands in the Atlantic Ocean.

The Challenge riders start on the coast in Brandon. From here, the route heads east alongside Tralee Bay before going south across the peninsula through the Slieve Mish Mountains for some steep riding along quiet country lanes.

Conor Pass is a flowing descent, with panoramic

views across craggy moorland

RIDE OPTIONSLeisure 20 miles with 1,500 feet of climbing

Intermediate 30 miles with 2,300 feet of climbing

Challenge 45 miles with 2,900 feet of climbing

OVERNIGHT TOWNDingleThe pretty fishing village of Dingle, with its narrow streets and brightly-colored houses, is a charming place to wander. The Irish pubs, complete with live music, just add to the charm. There is even a dolphin – Fungie – who has lived in the harbor for the past 32 years.

Dingle LoopsToday’s Slea Head loop ride (part of the Wild Atlantic Way) has some of the most stunning scenery in Ireland: sheltered harbors, sandy beaches, spectacular mountains and classic seascapes. Sights include a prehistoric fort, ancient dry-stone beehive huts, and the Celtic Museum on the cliffs of Dunquin.

Leisure riders hug the coast around to Dunquin and then have the option of taking a boat tour out to the abandoned island of Great Basket (own arrangements). You could also visit a whiskey distillery, a leather workshop, and a working sheep farm.

The Intermediate ride follows the Leisure route to Dunquin but then continues around the Dingle Peninsula to the picturesque village of Ballyferriter. From here, you climb across open moorland to return to Dingle.

Challenge riders follow the Intermediate route around the Slea Head loop and then add on a loop to the east that includes Inch Beach, the Slieve Mish Mountains and Conor Pass.

The Slea Head Loop: sheltered harbors, sandy

beaches, spectacular mountains and classic

seascapes




OVERNIGHT TOWNDingleThe pretty fishing village of Dingle, with its narrow streets and brightly-colored houses, is a charming place to wander. The Irish pubs, complete with live music, just add to the charm. There is even a dolphin – Fungie – who has lived in the harbor for the past 32 years.





DAY 3

DAY 4

Dingle to KillarneyToday you travel from the small fishing village of Dingle to the vibrant city of Killarney.

Strong Intermediate and Challenge riders will ride all the way – leaving Dingle on a ridge ride that has sweeping views down to the Atlantic Ocean. After descending to Inch Beach, you enjoy a flat cruise alongside Castlemaine Harbour stopping at the quaint market town of Milltown for lunch. Shortly before reaching the city of Killarney, you pass Aghadoe with its jaw-dropping views of Killarney and Lough Leane. The site also includes ruins of a 13th-century castle and a Romanesque church – well worth a visit.

Leisure riders will take a van transfer before joining the ride described above at Milltown.

If you arrive early enough, Killarney National Park has some very scenic bike rides, walks and boat rides. The park is on the outskirts of the city of Killarney.

Shortly before reaching the city of Killarney,

you pass Aghadoe with its jaw-dropping views of Killarney and Lough

Leane

RIDE OPTIONSLeisure 15 miles with 950 feet of climbingIntermediate / Challenge45 miles with 2,500 feet of climbing

OVERNIGHT TOWNKillarneyThe bustling resort town of Killarney was founded in the 18th Century to welcome visitors to some of the world’s most sublime lakeland scenery. The town abuts the tranquil Killarney National Park with its ancient castle and monastery set on one of the most beautiful lakes in Ireland.

Killarney Loops (A)Today’s stunning rides head west of Killarney into the Iveragh Peninsula.

Leisure riders start the day riding to the 15th-century Ross Castle from where you board a small motorboat (own arrangements) that weaves past multiple islands and a 7th-century ruined monastery. The boat docks at Lord Brandon’s Cottage – a good lunch stop. From here you ride up the wild and craggy Gap of Dunloe. At the top of the pass there are stunning views in all directions as you begin a five-mile descent down a steep-sided valley past mountain lakes, over stone bridges and past horse-drawn buggies. From the end of the descent it is an easy run back to Killarney.

The Intermediate ride is similar to the Leisure ride except that you ride around Lough Leane rather than taking the boat.

The Challenge ride starts out through the Gap of Dunloe before heading into MacGillycuddy’s Reek – the mountain range that stretches down the Iveragh Peninsula and includes Ireland’s highest peaks. The Epic ride takes on more mountains and mileage around the northern stretches of the Ring of Kerry.

The gap of Dunloe: descend past mountain

lakes, over stone bridges and past horse-drawn

buggies



Challenge 55 miles with 3,600 feet of climbingEpic75 miles with 3,800 feet of climbing

OVERNIGHT TOWNKillarneyThe bustling resort town of Killarney was founded in the 18th Century to welcome visitors to some of the world’s most sublime lakeland scenery. The town abuts the tranquil Killarney National Park with its ancient castle and monastery set on one of the most beautiful lakes in Ireland.





DAY 5

DAY 6

Killarney to KenmareThe Leisure ride leaves Killarney on bike paths that skirt Lough Leane through Killarney National Park. After 10 miles of pleasant lake-side riding, you start the vista-rich climb up to Molls Gap. This section of road crosses open heathland with stunning views across to the MacGillycuddy’s Reek mountain range. At the top of the climb, there is a café where you can toast your success and savor the views. From Molls Gap, you enjoy a 5-mile descent followed by an easy cruise into Kenmare alongside the shores of Kenmare Bay.

Intermediate riders follow the Leisure ride to Molls Gap where the ride extends west along quiet country lanes lined with hedgerows to Blackwater Bridge. From here, you cruise along the coast into Kenmare.

The Challenge ride heads due west from Killarney for a hilly adventure on the backroads of the MacGillycuddy’s Reek mountain range. The Epic ride heads even further west – along the spine of MacGillycuddy’s Reek to the Atlantic coast. Both rides end by following the scenic Ring of Kerry into Kenmare.

Lakeside bike paths through the Killarney National Park and a

vista-rich climb up to Molls Gap



Challenge 50 miles with 3,200 feet of climbingEpic75 miles with 4,000 feet of climbing

OVERNIGHT TOWNKenmareKenmare is beautifully located at the head of the Kenmare River. The town is confidently cosmopolitan with gracious architecture and some excellent restaurants. There is a bronze-age stone circle in a park on the outskirts of the town.

Kenmare Loops (A) - Last DayThese loop rides explore the magnificent and unspoiled Beara Peninsula. With flat riding at the coast and hills along the spine, there is something for everyone.

The Leisure route is an in-and-out ride to Gleninchaquin Park – a working sheep farm in the folds of the Caha Mountains. The route up to the farm takes you past a string of picturesque lakes and a bronze-age stone circle. The café at the farm makes a great lunch stop before a downhill run back to Kenmare.

The Intermediate route goes further west, through a chain of pretty fishing villages. The challenge on this route is a two-mile climb up to Lake Glanmore. After the climb, there are a couple of great options for lunch – including the aptly-named Pedals and Boots Café. Cruise back to Kenmare along the coast.

The Challenge route push deeper into the Beara Peninsula reaching as far as the bustling port town of Castletownbere in County Cork.

Whichever ride you choose, your guide will meet you in Kenmare for your end-of-tour transfer.

Explore the magnificent and unspoiled Beara

Peninsula




OVERNIGHT TOWNNoneAs this is the last day of your tour, there is no overnight accommodation unless explicitly requested on booking.




ACCOMMODATION

LUXURY

ACCOMMODATION NOTESProperties in our Luxury category are some of the nicest full-service hotels in the area. They typically include spa facilities and a good restaurant.

See page 2 for prices.

Mix & MatchYou can choose accommodation in different categories in different towns. Please ask for prices.

Tips & Notes

DingleCastlewoodThis boutique hotel has appeared on numerous top ten lists for Ireland – and deservedly so. The owners welcome guests personally and with great warmth. The rooms are individually and tastefully decorated with most having views of the sea. Breakfast is a gourmet feast while the location makes for an easy 10-minute walk to the center of town.

KillarneyGreat Southern KillarneyThis Killarney icon has been providing exceptional service since 1854. The property recently underwent a two-year refurbishment to restore it to its former glory as Killarney’s premier hotel. Facilities include a spa, pool and gourmet restaurant. Located in six acres of peaceful gardens the hotel is just a short stroll to the bustling downtown.

KenmareSheen Falls LodgeFormerly the summer residence of a marquis and now a Relais & Chateaux hotel, this property is picturesquely sited on the Sheen River next to a waterfall. While it is not practical to walk the two miles to town, there is an exceptional restaurant and a spa on the property as well as world-class luxury – so you are unlikely to want to leave.




ACCOMMODATION

CLASSIC

ACCOMMODATION NOTESProperties in the Classic category are typically smaller hotels or luxurious B&Bs with very personal service sometimes including wine tasting or evening hors d’oeuvres.



Tips & Notes

DingleGreenmount HouseThis family-run hotel is situated on the eastern fringes of town with breathtaking views across farmland to Dingle Bay. The property itself is modern but the atmosphere is that of a traditional country-house hotel. Rooms are spacious and well-equipped. The property is set in private gardens and is an easy 10-minute walk to the center of town.

KillarneyKillarney LodgeCatherine and Marcus, who run this 16-room guesthouse, are wonderfully welcoming and well-informed about the area. Rooms are simple, comfortable and well-appointed. There are nicely kept communal areas including a lounge and garden. The property is located a few minutes’ walk from the town center and Killarney National Park.

KenmareBrook Lane HotelThis charming boutique hotel is still family operated; the welcome is genuine and service attentive. The common areas have leather sofas and little nooks to relax in. The rooms vary in size, but all are well-appointed and comfortable. The hotel’s restaurant is reputed to have the best food in town – reservations recommended.




ACCOMMODATION

BUDGET

ACCOMMODATION NOTESProperties in our Budget category are typically simpler B&Bs and more modest inns or hotels. However, all the properties are well-kept with en suite facilities.



Tips & Notes

DingleThe Lighthouse B&BThis family-run B&B is set on the hill just north of the town center and has breathtaking views across the town and out to sea. Bedrooms are simple and comfortable with nice bathrooms – though some have sloped ceilings. Communal areas include a lounge and a small patio that is perfect for enjoying the sunset.

KillarneyAshville House B&BThis well-run B&B is simple, clean and welcoming. While the outside of the building is relatively plain, the interior is tastefully decorated and rooms, though not large, are clean and comfortable. All rooms have basic en suite bathrooms and there is a pleasant residents’ lounge. It is a five-minute walk to the restaurants and stores in the center of town.

KenmareRockcrest House B&BThis first-rate B&B has simple, spacious, and comfortable rooms with modern, en suite bathrooms. The owners are wonderfully hospitable and welcoming. The attractively sited property has a pretty garden with nice views. It is a five-minute walk along a country lane to the center of Kenmare.




BIKES

BIKE CHOICES

BIKE RENTAL RATESBike Per Day Per WeekHybrid $30 $180

Road $45 $270

eBike $55 $330

OPTIONAL EXTRASReceiving & Assembly $100per bike charge to receive bike from shipper, assemble the bike and repack it and deliver it to a shipper at the end of the tour.

Bike Boxes $100a per box charge for the extra logistics needed to handle bike boxes during a tour. Note: this fee can be avoided if you leave your box with your start/end hotel.

Tandem Bike $100a per bike fee for the extra logistics to handle a tandem bike that is brought by a guest.

HYBRID BIKEHybrid bikes are a cross between a mountain bike and a road bike. They have a relaxed riding position and are great for beginners and intermediate riders. A typical model is the Trek 7.3 FX with Shimano components and high-pressure road tires for better cycling efficiency than your typical hybrid.

ROAD BIKEOur road bikes are a racing style bike with drop handlebars. The road bikes are faster bikes than the hybrids with a less upright riding position and will be enjoyed by intermediate and experienced riders. A typical model is the Émonda ALR 5 with aluminum frame, carbon forks, and Shimano 105 components.

Hybrid eBIKEOur Hybrid eBikes are designed to give you a little extra assistance when climbing hills. The ride position is very similar to our hybrids. We typically rent Scott E-Sub bikes equipped with a 250W E-drive Bosch motor. If one rider in a couple is stronger than the other, an eBike can be a great choice for the less-strong rider.

YOUR BIKEIf you have a favorite bike, we can help you get it to your destination as well as set it up once it is there. Please ask about options for bike shipping and assembly.




INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

SERVICES & OPTIONS

NOTES:

THE TRIP PRICE INCLUDES: Private transfer from/to downtown Tralee, Killarney, or Killarney Railway Station.

Activities such as farm tours, boat tours, and spa treatments - though we are pleased to make suggestions and reservations on your behalf.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS:Transfers from Limerick and Shannon AirportTypically, we collect guests from their hotel in downtown Tralee, downtown Killarney or Killarney Railway Station. We can also collect guests from Limerick for an extra $150 flat fee for up to 6 people or $300 flat fee for 7 to 12 people. Please ask for pricing for airport transfers. Note that transfers are only available on the first and last days of the tour.

Great Blasket Island ToursOff the coast from Dingle, Great Blasket Island is an uninhabited, wildly beautiful place that includes an abandoned settlement. You can choose to take a ferry and explore by yourself or join a guided tour. Reservations recommended. From $50 pp. Best included as part of a Dingle Loop Day.

Route CustomizationIf you would prefer alternative routing – staying in different overnight towns or with more or fewer loop days – we would be pleased to customize this itinerary.

Bike set up and detailed map briefing at the start of your tour.

GPS units, cycling maps, and a custom guidebook; one set per couple.

Guide available by phone from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. On-call roadside assistance available from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM for mechanical issues.

Luggage transported between lodgings and wine collection service.

Transfers along all or part of the route to coincide with luggage moves – to be arranged at least 24 hours in advance.

Snacks and ride food.

Concierge service for activity and meal reservations.

Accommodation for each night of your tour with breakfast the following morning (unless breakfast is explicitly excluded in the accommodation description earlier). Prices quoted are per person but assume there are two people sharing a room. We book standard rooms with one bed unless an upgrade is requested and then extra charges may apply. Accommodation is subject to availability at the time of booking.

THE TOUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE: Lunches and dinners though we are pleased to make reservations for you.

An on-bike guide.

Transfers to sites to which it is not practical to ride. We are pleased to arrange for such transfers for a fee.




THE AREA

CLIMATEThe climate in the southwest of Ireland is influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the prevailing winds that blow onshore from the southwest. These conditions result in a climate that is mild, changeable and moist.

The best time to visit is from mid-May to early-September. The sunniest months are May and June, with an average of five to seven hours of sunshine per day. July and August are the warmest months, but it is rarely hot. While winter is the wettest season, rainfall is common throughout the year. However, the Atlantic weather fronts pass quickly, and it is common for a day to include both sunshine and rain.

Whenever you choose to travel, you should pack waterproofs and warm clothing.

The charts to the right show the monthly average temperatures (in Fahrenheit) and rainfall (in inches) for Killarney, a town at the center of our tours.

WHERE TO STAY BEFORE YOUR TOURTypically, guests either take the train from Dublin on the first day of the tour (see Arrival and Departure Information on the next page) or stay in Limerick, Killarney or Tralee before and/or after their trip. We have had good feedback from guests for the following hotels and B&Bs:

Limerick HotelsNo. 1 Pery Square www.oneperysquare.com

Limerick Strand Hotel www.strandhotellimerick.ie

The George Limerick www.georgelimerick.com

Kilarney HotelsThe Great Southern www.greatsouthernkillarney.com

Killarney Lodge www.killarneylodge.ie

Tralee HotelsThe Grand Hotel www.grandhoteltralee.com

The Ashe Hotel www.theashehotel.ie

ABOUT SW IRELAND




THE AREA

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE INFORMATIONFlying into Shannon Airport (near Limerick)There are direct flights to Shannon Airport (near Limerick) from many European airports as well as a few US airports including Boston, New York, and Newark. The easiest way to get to Limerick from the airport is by taxi, which takes around 20 minutes and should cost €35.00. There is also a bus service every 30 minutes that costs €10.00 pp and takes around 30 minutes.

Flying into DublinMost international flights to Ireland arrive into Dublin airport. There are flights from most major European cities and some North American cities, including Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Toronto, and Washington. Taxis from the airport to the center of Dublin cost €25.00 to €30.00 and take around 30 minutes. Express buses cost €10.00 pp and take about the same time.

Dublin to LimerickThere are direct buses from Dublin Airport to Limerick that take between 2:40 and 3:40 hours. There are also hourly trains from the center of Dublin (Heuston Station) to Limerick (Colbert Station) that take just over 2 hours with one change and cost €15.00 to €30.00 pp.

Dublin to KillarneyFrom Dublin (Heuston Station), there is a regular train service to Killarney. Examples of morning trains include:

7:00 AM service gets into Killarney at 10:20 AM with one change.

9:00 AM service gets into Killarney at 12:20 PM with one change.

Dublin to TraleeFrom Dublin (Heuston Station), there is a regular train service to Tralee. Examples of morning trains include:

7:00 AM service gets into Tralee at 11:00 AM with one change

9:00 AM service gets into Tralee at 1:00 PM with one change

Train schedules can be checked, and bookings made at www.irishrail.ie

ABOUT SW IRELAND



SOUTHWEST IRELAND

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