Southwest Ireland

Map and Routes

Regional Details

Self-Guided Tours

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Accommodation

Getting There

Weather & Climate

Airport Transfers

Southwest Ireland Bicycle Tours

Introduction

Besides having some of the most stunning scenery in Ireland, the region is also renowned for its archaeological treasures and for the hospitality and warmth of its native population. There is an abundance of superb cycling routes – to enjoy the region to the full, you should be prepared for some climbing, as the terrain is generally undulating.

Centred on the beautiful town of Killarney, the region encompasses five spectacular peninsulas, each with its own unique scenery and attractions.

To the west of Killarney, the Iveragh Peninsula is the best known of the five – the beauty of the Ring of Kerry coastline is legendary. To the south, Beara is another wonderfully rugged and beautiful peninsula stretching out into the Atlantic. The Caha Mountains running down the spine of Beara, divide the peninsula between County Kerry to the north and County Cork to the south. Sheep’s Head, the smallest and least visited of the peninsulas, has a quiet charm all of its own. Further south Mizen Head at the extremity of the Mizen Peninsula is the most southerly point on the Irish mainland.

North of Iveragh, the Dingle Peninsula has sublime coastal scenery and some of Ireland’s most fascinating antiquities.

Offshore islands, the Skelligs and the Blaskets are the best known of the region’s islands.

Click here for detailed information about the region and its attractions »

Map of the Region

You may find it helpful to view and print off a copy of the regional map and cross reference with the description.

Southwest Ireland Biking Routes

Route	Start	Finish	Route options				En route
A	KILLARNEY	KILLARNEY					Lake Leane; Killarney National Park; Muckross House; Ross Castle; Gap of Dunloe
B	KILLARNEY	Kenmare					Gap of Dunloe; Moll's Gap
B	Kenmare	KILLARNEY					Gap of Dunloe; Moll's Gap
C	KILLARNEY	Gougane Barra					Killarney National Park; Lough Allua; Gougane Barra Forest Park
D	Gougane Barra	Kenmare					Glangarriff; Garinish Island
E	Gougane Barra	Bantry					Bantry House; Armada Exhibition; Sheeps Head Peninsula
F	Bantry	Bantry					Mizen Head; Skull; Ballydehob
G*	Bantry	Kenmare					Glengarriff; Garinish Island; Healy Pass; Derreen Gardens
H*	Bantry	Castletownbere					Glengarriff; Garinish Island; Dunboy Castle
I	Castletownbere	Castletownbere					Dursey Island; Eyeries; Ardgroom
J	Castletownbere	Kenmare					Healy Pass; Derreen Gardens
K	Kenmare	Kenmare					Druid's Circle; Kilgarven Motor Museum
L*	Kenmare	Cahirciveen					Ring of Kerry; Staigue Fort; Derrynane House; Waterville
M	Cahirciveen	Cahirciveen					Coolmanspig Pass; Valentia Island; Skellig Islands
N	Cahirciveen	KILLARNEY					Balligisheen Pass; Lough Caragh; Kate Kearney's Cottage
O	Cahirciveen	Killorglin					Balligisheen Pass; Lough Caragh,
P	Killorglin	Dingle					Inch Strand; Annascaul; Minard Castle; Oceanworld
Q	Dingle	Dingle					Dunbeg Fort; Beehive Dwellings; Slea Head; Blasket Centre; Gallarus Oratory
R	Dingle	TRALEE					Conor Pass; Brandon Bay; Desmond Castle; Blennerville Windmill
S^	TRALEE	KILLARNEY					Tralee; Farranfore; Gap of Dunloe
X	Gougane Barra	Gougane Barra					Hikes and bike trails in Gougane Barra Forest Park

Note:

Towns above in CAPITALS are Trailhead towns.

^ = Public transport option available for part or all of route

* = Route can be divided into two shorter options (with an additional overnight)