8-Day Self-Guided West Cork Cycle

Self Guided

The perfect way for the independent explorer to see our hidden gems & discover the many paths less travelled.

Grading

This tour feature 600m/1900ft+ of daily elevation, meaning it is very hilly and may feature challenging mountain passes. Participants must have a very good level of fitness, should be regular cyclists and be comfortable with back-to-back days of riding over undulating terrain.

Duration

7 nights stay,
6 days cycles

Price

€1255

Our West Cork Cycle takes you along the stunning West Cork coastline where the landscape is constantly changing from the crashing Atlantic Ocean to the quiet of pristine lakes and peaceful river valleys. This is an area of strong traditions, ancient culture and many relics from our past with standing stones, stone circles and castles, a cycling paradise. You will love this tour along the southern coast of the Wild Atlantic Way!

8-Day Self-Guided West Cork Cycle Supplement costs are as follows;

Hybrid Bike Supplement – €330.00| Road Bike Supplement – €570.00| eBike Supplement – €610.00
(bike delivery and collection included)

You can view our bike fleet, here.

Upgrade options are in the downloadable itinerary here.

Should you decide to choose Solo Traveller Supplement please note the single room supplement costs are already included.

Should you require any further information about our Single Supplement or Solo Traveller costs please click here.

Daphne DesimpelaereDaphne Desimpelaere
15:52 08 Dec 22
We did discover the beautiful region of the County of Kerry (Kerry Ring Tour).Very well organized by IWHB, good communication with the team (good reactivity, and kean to find solutions and open minded, especially when we had to postpone our journey due to the COVID). The hotels/guestrooms very well choosen (good location and guests friendly). Luggage drop off to the next accomodation was a really good option. The infos were correct. We do recommend Ireland Walk Hike Bike and will travel again with them, for sure.
Brian WhiteBrian White
22:12 28 Nov 22
Wonderful trip. Everything was planned perfectly by Ireland WBH. B&Bs were great with Irish breakfast every day to fortify us for the ride. Would love to do another bike trip with them.
David McAleaveyDavid McAleavey
21:17 27 Nov 22
Our walk along parts of the Dingle Way and connected trails as organized by Ireland Walk Hike Bike was everything we had hoped for, from extremely courteous and responsive staff to useful links before the trip (including excellent exercise videos!) and a specially-designed GPS app which knew which route we were following as well as where we had gotten to. (While we also used the provided maps and cue sheets, the GPS app in itself would probably have been sufficient.) The B&Bs which we were booked into were all cozy and clean, and our luggage was handled without any problem. I would recommend this outfit (IWBH) – and I have indeed recommended it – to anyone wishing to explore the part of Ireland we encountered. IWBH also deserve credit for holding our deposit for two years of COVID delay; and I’m very glad that we could finally undertake the walk. For what it’s worth, we took the self-guided “comfort” hike, which meant that we would receive taxi rides to favorable trailheads each day. (From what we could tell, we most often avoided flat boring stretches near towns, without sacrificing more remote and interesting parts.)
Jeanne SargentJeanne Sargent
11:56 27 Nov 22
My husband and I did a self-guided hike through a large part of the Dingle Peninsula to celebrate his 80th birthday. Naturally, we had some concerns about getting lost, having the needed stamina and wanting support along our way. Ireland Walk Hike Bike staff were there for us every step of the way. They chose excellent accommodations at very reasonable prices; taught me how to use the GPS function on my first ever smartphone and arranged transportation to and from Shannon Airport to Tralee. We met so many wonderful folks along our treks who took time from their walk to talk about their lives. It went like clockwork and have toyed with the idea of a repeat adventure if our health permits.
Carol SmithCarol Smith
00:56 24 Nov 22
I usually plan vacations months ahead of time but this one came together in just a few short weeks thanks to Ireland Walk Hike Bike. They worked with our rather impromptu and tight time frame to arrange a 6-day outing along the Kerry Way, and we had a magical time from start to finish. The Kerry Way is moody, broody, and incredibly varied. All arrangements were spot on, from accommodation to transport to walking notes. All we had to do was soak up the scenic rambling each day, drink a celebratory Guinness each night, and meet really interesting people along the way. Ireland captured a piece of my heart – will need to go back again with Ireland WHB to retrieve it!
js_loader

Highlights

Enjoy world famous fish and chips in the seaside town of Kinsale the perfect reward after a day on the road.

This a tour of contrasts, From the city of Cork to the rural coastal towns and villages you will stay in along the route

Captivating scenes of patchwork green fields laid before you in the Glorious Borlin Valley

World class dining awaits in some of Irelands best loved foodie towns serving fresh local ingredients.

What's Included?

Ensuite room in select accommodations with breakfast
Luggage transfers as per itinerary
Digital Route Notes & Maps or GPS Navigation app
Holiday specialists to handle the details of your trip
24 hour telephone support service
Upgrade option available – Please see downloadable PDF itinerary for details

Package Options

Prices quoted are for the Digital Option. If you would prefer the Traditional Pack please let us know your booking form page.

AVAILABLE TOURS


Single Room Supplement (SRS) is the extra cost of single room occupancy if part of a group.
Solo Traveller Supplement (STS) is the extra cost incurred if travelling alone. The SRS is already included in the STS.
Tour
Duration
Price
SRS*
STS**
8-Day Self-Guided West Cork Coastal Cycle
Duration: 7 nights
Cost pps: €1255
SRS:* €535
STS:** €885

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Killarney
Arrive in Killarney and check into your B&B. We will meet you and fit you for your bikes and, should time allow, you can take in a lovely cycle around the lakes of Killarney.

Today's Distance: 19km/12ml | Elevation Gain: 200m/656ft
Day 2 - Killarney to Kenmare
Today you cycle along backroads to the famous Molls Gap offering wonderful views over the spectacular Three Lakes of Killarney. From here you continue cycling to the Black Valley and through the renowned Gap of Dunloe. This Glaciated Valley is truly one of Ireland’s most magnificent places to cycle with the sheer jagged rock faces towering above you as you meander around the many glacial lakes dotted through the valley. Overnight in Kenmare

Total Distance: 48km/ 30mi | Elevation Gain: 602m/ 1975ft
Day 3 - Kenmare to Bantry
Today is one of the most impressive and picturesque cycles you could wish to do, the scenery along the route is stunning. The Borlin Valley which is a route seldom travelled allows a special experience. You will cross the Hills which separate the counties of Cork and Kerry giving you spectacular panoramic views. Finishing your days cycle in the town of Bantry.

Total Distance: 50km/ 31mi | Elevation Gain: 629m/ 2065ft
Day 4 - Bantry to Skibbereen
Today's route packs in quite a lot of hills in a short distance, quiet country roads flanked with bluebells and fuchsias as you meandering through lush emerald green farmlands.

Total Distance: 44km/ 28mi | Elevation Gain: 716m/ 2350ft
Day 5 - Skibbereen to Clonakilty
Leaving Skibbereen behind you – today’s cycle is a lovely trip on to the town of Clonakilty. You cycle through the beautiful villages of Glandore and Unionhall which are typical west Cork villages, passing by coast, forest and inland scenery – a perfect combination for a days cycling. There are pubs and shops in the main villages with excellent food available.

Total Distance: 58km/ 37mi | Elevation Gain: 795m/ 2610ft
Day 6 - Clonakilty to Kinsale
Today you will cycle through forest and open countryside, enjoying a terrific farming region with glorious views all around before reaching the coastline. The latter half of today’s cycle takes you along the impressive coastline to the “Old Head of Kinsale”. After enjoying the views here, make your way to Kinsale to overnight.

Total Distance: 52km/ 33mi | Elevation Gain: 644m/ 2115ft
Day 7 - Kinsale to Cork
Today you ride out of Kinsale, last chance for a coffee and cake in one of many of Kinsale's renowned Cafe's. Sections of today’s route are on relatively busy roads and you will want to exercise caution riding these segments. You will encounter some nice climbs and less road traffic once you pass Cork Airport. There are a variety of shops and pubs along the way where you can stop for refreshments.

Total Distance: 48km | Elevation Gain: 624m/ 2050ft
Day 8 - Depart Cork
After a final breakfast and farewell you leave your cycle behind you and follow your own arrangements for your onward journey.

Departure Dates

To book your tour choose your preferred Departure Date and click on Next Step.

Grading

This tour feature 600m/1900ft+ of daily elevation, meaning it is very hilly and may feature challenging mountain passes. Participants must have a very good level of fitness, should be regular cyclists and be comfortable with back-to-back days of riding over undulating terrain.
An E-Bike will make this tour much easier. Those choosing to ride an E-Bike should have prior experience. With E-Bikes weighing 50lbs/25kg, they can often feel difficult to control for those without experience.

Similar Trips

Contact Us