Today you’ll arrive in Killarney and check into your B&B. Here we’ll meet you and get you all set up and fitted to your rental bikes (if renting).

If you have time, there is the option to take a lovely ride around the Lakes of Killarney. The three main Lakes of Killarney (Lough Leane, Muckross Lake, Upper Lake) occupy a broad valley close to the town of Killarney, and exploring their surrounding routes is a great introduction to your week of riding in West Cork.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 602 Metres Approx.

You’ll start today with a wonderful breakfast at your B&B before beginning the day of amazing cycling along the hilly backroads to the famous Gap of Dunloe, also known as the Valley of Echoes. The spectacular scenery and rugged landscape has ensured that ‘the Gap’ has long been a popular place to visit. It measures approximately 11kms (6.8 miles) from north to south and nestled within it are five lakes, connected by the River Loe.

You’ll continue on to the Black Valley (Known locally as Cummeenduff which translates as the Black Valley in Irish.) and the views will be well worth the effort. Your surroundings will be lush and green as you make your way to the vibrant town of Kenmare.

Kenmare is a gastronomic gem with plenty of pub craic and live music with snugs and stouts, the perfect traditional Irish spot for an overnight stay. You might also like to head out the Kenmare Stone Circle, one of the largest stone circles in south West Ireland!

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 629 Metres Approx.

Today, you’ll traverse one of the most impressive and picturesque routes of the week; The Borlin Valley, a seldom travelled route, allowing for a truly special experience – with stunning scenery for miles around. You’ll start the day crossing Our Lady’s Bridge over the Kenmare river, before heading east towards the hills that separate the Irish counties of Cork and Kerry, giving you spectacular panoramic views of both.

You’ll ride on through small Irish villages, like the lovely Ballylickey, and you’ll end your ride in the coastal town of Bantry, your home for the night. (Depending on the timing of your trip, Bantry Market takes place the first Friday of every month and is well worth a visit! A treasure trove of stalls offering everything you’d expect from a small town market.)

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 716 Metres Approx.

Leaving Bantry behind, you’ll pass by Bantry House and Gardens, a stately home overlooking Bantry Bay, as you head slightly westwards, before looping around and heading east again to Skibbereen.

Along the way today you’ll find a couple of cheeky climbs to tackle in a relatively short distance, so a hearty breakfast is a must!

The quintessentially Irish landscapes, as you ride along quiet country roads flanked on either side with bluebells and fuchsias, will hopefully be a big enough distraction though, as you work your way, at your own pace, up the climbs.

You will end your journey today in Skibbereen where a warm welcome awaits.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 795 Metres Approx.

Today’s the longest ride of the week, as you leave behind Skibbereen, and start this lovely ride to the town of Clonakilty. Our chosen route today passes by coast, forest and lush green scenery – a perfect combination for a day’s cycling. There are some steep climbs along the way, but they are achievable if you take today’s route at a relaxed pace.

Today you’ll be riding through Glandore (home to the Glandore Gardens) and Union Hall, villages typical of west Cork, boasting local pubs and shops and excellent food. You’ll also ride to Drombeg Stone Circle located 2.4 km east of Glandore. It’s one of the most visited megalithic sites in Ireland, and is protected under the National Monuments Act.

You’ll have earned your delicious evening meal by the time you arrive in Clonakilty today! Time allowing you may want to pay the Michael Collins House museum a visit which tells the life story of the Irish Revolutionary Micheal Collins.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 644 Metres Approx.

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll head out into the forests and open countryside of County Cork, enjoying the terrific farming region that has glorious views all around. After traversing through the lush emerald green scenery, passing the ruined medieval Timonleague Friary, you’ll make your way to the “Old Head of Kinsale“; an impressive headland with a lighthouse that was established in the 17th century by Robert Reading.

After enjoying the views across the coastline, you’ll make your way to Kinsale. Before arriving in town, there’s the option to ride out to Kinsale Beach / Castlepark Marina and to admire St James’ fort, the ruins of a 1607 fortress on the harbor.

You’ll be staying tonight in Kinsale, and if time allows, a visit to the St Charles Fort just a short cycle out of Kinsale is also highly recommended; The view from the ramparts looking out over Kinsale Harbour is spectacular.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 624 Metres Approx.

On your last day of cycling, you’ll ride out of Kinsale towards Cork. Be sure to stop off for coffee and cake in one of the many renowned cafes in Kinsale before you go.

Along the way you’ll pass by the Royal Cork Yacht Club (founded in 1720, it claims to be the world’s oldest yacht club, although this is challenged by the Neva Yacht Club in Russia!) and a short de-tour in Crosshaven will take you to the 16th century Camden Fort Meagher.

Sections of the route today are on relatively busy roads, so we’d recommend exercising some caution riding these sections. You will however along the way also encounter some lovely climbs and less road traffic as you head past Cork Airport. There are plenty of shops and pubs along the way where you can stop for refreshments.

The journey for today will end in Cork, where you will stay overnight.

• Meals: Breakfast

After a great final breakfast in Cork, you’ll follow your own arrangements for your departure.

If you have time before you go, Cork is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland so there is plenty to do here. There’s the English Market, which despite its name is quintessentially Irish, where you can find the oldest and one of the best indoor markets in Europe. The market has been trading since 1788 so it’s well worth a visit! If you‘re looking for something stronger, the Franciscan Well Brewery is open for the public where you can grab yourself a traditional Irish pint, or perhaps a visit to the 17th century Elizabeth Fort, St Fin Barres Church or Cork City Gaol could be on the cards.