By Kellie on 15/12/2015 in

Cycling

Ross Island & The Copper Mines

Begin your trip to Ross Island from the Cathedral/ entrance to the National Park on Port Road. Just inside the entrance gate is Deenagh Lodge, a seasonal café run by Downsyndrome Ireland, which is ideal for some light refreshments.

If you wish to take the river trail straight away, take the first left after Deenagh Lodge, alternatively stay on the road until you meet a bridge and take a right; this leads you down the remainder of the river walk and around by the lakeshore. Take a right at the next junction which leads you to Ross Castle.

From here, your journey can be as long or as short as you wish with multiple routes to choose from. If you cycle out past Ross Castle, glorious views of the lake becomes visible through the trees; keep an eye out for a green pool on your right, which legend has it is bottomless. The copper mines are just up ahead, take the path leading to your left on the bend – you will have to dismount the bike to walk down to the mine. You will see sign-posted routes for Library Point and Gorverner’s Rock, both offer stunning views of the lakes and islands. These tracks become a little more wooded trail than the tarred surface.

Boat Tours are also available from Ross Castle to Innisfallen Island, the Gap of Dunloe or around Killarney’s Lakes.

Muckross & Dinis

The very beautiful 22km Muckross & Dinis loop takes you on a trip around Muckross Lake and Killarney National Park. There are plenty of sightseeing opportunities along the way; Muckross Abbey, Muckross House , Dinis Cottage, Old Weir Bridge, Bricín Bridge and Torc Waterfall.

Beginning from Killarney town centre, you will cycle out the Muckross Road and take the entrance to the right (directly after the Blue Pool Gallery); this leads you to spectacular views of the Abbey on your right. Continuing on to the top of the road, take a left and follow the path which is all the while adjacent to the lakeshore. Muckross House will appear in the distance, take a right for Dinis and follow that route. If you have a spare few minutes when you meet Dinis Cottage, you will want to dismount and walk the path behind Dinis to the Meeting of the Waters; this special view is the meeting point of Killarney’s three Lakes.

This route is very popular with walkers and please take caution as it is only permitted to be cycled in an anti-clockwise direction.

Gap of Dunloe & Black Valley

The Gap of Dunloe is such an amazing experience that you will hardly notice the burn in your legs cycling up the hills. Beginning from Kate Kearney’s Cottage you follow the Gap road, taking in all the magnificent views of the McGillycuddy Reeks, lakes and nature trails until you reach the top. Once at the top, dismount and reap the rewards of the views that lay behind you. This is one scene that cannot be described; you will just have to see it for yourself.

Back on the bikes and begin the descent down through the Black Valley before reaching Lord Brandon’s Cottage. You have two route choices from here:

take a boat from the pier through the lakes arriving at Ross Castle (approx 22km) or
continue on to Moll’s Gap, Ladies View and return via the main Muckross Road (approx 55km)

The Ring of Kerry

One word used to describe The Ring of Kerry – breath-taking. Cycling the Ring of Kerry will be one of your treasured lifetime memories; the route is infamous for the jaw-dropping scenery, ancient historical and cultural sites, and the biggest welcome of Irish hospitality. At 216km this route isn’t for the faint hearted however, you will more than reap the rewards with every pedal turned.

During the summer months this route becomes quite busy with traffic and so caution must be taken on the narrower roads. The route takes in smaller village routes as well as the main road. It is strongly advised to cycle/drive the Ring of Kerry anti-clockwise and flow with the traffic.

The route takes in eight towns and villages – you will meet them in the following order:

Killarney – Killorglin (22km)
Killorglin – Glenbeigh (14km)
Glenbeigh – Caherciveen (26.9km)
Caherciveen – Portmgee & Valentia Island (20.8km)
Portmagee – Waterville (29km)
Waterville – Sneem (35km)
Sneem – Kenmare (26.3km)
Kenmare – Killarney (42km)

Fáinne na Locha

Formerly known as the Fossa Way, Fáinne na Locha currently offers 5 scenic km of a smooth route for cycling and walking. Beginning from the Cathedral or Port Road, enter via Knockreer and continue on the recently developed pathway by Deenagh River. The route winds around by the Fossa Road and remains adjacent to it and Killarney National Park. This leisurely cycle continues past the Castlerosse Hotel and finishes at Fossa Cross/ The Europe.

Don’t forget to stop and take in some of the most beautiful views of Killarney’s Lakes & Mountains.

This is the perfect option for a short family cycle or taking your leisure; the route also takes in two playgrounds which makes it even more fun for the kids.