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Walking and Cycling the Wild Atlantic Way

8 days

from

$2,179 USD

incl. taxes

View Dates & Prices

Cycling

Suitable for:

Age 12+

Activity level:

Moderate

Trip code:

M07KE

Way to Travel:

Self-Guided Holidays

Activity:

New Mixed-Activity Holidays

Min age:

Kerry is the proud owner of Ireland's 10 highest peaks and a vast national park containing the country's oldest oak forests. A haven for hikers and cyclists, with magnificent views of land and sea at every turn.

The Wild Atlantic Way spans the full Western coast of Ireland and on this holiday you explore its wonderful Southern peninsula. With one of the country's finest national parks as its backyard, the lively tourism hub of Killarney is often the starting point for Kerry's two famed loop drives: the larger Ring of Kerry skirts the mountainous, island-fringed Iveragh Peninsula. The more compact Dingle Peninsula is like a condensed version of its southern neighbour, with ancient Christian sites, sandy beaches and glimpses of a hard, unforgiving land. Killarney's exquisite beauty makes it one of Kerry's most popular tourist destinations. We ensure you escape from the crowds, along a mountain pass, an isolated cove or an untrodden trail.

Highlights

Cycle through the stunning Gap of Dunloe
Boat trip from Ross Castle through the three lakes of Killarney to Lord Brandon's cottage.
Optional 2nd boat trip into Dingle harbour in search of Dingle's most famous resident 'Fungi' the Bottlenose Dolphin

Key information

7 Nights, hotel-to-hotel
Route notes and maps provided
Luggage transfers between hotels

Countries visited: Ireland

What's included

All breakfasts
GPS Device
Route maps
Luggage Transfers

What's not included

Travel insurance
Single supplements

Call for general departures:

1 844 227 9087

Call for private group trips:

1 844 227 9087

Live Chat >

Request a Brochure >

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Days of Cycling

Day by day breakdown

Day 2 24.0km/15.0miles

Day 3 10.0km/6.0miles

Day 5 41.0km/25.0miles

Day 6 22.0km/14.0miles

Day 7 14.0km/9.0miles

Itinerary

Expand all

Killarney

Annascaul

Day 1

Arrive in Killarney

Check into the Abbey Lodge B&B where you stay for 3 nights and discover the delights of Killarney. Or if you have time enjoy a circular route to Killarney National Park, cycling to Muckross Lake; one of the famous 3 lakes of Killarney, 15th century Muckross Abbey and 19th century Muckross House with renowned and beautiful gardens. Following your cycle return to Killarney to enjoy this vibrant town for your first overnight stop. Stay overnight at Abbey Lodge
Day 2

Ross Castle and the Lakes of Killarney

Cycle to the 15th century Ross Castle once home to The O'Donovan Rossa Clan who ruled these lands in bygone times. You will enjoy a scenic boat trip through the three Lakes of Killarney to finish at the Lord Brandon's cottage, stopping perhaps at the cafe here for lunch or a coffee. Cycle through the glaciated valleys of the stunning Gap of Dunloe with glistening mountain lakes with jagged rock faces before returning via the spectacular Killarney National Park. If you are lucky you might catch a glimpse of the native wild red deer. Stay overnight at Abbey Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3

Esknamucky Glen and Torc Waterfall

A transfer to Glaways Bridge today and there are panoramic views of the Killarney lakes and mountains as you walk from Galway's Bridge along the old Kenmare road through the Esknamucky Glen. It truly is one of Ireland's premier walking routes. Finish by visiting the famous Torc waterfall before returning to Killarney. Stay overnight at Abbey Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4

Transfer to Dingle

Today's transfer takes you to Bamburys in Dingle where you stay for 3 nights. Dingle is the South West's home to traditional Irish music, language and culture and Gaelic is still the daily language of the locals. Enjoy this picturesque town full of true Irish tradition, perhaps visit the Dingle Whiskey, Gin and Vodka Distillery and sample the 'water of life' or take a boat trip (payable locally) to see Fungi the resident bottlenose dolphin! Dingle's most famous resident has been delighting visitors with his playful antics for many years. An optional walk from Annascaul to Dingle is also available - the taxi will drop you in Annascaul on the way from Killarney and your luggage will be transferred on to Bambury's in Dingle.
Stay overnight at Bamburys Guesthouse

Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5

Choice of cycle route

Cycle west from Dingle via Ventry to Slea Head, with magnificent views and breath taking views across the Blasket Sound to the famous Blasket Island. Continue to Dunquinn and Ballyferriter before returning to Dingle. Alternatively, from Dunquinn harbour take the ferry (pay locally) to Great Blasket Island to explore this mystical and enchanting place. Stay overnight at Bamburys Guesthouse

Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6

Cycle to Ballydavid and on to Brandon Creek

Cycle north to the beautiful village of Ballydavid, one of the largest fishing ports in the region. Continue to Brandon Creek, the most westerly point of Ireland before returning to Dingle. Stay overnight at Bamburys Guesthouse

Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7

Walk to Annascaul Lake and Annascaul

A wonderful walk along the Dingle Peninsula from North to South, following a spectacular old farmer's track. You walk over the plateau, passing a deserted famine village and Annascaul Lake on the way before descending into your home for the last night in Annascaul at the southern foothills of the Slieve Mish Mountains. Stay overnight at Teac Seain

Meals included: Breakfast
Day 8

Leave Annascaul

After a final breakfast and farewell follow your own arrangements for your onward journey.

Meals included: Breakfast

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Show map

Essential Info

Visas

Ireland

UK passport holders do not need visas for this trip. Other nationalities should check with the relevant embassies.

For further Brexit travel advice please visit https://www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/brexit-advice-for-travellers

Vaccinations

Ireland

No vaccinations are obligatory.

Eating and Drinking

All breakfasts included.

Irish food is not exactly famous, but what you will find is extremely good ingredients used to create basic and classic dishes, both Kerry beef and Kerry lamb, are certainly well known all over Ireland and further afield. You will see rack of lamb, lamb stew and shepherd’s pie, in most places. The county’s other basket is the Atlantic Ocean, and its rivers and loughs. Sea bream and Sea Bass are popular.Trout and Salmon can be served in many different ways, and there is an abundance of shell fish, local chowders are excellent and look out for crab gratin.

Wine is readily available but of course one of the symbols of Ireland is Guinness, and we can say from experience that it tastes better in Ireland, but if have a thirst after a long walk, beware the Guinness is not poured quickly, many might say there is a certain amount of time you need to leave after filling the glass halfway up the harp. However it should be left until you see a vivid distinction between the dark body and the creamy white head. Only then can the rest of the glass be filled. Learning from the locals, you should order your second pint before you have finished your first!

Craft beer is making a name for itself in Ireland and there are some excellent local ones. Then there is the Irish whiskey, the famous one being Bushmills and Jameson’s, and there are many local whiskies for you to try, the Dingle distillery produces a good whiskey and an excellent gin.

Weather

The climate on the South West Coast of Ireland is mild due to its location and the influence of the Gulf Stream. The weather, however, is temperamental and proves quite hard to predict, therefore it is important to be prepared for all weather. The warmer months tend to be the summer months, July and August, with an average temperature of 20 degrees Celsius. Temperatures rarely fall below 0 during the year. The wettest months tend to be from October through to March. April is often the driest month. Rain can be expected at any time of the year.

Is this trip for you?

It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked.

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There maybe others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The route notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.

Call for general departures:

1 844 227 9087

Call for private group trips:

1 844 227 9087

Live Chat >

Request a Brochure >

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes