This five day tour will visit the three prominent peninsulas of Southwest Ireland, that's Dingle, Iveragh and Beara. Here you will ride round the beautiful Ring of Kerry, see Ireland's highest mountain, ride some stunning coastline and have the option to spend some time in the vibrant town of Killarney.
The tour will depart from the Dublin area on Friday 17th September 2010, the tourleader will be travelling from Northern Ireland on the morning and will arrange a meeting point for folk from Northern Ireland. We will be able to meet anyone travelling on the breakfast time Stena Line ferry from Holyhead in Wales.
From Dublin we will ride across the southern counties of Ireland to the bustling town of Killarney in County Kerry where we'll take up residence for four nights in our comfortable 3 Star Hotel, situated a short distance from the town.
The next three days will offer you a choice of activities, our tourleader will be leading a run round each of the three peninsulas, one on each day... or if you wish to do your own exploring around Killarney and the lakes - all nearby, you are free to do so.
The Dingle Peninsula juts out into the Atlantic Ocean - Ireland's most westerly point. Here Mount Brandon and other hills majestically soar over unspoiled valleys and sparkling mountain streams tumble to the lakes below, ride over the Conor pass (Ireland's highest mountain pass), see the offshore Blasket Islands if the day's clear, maybe spot a dolphin in Dingle's sheltered bay, and lots more. The peninsula is a Gaeltacht, an area where the Irish Language is practised.
The Iveragh Peninsula is home to the famous Ring of Kerry scenic drive, we'll go around in the direction least favoured by the tourist coaches. We'll make a few detours off the main road to let you see some of the stunning scenery, beautiful beaches and views of Ireland's highest mountain, Carrantuohill, if it's clear.
The lesser known Beara Peninsula sees us crossing into County Cork for part of the day. The Gulf Stream influences the flora of this part of Ireland, allowing many species of sub tropical plant to survive, you'll notice this as we follow the road mostly around the coast through the pretty towns and villages, and past Hungry Hill and Sugarloaf Mountain.
Tuesday morning sees us bid farewell to Killarney and make our way back to Dublin, arriving there early afternoon in plenty of time for anyone booked on the late afternoon ferry plenty time to check-in. The tourleader will be continuing to Northern Ireland and anyone wishing to travel north will be welcome to join him.
We will be staying in a comfortable 3 Star hotel a short distance (few minutes) from Killarney, there is safe parking for motorcycles, well stocked bars and live entertainment on Saturday and Sunday evenings, possibly other evenings too.
The cost of this tour is £285 per person sharing or £325 single occupancy.
The port of Rosslare, for ferries to South Wales is a 3 hour ride from Killarney, if anyone wishes to use this ferry route it would be possible to travel directly to and from the hotel.
