Cycling on the Dingle Peninsula
Cycling on the Dingle Peninsula
Life is busy. Allow yourself to switch off, change gears (literally) and slow things down! Cycling on the Dingle Peninsula will be an unforgettable adventure. Not only are you giving yourself the opportunity to be properly immersed in an area of incredible natural beauty and rich history, but you are also guaranteed to have a great fun day out and make wonderful holiday memories along the way. There are some fabulous routes to choose from (see below).
Your only worry will be where are you going to stop along the way…for a swim at a blue flag beach, for a visit to the historic beehive huts, for a picnic at the edge of Europe, for a photo with the sleeping giant, for a pint of Guinness at Ireland’s most westerly pub, to hold a baby lamb, to watch the sheepdogs hard at work, to spot the whales from Dunmore Head…the list goes on and on.
Best Cycle Routes on the Dingle Peninsula
1. Slea Head Drive Loop
This is one of Ireland’s most beautiful cycle routes. Winding and weaving its way along the cliffs which hug the Kerry coastline is the magnificent Slea Head Drive route. Starting and finishing in Dingle, this 47km / 30 mile loop cycle promises memories that will last a lifetime. This is a signature section of the Wild Atlantic Way with highlights aplenty – golden sandy beaches, rugged coastline, magical coastal islands and the greatest concentration and variety of archaeological sites and monuments in Western Europe. A truly breathtaking cycle.
Top Tip: Early morning or late afternoon will be the quietest time on the route.
2. The Conor Pass - Ireland's Highest Mountain Pass
For the adventure purists, put your fitness to the ultimate test and make the 7km ascent to the top of The Conor Pass – Ireland’s highest mountain pass (elevation of 456m).
Your legs may be burning but thoughts of pain will soon be replaced with endorphins of joy, as your breathtaking scenic rewards are revealed at the top. Stop and be mesmerised by the most incredible vistas down both the northern and southern sides of the Dingle Peninsula. Lakes, waterfalls, rivers and valleys aplenty. Etched out by enormous glaciers during the ice age. Simply breathtaking.
Well rested, descend cautiously down the northern side of the Conor Pass and make a loop back to Dingle via Castlegregory, Camp, and Lispole. A detour off the main route to hug the lesser-known northwest coastline of the peninsula is very worthy of consideration. You will cycle through fuchsia-lined boithríns, passing deserted golden beaches and picture-postcard villages as you make your way along Cloghane, Brandon, Brandon Point, Castlegregory, etc. Glanteenassig Forest Park, between Aughacasla and Castlegregory, is also beautiful.
Bike Rental Outlets on the Dingle Peninsula
Bicycles can be hired by the day or for longer periods. For a more leisurely outing, electric bicycles are also available to rent.
Paddy's Bike Shop
Paddy
Phone: + 353 66 9152311
Web: www.paddysbikeshop.com
Dingle Bikes
Cathal Fenton
Phone: +353 86 084 8378
Web: www.dinglebikes.com
Outwest Living
Rebecca Hoban & Shane Finn
Phone: +353 86 0872241
Web: www.outwestliving.ie
Annual 'Ride Dingle' Cycling Event
For cycling enthusiasts, the 'Ride Dingle' cycle event, which takes place in April each year, is a must. Starting and finishing in Dingle Town, the event features two cycle routes: 1. A 55km Slea Head Loop and 2. A 120km Loop taking in both Slea Head and The Conor Pass. Event places and accommodation fill up quickly each year so advanced booking is highly recommended. For further information visit: www.ridedingle.com.