Kerry in May is when the country opens. The hawthorn is out, the gorse is yellow on every hill, and there is just enough warmth in the wind to ride in a base layer. Six days, six routes, all from one base outside Kenmare.
The Iveragh and Beara peninsulas hold some of the best small roads in Europe — single track, stone walls, climbs that go on for an hour and descents that go on for an hour after that. The week is built around four of the iconic Kerry climbs (Healy Pass, Priest’s Leap, the Conor Pass, the Ring of Kerry) and two quieter days that let your legs come back to you in between.
The kitchen at the house is led by a local chef. Rides leave from the door when the route allows, with short transfers on the two days the route starts away from Kenmare. There is a support vehicle on the long days and a tea stop or two on every ride. The pace is steady, the group is eight, evenings are dinner together by the fire.
Bring a real rain jacket. Bring a thermal. Bring an extra pair of gloves. The weather will be what it is, and that is part of the trip.
The route
- Day 1Arrivals · Kenmare
Pickup from Kerry airport. Settle in at the country house outside Kenmare. Welcome dinner with the chef.
- Day 2Healy Pass & Priest's Leap
An easier intro by distance, but it doesn't go easy on you. Out of Kenmare to Lauragh, up the Healy Pass into Beara, down through Adrigole and Glengarriff, and home over the Priest's Leap. Two of the iconic Kerry climbs on day one.
- Day 3Ring of Beara
The full peninsula. Stone walls, slate roofs, oysters at lunch in Eyeries, and the Atlantic on three sides. Tailwind home, if we're lucky.
- Day 4Inland through Ballyvourney
An inland day east of Kenmare through the gap at Céim an Fhia and on to Ballyvourney. Country roads, fewer cars, the lightest climbing of the week — the closest thing to a recovery day on the schedule.
- Day 5Ring of Kerry
The classic. Short transfer to Killarney for the start, then around the Iveragh Peninsula — Killorglin, Cahersiveen, Waterville, Sneem, home. The day everyone tells stories about.
- Day 6Dingle & the Conor Pass
Transfer up to Dingle. Out across the peninsula and over the Conor Pass — the highest mountain pass in Ireland. Lunch in Dingle. The long quiet way back.
- Day 7Departures
Transfers to Kerry airport. A flask of tea for the road.
Held in reserve
Routes we keep on the back burner for weather, road closures, or anyone who wants more.
- Velo Kenmare
Held in reserve for weather, route conditions, or anyone who wants the toughest day Kerry can offer.
What's included
- Six nights at a country house outside Kenmare
- All meals, with the kitchen led by a local chef
- Daily guided rides with a small support vehicle
- Pre-trip route briefing and bike fit
- Airport transfers from Kerry
- Short transfers to Killarney (Day 5) and Dingle (Day 6) on routes that start away from Kenmare
- Bike rental (we can arrange — €400 for the week)
- Travel insurance
- Flights
Eight riders. Six nights.
The trip is small on purpose. If it sounds right for you, send a note — Justin will write back with the route notes and any open dates.
Enquire about Kerry →