Borlin Valley

Borlin Valley comprises one of the best cycling routes in all of Ireland, passing stunning scenery, even by Cork standards, is sublime. alternative route through the mountains between Kenmare and the picturesque Gougane Barra, a placid mountain valley with its friendly, family run hotel. Taken in combination with the Coolea Wilds Cycle Route, the two designated routes provide vital linkages between Kenmare and Gougane Barra.

This cycling route begins in the tourism enclave of Kenmare when cyclists follow the signposts South along the N72, crossing the bridge and turning left toward Sheen Falls. This relatively undeveloped county road provides a pleasant alternative route to Kilgarvin, paralleling the Kenmare River to the South. Once outside the village of Killgarvin, take a right and follow the Borlin Valley road, an undulating and twisting third level road ascends for roughly 6-7 km, at times gently and at times rather dramatically, with spectacular views leading you upward, ever upward.

From its heights the mountains seem quite alpine. You’d be forgiven for at times mistook them for the Alps. Yet Borlin is in the heart of rugged heart of West Cork, surrounded by the county’s tallest mountains. And to the Borlin Valley by bike is all the more sublime. With challenging climb and exhilarating descents, you’ll be surrounded by sheep, along the way encountering scarcely few cars. Its difficult to overstate the scenic grandeur of the Borlin Valley.

Its a thrilling descent to Kealkill where you join the main road to Macroom, the R584. Turn left and follow this main road for roughly 8 miles to the turnoff for Gougane Barra, where you have a 1 km ride back to the hotel and the tastiest pint of Murphy’s you’ve ever consumed.