Killarney Wild Cycle Route
The Heart of Killarney Cycle Tour is an challenging day tour that takes in the best of Killarney National Park, originating in Killarney and terminating in Kenmare, along the way passing through the Gap of Dunloe, the Black Valley, and Moll's Gap. Set amid the grandeur of the Macgillacuddy Reeks, with mountains and lakes and rivers and waterfalls, this is scenic Ireland at its finest. The Heart of Killarney Cycle Route can be done either as a circular route returning to Killarney or as a point to point route, from Killarney to Kenmare. Much of the route remains blissfully absent of car traffic. Cyclists will find plenty of inspirational places along the way to picnic.
The journey begins amid the bustle of Killarney. Though much of the route is blissfully car free, the first five miles must be approached with all the inherent caution required of Ireland's primary road network. Leaving Killarney Town Centre, follow the Killorglin Road West for 5 km (3 miles) where you'll see a road turning off to the left, sign posted for Kate Kearney's Cottage. From here, as you begin to enter the Gap of Dunloe, is where the journey gets interesting.
Though a "Gap" in Ireland is synonymous with a "mountain pass" the Gap of Dunloe, at a height of 700 feet above Killarney, shouldn't overly frighten the less fit. Horsemen push their pony traps excursion anyone resembling tourists. You'll be excused on your iron donkey. Shift into low gear as its a slow and steady climb up the valley leading to the gap. You will share the road with sheep and the occasional pony trap operator, as the road is narrow and pavement rough, with many ruts, bumps and potholes deterring all but the most fool-hearty car drivers. Its roughly four miles to the top of the Gap of Dunloe. Take time to savor this stunning mountain landscape, with its placid loughs, babbling creeks and surrounding peaks, including Carrauntouhill, Ireland's highest mountain.
From the summit drop into the remote and stunning Black Valley, where for the next six miles you are immersed in the heart of Killarney National Park. At the bottom of the hill down from the Gap, note a tricky junction in the Road that could certainly be better signposted. Stay right and make your past the An �ige Hostel and over the river. As you make your way across this fine valley, there are many fine places to rest, should you grow weary, but nowhere to refuel so come well provisioned. Slowly climb the hill toward Moll's Gap, where an Avoca shop with all it culinary treats awaits. Feeling refreshed, suit up for the descent as its a long coast toward Kenmare, some seven miles away. You'll pedal to the last couple miles, just to ensure that you've earned that pint of Guinness!
