Based in Killarney one of my cycle designations has to include the Killarney National Park to the Gap of Dunloe.
On the Killarney cycle tour we pass streams, rivers, waterfalls, lakes, beautiful oak forests, horse trails. We experience wildlife such as red deer, sika deer and white-tailed eagles.
We cycle alongside the fully restored Ross Castle built in the 15th century which features on the cover of the National Geographic, Feb/March 2015 edition. We also visit the Copper Mines on Ross Island.
We visit Muckross Abbey, a 15th Century monastery, and onto Muckross House, built in 1843, where a restaurant on the grounds gives us a chance to catch our breath. The profusion of pink and purple rhododendron bush in Killarney National Park, particularly in the gardens of Muckross House, is nothing short of stunning.
Onwards we cycle to Torc waterfall, along a path to the Black Valley and through the scenic Gap of Dunloe where we finish in either Kate Kearney’s Cottage, a 150 year old family run establishment; highly regarded for Irish music or stop across the road at Heather Restaurant and Gardens, a vibrant new venue which produces freshly prepared seasonal food. We travel by motor vehicle back to Killarney.
