Ireland: Southwestern Peninsulas 2018

† Explanation of BAC Ride Fee – This fee is not included in the Estimated Cost and is non-refundable once submitted. The Ride Fee for US and Canada is $85 and $100 for all other countries, both are per participant.

Ride Description

OVERVIEW:  Spend two weeks touring beautiful Southwest Ireland with Ride Coordinator George Ellis and Ride Co-Coordinator Dianne Olsen.  Besides having some of the most stunning scenery in the country, the Southwest of Ireland is also renowned for its archaeological treasures and for the hospitality and warmth of its native population. There is an abundance of superb cycling routes.

Centered on the beautiful town of Killarney, the region encompasses five spectacular peninsulas, each with its own unique scenery and attractions.

To the west of Killarney, the beauty of the Ring of Kerry coastline is legendary. To the south, Beara is another wonderfully rugged and beautiful peninsula stretching out into the Atlantic. Sheep’s Head, the smallest and least visited of the peninsulas, has a quiet charm all of its own. Further south Mizen Head at the extremity of the Mizen Peninsula is the most southerly point on the Irish mainland.

North of Iveragh, the Dingle Peninsula has sublime coastal scenery and some of Ireland’s most fascinating antiquities. Offshore islands, the Skelligs and the Blaskets are the best known of the region’s islands.

THE RIDES:  Starting in Killarney, we spend a loop day climbing the rugged and remote Gap of Dunloe and visiting Killarney National Park, Muckross House, and Ross Castle.  We then ride east to Gougane Barra, where we have the option to ride around Lough Allua, and then head south to meet the coast at Bantry.  Using this as a base for two nights, we explore remote Sheep’s Head, before following the coast north to the Beara Peninsula.  The spectacular Healey Pass takes us through the Caha Mountains to Kenmare for another two night stop, where we can enjoy the town’s famous musical pubs.  The Ring of Kerry occupies the next 3 days of riding, with the option to visit the UNESCO World Heritage monastery at Skellig Michael by boat or attend the Skellig Experience on the mainland.  The wonderful Dingle Peninsula is then explored, climbing Conor Pass, the highest mountain pass in Ireland, before the long descent and flat stretch into the colorful town of Tralee.

ATTRACTIONS:  Lakes of Killarney, Muckross House, Macgillacuddy’s Reeks, Gap of Dunloe, Kate Kearney’s Cottage, Moll’s Gap, Meeting of the Waters, Gougane Barra, Bantry House,  Garinish Island, Beara Peninsula, Ring of Kerry, Derrynane House, Skellig Michael, Gallarus Oratory, Slea Head, Dunbeg Fort, Valentia Island, Kenmare’s musical pubs......  

RIDE RATING: The average daily required riding distance is 38 miles with an average daily elevation gain of 2479 feet, putting it slightly under the threshold for level 2. Two required riding days exceed the 2500' climbing limit for a level 2 ride (2663 and 3017 feet). In addition, one day's route is 50.3 miles with a climbing level of 2976 feet, but an easier alternative is available.

WEATHER:  July is one of the warmest and driest months in Southwest Ireland with an average daily low of 55 degrees F, and an average daily high of 64 degrees F.  Average rainfall for the month of July is 2.9 inches.  This IS Ireland however, and you should be prepared for cooler temperatuares and rain at any time.

LODGING & MEALS:  The estimated cost covers 13 nights accommodations, Killarney (2), Gougane Barra, Bantry (2), Kenmare (2), Cahirciveen (2), Killorglin, Dingle (2) and Tralee (three nights 4* hotels, eight nights 3* hotels, and two nights in guest houses).  In addition, all breakfasts and 7 dinners (3 courses) will be included.

LOGISTICS:  Most people will fly into Dublin, although Shannon is a possibility (Ask the ride leader if you plan to travel via Shannon). If you have the time, Dublin is a fantastic destination, and deserving of a few sightseeing days by itself.  Airport transport between Dublin and Killarney can be arranged for an additional fee if there is a demand. The tour officially begins with a get-together and dinner on Sunday, July 8 in Killarney.  The tour officially ends on Saturday, July 21 after breakfast in Tralee.  Airport transport between Tralee and Dublin can also be arranged for an additional fee if there is a demand. The cost of the shuttles will be determined by the number of passengers.  NOTE:  The shuttle bus from Tralee to Dublin on the 21st, leaving at 7:00 a.m., takes approximately 4.5 hours, and arrives at the Dublin airport around noon.  Please allow plenty of time when making your plane reservations home. 

COST & ADMINISTRATION:  Included in the $2950 tour costs are 13 nights accommodation, all breakfasts, seven dinners, electronic cue sheets, maps, gps files, business meetings, luggage transfer, van pickup for emergency use and bike box storage, and tips. The price is calculated on an approximate exchange rate of $1.30 to the Euro. Some fluctuation may occur between now and July 2018, requiring a price adjustment.  Bikes and Garmin GPS units are available for rent from Iron Donkey and arrangements must be made directly with them. Nightly happy hour/business meetings will be held in or near the hotel pubs.  NOTE: due to hotel restrictions in Ireland, most of the usual BAC cocktail hours are not included in the tour cost.  Most of our hotels have their own pubs, where participants can purchase their own beverages.  Beer, wine, and soft drinks will be provided at the welcome and farewell Happy Hours.

SINGLES POLICY:  It is recommended that singles who want a roommate try to find their own.  However, after receipt of the initial deposit, a single without a roommate will be placed on the ride and given until September 1, 2017 to find a roommate. If they are unable to find a roommate, they will have the option to receive a full refund (minus the $100 BAC fee) or pay the $735 single supplement and stay on the ride.  If a single pays the supplement, they may continue to seek a roommate, but must plan to participate without a roommate if necessary.  Single supplement payments will need to be made by check directly to the Ride Leader.  The Ride Leader will assist by attempting to match singles who apply for the ride. 

CANCELLATION POLICY:  The $100 BAC ride registration fee is not refundable unless the entire tour is cancelled.  Refunds of tour payments will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recouped.  The amount refunded will be based on the principle that the tour’s remaining participants will not incur any additional cost as a result of cancellations.  If the canceling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time.  If the canceling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride and final expense report are completed.  If a single participant cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped the cancelling roommate may also be liable for the single supplement fee of the roommate remaining on the tour.  BAC encourages members to purchase trip cancellation insurance.

In addition to the BAC Cancellation policy, those who cancel may be subject to Iron Donkey's cancellation policy: If the participant cancels, then the following penalties will apply.

• Between 90 days and 30 days before departure: 25% of full payment (unless replacement(s) found).
• Between 30 days before departure and departure: 100% of full payment (unless replacement(s) found).

RIDE PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITY:  Please remember that BAC Ride Leaders are volunteers, and that successful tours depend on participants providing much of their own support.  Participants are expected to come to the ride well trained, in good health and ready to accomplish the required daily riding using well-maintained bicycles.   All participants should accept responsibility for a safe and enjoyable tour.  We encourage you to read the ride description carefully and respond to requests from Ride Leader.  While on the ride, support your Ride Leader with offers to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparation and clean-up.  Please do not interfere with the ride by inviting non-participants onto any portion of the ride or tour.  Please keep the Ride Leader informed of any special request you may have and respect the Ride Leader’s decisions.

SIGN-UP: To register for this ride, use the sign-up links just above the Ride Description. After preliminary acceptance, you will be moved to the pending list and receive an email requesting you to go back to the BAC site to digitally accept the Release of Liability (ROL), and pay the non-refundable BAC fee ($100) and tour deposit of $1000 by credit card. As soon as your deposit has been processed, your name(s) will be added to the Participant List. Final payment of $1950 is due no later than March 1, 2018. BAC members with questions may contact the Ride Director by "clicking" the name at the top of this Ride Description.