Rescheduled Ireland - Southwest Peninsulas 2023

† 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

Ireland's Southwest Peninsulas - 2023

OVERVIEW:  This ride has some of the most stunning scenery in Ireland. The Southwest of Ireland is renowned for its archaeological treasures and for the hospitality and warmth of its native population. The area offers 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:  We begin our stay in Killarney and spend the day exploring the rugged and remote Gap of Dunloe and visiting Killarney National Park, Muckross House, and Ross Castle.  

From Killarney we ride east to Gougane Barra, and then south to meet the coast at Bantry.

Using this as a base for two nights we explore remote Sheeps 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. The Ring of Kerry occupies the next 3 days, with the option to visit Skellig Michael by boat. The wonderful Dingle Peninsula is then explored, and the trip ends in 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: May is usually mild in Southwest Ireland with an average daily low of 45 degrees F, and an average daily high of 60 degrees F.  Average rainfall for the month of May is 2.3 inches.  This IS Ireland however, and you should be prepared for cooler temperatures and rain at any time.

LODGING & MEALS:  The ride cost covers 13 nights accommodations, Killarney (2), Gougane Barra, Bantry (2), Kenmare (2), Waterville (2), Killorglin, Dingle (2) and Tralee. All lodging is in three and four star hotels. 

Meals: 13 breakfasts and 7 dinners are included in the tour cost.

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 in Killarney on Sunday, May 14 at the Riverside Hotel with an introductory get-together at 6:30 PM and dinner at 7:30 PM.  The tour officially ends on Saturday, May 27 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. There are also several public transportation options for travel between Tralee and Dublin. NOTE:  Transportation from Tralee to Dublin may take up to 5 hours.  Please allow plenty of time when making your plane reservations home.  

COST & ADMINISTRATION:  Included in the $3640 tour costs are 13 nights accommodation, all breakfasts, seven dinners, electronic cue sheets, maps, GPS files, luggage transfer, van pickup for emergency only (no sag), and bike box transfer and storage. Tips for driver/guides and group meals are included in tour costs. The price is calculated on an approximate exchange rate of $1.30 to the Euro. Some fluctuation may occur between now and May 2023, requiring a price adjustment.  Bikes and Garmin GPS units are available for rent from Iron Donkey and arrangements must be made directly with them. E-Bikes and tandems are allowed on a case by case basis - contact ride leader prior to signing up for the ride. Entrance fees to tourist sites and any special side trips are not included.  Nightly happy hour/business meetings will be held in or near the hotel pubs.  NOTE: due to hotel restrictions in Ireland traditional BAC cocktail hours are not included, however we have budgeted one drink per person per Happy Hour to be in the tour cost.  Any other food or additional drinks must be purchased by the participants.

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, 2022 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 and payment processing fee) or pay the $900 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 and payment processing fee are not refundable unless the entire tour is cancelled due to participation below stated minimum requirements.  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. (all amounts are subject to adjustment based upon the exchange rate in effect at the time).

• Between 90 days and 30 days before departure there is a penalty of €537.50 or $698.75 (unless replacement(s) found).

• Between 30 days before departure and departure there is a penalty of €2150 or $2795 (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.  Note that the van is for luggage transport and not a “Sag Wagon”. 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 $1500 by credit card. As soon as your deposit has been processed, your name(s) will be added to the Participant List. Final payment of $2140 is due no later than February 1, 2023. BAC members with questions may contact the Ride Director by "clicking" the name at the top of this Ride Description.