Everything you need to know about cycling in Co. Kerry, Ireland
This gruelling climb is infamous to cyclists throughout the county and is a challenge to even the most battle hardened. It is a category 1 climb that has been involved in many a Rás Tailteann and FBD Milk Rás throughout the entire history of the event. It is relatively short witth it’s summit being only approx 2 and a half miles (nearly 5 K) from Castleisland.
The View of Castleisland from the Top of the Maum
I’ve been meaning to post up details of this cycle for a long time and cycling it recently has finally given me incentive to do so. This 34 Mile/ 54 K route is very difficult on the legs for for the cyclist with a sense of adventure you will not be disappointed by one of the most scenic and beautiul parts of Ireland.
The cycle leaves Killarney and heads out the Killorglin road for approximately 3 miles where you take a left road that is signposted for the Gap of Dunloe and Kate Kearney’s Cottage.
Kate Kearney's Cottage
A climb of legends and only braved by those who have excess energy or lacking in common sense, Short Mountain leaves the body tired but feeling accomplished. There are two options on thic climb, to ascend via the Castlemaine or the Tralee Side. The Castlemaine side is shorter but a wall which will pound the heart and weaken the body considerably. The ascent from Tralee is more manageable but should not be disregarded, it is tough.
Pike is a considerable climb just a few miles outside of Castleisland. Beginning at the bottom of the town head up main street up past the top of the town and the library heading straight on out the Cordal Road. Follow the signposts for Cordal which is a village about 3 k out of Castleisland.
Gleannsharoon is situated just outside of Castleisland and is very short at only one mile. However it does provide a considerable challenge and climbing rougly 500ft in under a mile only means that the gradient is quite steep, averaging 11.5 %.
The Conor Pass situated on the Dingle Peninsula is probably one of the most famous and difficult climbs for cyclists in Ireland. It is quite steep and has no inch of forgiving tarmac. Only approx 3 miles and 5K in length, doesn’t look that far in paper but looking at the gradient will give you more of an idea what is involved. A magnificient view of both Tralee Bay and Dingle Bay await you on top and only a few meters apart.
Situated on the Sneem side of Waterville on the Ring of Kerry route the climb of Coomaciste is a nice steady climb that offers magnificient views of Kerry and the Atlantic ocean. This climb is reviewed from the Waterville approach going i.e. as if going anti clock wise around the Ring of Kerry which is the traditional cycling approach.
Situated between Kenmare and Killarney, Molls Gap is one of the most famous climbs in Ireland and well renound in both cycling and car rallying terms. This 6.3 Mile/ 10 K climb reaches a summit of 860 ft and the summit offers a scenic view of the Black valley and futher down when descending into Killarney there is an opportunity to experience Ladies View, which is a viewing point where the lakes of Killarney and their surrounds can be seen.
Ladies View
