This route takes you out from the centre of County Kerry’s capital town Tralee, on an outer lap of the surrounding area, all within a 5km radius of the town centre.
Distance: 45 km | Nearest town: Tralee | Route type: Mainly country lanes
Terrain: Mixed | On/Off road: On road | Start/Finish: Tralee | Route shape: Circular
Route Description
Leaving Tralee on the R551 in the direction of Ardfert cycle just beyond Ballyroe hotel before a left turn that takes in the first climb of the day up the Slieve road to Scrahan Cross. A left turn at the cross sees a lovely downhill section into Spa Village with stunning views of Tralee Bay and the Sliabh Mish Mountains.
A left in Spa followed by a right turn after the cricket pitch takes you back towards Tralee via the Kerries area. A meandering wooded road followed by a short climb with now impressive views of Blennerville. A right turn followed by a left brings you out in Lohercannon and then Blennerville. Dominated by the strikingly white 19th century windmill and the adjacent Tralee-Blennerville canal.
Places of Interest en-route:
Blennerville Windmill | Tralee to Blennerville Canal
A left turn in the centre of the village prior to the filling station carries you past the local gaelic football grounds and onto the Ballyard area of Tralee, a straight narrow road that lies on the foot of the Sliabh Mish mountains.
Continue over the N70 road and arrive at Farmers Bridge. At the cross take a left turn towards the main N22. A left turn followed by a right turn at the next roundabout. Continue past Ballygarry Hotel.
The next section is arguably the toughest slog with a steady up hill cycle on the N69 Tralee by-pass towards the Listowel road roundabout. Once at the summit take a left turn and enjoy a 3km descent towards Tralee.
Scrahan Cross 
Blennerville 
Tralee By-Pass 
Knockanaha
At the Forge Cross roundabout take a right turn and follow the leafy wooded lane towards the R556. A left turn and then a next right signals the final climb of the day towards Doon. From this area enjoy fine panoramic views of Tralee town and the whole of the Tralee Bay area.
Take a left turn at the summit, close to a large shed and follow the narrow country lane through a town land called Knockanha. Pause temporarily and admire the fantastic views to the north of the Atlantic ocean, Banna Strand and Kerry Head. After 2km of a flattish ride get ready for a steep twisting descent down to Ballyroe. Take a left turn back onto the R551 and you are left with about 4 km before reaching the centre of Tralee town.
Facilities:
O’Sheas Gala Shop-Blennerville | Drinks, food, sit down and toilets.
