Cycling & Mountain Biking around Killarney
Killarney offers endless cycling opportunities through the National Park, around its Lakes and unspoilt countryside, or for the more adventurous, through its many mountain passes and valleys.
Whether you bring your own bike, or hire from the numerous “bike-hire” providers in Killarney, you will be spoilt for choice of routes and options. We have endless miles of quiet country roads that take you through the outlying villages, places of interest and sandy beaches.
Many of the recognised “walking routes” are also ideal for cycling. Just pack a lunch and head out for the day or, take refreshments at one of the many welcoming “pit-stops” en route.
O’Sullivan’s Cycles Rent-a-Bike
Daily, Weekly and Group Rates Available
Beech Road (opposite Tourist Office), Killarney
Tel: +353 (0)64 662 2389
A selection of cycles in and around Killarney National Park
Knockreer and Ross Island
Distance: at your discretion
This is a very varied route where you can choose from a number of paths in the area. The former Knockreer Estate is a great place to view the Red Deer herd of Killarney National Park. The paths through Knockreer connect with Ross Island where you can explore the old Copper Mining Trail, Library Point and Governor’s Rock as well as the famous Ross Castle.
These routes can begin from various locations adjacent to the town:
- Opposite St. Mary’s Cathedral
- The entrance to Killarney House
- Bunrower, on the Ross Road near Ross Castle
- Ross Castle
The Fossa Way
Distance: Approx 6km/3.7miles
The Fossa Way travels from the entrance to Knockreer, across from St. Mary’s Cathedral, through Killarney National Park and on as far as the small village of Fossa, about 3 miles from Killarney on the Killorglin road. This route affords the cyclist with magnificent views of the Killarney’s lakes and mountains from a high point near Cnoc na Rí. Killarney’s most recent pathway along the Deenagh River, meets up with the Fossa Way and forms an ideal route back into Killarney town.
Gap of Dunloe / Molls Gap
Distance: Approx 55km/34miles
One of the finest long distance cycles in the Killarney area, this trip takes you west from Killarney through the famous Gap of Dunloe. You will pass by Kate Kearney’s Cottage at the entrance to ‘The Gap’, an ideal stop-off for a quick break before tackling the cycle ahead.
From here, you travel up through the Gap, between Purple mountain on your left and the Bull mountain and MacGillycuddy’s Reeks on your right. After reaching the head of the Gap, you have a long descent into the Black Valley, and another stop-off opportunity at Lord Brandon’s Cottage.
From here, another ascent awaits towards Molls Gap, where you will meet the main Kenmare-Killarney road, and a descent back into the Killarney Valley. Caution is advised along this route as you will meet a lot of traffic along the entire length.
