The Trip (Part 2) - Ireland Cycling
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Day 5 - Rest Day
We were scheduled to stay the day in Dingle and people of the group could do what they wanted with their day. In the morning, Herve and I cycled out toward Slea Head along the route we had done the previous day. The weather was much better which meant there were more views.
In the afternoon, I wandered around Dingle, including its harbour.
Day 6 - Dingle to Killorglin
Starting in Dingle, the first task was to climb over the highest highway pass in Ireland, Conair Pass. The long steady climb through open fields and heather had views back toward Dingle and once over the pass down into Brandon Bay to the north. After descending the pass, it was mostly flat to Camp, and the Railway Tavern. There was live music, drinks and sandwiches for lunch.
After the lunch, we started the climb into the mountains and into the fog. This pass rated a 'very steep climb' for the last section. From the pass, it was a quick descent into the sunshine and a ride into Killorglin. Our B&B was about 1km outside of town. Unfortunately I do not have any photos of the evening festivities. Thanks to Joe for the wine and paté.
Day 7 - Killorglin to Killarney
Our final morning on the bicycles. I took a few photos in the morning before breakfast of flowers and fields as well as some of the morning routine.
Our morning ride parallelled the main road toward Killarney and Beaufort. There we turned into the mountains and started climbing to Kate Kearney's Cottage for a rest. From Kate's it was a climb alongside the horse drawn traps to the top of the Gap of Dunloe.
From the pass, it was a quick downhill into Black Valley and then flat along the valley floor. Just before lunch there was a steep climb up to Molls Gap, the location of our lunch on the first day.
After lunch at Molls Gap, we descended on familiar territory to Killarney National Park.
We arrived back in Killarney and the Lake Lodge B&B. We had our last dinner together before goodbyes. In the morning we all started heading off in our separate ways.
Conclusion
Thank you to everyone for making the week so enjoyable. And thank you for checking out my photos! Alan
