Killarney Cycle Routes
Strictly speaking, the routes around Killarney are not designated greenways but are included here as Killarney is a major tourist town. It is probably the most visited town in Ireland if the cities are to be excluded. In addition there are excellent walks in the area and the highest mountain in Ireland, Carrauntohil in the MacGillycuddy Reeks, is just a short distance from Killarney. Many such tourists are likely to hire bikes. It would therefore be fatuous to exclude Killarney from this site.
​
There are two cycling routes in the immediate vicinity of Killarney town, The Muckross Lake Loop and The Gap of Dunloe.
The Muckross Lake Loop, round trip 20 Kms.
​
The route starts in Killarney town centre, take the N71 from Kenmare Place, where the jaunting cars tours begin. This road can be very busy. There is a cycle path on the main road about 650 metres ahead. It may be better for parents and minders with children to walk this section on the footpath until the cycle path is reached, opposite The Old Weir Lodge. Join the cycle path for a short distance and then cross the road just after the bridge over the River Laune to join the main cycle path to Muckross. Note that you will share the path with the Jaunting Cars and they consider that they have right of way. Be warned!!
Follow the cycle path until you enter the Killarney National Park just past the Lake Hotel.​​​​​
​
Head into the park. there are a myriad of different routes in the park but continue until you see a sign for Dinis Cottage. Take the path to Dinis, note that this is designated as a one way route in the anticlockwise direction around the Muckross Lake. The jaunting cars all tend to go only to Muckross House so you will have a quieter ride with just other cyclists and walkers to contend with.
There is a coffee shop at Dinis Cottage where you can take a well deserved rest.
In summertime you will have the option of taking a boat trip across Muckross Lake to Muckross House and Gardens. The boatmen will carry your bikes on the boat. Otherwise you can choose to cycle on and complete the round trip around the lake. Note that it is not advisable to cycle back the way you came as the routes is designated as one way only. See the map of the route in the Map Killarney page.
There is a section of about 1.5 Kms where cyclists must share the main road. This section is also shown on the Map Killarney page. This is a busy road with many tour buses on a narrow road. The last time I cycled this route there was a notice that planning permission was being requested by Kerry County Council to build a walk/ cycle path on this section. Planning permission has subsequently been granted which is very welcome news as there are concerns about children cycling on this road. Let's hope it is built soon.
Continue past Dinis Cottage for a further 1.6 Kms until you arrive at the main road, N71, between Killarney and Moll's Gap. Unfortunately you will have a short cycle on the main road, a distance of 800 meters. At that point re-enter the park before the car park at the Torc Waterfall. If you have time, lock up your bikes and walk up to the waterfall.
It is unfortunate that there is a short section on the main road and this road is very busy in summertime. There is a plan in place to build a raised platform walkway/ cycleway in 2025 obviating the need to cycle on the road. Hopefully this will be in place by the time you read this. Be careful though, before the new cycleway is in place, minors should not be allowed to cycle on the road. It would be better to cycle back the way you came. The route is marked as one-way but it would be a minor infraction and much safer.
From the Torc waterfall carpark, follow the signs to Muckross House. There is a shop/ cafe/ restaurant there for you to take a break before heading back on the same route to Killarney town. See the map of the route in the Map Killarney page.
Taking the boat and bike back to Killarney from Dinis Cottage
The Gap of Dunloe, round trip 35 Kms.
This route is not a circular route, it is a direct go and return. Cyclists can decide to cycle part of the journey and return to Killarney at any time. It has three sections, the section through Killarney National Park, a road section to Kate Kearney's Cottage and the off road route up to the Gap of Dunloe.
The route starts in Killarney town at the entrance to the Killarney House and Gardens at King's Bridge just opposite the St. Mary's Catholic Cathedral, see the Map Killarney page. There are three paths ahead, take the path to the right, marked The Fossa Way, stay on the path for about 2.5 Kms until you reach the Castlerosse Hotel. (Note there are other options to cycle through the park). You can take a break at the hotel which has a restaurant/ cafe and swimming pool. It also has a 9 hole golf course.
​
Turn right, cycle for 70m, and a then sharp left, continuing on The Fossa Way cycle path. Do not leave the hotel grounds. Continue for about 2.5 Kms passing the entrance to the Killarney Golf Club. You will now reach the end of the off-road path. Join the cycle path at the side of the main road, N72. Continue cycling through Fossa Village for 1.5 Kms turning left at the sign for Gap of Dunloe. This section of cycle path is reasonably wide but be extremely vigilant with children.
​
The journey to Kate Kearney's Cottage is just over 5 Kms on the public road. It is a quiet road but definitely not suitable for young children. Teenagers would need to be supervised. The route is signposted to Gap of Dunloe and Kate Kearney's Cottage. Enjoy a well deserved rest at the cottage or the restaurant opposite.
The next section, of just under 6 Kms, is off-road although some cars do drive much to the annoyance of the Jaunting Car drivers. This is a challenging climb. There is a very steep incline at the end as you get close to the Gap. Don't be afraid to get off and walk!!!
​
The journey back to Killarney is on the same route for 17.5 Kms.
​
The Circular Route
Cyclists can continue over the Gap and down into the Black Valley. There is a cafe/ restaurant at Lord Brandon's Cottage, open in the summertime. Near that point cyclists can book a boat to return to Killarney. But it will need to be booked in advance, don't expect a boat to be waiting.
Experienced, mature cyclists may decide to continue on to Moll's Gap and return to Killarney via the main road. The cycle up to Moll's Gap is very steep. The route is only recommended for able cyclists as it is a very busy road in summertime. See the maps of both options in the Map Killarney page.
These are both fabulous cycles and highly recommended for experianced cyclists.
Cycling past the Gap of Dunloe