On your bike for a Wild Atlantic cycle

At the launch of the Ring of Beara Cycle in The Brook Lane Hotel, Kenmare recently were members of the organising committee – Pat Spillane, Sarah Donovan, Tadhg O’Sullivan, Tara Hanley, Mickey Ned O’Sullivan and Cllr Gerard Patrick Murphy. (Photo: Don MacMonagle)

Thousands of cyclists from Ireland and around the globe are excited about the news of the new Ring of Beara Cycle Kenmare which will take place on Saturday, May 23rd, 2015. Participants will cycle Ireland’s most spectacular peninsula and embrace the unspoiled beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way.

The event is an initiative undertaken by the Kenmare Marketing and Events Group. Committee member Mickey Ned O’Sullivan said ‘The event is an exciting edition to the cycling calendar. We have so much to offer in Kenmare and the Ring of Beara, and the best way to see the Wild Atlantic Way is on your bike’.

At the official launch TD Michael Healy Rae commented that ‘Large scale sporting events in the shoulder tourist season are vital to the tourism industry. There is no better way to showcase Kenmare and the Ring of Beara than staging a huge event like this. The traditional media coverage and social media exposure will be invaluable to the area. This event will contribute economically to local businesses, maintaining jobs in the sector and promoting Kenmare in a way like never before.’

There are routes to suit all levels of fitness from the seasoned cyclist to the casual pedaler. Choose from the 140km route or the shorter 100km route. Cyclist can experience the magnificent scenery of the mountains, valleys and the rugged coastline of the Beara peninsula.

Both routes start in the idyllic Kenmare town heading, out the Beara peninsula towards Lauragh, passing some picturesque and quaint towns including Ardgroom, Eyeries, Allihies, Castletownbere, Adrigole, Glengarriff and back to Kenmare town. Participants can enjoy some food and chat at the fully stocked food stations dotted along the routes.

The event will finish in Kenmare town which will guarantee a great atmosphere and superb facilities including hot food, hot tubs, massage, entertainment and finishers’ medal for all cyclists.

Make this your goal in 2015 and experience this unique event for the first time. More information can be found at www.ringofbearacyclekenmare.com