Tuesday May 29

Another cycling day, and another 8:15 departure. This time we’re following the program:  Kenmare to Waterville, with a shuttle at each end. Another glorious day. Dan, our (new) driver, thinks this may well be the hottest day of the year!  My Garmin showed up to about 28C. Sure wish I had packed some cycling shorts!  I wasn’t expecting such great weather.

We started just outside of the cute-looking town of Kenmare. I’m hoping to finish Thursday's ride here early enough to look around.  (It didn’t happen). Today’s route took us on the southern half of the Ring of Kerry. The roads are very narrow and driving the Ring of Kerry is one of Ireland’s top tourist attractions. There are many, many tourist buses on the route. Two things are working in our favour, though. We’re not yet in peak tourist season, and the buses all go in a counter-clockwise direction. We’re travelling the other way.

Conscious of our pacing issues on the last few rides, our first significant stop is at the lovely little village of Sneem, which is almost halfway to our final destination. We found a little coffee shop beside the river and settled in to some mediocre coffee and treats, although my carrot cake was quite delicious.

Back on the bikes and more miles with the ocean to our left.

A nice looking beach as we came in to Caherdaniel.

Then off the main road for a few kms

Heading towards Derrynane House, the ancestral home of Daniel O’Connell.

Once back on the main road there were more great views.

And one last big climb before a wonderful downhill run into the picturesque town of Waterville.  One  of its claims to fame was that Charlie Chaplin was a regular visitor here for many years.

Dan was waiting there for us with the van. After some rehydration at a hotel bar across from the waterfront, we piled in for the drive home. Another great day in the books!

Stats for the day:
64.47 km
2182 feet climbed.