The ride home, and one last climb worth staying an extra day for: 47 km from Dingle over the Conor Pass, one of Ireland's highest paved roads, and down to the train at Tralee.
Distance
47 km
Elevation
524 m
Ride time
2–3 hr
Difficulty
Moderate
Created in partnership with Tourism Ireland. All routes, opinions, and recommendations are our own.
The route
About this day
If you keep a mental list of the climbs that stay with you, the Conor Pass writes itself straight to the top, and the descent might be even better than the way up.
The numbers are friendlier than the reputation suggests: roughly 7 km of climbing for about 400 metres of ascent, averaging around six percent, though it stiffens toward twelve near the top where the road pinches in and the drop-offs get real. Take it steady and it's very doable. The reward at the summit is one of the biggest views in the country, back down the glacial valley toward Dingle Bay and, on the far side, out over Brandon Bay and the long beaches of the north coast.
Then comes the part we'd argue is the real reason to ride it: the descent. The northern side shrinks to a single lane cut straight into the rock, twisting down past waterfalls and a hanging lake with the valley opening beneath you. It demands full attention, so feather the brakes and take your time rather than chasing speed. Lower down the gradient eases and the road rolls northeast through the little village of Camp, where we pulled in at The Filling Station to eat and recharge before the last spin into town.
Tralee, Trá Lí, the county town of Kerry, is where the trip properly ends, at the railway station with bikes loaded for the journey home. One practical note if you're following our wheels: book a bike reservation on the train in advance, spaces are limited and you don't want to be turned away at the platform after a climb like that. And with that, eight days on the Wild Atlantic Way, plus one unforgettable climb for the road home, were done.
Stops along the way
5 of 5 showing
~0 km · leaving Dingle
Leaving Dingle you've got a choice: climb the Conor Pass, or take the flatter road back toward Tralee via Annascaul on the south side of the peninsula. Both get you to the train. If the weather's kind and your legs are willing, the pass is well worth it, one of the best climbs in the country, but the Annascaul option is there if you'd rather save them.
Open in Maps →~0–7 km · out of Dingle
The main event, and it starts right on the edge of town. Around 7 km of climbing for roughly 400 metres of ascent, averaging about six percent but kicking toward twelve near the top where the road narrows. Take it at your own pace, there's no shame in a breather, and the summit at 456 m serves up one of the biggest views in Ireland, back down the valley to Dingle Bay.
Open in Maps →~7–12 km · north side
For our money the best part of the day. The northern side shrinks to a single lane cut into the rock, winding down past waterfalls and a hanging lake with the valley opening up beneath you. It's narrow and shared with the odd car, so keep your speed in check and your hands near the brakes, and take a second to actually look around. Unforgettable.
Open in Maps →~30 km · Camp
Once the pass is behind you and the road flattens out toward Tralee, The Filling Station in the village of Camp is a lovely place to stop, eat well and recharge. Just the kind of relaxed, friendly spot you want on the run home after a big climb, with good food and a warm welcome. We were glad we pulled in.
See on Instagram →~47 km · Tralee
Tralee station is where the trip ends and the train home begins. Bike spaces on Irish Rail are limited and need to be reserved in advance, so sort your bike reservation before you travel rather than chancing it on the day. Do it early and the last leg is a stress-free glide back east with your feet up.
Irish Rail bike info →From the day
