Ring of Beara Cycle: All You Need to Know

Over 4,500 cyclists will descend on Kenmare and the Beara Peninsula on Saturday 27th May 2023 for the Ring of Beara Cycle.

Information on the event, including start times, finish times, road closures, car parking and kids’ cycle are listed below.

Start Time

The Ring of Beara Cycle will start at 8am from Kenmare town centre.

Cyclists are not permitted to start before this time, but can start later if they wish.

Finish Time

We expect the last cyclists to cross the finish line around 6pm.

Event services will cease at 5pm and medical services at 6pm.

Registration/Pack pick up

Registration for the Ring of Beara Cycle will take place in Kenmare town centre on:

Friday 26th May from 3pm to 9pm
Saturday 27th May from 6.30am to 8am

Participants will need the confirmation email they received from Eventmaster when they signed up to the event that contains a unique QR code which will be scanned to receive an event pack.

Those participants who cannot locate this email with the QR code will be assisted by our registration team on the day.

The event has been sold out since last October and no new event registrations will be permitted on the day.

Event Pack

The Ring of Beara Event Pack contains:

Event info document
Cycle plate with event number
Cable ties to secure the plate to a bike
Wristband to access the event and foodstops

No Registration, No Cycle

Everyone completing the Ring of Beara Cycle must have registered beforehand.

There will be a check point on the bridge in Kenmare to verify that only registered cyclists are taking part. The check point will be manned by Gardai and anyone found not to have a wristband and and bike tag will not be allowed to continue on the cycle.

Road Closures

Road closures will be in place on Saturday 27th May at the following times and locations:

N71, Kenmare

Road Closed: N71 – starting from Henry Street Junction and finishing at the Park Street Junction.
Closing Times: From 5.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.

Henry Street, Kenmare

Road Closed: Henry Street
Closing Times: From 5.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Motorists are advised, at the above times, Park Street will operate as a two-way street. All traffic is advised to use the Kenmare Eastern Relief Road via Park Street and Railway Road.

R573

Road Closed: R573 Coast Road from Barrack Cross (R571/R573 Junction) to Direen Cross
(R571/R573 Junction)
Closing Times: 8.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m.
Motorists are advised, at the above times, to use the R571.

Spectators

We encourage everyone to come out and support Ring of Beara cyclists at the start and finish in Kenmare, but we advise spectators not to drive on the route around the Beara peninsula as the roads are very narrow and it will not be safe for cyclists if additional cars are on the road.

Food stops

Food stops will be available at the following locations:

140km Route

Eyeries (44km)
Allihies (60km)
Castletownbere (80km)
Glengarriff (123km)
Finish

110km Route

Ardgroom (35km)
Castletownbere (50km)
Glengarriff (83km)
Finish

Car Parking

Participants should follow marshals’ instructions on where to park on the approach to Kenmare, and consider cycling to the event start from nearby accommodation.

Motorhome and campervan parking is provided on a strictly pre-event online registration basis. If you have not already reserved your motorvan/camper van parking space you will need to make alternative arrangements.

Start/Finish Facilities

There will be light refreshments for participants and water available at the finish.

We encourage participants and visitors to stay on at the finish for a great post-event atmosphere with live music and a festival atmosphere around the town square’s bars and cafes.

Shower facilities will be available at Kenmare Shamrock GAA Club.

Bike Check

This service will be available during pack pick-up on Friday 26th May from 3pm to 9pm.

Our fully qualified bike mechanics will give your bike a safety check and recommend any changes required. The service is free, you only pay for any parts required.

Kids’ Cycle

The Ring of Beara Kids cycle is a mini cycle around Kenmare town for children in national school between 3rd and 6th class.

When: Saturday 27th May
Start: 10am
Where: Kenmare Square
Distance: 2km route around Kenmare town.
Cost: FREE!
Registration: from 9.30am on the day (27th May) in the marquee located in Kenmare Square

A team of marshals will supervise the route and ensure the safety of all children who participate.

Mums and Dads are welcome to join their children for the cycle.