Biking Ireland’s Beara Peninsula

Getting there:

From LAX, connecting service (change of planes) to Shannon is available on Aer Lingus, Delta and Continental. Restricted round-trip fares begin at $844. From LAX to Dublin, nonstop service is available on Aer Lingus and connecting service on Swiss, Delta, Continental and Lufthansa. Restricted round-trip fares begin at $864.

Telephones:

To call numbers below from the U.S., dial 011 (international dialing code), 353 (country code) and the local number.

Bicycle rentals:

O’Sullivan’s Rent-a-Bike, Bishop’s Lane, New Street, Killarney; 64-31-282. A second location is on Beech Road, across from the tourist office. Bicycle rental with accessories about $12 per day, $70 per week.

Finnegan’s, Henry and Shelbourne streets, Kenmare; 64-41-083. Bicycle rentals with accessories about $12 per day, $75 per week.

Where to stay:

Glanmore Lake Youth Hostel, Lauragh; 64-83-181, https://anoige.ie/accommodation_kerry_glanmore.html. This quaint two-story hostel in a quiet rural valley was once a boarding school. Dorm bed $13.

The Village Hostel, Main Street, Allihies; 27-73-107. Renovated last year, very clean and comfortable. Dorm bed $14; doubles $38.50.

Murphy’s Irish Hostel, Main Street, Glengarriff; 27-63-555. Dorm bed $10.75.

Where to eat:

O’Neill’s, Main Street, Allihies; 27-73-008. This bright red pub is the center of life in sleepy Allihies and a good bet for a traditional meal. Entrees $5-$15.

Jack Patrick’s, Main Street, Castletownbere; 27-70-319. Known for its enormous seafood platters. Entrees $8-$20.

Treyvaud’s Restaurant (formerly the Sceilig), High Street, Killarney; 64-33-062. I had excellent Irish stew and a pint of Guinness for $13. Entrees $12-$20.

To learn more:

Irish Tourist Board, Baggot Street Bridge, Baggot Street, Dublin 2; 1-602-4000, fax 1-602-4100, www.ireland.ie.

Beara Tourism and Development Assn., the Square, Castletownbere; telephone/fax 27-70-054, www.bearatourism.com.