The best road cycling routes in Tralee Bay Nature Reserve

Banna Strand, where part of David Lean's 1968 film Ryan's Daughter was shot. Also in Banna, Roger Casement landed with weapons in preparation for the 1916 Easter Rising, before being given away by a local farmer and captured in Ardfert. Banna Strand (Memorial): A 17-foot high limestone obelisk marking the exact spot where Casement came ashore from a German submarine on Good Friday 1916. The monument was unveiled in 1966.

The ruins of the cathedral and churches form a moving whole, a testament to the intense spiritual life of the Middle Ages. There are graves from the time of the first monastery (6th century), founded by Saint Brendan the Navigator. The cathedral (13th century) is now nothing more than a great open-air ship, which will amaze you with the elegance of its high Gothic windows. The statue (13th century), placed in a niche in the northwest corner, is thought to represent Brendan. On the west side, the Romanesque portal (12th century) has been renovated with a little too much enthusiasm, but the Irish Heritage Preservation Office unfortunately does not have the means to bring in specialists. The other two buildings also contain remnants of sculptures, one with flowers, the other with griffins.

St. John’s Church is centrally located in Tralee and forms a recognizable landmark with its tall tower and quiet church square. On the side of the building, you will find a simple holy water tap in the outer wall, an unexpected but frequently used spot where parishioners can draw water at any time. It is a small, almost hidden addition to the church that makes the daily ritual visible. (but I didn't find it)

The Tralee Ship Canal is a historic 3 km long navigable waterway connecting the centre of Tralee with the sea at Blennerville. Opened in 1846 to allow large ships of up to 300 tons to access the town, it fell into disuse in the 20th century. Following a large-scale restoration in the 1990s, the towpath is now an important recreational link.

The Blennerville Windmill, built in 1800, is the largest working corn mill in Ireland and Great Britain. Located on the edge of Tralee Bay, this white smock mill marks the starting point of the Dingle Peninsula for cyclists departing from Tralee (N86).

This characteristic village, nestled between the green hills of the Dingle Peninsula, is inextricably linked to the legendary explorer Tom Crean. After his epic expeditions to Antarctica with Scott and Shackleton, he returned here to open the famous South Pole Inn. For the cyclist, this is the perfect place for a break in a historic setting, surrounded by the rugged foothills of the Slieve Mish mountains. A colourful stop full of character before the route winds its way back towards the spectacular Dingle coastline.

This impressive 5-kilometer beach juts far into the bay as a natural barrier. Enjoy the sweeping panorama of the Slieve Mish Mountains and the MacGillycuddy Reeks on the horizon. The vast sandy expanse is perfect for a walk along the surf, while the protected dunes are a paradise for nature lovers. At low tide, the beach transforms into a giant mirror, creating a magical atmosphere and unique photos. Right at the entrance, you'll find eateries for a well-deserved break with views of the Atlantic Ocean.

This iconic white-and-blue building is an absolute must-stop for any cyclist on the Wild Atlantic Way. The pub was opened in 1920 by Tom Crean, the Irish polar explorer who survived three legendary expeditions to Antarctica with Scott and Shackleton. Inside, the atmosphere is one of heroic discoveries, with walls full of photos and memorabilia from his journeys to the South Pole. A unique place full of history to catch your breath in the heart of Annascaul, before you get back on the pedals towards the rugged coast or the mountains of Dingle. The building is no longer blue-and-white but orange-and-white.