Cycling the Beara Peninsula
(continuation)

On the other side of the summit tunnel was the boundary between the counties of Kerry and Cork. Coincidentally, the sun came out as I crossed over into Cork. As I rounded the first left-hand bend on the descent, an arresting view of Bantry Bay and the southern peninsula presented itself. The riding to this point had been everything I had been expecting…but from yesterday’s Ring of Kerry. Today offered redemption. Just ahead of me was a mild back-up occasioned by a flock of sheep scratching themselves against the winding road’s protective wall. You got to love it. We gave the sheep a wide berth and I continued the descent into Glengarriff.

(Below: Continuing down towards Glengarriff)

(Above: Patrick F. O'Shea's colorful shop in Glengarriff)

After a few kilometers I reached Glengarriff. I didn't really go into the town. I stopped shortly at the shop pictured above, bought a raisin scone and a banana, then pushed off. Just past Glengarriff is Garinish Island, which claims to hold an amazing variety of plants and trees.

(Below: Looking towards Garinish Island)

The next 12 miles were along the R572 tracking the Bantry Bay shoreline. It was also along this stretch that I was, at regular intervals, doused by steady rain then mopped dry by blinding sunshine.

(Above: Along the southern edge of the peninsula on the R572)

(Above: One of the biggest skies I've seen this side of Montana)

Last Updated: December 05, 1999