Something to Beara in mind

Bike enthusiasts are being invited to saddle up and experience the scenic beauty of West Cork for one of Ireland’s most rewarding cycling events.

Registration is now open for the Tour de Beara which takes place on 9 September and offers 3 routes to accommodate for cyclists of all abilities.

The not-for-profit, community-run event, formerly known as The Rebel Tour, is one of the most popular 1-day sports events in the country, and competition is expected to be fierce as always for its limited places.

With more than 2,600 metres of climbing, the full 160km route is regarded as one of the most spectacular in the country and includes tackling the iconic Healy Pass twice.

The circular route begins in the scenic coastal village of Glengarriff with a stiff ascent over the Caha Pass, delivering spectacular views across Bantry Bay.

Cyclists will then pass through a series of hand-hewn rock tunnels that take them across the border into county Kerry, before returning to the wilds of west Cork.

The shorter routes – 120km and 85km in length – explore the byroads of the Beara peninsula and bring visitors into the heart of colourful villages, like Allihies and Eyeries, where the local community always turns out to create a festival atmosphere and a hero’s welcome awaits all finishers.

Whether cyclists set off independently or with the pack, they’ll find plentiful support at food and water stops along the way.

The stops are managed by volunteers from many of the local charities and organisations that benefit from the event.

Sports organisations, including GAA, rugby, rowing, and soccer clubs, local defibrillator groups, and national schools throughout Beara are among the organisations that have received a share of the €150,000 in funds generated over the last 3 tours.

Event committee member Cormac O’Sullivan said: “We’ve been proud to support local organisations such as Cancer Connect, West Cork Women Against Violence, and West Cork Rapid Response over the last few years, as well as Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, the Irish Red Cross, and the Turkey and Syria Earthquake Appeal.”

Cormac added: “We are able to support to the community throughout the year, as well as creating a great cycling day out, and we manage the event carefully, so that it is a great experience for locals, as well as the many people who travel for the event from across Ireland and beyond.”

For more information or to register for the Tour de Beara, visit tourdebeara.ie.