Three Peaks Challenge
Saturday June 6th, 2026
Please register online before 23:45 Friday, 13th, 2025.
80km AND 100km ROUTES
Saddle up for Killarney Cycling Club on Saturday, 6th June 2026, for this year’s Three Peaks Challenge, which promises to be a fabulous day of cycling and fun!
Proceeds of this year’s cycle are being shared with Comfort for Chemo Kerry
With plenty of laughs and refreshments along the way, two routes are available: 80km or 100km. Both routes cover some of Ireland’s most beautiful landscapes and are suitable for all abilities.
This is the perfect warm-up for anyone thinking of doing the Ring of Kerry Cycle this year or for anyone looking for a really well run sportive with great craic guaranteed.
This year’s beneficiary, Comfort for Chemo Kerry, has been a tireless advocate for cancer patients in the region. Their years of campaigning have successfully secured a new oncology unit in the recently announced development of University Hospital Kerry.
“We are honoured to support these dedicated individuals,” said a spokesperson for Killarney Cycling Club. “While the government has committed to the building, Comfort for Chemo Kerry continues to fundraise to ensure the unit is equipped to a state-of-the-art level. Our goal is to help them create a space that provides dignity, comfort, and world-class care for everyone receiving oncology services in Kerry.”
You can register for the cycle on Eventmaster: Link: https://eventmaster.ie/event/7YqwuyeFdv
We thank you wholeheartedly for participating and look forward to a challenging, yet most importantly, fun event on June 6th.
Event Start Time:- 09:30
Event Services Finish Time:- 16.00
Cost:- €40.00 per adult, €20.00 per under-16 accompanied by an adult. One-day license for non-Cycling Ireland members will be charged at €10.00 (adult) and €5 (youth).
Registration:- 08:30- 09.15, Killarney Racecourse, Ross Road, Killarney
Routes: The routes will be marked and marshalled; however, please familiarise yourself with them in advance, Both routes will go west through Beaufort before skirting Killorglin town and heading for the beautiful Caragh Lake. Decision time then at the Climber’s Inn food stop! Left for the Lough Acoose and back to Killarney via Fossa or right for Ballaghbeama and Molls Gap (more details below).
Parking: Available at Killarney Race Course to the rear of the stand, please follow the marshals’ instructions. Arrive in time to avail of it.
Essentials:-
◦ Your bike must be roadworthy and in good working order
◦ Helmet – No helmet, no cycle
◦ Basic – Working front and rear lights, Inner tube, pump, drinks bottle
◦ Please respect other road users and fellow cyclists
◦ Mobile phone and emergency number, which will be available at registration
◦ Wind / Rainproof top – Participants must be aware that weather conditions in this area can change and you should bring appropriate clothing to keep warm in any adverse weather.
◦ Sunblock – we hope you will need plenty of this.
Safety Information
◦ Please obey the rules of the road at all times
◦ Emergency services will operate between 09:30 and 15:30
◦ The roads are not closed. Vehicle traffic will be on the road all day
◦ Please observe warning signs and listen to event stewards
◦ Cycling on the route is a maximum of two abreast.
◦ Participants undertake the Three Peaks Cycling Challenge at their own risk
◦ Please be vigilant of fellow cyclists – remember not everyone maybe as experienced as you
◦ Strictly No iPods or Headphones etc – safety is a huge priority, and failing to hear instructions or the sound of oncoming traffic can cause serious accidents to you, fellow participants and to the general public.
Food Stops and Facilities for the Routes
◦ The Climbers Inn, Glencar V93 RD30 (48km) from 11.00 to 13.00
◦ BBQ at Killarney Racecourse (80/100km) from 12.00 to 15.00
ROUTE 1: 80km
The 80km route is less demanding. It has 600m of elevation and one major climb of Lough Acoose, which is not steep (4k long with a gentle and consistent gradient of 3%). The route passes through Beaufort outskirt of Killorglin, Caragh Lake and Beaufort before returning to Killarney for your well derived BBQ
The main climbs on this route are:
- Bunglasha Climb 1.8k Long with an average gradient of 2%
- Lough Acoose: 4k long with an average gradient of 3%
ROUTE 2: 100km
The 100km route, which is 1,075m in elevation, takes in some of Iveragh Peninsula’s most picturesque landscapes, Caragh Lake, Ballaghbeama Gap, Molls Gap and the Lakes of Killarney.
The notable climbs on this route are:
- Bunglasha Climb 1.8k Long with an average gradient of 2%
- Ballaghbeama Gap: 5.5 km Long with an average gradient of 4%, peaking out at 10%.
- R568 to Molls Gap 9.5k Long with an average gradient of 2%