L'Étape Ireland Routes

Route Descriptions for the 98km and 135km routes

The routes for the 2024 L’Étape Ireland have been created with the Tour De France organisers ASO and local cyclists to give you the best possible cycling experience.

The routes are all based in County Kerry, Ireland's best cycling location. Amazing mountain passes, remote rolling hills and stunning views around are waiting for you around each corner. The event hub and start and finish location are in Killarney Town. Ireland's premier tourist destination, Killarney has everything you need in order to base yourself at L’Étape Ireland.

135K Route

Distance: 135km
Elevation: 1,620m
Start & Finish : Killarney Town, Port Road
Start Time: 7.40am
Route Link: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2486173
Veloviewer: https://veloviewer.com/routes/3228006843347103014
Strava: https://www.strava.com/routes/3240699653726544072

Register for 135km Route

98K Route

Distance: 98km
Elevation: 1,148m
Start & Finish: Killarney Town, Port Road
Start Time: 7.55am
Route Link: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2517475
Veloviewer: https://veloviewer.com/routes/3228007756672394534
Strava: https://www.strava.com/routes/3240703728342096794

Register for 98km Route

135K Route Summary

The route starts and finishes in Killarney Town on Port Road at 8.15am.

The start will be a controlled motor car lead out through Killarney town. Cyclists will flow through the town to Kilometre Zero where the lead out cars will pull to one side and timing will officially start. This enables safe passage through the narrow streets.

The route is summarised as follows:

Start Line: 0km, Port Road Killarney
Km Zero: 3km, official timing starts
King/Queen of the Mountains #1: 14km, Molls Gap: 9.45km 300m elevation
Hydration station #1: 23km, Molls Gap
Kenmare: 32km
Food station Sneem: 58km, Sneem Village; Full food station
King/Queen of the Mountains #2: 74km, Ballaghabema: 4.5km
Food station Blackstones: 94km, Blackstones/Glencar: full food station
Hydration station #2: 108km, Carragh Lake
Sprint stage: 128km, Caragh Lake sprint:: 700m
Finish: 135km, Port Road Killarney

98K Route Summary

The route starts and finishes in Killarney Town on Port Road at 8.45am.

The start will be a controlled motor car lead out through Killarney town. Cyclist will flow through the town to Kilometre Zero where the lead out cars will pull to one side and timing will officially start. This enables safe passage through the narrow streets.

The route is summarised as follows:

Start Line: 0km, Port Road Killarney
Km Zero: 3km, official timing start
King/Queen of the Mountains #1: 14km, Molls Gap: 9.45km, 300m elevation
Hydration station #1: 23km, Molls Gap
King of the Mountains #2: 36km, Ballaghabema: 4.5Km
Food station Blackstones: 57km, Blackstones/Glencar: full food station
Hydration station #2: 72km, Carragh Lake
Sprint stage: 92km, Caragh Lake sprint: 700m
Finish: 98km, Port Road, Killarney

Route Highlights

There is something for all levels of cyclists at L’Étape Ireland.
The world-famous Molls Gap and Ladies View is the first K/QOM stage.
Stunning views of Killarney National Park and McGillicuddy Reeks around every corner.
The second K/QOM stage is in the remote and breathtaking Ballaghbema Mountain Pass.
Cycle along closed or partially closed roads.
Short flat and fast sprint section through Fossa.
Killarney town's vibrant night life, restaurants and culture.