Looking for the kind of challenge you’ll talk about for years to come? Jump on two wheels and take on one of the great Irish cycling routes, the Ring of the Reeks.

Starting in Killorglin, this 90km circular journey takes place under the gaze of the country’s three highest mountains Carrauntoohil (1,038m), Beenkeragh (1,010m) and Caher (1,001m) and takes on three incredible, lung-busting climbs: the Ballaghbeama Gap, Moll’s Gap and The Gap of Dunloe. Along the way, you’ll curse their incline but sing their beauty, as the route climbs between walls of rock and past babbling streams.

The route takes on some of Ireland’s most breath-taking scenery: jagged peaks, serene glacial lakes and fields ablaze with yellow gorse. For company you may pass fellow cyclists, the odd walker and the very occasional horse-drawn cart (or jarvey as they are known). Other than that for much of the route, it will be you and the local wildlife.

Refuelling stops are available: sip warm coffee and gaze out over the Black Valley at the Avoca Café, take in the views of Upper Lake from Lord Brandon’s Cottage, or visit Kate Kearney’s Cottage, the bustling gateway to this heavenly part of the country.

Join the team at KGC Bicycles to make the best of this most magical of places with its ever-changing colours, many lakes and soothing silence more often than not broken only by the whir of pedals.