It was a bit hard to leave the b&b this morning, not only because of the enormous full Irish breakfast in my belly, but also because it was the first day that it was actually raining when I started. 

First up was Ballaghbeama Gap… an absolutely stunning winding but mellow climb through a narrow gap up to the pass. Waterfalls and rivers lined the notch the entire way.  

Next was a fantastic climb past Lough Brin to an unnamed pass. I wasn’t 100% sure the route was going to be paved but my host at the b&b assured me it would.  I’m glad I took this route… another stunner.  

The weather started getting a lot windier (and still misty) at the bottom of the other side, but I was warm and still just blown away by the scenery. As I started climbing the Gap of Dunloe, I started seeing more tourists… mostly on rented bikes, some eBikes, and often under dressed or in cheap ponchos.  

Once at the top, the conditions got much worse… it was super windy and was consistently raining (not just the normal mist, but also not totally pouring).  Heading into the wind and rain, I was comforted by the fact that I’d be turning around in about 3 miles to head back up to the pass… with a good tailwind to push me up. I finished the day in Kenmare pretty soaked, and watched the dirt (and probably sheep and horse shit) wash down the drain of the shower.