Ireland & Northern Ireland - Bicycling Ireland - Holidays in Ireland We offer three types of Irish biking vacations: Bicycle tour Ireland: Escorted tours and a self-guided bike tour with luggage transferprogram, or a car and bike racks. You choose whatever routing you like. The bikes we use are 21 speed hybrid touring models. |
Biking Ireland
Escorted Tours- Bike Tours of Ireland Explore Ireland by bike,
traveling with a mix of English-speaking international travelers. You will
travel 30-40 miles per day at a relaxed pace, with longer routes
available. The Ireland bike trips are suitable for adults of all ages and
fitness levels. On our bicycle tour Ireland , bus is provided for transferring
luggage. Although the guide will not be cycling with you, he or she will be
driving the support van and will make a sweep to ensure that all is
well, and offer lifts to those who want a break. Our idea is to take all of the
hassles, but none of the freedom out of a bike trip in Ireland. We ensure the
bike is ready to go, luggage is transferred and good quality accommodation is
at the end of each day's trip. Group size: We take up to 20 people on each tour and many come on their own. The tours are not suitable for children (except for our Family and easy tours). Each day, after a hearty breakfast, we start the day's cycle at approximately 10.00am. A few hours leisurely cycling in the morning brings you to our lunch stop, where you can put up your feet and swap stories. After digesting the last of the lunch, we continue on our road. The guide brings your luggage ahead to your room while you take your time and amble through the beautiful backroads. Each evening after a relaxing shower you meet up with the guide and rest of the group for dinner. A day typically winds up in one of the many pubs whose atmosphere has made Ireland famous for music and "craic". The routes are relatively free of traffic. The terrain is suitable for intermediate and advanced rider. You have all day to cover the recommended route, and while Irish roads rarely follow a straight line, there are few really high climbs. Distances: The safaris are suitable for
adults of all ages and fitness levels but the tours are not suited for children
under 13 years of age. The Ring of Kerry, the Highlands of Donegal and the
Antrim tours have more hills than the other routes and would be recommended for
the avid cyclist. Most challenging: Our Antrim, Donegal and Kerry trips are hillier than the other routes, but happily, there are no large mountain ranges to cross in any part of Ireland. Easiest: Clare and the Burren. The county is also relatively flat, keeping the cycling easy paced. Bikes: We supply 24 speed hybrid touring bikes for the tours, 2012 model. Repair equipment, helmets (for guided tours only) and either a front or rear pannier bag are available for each client. Clients are required to take due care of any rented equipment (includes bike, panniers, tool kits and helmets), we reserve the right to charge for any damages caused due to loss or negligence.If you wish to use toe clips please bring your own pedals with toe clips which we can attach to our bikes. (The pedals on our bikes do not accommodate toe clips.) Maps: We give out maps along with route directions and historical details at the start of the week. Do we have to carry our own luggage? No, your luggage is carried in the support van to your next hotel or guest house. What kind accommodation should I expect? We stay
in a combination of small family run hotels and guesthouses. The standard of
such accommodation in Ireland is very high, with the vast majority having
en-suite bathroom and other excellent facilities. We try to pick places with
character; your home for the week can vary from a Victorian townhouse, a remote
lakeside hotel, a farmhouse by the sea, an attractive harbour guesthouse, or an
old style family hotel in the middle of a bustling market town. But, what will I eat? Fortunately, the days when Irish vegetables are cooked for an entire week are long gone. Most people are very impressed at the quality of new Irish cooking. Escorted Biking in Ireland includes:
Transfers: Transfers are NOT included from the airport to the starting point of the tour. The best way to travel to the starting point is by train from Dublin. Bikes can be taken on the train. Each of our Irish bike tours start close to bus and railway stations, so they are all accessible by public transport. On booking, we can send you more specific information on the travel arrangements to and from each starting point. Each tour starts on a Saturday evening at 6.30pm, and finishes the following Saturday morning. When the tour starts: Each of the tours start with a meeting of the group at 6.30pm on the Saturday evening in a central hotel close to the local train and bus station. This is only a meeting point, typically the group will be staying in nearby guesthouses. The guide is able to return to the meeting place at 9.30pm again that evening. After an introductory talk the guide will organise an evening meal and direct clients to their first nights bed & breakfast accommodation. Tours end before noon on the last day.
The guide will recommend a lunch stop each day where a snack lunch will cost between 8 and 12. A group evening meal is organised by the guide each night which costs between 20 and 30 One evening meal during the tour is included in the tour price What's
Included: Biking Ireland Escorted Bicycling Tour Airfare varies by departure date. Transfer from Shannon to starting point available at additional cost. Children: Not suitable for children under 13, except on family departures. Tours begin and end on Saturday in Ireland. You would depart the U.S.A. one day earlier.
GROUP TOURS WEST
CORK & KERRY (ROUND TRIP TO AND FROM KILLARNEY TOWN) SELF LED
OPTION AVAILABLE This tour covers some of the most spectacular scenery that
Ireland has to offer. Shortly after leaving Killarney you will find yourself
cycling between the majestic lakes that have made this area so famous to be
shortly followed by a climb up to Molls gap with its wonderful views of the
Macgillycuddyreeks, Ireland's highest mountain range. The rest of the week
involves more of the same stunning scenery with a wonderful coastal cycle along
Kenmare Bay and the twisted mountains of the Beara Peninsula. This summer we
are staying on the beautiful Beara Peninsula for our rest day in Castletownbere
. Towards the end of the week we head inland and stay at a beautiful Lakeside
retreat of Gougane Barra at the source of the River Lee. On the final day we
cycle up over the wild and isolated hills of the Coolea region before returning
to Killarney. GROUP TOUR DATES; May 12 June 2, 30 July 21 August 25 September
8 CONNEMARA GALWAY
& MAYO (ROUND TRIP TO AND FROM GALWAY ) SELF LED OPTION AVAILABLE
Galway / Clonbur - Westport - Leenane - Roundstone ( rest day ) - Aran Islands
Galway City This Tour explores the beautiful region of Connemara famous
for its rugged granite landscape as well as its beautiful lakes and rivers. The
route offers an incredible variety of scenery each day. In the morning you can
be cycling along beautiful coastline while in the afternoon you could be at a
quiet bog road with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. On our rest
day we stay in a lovely family run hotel in the charming seaside village of
Roundstone. Our tour then takes along quite backroads through Connemara making
our way to the Aran Islands, where we are staying on the main island of Inis
Mor which we can explore in more detail. The tour finishes up in the city of
Galway. GROUP TOUR DATES; May 19 June 16 July 7, 21 August 4, 11, 18, 25
September 22 Routes are for illustration purposes only and may be subject to change. GROUP TOURS HIGHLANDS OF
DONEGAL (ROUND TRIP TO AND FROM DONEGAL TOWN) Donegal
Glencolmcille Dungloe Dunfanaghy ( rest day ) Millford -
Donegal Donegal is one of the undiscovered gems of Ireland. There is a
wonderful mix of coastal cycling followed by a highland landscape where you can
feel completely away from it all, before returning back to the coast and the
most beautiful beaches in the country. The light is amazing here, with a
landscape full of browns, greens and purples constantly altering their tone
with the changing light. The pace of life is wonderfully easy going and the
people amongst the most welcoming in the country. GROUP TOUR DATES; July 14
WEST CORK COASTLINE ( (START TRIP IN CORK CITY - FINISH IN KINSALE TOWN) SELF LED OPTION AVAILABLECork - Gougane Barra - Ahakista - Baltimore ( rest day ) - Clonakilty - Kinsale Quiet roads lined with wild, deeply scented flowers, this tour covers all types of landscape, from rolling green fields to spectacular coastal rides. West Cork is also best known for its colourful villages all of which are brightly painted in a wonderful array of vibrant colours, with wonderful hanging baskets brimming with flowers out the front of every pub and shop. This is the more cosmopolitan part of rural Ireland with many choosing to settle in this idyllic setting. This tour finishes in the colourful town of Kinsale, easily accessible to Cork Airport and city GROUP TOUR DATES; June 23 July 14 August 11, September 15 CLARE AND THE BURREN (ROUND TRIP TO AND
FROM ENNIS TOWN) SELF LED OPTION AVAILABLE Ennis - Spanish Point - Doolin -
Ballyvaughan ( rest day ) - Kinvara - Ennis Clare is the music centre of
Ireland and on this tour you are sure to have your feet tapping to traditional
tunes nearly every night of the week. The Burren region is also an amazing
limestone moonscape, famous around the world for its wonderful variety of
botany. The area is rich in ancient and early Christian historical sites and
offers some beautiful coastal cycling overlooking Galway Bay. Finally Clare is
home to the cliffs of Moher the highest marine based cliffs in Europe and one
of the best known images of Ireland. GROUP TOUR DATES; June 9 July 14 August 4
September 1 RING OF KERRY AND DINGLE
(ROUND TRIP TO AND FROM KILLARNEY TOWN) SELF LED OPTION AVAILABLE
Killarney - Sneem - Glenbeigh - Dingle ( rest day ) - Killorglin - Killarney
This tour offers arguably the most spectacular landscape in the country and is
home to Irelands highest mountain range. Each day presents you with even
more stunning scenery as you cycle through majestic mountain ranges and
beautiful lakes coloured by the yellow gorse and purple heather that grows
everywhere. We avoid the main roads around the Ring of Kerry by taking you on
some beautiful quiet backroads that intersect the Iveragh and Dingle
Peninsulas. GROUP TOUR DATES; May 26 June 23 July 7 August 18Routes are for illustration purposes only and may be subject to change. GROUP TOURS WILD WEST MAYO TOUR (ROUND TRIP TO AND FROM WESTPORT) Westport Foxford Ballina Belmullet Achill ( rest day ) - Westport The Mayo Tour is like stepping back 20 years in time to an Ireland before the Celtic Tiger!. It is the quietest of our routes in terms of traffic and offers up a wild windswept landscape full of changing light. You will get to visit the largest Stone Age site in Europe, an ancient cattle field system and also spend your rest day on Achill Island with its wonderful mountains and white sandy beaches as well as its breathtaking cliff walks. This is also the country of Grainnuiale, a famous female pirate in the 16th Century whose ships attacked fleets all along the coastline and we visit one of her fortress houses. Finally we stop at a wonderful early Christian monastic site situated in a most peaceful setting, before heading back to Westport and the less mystical real world. GROUP TOUR DATES; June 30 THE GLENS OF ANTRIM TOUR
(ROUND TRIP TO AND FROM BELFAST) SELF LED OPTION AVAILABLE BBelfast
Carnlough Cushendall Ballycastle ( 3 nights, includes roundtrip
to Giants Causeway ) Belfast This tour offers you some of the most
spectacular coastal scenery in the country, with cliffs and rolling green
fields sweeping down towards the Irish Sea along a coastline dotted with
ancient forts and castles. We also cycle inland up into the famous Glens of
Antrim with some wonderful highland cycling on quiet backroads. Finally you
visit Bushmills the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world and finish
off the week with a visit to the Giants Causeway , the most famous landmark in
Northern Ireland with its amazing basalt rock formations GROUP TOUR DATES;
August 25Routes are for illustration purposes only and may be subject to change. EASY TOURS EASY TOUR OF CLARE (TRIP FROM
GALWAY TO ENNIS) SELF LED OPTION AVAILABLE OPTION AVAILABLE Ennis
Doolin ( 2 nights ) Ballyvaughan ( 2 nights ) Kinvara - Galway
This tour is specifically designed for those who wish to spend a little more
time off the bike, with the cycling being more in the region of 18 25
miles (29 40 km). There are also 2 rest days included Our tour revolves
around the county of Clare in the heart of Western Ireland. The Easy Tour of
Clare still takes in the more spectacular parts of our regular Clare tour. On
the rest days there are opportunities to visit the beautiful Aran Islands,
visit the Ailwee caves, explore the Burren on a wonderful walking tour or just
relax on one of Clares beaches. This tour is also suitable for
families.EASY TOUR OF CORK (ROUND TRIP FROM CORK) Cork Macroom Gougane Barra ( 2 nights ) Bantry Schull ( 2 nights ) Just like the Easy Clare Tour, this tour is specifically designed for those who wish to spend a little more time off the bike, with the cycling being more in the region of 18 25 miles. There are also two rest days included. This tour revolves around West Cork and its coastal areas. The Easy Tour of Cork still takes in the more spectacular parts of our regular Cork tour. On the rest days there are opportunities to visit the national Park in Gougane Barra, visit Cape Clear or just relax on one of Corks beaches. This tour is also suitable for families. FAMILY BIKE TOURS
IN IRELAND FAMILY TOURS On our family tours we have designed an
itinerary with the younger traveler in mind (the cycling each day is
approximately 18 - 25 miles with two rest days included). We have reduced the
mileage to make the tours a little easier on younger legs, but like all our
bike trips there are opportunities to stretch your limbs on longer routes each
day. Bike hire: Smaller framed bicycles are available for children, it is
essential that full details of each child's age and height must be given upon
booking FAMILY BIKING TOURS OF CONNEMARA (ROUND
TRIP TO AND FROM WESTPORT) Westport Louisburgh Leenane
( 2 nights ) Renvyle Clifden ( 2 nights ) Along with Clare we
feel that Connemara has so much to offer a family. We start and finish in the
colourful town of Westport, where you can visit Westport House. Our cycle heads
along the coast via Croagh Patrick where you can stop and amble up towards the
summit with wonderful views unfolding of Clew Bay behind you. Our first nights
stop is in Louisburgh, home to a centre for Grainnualle - the Pirate Queen of
the West Coast!. The journey takes us through the stunning Delphi Valley on our
way to Killary Harbour where we spend two days and where we have an opportunity
to take in some other activities such as windsurfing and kayaking. The tour
continues on via Kylemore Abbey and on to the coast passing by wide sandy
beaches on the road to Renvyle, Cleggan and Clifden. The tour winds up with two
nights in Clifden where you can not only visit Inishbofin Island, but you can
head out fishing, try some pony trekking or of course simply relax!. The tour
finishes with a final transfer back to Westport. Family Bike Trip in Ireland Includes · 7 nights Bed & Breakfast accommodation ( a mixture of hotels and guesthouses) · 1 Dinner · bicycle hire · tour guide who drives the luggage van and looks after the tour · maps and all necessary equipment. · The tour price includes coach transfers when required during the week, but does not include the optional ferry journeys, i.e., to the Aran Islands on our Connemara tour FAMILY SELF GUIDED TOUR From April to October; any day of the week except a Saturday when a group tour is departing Clare Self Guided Family Tour Clare is packed with so much to see and do that will be of interest to all the family. The tour starts up in Ennis and then heads towards the coast and the seaside village of Lahinch where you can watch the surfers take on the Atlantic rollers on a magnificent beach or else get another perspective on the ocean by visiting the local aquarium. You continue on your journey via the Cliffs of Moher to the village of Doolin. You have a chance to visit the Aran Islands before taking a wonderful coastal cycle all the way to the village of Ballyvaughan where you base yourselves for two nights. On your rest day here you can take a fascinating walking tour of the area, try some horse riding or else relax on one of the nearby beaches. Back on the saddle again the tour finishes up with a cycle through the Burren, an amazing limestone moonscape, famous around the world for its wonderful variety of botany before finishing back in Ennis town. INDIVIDUAL SELF/LED TOURS WITH LUGGAGE
TRANSFER You follow a set itinerary and we move your
luggage.This includes
The price does not include the optional ferry trips. There is a supplement on the Connemara, Ring of Kerry or Wicklow self led tours due to the transfers involved ( per tour not per person ) Starting times: These tours can start at any day of the week, the only exception is a Saturday when a group tour is running from the same itinerary. Tour Accommodation: Is on a twin sharing basis in a mixture of family run hotels and guest houses with breakfasts included. On booking we need to know whether sharing will be on a twin ( two beds ) or double (one bed ) basis. Distances: The average cycling distance is an easy 30 - 40 miles (45- 60 km ) with longer routes being available each day. The safaris are suitable for adults of all ages and fitness levels but the self led tours are not suited for children under 15 years of age ( except for our Family tour ). The Ring of Kerry self led tour has more hills than the other routes. Each booking must give the clients name, sex and approximate height, otherwise we cannot guarantee that suitable accommodation or bike rental will be available for you. We must be advised of any pre-existing medical problem. INDIVIDUAL SELF/LED TOURS ITINERARIES EACH TOUR FOLLOWS THE SAME ROUTE AS THE GROUP TOUR ( MORE DETAILS ARE AVAILABLE ON EACH ROUTE ) WEST CORK & KERRY ( ROUND TRIP TO AND FROM KILLARNEY ) We circumnavigate the beautiful Beara and Mizen Peninsulas before heading inland to a beautiful hermitage retreat Killarney - Kenmare - Allihies - Castletownbere ( rest day ) - Gougane Barra - Killarney CONNEMARA GALWAY & MAYO ( ROUND TRIP TO AND FROM GALWAY ) Perfect cycling country, where roads go around the hills rather than over them! The scenery changes from dramatic mountain ranges and fjords to sweeping open bogland and a rocky fractal coastline Galway / Clonbur - Westport - Leenane - Roundstone ( rest day ) - Aran Islands Galway City WEST CORK COASTLINE ( ROUND TRIP TO AND FROM CORK CITY)
The road winds along the River Lee and the West Cork Coast, where the smell of
the sea battles with the scent from the Bracken and Wild flowers. Cork -
Gougane Barra - Ahakista - Baltimore ( rest day ) - Clonakilty - Cork CLARE AND THE BURREN ( ROUND TRIP TO AND FROM ENNIS ) The Burren has a maze of backroads with fields of exotic flowers and cracked limestone. The county's greatest pride is in it traditional music, so most villages will have a range of sessions each night Ennis - Spanish Point - Doolin - Ballyvaughan ( rest day ) - Kinvara - Ennis RING OF KERRY ( ROUND TRIP TO AND FROM KILLARNEY ) The Ring of Kerry is famous throughout the world for its spectacular scenery. While the main roads can be busy, we avoid the traffic by taking some hillier options that criss cross these two dramatic peninsulas Killarney - Sneem - Glenbeigh - Dingle ( rest day ) - Killorglin - Killarney WICKLOW (ROUND TRIP TO AND FROM DUBLIN) A fantastic opportunity to take in the excitement of Dublin along with the beautiful open scenery of the Wicklow mountains. Please note that on this tour dinner is NOT included in the tour price. Dublin - Enniskerry - Glendalough / Laragh ( rest day ) - Avoca - Wicklow town - Dublin Starting times: These tours can start at any day of the week, the only exception is a Saturday when a group tour is running on the same itinerary. Distances: The average cycling distance is an easy 30 - 40 miles (48 - 64 km) with longer routes being available each day. The Irish bike tours are suitable for adults of all ages and fitness levels but the self led tours are not suited for children under 15 years of age (except for our Family tour). The Ring of Kerry self led tour has more hills than the other routes and would be recommended for the fitter cyclist. CORK AND THE COASTLINE Tucked down in the South there are so many inlets, bays
and brightly painted villages for you to explore. You have all the time in the
world to take in the aroma of the wild flowers as you whoosh down the small
backroads. DAY 1 Our start point is Cork City, European city of culture for 2005. On arrival you can check into your guesthouse and spend the rest of the day exploring this attractive city. DAY 2 Your cycle starts by the banks of the Lee where you travel along quiet back roads to a lunch stop in the market town of Macroom. In the afternoon you continue up the Lee Valley through rolling countryside to the wonderfully peaceful Lakeside retreat of Gougane Barra , the source of the River Lee and Irelands first National Park . DAY 3 You cycle down to the coast
past fields of grazing cattle and sheep to the coastal town of Bantry for
lunch. In the afternoon you head out to the beautiful Sheeps Head Peninsula and
cycle along quiet coastal roads with stunning views of the surrounding
landscape. That night you have a home cooked dinner in your guesthouse DAY 4 You cycle onto the Mizen Peninsula in the morning and the village of Schull. After lunch you can either cycle the coast road or else take a ferry across Roaring water Bay (it is usually quite calm!) to the village of Baltimore. DAY 5 Baltimore is a lovely village to potter around for the day or else you can take off to explore the nearby islands and countryside. DAY 6 In the morning you cycle along quiet backroads to the peaceful Lough Ine and then follow the West Cork coast to the village of Glandore where you can have lunch overlooking the beautiful Glandore Harbour with its two islands, Adam and Eve. In the afternoon you can visit a 3,000 year old stone circle , one of the best examples of its kind in the country, before following another scenic coastal cycle to the bustling town of Clonakilty. DAY 7 In the morning you head straight to the village of Timoleague, where you can visit a 15th Century Franciscan Friary. You continue to hug the coastline all the way to the historic town of Kinsale, site of the Battle of Kinsale in 1601 where you can have lunch. Unlike the group tour on the self led tour we continue our journey back into Cork city, along quiet roads, where you spend the last night of the tour . Sample Escorted Itineraries: Clare and the Burren Day 1: Saturday - Ennis, Co. Clare The Burren has a maze of back roads with little traffic and fields of exotic flowers and cracked limestone. The terrain is relatively flat, which makes this ideal part of the world for the younger cyclist. Day 2: Sunday - Ennis to Spanish Point - 23 miles (29km) Having selected your bicycle the tour starts out to West Clare by farmyards through back roads to the Coast, where we stay the night in a hotel overlooking the Atlantic ocean. Day 3: Monday - Spanish Point to Doolin - 29 miles (46 km) Cycling along quiet roads we eventually come to the popular holiday town of Lahinch where we stop for lunch. In the afternoon we visit the spectacular Cliffs of Moher before heading to our evenings stop at Doolin, famous for its traditional music. Day 4: Tuesday - rest day, Doolin You can take a ferry trip to the famous Aran Islands and visit ancient forts and monastic sites. There will also be an optional cycle route or you could simply return to the cliffs of Moher for a longer walk along the Atlantic Coastline. Day 5: Wednesday - Doolin to
Ballyvaughan - 24 miles (39km) Today is a beautiful cycle along the coast
with Galway Bay and views of the Aran Islands on your left and the limestone
cliffs which make the Burren such a unique landscape on your right. We stop for
two nights in our comfortable hotel in the seaside village of Ballyvaughan.
Day 6: Thursday - rest day in Ballyvaughan The day can be spent doing a wide variety of activities from sea kayaking out to a seal colony, walking the spectacular Burren, horse riding, or visiting local historical sites. Alternatively the day could be spent relaxing in this attractive village. Day 7: Friday - Ballyvaughan to Ennis - 38 miles (60 km) The cycle heads straight into the heart of the Burren where we visit the Burren's most famous historical sight, the Poulnabrowne Dolmen. Veering off the beaten track we stop at the village of Carran for lunch. In the afternoon we cycle through quiet backroads and visit Mullaghmor mountain with the beautiful desert limestone landscape of the Burren surrounding you before heading to our lunch stop in Corofin. After lunch you can visit a 15th Century Tower House and 6th century monastic site before cycling back into Ennis and a farewell meal together. Connemara From the rugged Twelve Bens mountain range in the north through lake-rich Roundstone Bog to the golden beaches reaching out into the Atlantic Ocean, you'll know you're in Connemara by the light that constantly changes the mood and tone of the landscape. The roads go around the mountains rather than over them which makes this a prefect tour for the shorter legs! Day 1: Saturday - Galway City We meet up in a
hotel close to the railway stations and stay in guesthouses close to the city
center. Day 2: Galway - Aran Islands to Roundstone The Aran ferries coach will pick us up at 9.00am and bring us to the Port at Rossaveal where you catch the Boat to the Aran Islands. The island is only some 10km in length but there is a rich network of historical sights which you can visit. That evening we take the return ferry to Rossaveal where a coach will bring us to the fishing village of Roundstone ( about 1 hour away ). That night we will stay in a local hotel and relax over a fantastic dinner. Day 3: Circular tour around Roundstone - 40 miles (shorter options available) Today we have the chance to spin around the beautiful backroads of Connemara. In the morning we will head towards the village of Carna where we can stop for lunch. After lunch we keep to the coast road all the way to Padraig Pearse's cottage (one of the 1916 revolutionaries) which we can visit and then take an old bog road back towards Roundstone. Those who wish to take it easy can spend the day relaxing on the beautiful sandy beaches just 2 miles from Roundstone or alternatively you could hike up the mountain behind the village for beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. Day 4: Roundstone to Clifden - 18 miles Heading North we cycle along the coast to Clifden the capital of Connemara where we can stop for lunch before checking into our accommodation. Those who wish to can spend the afternoon exploring the town while those who would like to do some more cycling can cycle the Sky road with beautiful views of the surrounding bays. Day 5: Circular route around Clifden - 28 miles (shorter
options available) The first part of the morning we head to the village of
Cleggan cycling past scenic coastline and beaches. We later come to the
beautifully situated Kylemore Abbey where we stop for lunch . After visiting
the Abbey we cycle to Connemara National Park where you can spend the afternoon
visiting the Interpretive Centre which organizes nature activities for
children, or you can simply go for a stroll along the various clearly mapped
walking routes. Day 6: Clifden to Leenane - 27 miles Cycling back towards Kylemore Abbey we then head out to the village of Tully Cross and out to the edge of the peninsula which allows you view the surrounding islands. There follows a beautiful cycle hugging the coastline with views of Clew Bay and Clare Island. You pass by an unspoiled beach where if the weather is good you can stop for a swim before cycling to Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord where you can take a boat cruise. After a late lunch you can check into your accommodation. Day 7: Leenane to Westport - 33 miles Another day of breathtaking scenery! We head up towards the stunning Delphi Valley which divides the Mweelrea mountains on the west from The Sheffrey Hills on the east. The Delphi valley provides some of the most beautiful scenery on the tour, and its rivers and lakes are said to provide some of the best salmon and sea trout fishing in the country. We have lunch in Louisburg where you can visit the Grainuaille Interpretive Centre. Grainuaille was the legendary name given to Grace O'Malley (1530-1600), daughter of the chief of the Western Islands, who made herself Queen of the Clew Bay area following his death. She became a famous pirate in the area, continuously raiding English ships along the coast. After lunch we have a short spin along Clew Bay passing by Croagh Patrick, the mountain from which St. Patrick, after 40 days of fasting, banished all the snakes from Ireland. Those who are feeling religiously fit can follow the pilgrim's route to the top of the mountain with its incredible views of Clew Bay. That evening we have a farewell dinner in Westport. Day 8: Homeward bound. After a final farewell we will transfer those who wish back to Galway. Glens of
AntrimSat We meet up in the center of Belfast, after an introductory meeting we have dinner together. Sun Setting out on a Sustrans Cycle path we head out of Belfast up onto the beginning of the Northern Coastline to the seaside village of Carnlough for the nigh Mon The day's route takes in the beauty of Antrim not only in its coastline but also in its famous and stunning Glens. Slowly but surely we make our way along the coast to the village of Cushendall where we base ourselves for two nights. Tues Heading inland again, we cycle through two of the most spectacular Glens of Antrim before returning back to Cushendall for another night in this lovely village. Wed One option for the day is to hug the coastline to take in a stunning cycle along by Torr Head to the village of Ballycastle where we stay for two days. Thurs One attractive option on the rest day is to take the ferry to explore Rathlin Island, which is some five miles out in the Atlantic. Fri We cycle along the coast where we can visit the famous Carrick-a-rede rope bridge and then along to view the hexagonal rock formations at the Giants Causeway. From there we head to the village of Bushmills where we can visit the famous Whiskey distillery. The tour finishes off with a transfer back from Coleraine to Belfast city for a final night together. Sat After a hearty breakfast, like all good things the tour ends! West Cork and Kerry We start and finish the tour in the bustle of Killarney. From Monday to Wednesday, we circumnavigate the beautiful Beara and Mizen Peninsulas before heading inland on Thursday to peaceful Gougane Barra, site of St Finbar's hermitage retreat. Schedule: Sat Meeting in the center of Killarney with the tour guide and the rest of the group. Sun We set out on a cycle lane, which winds through Muckross National Park. In the afternoon, the road climbs in the shadow of the Macgillycuddy's Reeks, before we freewheel down to the coastal village of Kenmare, where we stay the night. Mon We leave Kerry by cycling along the coast road of the remote Beara Peninsula, where we stay in the fishing port of Castletownbear. Tues After a morning cycle to Glengariff, we have the option of taking a boat to Garnish Island for lunch before continuing across Bantry Bay. Once in Bantry we continue our cycle to the seaside village of Schull where we stay for two nights. Wed One could take a day trip to Cape Clear island by boat, Mizen Head by bike, Mount Gabriel by foot or else stay close to our hotel and relax for the day. Thurs We cycle inland to our hotel in Gougane Barra, which is in isolated splendor, over-looking the lake in this dramatic glacial valley. Fri Heading homeward on little-known roads with swimming stops in river pools along the way, we return to Killarney for a final evening meal together and a night on the town. Sat After breakfast, you are free to head your separate ways. Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula (most hills) The Ring of Kerry is famous throughout the world for
its spectacular scenery. While the main roads can be busy, we avoid the traffic
by taking some hillier options that crisscross these two dramatic peninsulas.
Schedule Sat We meet up in Killarney and as with each of our tours you can have a get together meal while the baggage is transferred to your guesthouses. Sun We set out on the cycle path through the National Park to Molls Gap for lunch, before heading west in the afternoon to the picturesque village of Sneem. Mon Avoiding the main Ring of Kerry road, we cycle over the Ballaghbearna Gap to the village of Glenbeigh where we stay in an lovely family hotel. Tues We start by taking a coach trip to the village of Camp on the Dingle peninsula. We cycle from there over the dramatic Conor's Pass and down to the town of Dingle. Wed Dingle is a busy small town with plenty of restaurants, musical pubs, trawlers tied up with yachts and some beautiful surrounding countryside. Thurs We take quiet back roads to Inch Beach, which is a great spot for a swim before lunch. We continue in the afternoon to the market town of Killorglin. Fri Keeping to the back roads, we head to the famous Gap of Dunloe and a spectacular cycle through the Black Valley before returning via the National Park into Killarney. Sat The tour finishes with a final breakfast together. CUSTOM TOURS: We have been organizing tours in
Ireland since 1970. There isnt a highway or byway that we havent
explored. We have a wealth of knowledge about the bike routes in Ireland, pubs
and restaurants, as well as all the places of interest to visit. We are very
happy to plan logistics for custom tours just for you. Self-Guided Bike Tours in Ireland Experience the Irish way of life and get to know the friendly Irish by staying as an honored guest in their own homes. Travel as far as you like each day by bike. Plan your own route. If you would prefer to have the convenience of a car with a bike rack, we can also arrange that at additional charge. In Ireland, our self-led tours can also be supported with luggage transfer. You follow a set itinerary. Irish Bike Tour Ireland with BB vouchers You follow your own itinerary and call ahead for your B&B reservations What's Included:
ask Extra charge for one way bike rentals: $50 per bike. Airport transfers are extra. You'll have a car rental to cover the large distances, with the convenience of a bike rack and bikes to explore the byways. This is available in Ireland and Northern Ireland. What's Included:
RENT A BIKE We have a range of bicycles available for rent over the summer. We have centers in Dublin and Killarney where bicycles can be collected and dropped off. There is an additional charge when bicycles are collected in one of our depots and dropped off at an alternative depot.
Travel Insurance Click here for a credit card form. Questions? Contact Lynott Tours 9AM-5PM Monday-Friday at 1 (800) 221-2474 USA & Canada or 01 516 248 2042 elsewhere
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