Compare Ireland Bike Tours by Discovery Bicycle Tours
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 2,995 |
| Price Per Day | $ 428 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | |
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
6 Breakfasts and 5 Dinners |
| Description |
“Ireland, especially the rural West, is a cyclist’s dream.” So says Bicycling magazine, and you will surely agree. There’s an endless network of winding back roads where lazy sheep are often your only company. Green meadows lead down to the sea, magical mist-covered mountains are off in the distance, while around every turn you are likely to come upon cows grazing around a medieval castle, Stone Age ruins, or the remains of an ancient cathedral. Stone cottages are tucked along the edges of green pastures dotted with sheep, and each small village looks more Irish than the last. And the Irish are even friendlier than their reputation – warm and welcoming, and always ready to engage you in the gentle pleasures of good conversation while you enjoy a bit of traditional Irish music at the local pub. |
Day 1: Arrival Day; Distance: 16 miles; Terrain: Easier
Accommodation: Gregans Castle Hotel
Arrive at Shannon Airport. Discovery Bicycle Tours will provide transportation to Gregans Castle Hotel. After lunch, there will be a bike fitting and safety instructions followed by an afternoon warm-up ride. You will cycle country lanes through the “Burren”, passing through Noughaval, and including a visit to the famous Poulnabrone Dolmen.
Day 2: Distance: 22 or 26 miles; Terrain: Easier to Intermediate
Accommodation: Gregans Castle Hotel
Ride through Lisdoonvarna and out to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher. Then have lunch in Doolin, Ireland’s music capital, followed by a spectacular oceanside ride along the Coast Road to Ballyvaughan. Local guide Shane Connolly will also lead a nature walk through the Burren. Enjoy a post dinner trip to either Doolin or Kilfenora for a taste of local music and dancing.
Day 3: Distance: 10 or 22 miles; Terrain: Easier
Accommodation: Rosleague Manor
Ferry out to the famous Aran Islands where we vist the ancient fort of Dun Aengus and ride along the rugged coastline. Then we ferry north of Galway to Connemara and the Rosleague Manor.
Day 4: Distance: 23 or 30 miles; Terrain: Easier to Intermediate
Accommodation: Rosleague Manor
Ride along Killary Harbor and in the valleys of the Maamturk Mountains. Visit beautiful Kylemore Abbey. Option hiking in Letterfrack.
Day 5: Distance: 27 miles; Terrain: Easier
Accommodation: Quay House
Starting at the Rosleague Manor, we ride to Cleggan, then along the ocean and famous Skye Road, past Clifden Castle and into the town of Clifden. Guests will enjoy strolling the streets of this lovely town with its many local crafts, shops and places of interest.
Day 6: Distance: 32, 39 or 49 miles; Terrain: Easier to Intermediate
Accommodation: Quay House
From Clifden we take a road that leads through peat bogs and past fishing weirs to Roundstone. Roundstone is a lovely fishing village with excellent ceramics and pottery, and the workshop where Malachy Kearns makes his world famous Bodhram drums. We also enjoy a beautiful ride along Ballynahinch River, along some inland lakes, and by a series of lovely ocean bays. In the evening we enjoy an excellent celebratory dinner at a local restaurant in Clifden.
Day 7: Departure Day
After an early breakfast Discovery Bicycle Tours will transport you back to Shannon Airport or to Galway (your choice). Please note that even with an early start you will not arrive at Shannon Airport earlier than 11 AM, so please book return flights accordingly.
