The cliffs, coves, beaches, moorlands, and beautiful, quiet lanes of Western Ireland are the setting for this fabulous ride. Dramatic skies, bracken and heather-clad hills, and remarkably emerald fields create scenery beyond your imagination. Populated by the musical folk of Celtic descent, the pub-peppered villages create wonderfully photogenic opportunities for exploration and indulgence in the rich Irish culture. This is a place where you will wish you lived.
Starting near Limerick, you will explore the ancient Burren, staying for two nights in the coastal village of Doolin, before heading out to Inismore of the Aran Islands. The clifftop fort of Dun Aengus is a short ride from our charming Irish guesthouse there. Another short ferry hop will take you to Co. Galway, where you will meander along the convoluted coast and many of the wee villages which make Connemara such a fascinating ride. You will then spend two nights in an inland lodge near the shore of Lough Inagh, surrounded by inviting mountains and breathtaking stillness. The tour finishes after an exceptionally scenic ride to Westport in Co. Mayo.
2008 Guided Dates: June 8-15; June 28-July 5; Aug 2-9; Sept 7-14 Self-guided or custom groups any time.
Tour starts: 09:00; Ennis, €40 taxi from Shannon International airport and finish 15:00, Westport, Co. Mayo. Train connections available to Dublin or Shannon.
Route Notes: Easy cycling on quiet, moderately hilly roads. 20-40 miles/day, with many options for additional exploration; this adventure can easily be extended with a ride around the Dingle Peninsula and the Ring of Kerry (contact us for details; we will make it a seamless 2-week adventure for you).
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: 50km (33 mi). Beginning in Ennis, capital of County Clare, ten miles north of Shannon International Airport, cycle quiet roads to Lahinch on the coast, then follow the coast north to the Cliffs of Moher. After gazing down to the sea from your lofty perch atop the cliffs, coast down to your seaside inn in Doolin – a breeding ground for traditional Irish music. Dinner included on guided trips. Lodging: Aran View House, Doolin.
Day 2: 70km (45mi.). A day to explore the castles, stones, barrows, megalithic tombs, expansive views, and fabulous coastline of the Burren, Co.Clare. Stop for an independent lunch at Monk’s Pub in Ballyvaughan, or in the village of Lisdoonvarna, where the annual matchmaking festival puts the town on the map for entertainers. The festival is at the end of September, but you’ll benefit at any time by the proliferation of places to stop for a bite. At day’s end, you can enjoy music in your choice of pubs in Doolin. Breakfast included. Lodging: Aran View House, Doolin.
Day 3: 10-30km (6-20mi.). Board an early morning ferry to Inismore on the Aran Islands. Cycle the length of the island on one of the extremely quiet and beautiful roads, and stop for a visit to Ireland’s smallest church, the stone fortress of Eoghanachta, and extraordinary cliff top Dun Aengus, the greatest barbaric fort in Western Europe. Breakfast included. Dinner included on guided trips. Lodging: Ard Einne Guesthouse or Kilmurvey House, Inismor, Aran Islands.
Day 4: 68km (44mi.). Start the day with a short ferry hop to Rossaveal, to ride the coastal roads through Gaeltacht (Gaelic speaking) villages and along the beaches of Connemara. This is one of the most beautiful regions in Ireland, affected most by the potato famine in the 1840s. You’ll ride through peat bogs, lonely moorlands, and pretty fishing villages, through Screeb and Kilkieran to Cashel. Breakfast included. Dinner included on guided trips. Lodging: Ballynahinch Castle Hotel, Recess.
Day 5: 56km (38mi.). Ride the Connemara coast through villages of whitewashed cottages, and around deep bays filled with islands, by Roundstone, to Clifden. Stop there for lunch, and perhaps tweed shopping, before making your way back to your gracious and cozy stop in Recess. Breakfast included. Lodging: Ballynahinch Castle Hotel, Recess.
Day 6: 66km (44mi.). Following the shores of Cleggan Bay and Ballynakill Harbour, to Rinvyle Castle, Connemara National Park, and Ireland’s only fjord, on your way to Joyce Country, nestled between the incredibly beautiful Twelve Pins and the Maumturk Mountains. Your lodge tonight is exceptionally situated. Breakfast included. Lodging: Lough Inagh Lodge, Recess.
Day 7: Variable distance – your choice. Take the day to explore the surrounding mountains on foot, the nearby Joyce Country loop by bike (guided trips only), or just the comfortable surroundings at your lodge. On guided trips, lunch will be provided for those wishing to explore on their own. The lodge is centrally located for excursions in all directions. Hiking into the Twelve Pins is encouraged, as is the spectacular loop ride through Joyce country. Breakfast included. Dinner included on guided trips. Lodging: Lough Inagh Lodge, Recess.
Day 8: 55km (33mi.). Perhaps one of the nicest rides in all of Ireland, your route today will take you to Westport, where you can make train connections to Dublin at the day’s end, or can continue independently to explore Achill Island and points further north. Breakfast included. Lunch included on guided trips.
Testimonials:
"…a magical trip…!"
(Liz Bankert)
"They were always cheerful, competent, enthusiastic, supportive, and encouraging. Their depth of local knowledge, folklore, and customs along with their great sense of humor combined to make our days really memorable. They were the epitome of professionalism."
(J Ekins, MB)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Guided Cost: $3595 pp. dbl. (includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, 4 dinners, light lunch fare to supplement pub lunches, ferries, van & guide support, luggage handling, maps & route notes, taxes).
Self-Guided Cost: $2995 pp. dbl. (includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, luggage handling, maps & route notes, taxes).
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Ireland
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