"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.
Start the tour at Gregans Castle Hotel. This exquisitely furnished inn is surrounded by award-winning gardens that overlook superb views of the Burren and Galway Bay. You are treated to the nicest rooms and finest cuisine imaginable.
Your days here include cycling to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, through the music mecca of Doolin and along the Coast Road, past Black Head Light to Ballyvaughn. Bike country lanes to the pretty village of Kilfenora and its 12th-century cathedral, and include a spectacular ride through the heart of the "Burren". Here you are joined by local guide Shane Connolly as you explore this fascinating moonscape plateau of limestone and shale that supports an amazingly diverse variety of rare flora.
A ferry ride takes you out to the Aran Islands where you visit Dun Aengus, a fort dating back to 2000 B.C. Next, head to Rosleague Manor, an extremely comfortable country house hotel overlooking Ballinakill Bay. Here, enjoy cozy lounges with turf fires, beautiful furnishings, a garden style conservatory and a wonderful selection of superb food. Your cycling takes advantage of lovely surroundings with a ride along the valleys of the Maamturk Mountains and past Killary Harbor, and Bike Vermont always includes a visit to beautiful Kylemore Abbey.
The next day, cycle through the village of Cleggan, then follow the ocean along spectacular Skye Road. You pass handsome Clifden Castle as you enter Clifden - "the prettiest village in Connemara". Here, spend two nights enjoying the marvelous hospitality of Julia and Paddy Foyle at the Quay House (recipient of the 2002 Cesar Award as the "Best Bed & Breakfast in Ireland"). They have converted the former harbormaster's house into a warm and stylish quayside hotel, and you are treated to an exquisite dinner at one of Clifden's finest restaurants.
The last day of cycling takes you past thatched roof cottages, green bogs, rugged fishing villages, and beautiful farmland that reaches down to the shore. A highlight is a visit to the scenic fishing village of Roundstone, where local crafts include pottery, silversmithing, and the making of Bodhrans, the traditional Irish drum.
Daily Cycling Distances Range from 20 to 37 Miles, with Numerous Additional Options
Minimum Age Limit
10
Skill Levels Accommodated
Beginner - Intermediate
Grouped by Level
No
Fully Guided
Yes
Support Vans
Full Van Support
Bike Rentals Available
Yes
Bike Brands
You can rent an excellent 24-gear Trek bicycle from Bike Vermont. They offer dropped and upright handlebars on both diamond (men's) and mixte (women's) frames. Expertly maintained, they come equipped with a front handlebar bag, rear carrier, water bottle, mirror, and warning flag. Toe clips are available (free) on request. Bike rental is $110 for the tour. Unfortunately, tandems cannot be accommodated on the Ireland tour.
Helmets are an absolute necessity and all riders are required to wear them. Quality helmets are made available to you at no charge.
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Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Start at the Lahinch Golf & Leisure Hotel in the seaside village of Lahinch. Here, enjoy a scenic warm-up ride, then explore the town, the beach, the famous golf course, or browse the shops of Irish linens, wool sweaters, Waterford crystal, and local crafts.
Day 2: In the morning, take country roads to the Cliffs of Moher where you’ll stand at the edge of 700 vertical feet of seawall, looking down at the pounding Atlantic. Lunch in Doolin, a mecca for traditional Irish music and home to one of the finest craft shops in Ireland. Finish the day with a spectacular coastal ride around Black Head and Galway Bay, and a visit to the pretty fishing village of Ballyvaughan.
Days 3-5: The next two nights you are the guests of the Haden family at Gregans Castle Hotel. This exquisitely furnished inn is surrounded by award-winning gardens that overlook superb views of the Burren and Galway Bay, and you are treated to the nicest rooms and finest cuisine imaginable.
Days here include cycling to the village of Kilfenora and its 12th-century cathedral, and a spectacular ride through the heart of the "Burren". Local guide Shane Connolly joins your group as you explore the dramatic landscape and the spectacular variety of rare flora.
Days 6-7: The next morning, ferry to the Aran Islands where you weave through a labyrinth of high stone walls, enjoy panoramic views of the rugged coastline, and visit Dun Aengus, a fort dating back to 2,000 B.C. From the Aran Islands, you’ll be transported to Clifden ("the prettiest village in Connemara") where you’ll spend two nights enjoying the hospitality of Julia and Paddy Foyle at the Quay House, overlooking Clifden Bay.
The next few days takes you past thatched roof cottages, green bogs, rugged fishing villages, and beautiful farmland reaching down to the shore. Visit the scenic fishing village of Roundstone, where local crafts include pottery and the making of Bodhrans, the traditional Irish drum. Leave Clifden by way of Skye Road, passing Clifden Castle and the seaside village of Cleggan, then take back roads to Rosleague Manor, a country house hotel overlooking Ballinakill Bay. Here you’ll enjoy lounges with turf fires, beautiful furnishings, a conservatory and a wonderful selection of food.
Day 8: On your final day, ride along the valleys of the Maamturk Mountains and past Killary Harbor, and enjoy a visit to spectacular Kylemore Abbey. Or, if you prefer, you can take it easy with a hike in Connemara National Park.
This Package Includes
7 Nights of Lodging (Double Occupancy)
7 Breakfasts and 6 Dinners
Detailed Maps and Itineraries
2 Experienced Guides
Full Van Support
Transfers From and To Shannon Airport (on the Beginning and Ending Dates of the Tour)
Transfers During the Tour
Notes
Referrals: Bike Vermont would be pleased to provide you with names of people in your area who have been on a tour with their company.
Reservation Policy
Deposit: $300 per person. Final payment due 60 days prior to your tour (personal check, Visa or MasterCard).
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel...
At least 60 days prior to your tour Bike Vermont will return 100% of your tour payments;
Less than 60 days from the date of the tour you must pay the full tour price unless Bike Vermont is able to fill your space.
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