BICYCLE TOURS & MOUNTAIN BIKING

Biking in Ireland: Donegal Highlands

County Sligo’s tranquil lanes pass through a lush fairytale landscape which inspired the poetry of William Butler Yeats and the painting of his brother Jack. “Bare Ben Bulben’s head” dominates this landscape of brilliant green valleys, cascading waterfalls and secluded loughs. Our route continues from the tweed shops of bustling Donegal Town to the rugged peninsulas of the Gaeltacht, the western fringes of Eire’s Gaelic-speaking community. The remote village of Glencolumbcille overlooks a wealth of archaeological sites and a magnificent beach pounded by a wild surf. A visit to the local heritage center’s thatched cottages gives us an appreciation of Irish life in the 18th and 19th centuries. Other interpretive centers along the route invite you to learn more about Irish history and culture, from the Flight of the Earls and the Great Famine to Donegal’s famous hand-weaving industry.

An easy spin inland leads to the tropical luxuriance of Glenveagh National Park. Here Ireland’s native red deer still roam freely in the shadows of Glenveagh Castle and its lakeside gardens. The final day’s ride follows Lough Swilly to the rugged sea cliffs and arches of Fanad Head, one of the most spectacular maritime routes in the world.

On the last morning of the tour, Easy Rider Tours transports the group back to Dublin. Easy Rider heartily recommends spending a few days in this fascinating city to top off your Irish adventure!

Tour Details

Day 1:
Late morning transfer from Sligo to a B&B in Carney, set at the base of Ben Bulben. Visit Yeats’ grave at Drumcliffe Church and take a warm-up spin to romantic Glencar Lough, whose beautiful waterfall inspired Yeats’ poem “The Stolen Child”. (0, 13, or 20 mi.)

Day 2:
Sweeping views of cliffs and broad beaches as you curve around Donegal Bay. Highlights include the 5,000-year-old Creevykeel Court Tombs and the Gleniff Horseshoe, a spectacular loop into the heart of the Dartry Mountains. Tour O’Donnell Castle, shop on The Diamond (main square), or meet artisans at a contemporary crafts center in lively Donegal Town. (46 or 51 mi.)

Day 3:
The route follows the Atlantic Drive to ancient Glencolumbcille, with lunch in the colorful fishing port of Killybegs. Optional challenging ride to the top of Slieve League, the highest sea cliffs in Europe, for a spectacular view. (41, 46, or 51 mi.)

Day 4:
A climb through Glengesh Pass leads to a forested four-mile descent into Ardara for lunch. Learn about the handweaving industry at the Heritage Center, visit Kilclooney Dolmen, and take a challenging option along Gweebarra Bay en route to Gweedore. The hotel is spectacularly situated at the foot of Mount Errigal. (47 or 58 mi.)

Day 5:
Easy ride to Glenveagh National Park to tour its castle and exotic gardens. Continue beneath the quartzite slopes of Muckish Mountain to rejoin the coast at Sheeps Haven Bay. Learn about life during the Great Famine at the Work House Heritage Center in Dunfanaghy, or cycle to Horn Head, home to thousands of razorbills and cormorants. Relax with a pint at a traditional music seisiun this evening. (30 or 37 mi.)

Day 6:
Bike past Doe Castle and Atlantic vistas on a loop around the Rosguill Peninsula. Lunch and shopping at Downies, famed for its tweeds. Follow Mulroy Bay to a seaside manor house hotel in Rathmullan for a two-night stay overlooking Lough Swilly. (32, 38, or 45 mi.)

Day 7:
An unforgettable finale traces the dramatic headlands of the Fanad Peninsula. Or relax in Rathmullan: Stroll on the beach, visit the Flight of the Earls Heritage Centre, or golf by the sea on the hotel’s own course. Farewell dinner celebration. (0, 21, 39, or 53 mi.)

Day 8:
Transfer to Dublin Airport for mid-afternoon flights.