It has been a difficult time for all of us. I booked a self driving tour through Irish Tourism that was cancelled due to Covid issues with travel. The booking process was excellent and thorough. It wa Read more »
Every thing was as promised. B&B's were awesome and the proprietors very gracious. Big van with lots of space for the 6 of us as well as our luggage with room to spare. We will definitely use Irish ... Read more »
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 Macgillycuddy's Reeks, 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. On the rest of the day we relax in the pretty fishing village of Castletownbere where you can take a boat ride to Bere Island or cycle out to the ruins of nearby Dunboy Castle. Towards the end of the week we head inland and stay at a beautiful lakeside retreat 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.
Arrive at Shannon Airport and meet your friendly driver/guide. Head south, with a short stop in Foynes and visit the Flying Boat Museum. The museum recalls the era when the Pan Am Clipper’s used to fly transatlantic between 1939 and 1945 and where chef Joe Sheridan made the first Irish coffee to warm up some damp & miserable passengers in 1942. Continue on to your hotel in Killarney for check-in. Depending on your time of arrival, you could play Killarney Golf Club, Killeen Course. The Killeen course is very much the flagship course at the club. The Killarney lakes and high mountain range provide an imposing backdrop to this Championship course. Re-opened in June 2006 the course is slightly longer with faster greens that have been brought closer to the water hazards around the course. At 6564 metres (7178 yards) it will challenge long hitters, with accuracy being vital as there is water on virtually every hole. Nick Faldo on winning The Irish Open in 1991 was one of only three players to finish under par. The challenging golf is matched by the spectacular views, with the 10th being a firm favourite where you are playing virtually onto the lake. Welcome dinner at your hotel. Overnight Killarney DBB
After breakfast, leave your hotel for the short journey to Tralee Golf Club. Designed and built by Arnold Palmer, this stunning setting represents a true paradise for those willing to challenge what is widely acclaimed as one of the finest links courses in the world. Smitten at first sight, Palmer would later go on record with this memorable quote: “I may have designed the first nine, but surely God designed the back nine”. It comes as no surprise to learn that, due to the majestic beauty of this setting, Palmer choose it to be his first and, arguably, his finest golf course in Europe. In the afternoon tour the spectacular Dingle Peninsula. Perhaps not as well known as the Ivergah Peninsula where the Ring of Kerry is located, the Dingle Peninsula is less busy but every bit as beautiful. The town of Dingle is a small fishing port where you will find plenty of pubs and cafes. Continue to the west of the town where the scenery is particularly rugged with views out to the formerly inhabited Blasket Islands. Return to Killarney via the Connor Pass. Overnight Killarney DBB
Play Ballybunion Golf Club - Old Course today. The Old Course at Ballybunion exudes a majestic feel that simply cannot be compared to any other course on earth. With beautifully contoured fairways that tumble down through a blanket of grassy dunes, it's no wonder these challenging holes have been consistently rated among the top courses in the world. Overnight Killarney DBB
Kill two birds with one stone today by driving around the Ring of Kerry, stopping on the way round to play the superb links at Waterville Golf Club. Golf at Waterville is a mystical experience – the beauty of classic links land, surrounded by the sea, yet forever challenged and shaped by the elements. Over 100 years old, Waterville is rated among the top 5 courses in Ireland and the top 20 links courses in the world. Links golf combines sand dunes, gorse and native grasses, firm fairways, sod faced bunkers and subtle putting surfaces all intertwined by the ever changing weather. At Waterville, you should forget the lob wedge and think bump and run and creative shot making. Are you ready to walk in the footsteps of Irelands earliest golfers? After this amazing challenging course, sit back and enjoy a relaxing journey around the rest of the Ring of Kerry where breathtaking views await you at every turn. Overnight Killarney DBB
After checking out this morning, drive south to enjoy the spectacular scenery along the Beara Peninsula with a visit to Bantry House And Gardens and take a short boat ride from Glengarriff out to Garinish Island, home to the magnificent gardens of Illnacullin. Continue east along the coast road into County Cork for the town of Kinsale. Kinsale is a charming harbour town that is regarded as the ‘Gourmet Capital of Ireland’. It is home to a number of excellent restaurants, cafes and lively pubs as well as interesting shops and galleries that line its narrow streets. This evening, explore this wonderful town and have dinner at one of its fine restaurants. Overnight Kinsale BB
In the morning play one of the two courses at Kinsale Golf Club. The Farrangalway course was designed by architect Jack Kenneally and is beautifully situated in the meadowlands of the Bandon river valley. Measuring 6,609 yards long and consisting of two loops, the course starts and finishes at the Clubhouse, situated on the highest point of the course. Set in a peaceful and picturesque location overlooking the Belgooly river estuary, the Ringenane course is a little shorter at 5585 yards. Sloping down to the riverbanks, and occupying a small circular peninsula, a demanding round of golf awaits on this tight course, playing into the natural slopes of the land. Following the golf, continue to the Old Midleton Distillery which tells the story of Irish Whiskey. View the largest pot still in the world prior to sampling the internationally renowned Jameson Whiskey in the bar or perhaps have the opportunity of becoming a qualified Irish whiskey taster, with presentation of certificate, before browsing in the exclusive Jameson merchandise outlet and craft shops. Overnight in Kinsale DBB
Depart Kinsale and head north around Cork City to visit one of Ireland’s most popular attractions, Blarney Castle, where you may kiss the stone which according to legend will give you the “gift of eloquence”. Also visit the Blarney Woollen Mills which offer excellent Irish made products. From Blarney continue north into County Limerick for the village of Adare, which is regarded as one of the prettiest villages in Ireland with its thatched cottages and ancient church. Overnight Adare Manor DBB
Play the superb Adare Golf Club this morning – in our opinion it is the finest parkland course in Ireland. The Adare Golf Club is an 18 hole championship golf course which opened in 1995 and is set on the 840 acre estate of Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort in Co. Limerick, Ireland. This was the last major golf course designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones, Senior. This majestic design has gained international acclaim as one of his finest creations. In the afternoon enjoy the amenities at the Manor, which include a spa and swimming pool. If you all feel more energetic take the 10-minute drive to Limerick City where you could visit King Johns Castle and the renowned Hunt Museum. Overnight Adare Manor DBB
Check out this morning Drive north to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, stopping at the Visitor’s Centre where you will see the Atlantic Edge Exhibition which brings to life the story of the Cliffs. Continue along the coast into the unique landscape of The Burren, an area composed of limestone hills that is home to many rare flowers as well as the Poulnabrone Dolmen and the Ailwee Caves, Ireland’s largest cave complex. Return southwards to your hotel in Bunratty. After checking in, walk the short distance to Bunratty Castle for a farewell Bunratty Medieval Banquet. Overnight Bunratty or Limerick BB
After a hearty Irish breakfast, depart your Hotel for Shannon Airport to arrive in plenty of time for your return flight home.
BB = Bed & Irish Breakfast DBB = Dinner, Bed & Irish Breakfast
Notes
Distances
The average cycling distance is an easy 30m (45km) with longer routes being available most days. The tours are suitable for adults of all ages, but a certain level of fitness is required and taking in a few practice rides is strongly recommended. 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 are more suited to the keener cyclist.
Meals
Your 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 €18 and €25. One evening meal during the tour is included in the tour price.
Your Bicycle
We supply 18-21 speed hybrid touring models for your tour. Each booking must give your name and approximate height. Repair equipment, helmets and pannier bags are available on request.
Starting Times
Each of the tours start with a meeting group at 6:30pm on the Saturday evening in a central hotel close to the local train station 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 and the following morning for those arriving late. After an introductory talk the guide will organise an evening meal and direct you to your first nights accommodation.
Insurance
There is an additional charge of €35 for insurance cover. We insist that riders avail of our insurance policy or else have alternative cover in place
Prices in other currencies are indicative only. Please note that we charge in Euro.
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