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 »
The Mayo tour is like stepping back 20 years to an Ireland before the Celtic Tiger! It is the quietest of our routes in terms of traffic and offers up a wild windswept landscape full of changing light. You will get to visit the largest stone age site in Europe, an ancient cattle field system and also spend your rest day on Achill Island with its wonderful mountains and white sandy beaches as well as its breathtaking cliff walks. This is also the country of Grainnuaile, a famous female pirate in the 16th Century whose ships attacked fleets all along the coastline and we visit one of her fortress houses. Finally we stop at a wonderful early Christian monastic site situated in a most peaceful setting, before heading back to Westport and the less mystical real world.
Arrive Shannon Airport and meet with your experienced Irish driver/guide. All of the drivers we use are qualified guides and have great personalities that really will make your trip unforgettable. Drive the short distance to Vandeleur Walled Gardens. The beautiful old stone walls contain this sheltered garden (2.158 acres), which is set among 420 acres of native woodland. After the visit, take the short ferry crossing over the River Shannon into County Kerry and travel to the Heritage town of Listowel stopping to visit The Garden of Europe which also houses Ireland's only public monument to the memory of the millions who died in the Holocaust. Continue on to Killarney, Ireland’s premier tourist resort. After checking into your hotel, take a stroll through the town centre, visit Killarney National Park and Muckross House or take a boat ride around one of its lakes. Overnight Killarney DBB
After breakfast, travel around the famed Ring of Kerry towards Kilorglin and Cahirciveen stopping at Kells Bay Gardens. The gardens contain one of the foremost collections of Southern hemisphere plants, mainly from Australia, New Zealand and South America. Leaving Kells Bay Gardens, we head for Valentia Island and Glanleam, an 18th century house with 50 acres of superb tropical gardens, most of which are now dense woodlands. The wonderful setting with a beach, a lighthouse and acres of green fields surrounding the house, make it perfect to soothe body and soul. Continue around the 100 mile scenic route passing through the colourful village of Sneem and pause at Moll's Gap to view the Three Lakes of Killarney. Overnight Killarney DBB
This morning, we head south on a picturesque drive to Bantry, stopping at Bantry House And Gardens. The house has a collection of tapestries, furniture and art treasures which were mainly collected by the 2nd Earl of Bantry, Richard White, during his travels through Europe in the 1800s. The Gardens are home to sub tropical plants and shrubs - reflecting the best in European design and style. Features within the 45 acre grounds are the Hundred Steps, the Italian Garden and the largest Wisteria circle in Ireland. Continue on eastwards to Lisselan Gardens, designed in the 1800s and laid out in Robinsonian style, enhancing the natural features and contours provided by the valley and the river Argideen flowing throughout. This garden provides visitors with magnificent seasonal colours and has 12ha of gardens and woodlands with a variety of plants, trees, shrubs and flowers that flourish in this mild Gulf Stream enhanced climate. Travel back to Killarney via Blarney, to visit the famous castle and stone which, according to legend, gives the gift of eloquence to all who kiss it. Enjoy a stroll around the village green or visit Blarney Woollen Mills which houses quality Irish made goods. Overnight Killarney DBB
After breakfast, make our way back to Shannon Airport via Adare, known as the prettiest village in Ireland. Adare is lined with stone thatch cottages, some of which are craft & art shops, and contains two Abbeys and a Priory which date back to 13th century. Continue to Shannon Airport via Limerick and Bunratty Castle where a short stop will be made for any last minute shopping. Arrive at Shannon Airport in time to check in for your flight home.
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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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