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 at Dublin or Dun Laoghaire Port and make your way to your hotel located on the outskirts of Dublin. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner where details of the tour will be discussed. Overnight Dublin area DBB Distance approx. 30 km/19 miles; Driving time approx. 35 minutes
This morning drive through the Garden of Ireland, Wicklow, and head for the 6th century monastic site founded by St. Kevin, after visiting and enjoying the scenery, continue to Avoca, famous for handweaving and the TV program Ballykissangel. After lunch return to your hotel via the east coast route. Overnight Dublin area DBB Distance approx. 110 km/68 miles; Driving Time approx. 2 hours
Check out of your hotel after breakfast and start your journey across country. Stop at the Kilbeggan Experience, established in 1757 the oldest distillery in the world, and see how this iconic Irish whiskey is manufactured before continuing to the Hodson Bay Hotel for lunch. After lunch continue through the countryside to the vibrant city of Galway. After checking into your hotel the remainder of the day will be free for independent shopping, sightseeing and dining. Overnight Galway BB Distance approx. 250 km/155 miles; Driving time approx. 2 hours 45 minutes
Check out of your hotel and travel through the lime stone landscape of the Burren to The Cliffs of Moher. Next, it’s on to one of the most complete castles in Ireland, Bunratty Castle. Built in 1425 it was restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendour and now contains mainly 15th and 16th century furnishings. After lunch, leave Bunratty and travel the short distance to Adare, one of Ireland’s prettiest villages. Walk along the main street which is lined with thatched roofed cottages or visit the old priory and monastery before departing to Ireland’s most popular town, Killarney. Overnight Killarney DBB Distance approx. 275 km/170 miles; Driving time approx. 4 hours
Today you will discover the wonderful scenery of Killarney as you drive around the famous Ring of Kerry. The road winds between the Macgillycuddy's Reeks, Ireland's highest mountains, and the varied Atlantic coast. You will be amazed at the breathtaking views and you will stop for photos at the most dramatic scenes. Continue through the remote villages of Cahirciveen and Waterville (one of Charlie Chaplin’s favourite places), pass through the colourful village of Sneem and pause at Moll's Gap to view the Three Lakes of Killarney. Continue back to Killarney and park in Muckross Park where you can visit the splendid Muckross House & Gardens on the shores of Muckross Lake. Enjoy some free time in Killarney before returning to your hotel. Overnight Killarney BB Distance approx. 170 km/105 miles; Driving time approx. 3 hours
OR
Following breakfast depart the hotel and travel the Dingle Peninsula. Perhaps not as well-known as the Iveragh 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, cafes and restaurants to have lunch. Then to the west of the town the scenery is particularly rugged with views out to the formerly inhabited Blasket Islands. Visit the Blasket Center which celebrates the story of the Blasket Islanders, the unique literary achievements of the island writers and their native language, culture and tradition. Sadly An Blascaod Mór was abandoned in 1953 as a result of the decline of its once vibrant population. Return to Killarney where the remainder of the day will be at leisure. Overnight Killarney BB Distance approx. 180 km/112 miles; Driving time approx. 3 hours 30 minutes
Today you will discover the wonderful scenery of Killarney as you drive around the famous Ring of Kerry. The road winds between the Macgillycuddy's Reeks, Ireland's highest mountains, and the varied Atlantic coast. You will be amazed at the breathtaking views and you will stop for photos at the most dramatic scenes. Continue through the remote villages of Cahirciveen and Waterville (one of Charlie Chaplin’s favourite places), pass through the colourful village of Sneem and pause at Moll's Gap to view the Three Lakes of Killarney. Continue back to Killarney and park in Muckross Park where you can visit the splendid Muckross House & Gardens on the shores of Muckross Lake. Enjoy some free time in Killarney before returning to your hotel. Overnight Killarney BB Distance approx. 170 km/105 miles; Driving time approx. 3 hours
OR
Following breakfast depart the hotel and travel the Dingle Peninsula. Perhaps not as well-known as the Iveragh 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, cafes and restaurants to have lunch. Then to the west of the town the scenery is particularly rugged with views out to the formerly inhabited Blasket Islands. Visit the Blasket Center which celebrates the story of the Blasket Islanders, the unique literary achievements of the island writers and their native language, culture and tradition. Sadly An Blascaod Mór was abandoned in 1953 as a result of the decline of its once vibrant population. Return to Killarney where the remainder of the day will be at leisure. Overnight Killarney BB Distance approx. 180 km/112 miles; Driving time approx. 3 hours 30 minutes
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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