Ireland: A West Coast Extravaganza (trip)
Ireland: A West Coast Extravaganza
- Dublin Airport, Dublin, Ireland
- Active & Adventure
| from €1,450* per person | 6 Days | June-September |
| Boutique accommodations | Exertion level: 3 | |
| Operator: CycleWest Ireland | 12 people max | |
Limestone plateaus and green valleys, rich in flora and fauna, geology, archaeology, ancient settlements all distinguish the Burren from wild and remote Connemara. Here we offer you a rich and vibrant experience, great routes and physical interaction with the landscape: the perfect blend for all cyclists.
The Aran Islands, three timeless islands in an endless sea showcase weathered monuments on awesome cliffs, great labyrinths of limestone, meandering walls, patchwork fields, quiet beaches and a welcoming island people. From the rugged Twelve Bens mountain range to the lake-rich Roundstone Bog and golden beaches reaching out into the Atlantic Ocean, Connemara has long been regarded as the real emerald of Ireland.
For this rewarding bike trip, we have chosen a wonderful variety of quality, select accommodations that offer a blend of luxury, location and personal hospitality. You will enjoy the delights of stunning settings and vibrant culture.
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Locations visited/nearby
Ireland, Europe
0 testimonials about this trip.
3 testimonials about the provider, CycleWest Ireland:
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Reviewer: Peter D'Amico
located in
Raleigh,
North Carolina
USA
"I have been telling everyone who will listen to me just how wonderful an experience my Ireland trip was. My pictures are developed and I carry them with me all the time. I can honestly say it was the best vacation I have ever had. The sights, the people, the accommodations and even the challenge made for a very fulfilling experience. You have really done an excellent job in developing this program. I would do it again in a heartbeat"
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Reviewer: Andrew Rogers
located in
Brevard,
North Carolina
USA
"10 out of 10"
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Reviewer: Brian Goldberg
located in
Madison,
Connecticut
USA
"My father and I had a wonderful time. The cycling was adventurous. I particularly enjoyed cycling on the tiny roads of Connemara---where sheep seem to be the only road traffic in many places. Your knowledge of the region combined with your dedication to all the details of our trip enabled me to learn about the region, enjoy its beauty and cycle without a worry"
Special information
- This is a custom departure, meaning this trip is offered on dates that you arrange privately with the provider. Additionally, you need to form your own private group for this trip. The itinerary and price here is just a sample. Contact the provider for detailed pricing, minimum group size, and scheduling information. For most providers, the larger the group you are traveling with, the lower the per-person cost will be.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to the Emerald Isle!Here we begin our celebrated tour of the West Coast of Ireland: the Burren region, the Aran Islands and Connemara. We begin our
journey with a tour of the spectacular Cliffs of Moher and then descend to the at seaport village of Ballyvaughn, County Clare. Evening
dinner and welcome to the West Coast of Ireland!
Overnight as guests in the village of Ballyvaughan.
DAY 2: Castles and Caves
Today we explore medieval Newtown Castle before setting off on our days adventure. This day is designed a leisurely day to bring you
into the heart of the Burren, explore Ailwee Caves and the Wild Bird sanctuary where we watch the falcons fly. A day of history and
scenery, of ancient ring forts and dolmans. Onward to the environmental initiative of The Burren - the Burren Interpretative Centre in
Kilfenora. Discover a world of wildlife, folklore, ancient archaeology and wonderful plant life. Explore Kilfenora Cathedral and Celtic
High Crosses.
Overnight in Ballyvaughan.
Daily Miles: Minimum mileage of 15 miles with extensions. Total possible miles: 42.
DAY 3: Moonscapes and Music
Today's biking is a leisurely ride along one of the most scenic coastal routes. The flaggy shoreline, Fanore Beach and Blackhead
Lighthouse are amongst just some of the points of interest you view along the route today.
Transfer by ferry and overnight on the Aran Islands.
Daily Miles: Minimum mileage of 19 miles with island extension of 8 miles.
DAY 4: Ferries and Foxes
Mid Day departure from the Aran Islands to the Rosaveal ferry port. We traverse a route bordered by heather and bracken, through
scenery that is wild and barren. Lunch at Screebe House followed by a bike ride through the Rugged Twelve Bens mountains towards
the rugged coastline. Evening cocktails and dinner at the Mitchells seafood restaurant.
Overnight in Clifden.
Daily miles: Minimum 28 miles.
DAY 5: Seascapes and Sandcastles
Early morning start to Roundstone village, the most picturesque fishing harbour in Connemara where traditional Galway Hooker,
lovingly cared for over the years, can be seen on Bertraghboy Bay. We visit Malachy Kearns Musical Instrument workshop, the home of
the traditional Bodhran. Departing Roundstone to Ballyconneely village via stunning beaches at Dog’s Bay and Gurteen Bay, we follow
the rugged coastline to Ballyconneely, taking time to visit the Connemara Smokehouse, perched on the water's edge. Here the Roberts
family run Connemara's longest established smokehouse, are one of the few specialists in wild smoked salmon. We bike to the Alcock
and Brown monument, dedicated to the first transatlantic flight in 1919 from New Foundland. Returning to Ballynahinch Castle hotel by
way of the scenic bog road where sheep are our only distraction. Tonight we dine at a nearby award winning, family run restaurant
where the seafood is truly the 'catch of the day'.
Overnight in Clifden. Daily Miles: Minimum of a 19 loop, with longer routes from 22 - 30 miles.
DAY 6: Castle Extension or Departure
Today, sadly, today we bid you farewell. This morning you depart from Clifden to your next point. We can assist you with any
planning, be it rail, flight or car hire. Please also see our 'trip arrival and departure' instructions' for transport options.
You also have the option of extending your bike trip by one further day. Transfer or bike to Cong, and stay overnight at the historical,
five star, Ashford Castle Hotel. This is a magnificent opportunity to visit the historic village of Cong, most famed as the setting for the
John Forde movie 'The Quiet Man' starring John Wayne and Irelands' famed Maureen O'Hara. Ashford Castle, perched on the edge of
Lough Corrib, was built in 1228 and in later years home to Sir Benjamin lee Guinness, of the famed Guinness family. Avid gardeners,
Sir Guinness and his son, Lord Ardilaun created the beautiful gardens and surrounding acreage of woodlands. Nearby, the 12th century
ruins of the Augustinian Abbey stand as a legacy to this fine castle.
Activity options include: horseback riding, falconry, fishing, golf in lieu of biking. These activities as options, are costed as extras to
your trip but can be booked on your behalf on advance. You may also elect to take a leisurely cruise on Lough Corrib from Ashford
Castle. This option includes a visit to historical Inchgoill Island, where the remains of 5th Century St. Patrick's church lies nestled in
the woods. Outside is a memorial stone with the inscription ' Lie Luguaedon macci Menueh' (the stone of Luguaedon, son of Menueh),
one of the oldest inscribed stones in Ireland dated to 500 A.D.
Enjoy an evening dinner overlooking the castle grounds at Cullen’s Cottage, an Ashford institution!
Transfer next day to Galway Airport or Rail Station for departure to your next point.
Overnight at Ashford Castle Hotel
Daily miles: chose between a private castle transfer or bike ride. Minimum miles: 22 miles. Extension through Tourmakeady and
Clonbur: 42 miles.
More information from CycleWest Ireland:
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