West Coast of Ireland Guided Bike Tour

PLACES REMAINING ON OUR 1ST-6TH SEPTEMBER TOUR
Trip Highlights

Our West Coast Adventure bike tour is a memorable Irish experience
Immerse in a variety of scenery and landscapes along quiet shores, coastline, peatland, heathers and sandy beaches
Visit impressive ancient sites such as the Poulnabroune Dolman, Dun Aengus hilltop fort and the Cliffs of Moher
Enroute, enjoy the heritage of the Gaelic language, music and stories
We leave the main roads behind and soon you will be all alone in a majestic landscape!
The Burren ~ Aran Islands ~ Connemara

Duration is 6 days and 5 nights, fully supported bike tour
Price from Euro 1495.00 per person sharing

Places remaining on the following 2022 tours:

August 11th – August 16th
August 18th – August 23rd
Sept 1st – 6th

INTRODUCTION
This extraordinary Irish biking tour, our West Coast Adventure, has been designed with amazing landscapes. We invite you to experience the heritage, local produce and an overall terrific adventure. Notwithstanding, we offer you the opportunity to explore and contemplate life to its fullest, away from all the hustle of everyday life.

From vast fields of rare wildflowers, especially in May, to stunning cliff views, we are sure you will be captivated. Moreover, with warm hospitality, great accommodation and food, join us for a trip you will remember.

THE LANDSCAPES
The BURREN is a unique landscape of limestone plateau and wilderness landscapes that invite you to explore. You will discover ancient stone forts and neo-lithic monuments. In addition, you will find alpine and arctic flowers growing side by side. Their seeds having been deposited by glacier millions of years ago. This is a mystical land of disappearing rivers and lakes, closed valleys, caves and limestone pavements. You may even find a real fairy fort!

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. Here Gaelic is still spoken and is the language of choice for the islanders.

Crossing by ferry from the Aran Islands, you will know immediately that you have arrived in wild CONNEMARA by the light that constantly changes the mood and tone of the landscape. Described by Oscar Wilde as “wild, mountainous country, magnificent is every way”.

Moreover, for this rewarding bike trip, we have personally selected a wonderful variety of quality accommodations that offer a blend of luxury and personal hospitality. As a rsult, you will enjoy the delights of stunning settings and vibrant culture.
Come and join us on this terrific West Coast adventure and let your imagination do the rest…..

WHAT OUR VISITORS ARE SAYING
‘We still talk to one another often and with great pleasure about our trip. We have so many wonderful pictures of our trip. As wonderful as our week in Ireland was, it was hardly enough time to fully capture the depth and breadth of your beautiful country and we all hope to find ourselves back on your roads sometime in the future. …Thanks again to you for all the effort and attention you gave us.’ Michael Riddell and family, Millburn, New Jersey

ITINERARY
Day 1: Welcome to the Emerald Isle!
Cead Mile Failte ~ Welcome to Ireland. Firstly, we begin our journey at the seaside village of Ballyvaughan, County Clare. We begin with a warm welcome, bike fit out and tour briefing. This is followed by an evening dinner and welcome to the West Coast of Ireland! Overnight as guests in the village of Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare.

DAY 2: Castles and Caves
Begin your day with an exploration of medieval Newtown Castle and the Burren College of Art Gallery. Nothwithstanding, this day has been designed as an activity filled day. The pace is leisurely and brings you into the heart of the Burren. Next, we explore Ailwee Cave, followed with a visit to the Birds of Prey sanctuary. Here we see a selection of Falcon, Hawk, Eagles, Owls and Vultures. You are treated to a magnificent birds of prey flight demonstration. Private Hawk Walks are available upon request.

We continue biking onward through into the Burren hills, where we discover a world of wildlife, folklore and ancient archaeology. Later, we see the 4,500 year old Poulnabrone portal tomb. Our final stop of the day is the Caherconnell stone fort. We also experience a traditional sheepdog demonstration. An overall exhilarating day. We speed home with a magnificent downhill descent to the village of Ballyvaughan. Watch the sunset over the Burren hills after dinner with a stroll along the beach.

Overnight in Ballyvaughan. Minimum mileage of 15 miles with extensions. Total possible miles: 42

DAY 3: Moonscapes and Music
Today starts with a tour of the spectacular Cliffs of Moher. Towering 700 feet (214 metres) above sea level, the Cliffs are one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ireland. A designated UNESCO site, the Cliffs are the prefect viewing location for puffins, razorbills and guillemots. Views across to the Aran Islands and perhaps a dolphin or two.

Following on from the Cliffs. we descend to the colourfull village of Doolin. From here the ferry will take us to the Aran Islands, where Gaelic remains the spoken language. On the islands, visit Dun Aengus, an ancient hilltop fort towering above the ocean. Enjoy the vistas of whitewashed cottages and the intricate network of stone walls. This is a visit you will treasure long after your visit to Ireland.

Transfer by ferry and overnight on the Aran Islands. Daily Miles: Custom miles for children. Minimum mileage of 19 miles with island extension of 8 miles.

DAY 4: Ferries and Foxes
After a midday departure from the Aran Islands to the Rosaveal ferry port. Upon arrival in Connemara, we traverse a route through the heathered landscape. The scenery here is wild and barren. Following lunch en route, we bike in the shadow of the Twelve Bens mountains, along the rugged coastline. Relax in the beautiful market town of Clifden, your home for the next two nights. Overnight in Clifden. Daily miles: Minimum 28 miles.

DAY 5: Seascapes and Sandcastles
Begin with an early morning start to Roundstone village, the most picturesque fishing harbour in Connemara. Here traditional Galway Hooker boats, lovingly cared for over the years, can be seen on Bertraghboy Bay. We visit Malachy Kearns Musical Instrument workshop, 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 Village. Return to Clifden for another overnight stay.
Overnight in Clifden. Daily Miles: Minimum of a 19 loop, with 2 – 30 miles.

DAY 6: Castle Extension or Departure
Today, with time to spare we take a quick loop ride to the Sky Road. This is justifiably famous for the views it affords. The Sky Road route takes you up among the hills overlooking Clifden Bay and its offshore islands, Inishturk and Turbot. Following this lovely bike ride, we sadly bid you farewell.

Depart from Clifden to your next point. We can assist you with any planning, be it rail, flight or car hire.

Contact us at cyclewest.ireland@gmail.com for more details.

What’s Included?
This trip includes:

5 nights Accommodations
Breakfasts on tour days
4 evening dinners
Experienced tour guides
Support vehicle and luggage transfer
Courtesy fruit & snacks
Guided tours of select locations
Quality 24 speed Trek hybrid bikes included in the price
Helmets and panniers
Detailed maps and tour directions
Daily Custom Miles
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What’s not included?

This trip does not include:

Items of a personal nature including Alcoholic Beverages, Laundry, Personal Telephone calls
Daily Lunches
Transfer to and from Ireland

Dates and Pricing
2022 Dates

August 11th – August 16th
August 18th – August 23rd
Sept 1st – 6th

This tour offers you the choice of either Charming Inns or Luxe accommodation, with prices varying with regards to your preference. See below for more information and please do not hesitate to contact us at tours@cyclewest.com in order to discover which option is right for you!

2022 Pricing

Charming Inns Accommodation from Euro 1495.00 pps
Luxe Accommodations from Euro 2195.00 pps
Deposit: Euro 250.00
Single Supplement: Euro 350.00 for Luxe Accommodation and Euro 250.00 for Charming Inns Accommodation

If your date preference is not listed above, we would be happy to accommodate you with an individually tailored custom trip! Please contact us at tours@cyclewest.com for more information.

Accommodation

CycleWest Ireland has carefully selected a range of lodges, hotels and castles to compliment your stay in the west of Ireland. Our Charming Inns option is made up of guesthouses, B&Bs and small private hotels which have been carefully chosen due to their warm welcomes, quality accommodation or food. If you choose our Luxe accommodation, you will be staying in award-winning castle hotels and country houses.

Drumcreehy House in Ballyvaughan and The Quay House, Clifden are examples of our Charming Inns range of lodges. Beautifully decorated country homes set in wonderful locations, with reputations for a warm welcome and personal hosting.

Our Luxe accommodation options include Gregans Castle Hotel and Ballynahinch Castle Hotel.

Helpful Notes
Difficulty level: Intermediate

• Average Daily Mileage: 25 Miles (40 km) with Optional Alternatives: 30 Miles (49 km)
If you have any questions about the terrain covered on this tour, the fitness levels which would be required or our optional extra rides, feel free to contact us at tours@cyclewest.com!

Tour Start and End Points:

Tour starts in Ballyvaugahn, County Clare.
Tour Ends in Clifden, Co Galway.

Closest International Airport: Shannon Airport.

Arrival and Departure details will be provided in your pre-trip planning package,

Accommodation

CycleWest has carefully selected a range of lodges, hotels and castles to compliment your stay in the west of Ireland. Our Charming Inns option is made up of guesthouses, B&Bs and small private hotels which have been carefully chosen due to their warm welcomes, quality accommodation or food. If you choose our Luxe accommodation, you will be staying in award winning castle hotels and country houses.

Drumcreehy House in Ballyvaughan and The Quay House, Clifden are examples of our Charming Inns range of lodges. A beautifully decorated country home set against a magnificent backdrop of both Galway Bay and the Burren, this family run B&B has a reputation for warm welcomes and wonderful breakfasts.

Like many of our Luxe accommodation options, Gregans Castle Hotel began as a historic home for the landed gentry, in this case an 18th century country manor. Located in the heart of the Burren, this hotel is the ideal base from which to explore the charming local towns of Doolin and Kilfenora and the beauty of the surrounding countryside.

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