The best magazine
- Bicycle tours in Ireland are a cyclist's dreamBicycle image by Raulmah?3n from Fotolia.com
Bicyclists traversing the varied terrain of Ireland are drawn into its beautiful landscape. Ireland has an appealing countryside with quaint cottages, interesting coastal harbors and majestic mountains. Ireland's offerings of places to visit include interesting pubs, Blarney Castle and seaside towns. Biking in rural Ireland is a "cyclist's dream," according to Bicycling magazine. - The Ireland Biking Tour appeals to a wide variety of fitness levels and has routes for all abilities. Each day, cyclists choose a mileage and elevation activity level. The six-day bicycle tour begins with a 19-mile long hilly route from Cork to Kinsale, arriving at the castle ruins of Old Head Kinsale. On day two, cyclists are en route to Baltimore, and depending on activity level cyclists choose, the route can be from 29 to 57 miles long with a 1,000- to 3,500-foot elevation gain. Cyclists pass emerald bluffs and Irish countryside cottages, making a stop in the market town of Clonakilty before pedaling on to the day's final destination. On day three, a 20- to 30-mile long tour takes cyclists over to the resort town of Schull, with an afternoon ride to Ballylickey. The day ends with a cheese tasting at Mannings' Emporium. Over the next couple of days, the bike path leads to the town of Kenmare with a stop in Glengarriff, and a private whiskey tasting. Cyclists have a choice of catching a ferry to Garinish Island or just enjoying an afternoon at the spa in the Park Hotel. The tour concludes with a 16-mile long ride along the Roughty River and through the rolling countryside.
The tour includes all lodging, use of bike and helmet, activities and excursions, all breakfasts and most lunches and dinners, snacks and beverages, tour transportation, gratuities and transfers.
Backroads
801 Cedar St.
Berkeley, CA 94710
800-462-2848
backroads.com - The six-day Galway & Connemara Coast Tour begins in Ennis, Ireland. It is rated for beginner to experienced cyclists with moderate hills. Daily mileage is 18 to 38 miles with two- to five-hour cycling times. Tour begins with a motor coach ride to Lisdoonvarna passing the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, rising 600 feet above the Atlantic. From Lisdoonvarna, cyclists begin riding west along the rocky coastline to Galway Bay. Day three's scenery includes rolling hills, medieval churches and 400-year-old abbey ruins before boarding a motor coach to the harbor town of Galway. On day four, cyclists choose to ferry to Inishmor, the largest of the three Aran Islands, or explore the Aran Islands, and its spectacular views of Kileany Bay and Kilronan Harbor. On day five, cyclists ferry to Rossaveel. From Rossaveel, it is on to Connemara, one of the last towns built in Ireland. Bicyclists pedal past the pastoral and rugged countryside with a backdrop of Twelve Ben mountain range and sparkling beaches. Conclusion of the tour takes in Lough Inagh on the way to Kylemore Abbey, the oldest (350 years) Benedictine abbey in Ireland. Cyclists enjoy views of the ocean along the Renyvle Peninsula, choosing either to stop along the beach or continue on to the coastal town of Clifden. An evening farewell dinner completes the tour. Tour includes roundtrip international airfare, lodging for eight nights, 14 meals, transfers, sightseeing activities, use of bicycle and helmet, and motor coach transportation.
VBT
614 Monkton Road
Bristol, VT 05443
800-245-3868
vbt.com - Irish Cycle Tours' Antrim Glens & Causeway Coast excursion is a four-day, moderate fitness level bicycle tour of Ireland, featuring the magnificent scenery along the country's coastline and glens. Also, views of churches, beaches, forts and castles will be seen. The first day's 16-mile tour begins in the village of Broughshane with a destination of the coastal village of Carnlough. On the second day, the tour group cycles to Glenariff glen, with its waterfall and gorge, and ends in Ballycastle. The 18-mile tour on the third day includes the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, White Park Bay, ruins of Kenbane, two castles, the Giant's Causeway and the distillery of Bushmills. The night's stay is at the beach resort of Portballintrae. The final day returns back to Broughshane, passing by the Bush River and Slieveanorra Forest. Tour includes use of bicycle, lodging, all Irish breakfasts and luggage transport.
Irish Cycle Tours
28 The Anchorage
Tralee, Kerry
Ireland
011-353-667-128733
irishcycletours.com
Ireland Biking Tour
Galway & Connemara Coast Tour
Antrim Glens & Causeway Coast
Source: ...