Tour Overview
Welcome to Ireland! “Wide is the door of the little cottage”, says an Irish proverb. When you join the adventure in this tiny corner of Europe, you’ll be greeted with the heartiest welcome. The sea will always be nearby as we cycle wonderfully remote roads through the Emerald Isle’s western coast, and delight at its green hills, sheep studded fields, and ancient castles that inspire poets. Pedal along the famed rocky coast, crashing surf below, visiting old fishing villages and quaint towns. Inland, the Twelve Bens, a dozen rocky peaks, lord over lovely lakes, providing the perfect setting for leisurely rides- we’ll even explore Ireland’s only fjord. And what would Ireland be without its stout? You may never know, because we’ll raise many a pub glass while tapping our feet to traditional Irish folk music. And at the close of each day, the doors swing wide open at the luxurious, historic castles and inns.Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Shannon- Galway, IrelandToday when you arrive in Shannon, you will be met and driven to the Hotel Meyrick in Galway. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Galway, the largest county in Connaught, is celebrated in song and story throughout the world and takes center stage on Ireland’s western seaboard. A spectacularly beautiful county, it is a medley of contrasts- the wildest and remotest of Connemara teamed with one of Europe’s most vibrant and popular cities. Galway City, at the mouth of the Galway Bay is both a picturesque and lively city with a wonderful avant-garde culture. The city has many relics of its medieval past and is worth taking time to explore. It has changed considerably over the last number of years and features a fascinating juxtaposition of new and ancient architecture. The center of the city is conveniently compact enough to ramble around comfortably. Your hotel- The Meyrick: The Meyrick Hotel is a Victorian Hotel built in 1845- the 1st year of the Great Famine. Located on Eyre Square, the heart of Galway City, it provides an excellent base from which to visit the Clare and Galway regions. Originally built as a railway hotel, it still retains the charm and atmosphere of bygone days. The hotel underwent extensive renovations in 2003 ensuring that all guests can avail of today’s comforts while still enjoying an old world environment. The hotel has 99 bedrooms, a restaurant in the classical style, a lounge, which is very popular for afternoon tea, a cocktail lounge and traditional pub. The hotel also boasts a Spa and Health facility.
Meyrick Hotel Day 2: Galway
After breakfast at the hotel, depart for your day of discovery of the city. Galway City is a delight with its narrow streets, old stone and wooden shop fronts, good restaurants and busy pubs. The city has attracted a bohemian crowd of musicians and artists, which add so much to the character of the city. A visit can start at Galway’s modern Cathedral, which was built in 1965. The visit can then continue across the Salmon Weir Bridge and along the trout stream to the Collegiate of St Nicholas of Myra, which was built in 1320. The Collegiate is close to Nora Barnacle’s house (Mrs. James Joyce) and to the famous Lynch window from which the English language receive the word to Lynch (hang). The visit can then continue along Shop Street to the Kings Hear. It is worth a visit to this pub in order to get the true version as to how the pub got its name. Along Shop Street there is evidence of the splendor of the rich merchants houses during the time that they controlled the commercial life of the City ~ Lynch’s house being an excellent example. The visitor will conclude on Eyre square the accepted center of Galway City. On the western side of the square is Browne’s doorway which is all that remains of a mid 17th century merchants house. The square also has a statue to Padraig O’Conaire a noted Irish writer and a curious rusted metal sculpture representing the famous Galway hooker ~ a boat which is unique to Galway. Your guide will meet you for a walking tour of the city. The city center of Galway is mainly pedestrian, so a walking tour is the best way to enjoy its atmosphere and discover some of its most important monument. The tour starts on Eyre Square and finishes at the Claddagh. During the tour you will see Lynch Castle, home to the mayors of Galway, Saint Nicholas Church founded in the 13th century, and the famous Spanish Arch. You can walk along the Corribn River to the Claddagh village or to the majestic Cathedral. This afternoon, enjoy a Corrib Cruise. Please note: departures are at 14:30 or 16:30. This journey on the Corrib Princess takes passengers along the Majestic River Corrib and onto the lake, providing visitors with wonderful views of the historic monuments and scenery, which make this one of the most spectacular waterways in Ireland. The visitors will see unsurpassed views of the historic monuments and natural amenities that make this one of the most spectacular waterway in Ireland. The cruise lasts 90 minutes approximately and is taken aboard The Corrib Princess a purposed built leisure cruiser with a capacity for 157 passengers. The Princess sails from Woodquay in the heart of Galway City. Afterwards, return to your hotel for overnight.
Breakfast
Hotel Meyrick Day 3: The Gateway to Connemara
Oscar Wilde described this land as a ‘savage beauty’ with its brooding lakes, rugged mountains, and windswept bogs. Today your guides will greet you in Galway to travel northwards alongside the country’s largest lake, Lough Corrib. Upon arrival in Oughterard you will toast the start of a magical week with a pint of Guinness. Get to know your new friends for the week before boarding a small boat for a scenic cruise across the Lough Corrib. Along the way you will discover fisherman patiently fly-fishing for salmon, sea trout and brown trout. A stop halfway across the lake will allow you to visit ancient remains of burial sites and St Patrick’s church and Saints’ Church dating back to the 9th century. The boat will continue on to the town of Cong where the Ashford Castle looms over the edge of the lake. This 13th century castle was turned into a regal fishing and hunting lodge by the Guinness family, famous for their stout. After checking into the Ashford Castle for a night we will go for a warm up spin around the 350 acres of castle to get accustomed to your top of the line bikes. Tonight you dine in the grand dining room of the castle.
Meals: Dinner
Destinations visited: Oughterard, Inchagoill, Cong
Distance cycled: 10km / 6.25 miles Day 4: Joyce's Country
After a decadent breakfast, enjoy your last grand viewing of the Lough Corrib before heading off through Joyce’s Country towards the wilder west. The beautiful rolling hills along small country roads are studded with sheep freely roaming as they please. Today you’ll be working your way through strong Gaeltacht speaking region so make sure you practice ‘Dia dhuit’ on any locals you might pass by. As you cycle towards Ireland’s only fjord you’ll find yourself on the scenic road that weaves its way between Lough Corrib, Lough Mask, and Lough Nafooey. A nice lunch at the Blackberry Café will help reenergize to bike the last leg of the ride before arriving at the Delphi Mountain Resort where you can spoil yourself at the SPA, participate in one of their classes at the Adventure Center, or just relax with a nice stroll around their extensive grounds. Tonight you dine with a view of the rushes of water flowing down the surrounding mountains. The chef only uses local and in season ingredients to prepare you a delicious organic meal.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Destinations cycled: Cong, Finny, Lough Nafooey, Leenane, Delphi
Distance cycled: 50 km / 31.25 miles Day 5: The Atlantic Coast
With your body fully pampered and rested you are ready to jump back on your bikes to leave the fjord behind and be amazed by the beauty of the rugged coast. Arrive at the Atlantic and try to resist the call of the sandy white beaches with its bright blue waters surrounding. Only the wind and rain can hold you back, and a hunger for some Irish Pub food. Fresh fish and chips with a pint of Guinness on the menu today! Just few more kilometers of pedaling will bring you to your next home away from home, The Rosleague Manor. This beautifully restored manor has been carefully kept by the Foyle family for generations. They have preserved the feel of an elegant Irish home with many original antiques yet maintained a high level of comfort and quality. The French chef will really amaze you with his delicate dishes using only local ingredients from down the road.
Meals: Breakfast/Dinner
Destinations cycled: Leenane, Killary Harbor, Tully Cross, Letterfrack
Distance cycled: 44 km / 27.5 miles Day 6: The Lough Inagh Valley and the Twelve Bens
After your full Irish breakfast you will have time to digest while visiting the Kylemore Abbey, a 19th century Gothic Mansion that was built for a wealthy Englishman. During WWI a group of Benedictine nuns arrived from Belgium to set up a convent boarding school here. You can visit parts of the Abbey and its beautiful Victorian walled gardens. Have a quick lunch and then hop on the bike for an easy spin alongside the Twelve Bens The Lough Inagh Valley is considered the most scenic area of Ireland. Late afternoon you will arrive at the Ballynahinch Castle, your luxurious hotel for the next two nights. This 16th century castle overlooks the Ballynahinch River, home to one of the O’Flaherty Chieftains but most recently owned by the Maharajah Ranjitsinji. Tonight you are free to dine as you like. Your guides can either drive you into Roundstone or you can relax at the Hotel’s classy Pub.
Meals: Breakfast
Destinations cycled: Kylemore Abbey, Lough Inagh Valley
Distance cycled: 35km / 22 miles with another optional 15 km / 9 mile loop. Day 7: Roundstone and Clifden Loop
An early morning ride brings us to Roundstone village, the most picturesque fishing harbor in Connemara. Next we visit the Roundstone Musical Instrument Center - home of the Irish Bodhran. Roundstone, or ‘rock of the seals’ as its name translates from Gaelic, is a small fishing village nestled beside the stunning beaches at Dog’s Bay and Gurteen Bay. We’ll have lunch at one of the local’s favorite seafood restaurant, O’Dowd’s. Follow the rugged coastline and sandy beaches to the quaint town of Clifden. Enjoy this 19th century market town with its wealth of little galleries, bookstores, antique stores, and restaurants. Back at the castle an Irish whiskey tasting awaits prior to your last memorable meal all together.
Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Cycling through: Roundstone & Clifden
Accomplished: 50km / 31.7 Miles Day 8: Day of Departure
Departure from Westport to Dublin or Galway City. Transfers to Shannon Airport form Galway City.
TRIP TOTAL: 189 km / 118 MILES averaging 24 miles per day. Optional longer rides available each day.
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