An Irish Fortnight

Bicycle Ireland’s West Coast & Connemara

Ireland is an enchanting land of thatched and whitewashed cottages, shy sheep, roving gypsies and great talkers.  Stop along the roadside for a friendly chat with Paddy, who can be just as interested in your world – “where ye be goin’ on that push bike?” – or spend a pleasant evening sipping a pint of Guinness next to a cozy turf fire.

The aromas of the Irish countryside will linger on in your memory – turf fires, drying kelp, freshly baked soda bread and blooming heather.  You will learn why every farmer is poet or a musician and why some of the most unique authors of this century are from this beautiful land.  The Irish tradition of friendliness is still very much a reality.

We’ll see the best of Ireland as we cycle along country lanes that are off the beaten track.  Feel the shape of the land under rolling bicycle wheels and taste the salty air of the always near Atlantic.  In certain areas we visit, the Irish language is still spoken and the Irish folklore, music and song are part of everyday life.

Ireland produces an abundance of fresh food and the quality and the variety that is used imaginatively by award-winning chefs will delight you.  Salmon, trout and shrimp are served as are beef, lamb and game.  The freshest of vegetables and herbs are home grown.

With more than 350 courses, Ireland boasts more golf courses per person than anywhere else on earth!  On our itinerary we’ll pass some of the most challenging and ruggedly scenic links in the country.  They are geared to visitors and are generally uncrowded.

Plan to arrive at Shannon Airport no later than Friday morning. 

Friday, Limerick.  Cycle through beautiful lush farmland to Durty Nelly’s Pub located next to Bunratty Castle which dates back to Norman times.  Get acquainted party and dinner tonight.

Saturday, Castletownbere.  We transfer to the village of Glengarriff, known for its rich Mediterranean flora.  On our bikes we follow the Beara peninsula, jutting into the Atlantic with spectacular views of the sea.

Sunday, Kenmare.  Kenmare is a picturesque town known for its crafts.  Great dinner waiting for us at the Park Hotel, starred by Michelin and included on Conde Nast Traveler’s Gold List.

Monday & Tuesday, Dingle. Cobalt blue sea, rocky headlands, dramatic shoreline and roads lined with crimson fuchsia hedges.  The Dingle peninsula was chosen for the filming of Ryan’s Daughter. A lay-over day to further explore the peninsula, swim in the heated Atlantic water of the swimming pool, play tennis or just laze on the terrace.  Golf option – Ceann Sibeal, the most westerly course in Europe.

Wednesday, Ballybunion.  We ride through a boulder-strewn wilderness on our way to the sandy beaches and fine coastal scenery of the West Coast.  Ballybunion offers sea caves, rugged cliffs and a superb beach.  Golf option – two famous local courses.

Thursday & Friday, Lahinch.  We pedal past castles, coves, beaches and farmers delivering their milk to the local creamery.  At Tarbert we overlook the scenic Shannon River as we wait to take the ferry to the other side. The next day you have the option of visiting the legendary Aran Islands, a testimony to man’s triumph over the elements. Golf option – world-class Lahinch.

Saturday, Galway.  Ride through a geological wonder of terraced, glaciated limestone, the “Burren Country”.  Butterflies and rare flowers seem to be everywhere.  Galway is the lively capital of the West with narrow streets, historic buildings and distinctive cosmopolitan charm.

Sunday & Monday, Cashel Bay.  Miles of seacoast and stone fences take us through Gaelic-speaking communities.  From our hotel we overlook gardens rich in flowers, shrubs and trees, sweeping down to Cashel Bay. The dozen craggy mountains in the distance are called the “Twelve Bens.”  This is Connemara, Ireland’s most isolated and unspoiled region.  Monday we loop to the coastal village of Clifden.

Tuesday, Cong.  Pastoral hills take us to our hotel, the five-star Ashford Castle.  The imposing exterior and richly decorated interior offer all of the comforts of gracious living. The surrounding countryside is the setting for John Wayne’s classic, The Quiet Man.

Wednesday, Ennis.  Enjoy the amenities of Ashford - golf, archery, clay pigeon shooting, lake and river fishing, cycling, hiking and an equestrian center.  In the afternoon we transfer to historic Ennis.  Farewell banquet tonight.

Thursday.  We take you back to Shannon airport for the flight home.

Tour date:  You pick the date -- 15 days/14 nights.
Tour Leaders:  Gerhard Meng & assistant
Tour price:  $4,655 per person based on a group of 14 to 16 people. 
In order to offer the lowest possible price, the trips are priced according to the number of participants on the tour.  The cost will be lower with more people in the group, and the cost will increase if there are fewer people.  Price can also be reduced if you wish fewer meals or other services included.  The standard of hotels you choose will also change the price. 
Price was last up-dated on November 11, 2009.  Subject to change.

Includes full Irish breakfast daily and eleven dinners.
What else is included in the tour price? 

On most days we’ll have three cycling options with average distances of 32, 38 and 62 miles.  Shortcuts will be available and every day we’ll also have the option of longer and more challenging bike rides.

Good quality bike rentals can be arranged at approximately $26 per day. All frames are “hybrid” style with upright handlebars and have a choice of men’s or women’s frame. Equipped with Shimano components they all have 27 gears and come equipped with a water bottle, bell, lock, pump, handlebar pack, rear rack and patch kit.

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