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West
Coast Self Led Adventure
Day
One: Your Adventure Begins
Your tour starting point is the seaside village of Ballyvaughn. Meeting point will be
confirmed in your final tour package. A CycleWest Representative will meet you for your
tour briefing and equipment handout.
Day
Two: Plateaus and Moonscapes
Today's itinerary includes a tour of restored Newtown Castle and guided hill walk for
those of you who wish to explore the surrounds on foot. This day is designed a
leisurely day to bring you into the heart of the Burren, explore Ailwee Caves, and visit
Poulnabrone Dolman, a 4,500 year old dolman. Onward to the environmental initiative of The
Burren - the Burren Centre in Kilfenora. Discover a world of wildlife, folklore, ancient
archaeology and wonderful plant life. Explore Kilfenora Cathedral and Celtic High Crosses.
End of day downhill descent of the winding Corkscrew Hill into Ballyvaughn.
Day
Three: Landscape and History
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. The village of Doolin is a Mecca for
traditional music, designer crafts and Irish seafood. Transfer by ferry and
overnight on the Aran Islands
Day
Four: Wild Purple Heather
From Rossaveal (Aran Island ferry port) you transverse 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. Overnight
stay in Cashel.
Day
Five: Sand Sea and Surf
Early morning from Roundstone to Clifden - you wind your way around the coastline through
the village of Ballyconneely. The beaches in this region are quite stunning - white
sand and coral beaches abound. Choice of routes via the lakes, rivers and forestry
surrounding Ballynahinch Castle. Overnight in the 19th center town of Clifden.
Day
Six: Rest and
Relaxation
Today is a rest day with splendid opportunities to explore the little antique stores and
coffee shops, of Clifden town. Begin your day with an enjoyable breakfast of
fresh fruit & yogurt. Stroll through the art galleries and bookstores and along the
harbour front. Optional activities today include Horse back riding along the shores of Omey
Island from the village of Cleggan; Golfing at the Connemara Golf Club at Ballyconneely or
Fly fishing at Ballynahinch Castle. For the more adventurous, take a day trip
from Clifden via the coastal village of Cleggan to Inishbofin Island, one of the most
beautiful and unspoiled West coast islands. Population about 200 individuals. St. Colman
settled here in the year 665 because of its tranquility. Traditional farming methods still
practiced today resulting in the preservation of many endangered species of animals and
birds, including the now rare Corncrake. Hopefully you will be lucky enough to hear
one!
Day Seven: C'est
Magnifique!
The
unforgettable Sky Road. This ten mile loop provides unsurpassed cliff views along the
coast and coastal islands. "Magnifique" was the word I heard used by a French
visitor. Cycle to the Connemara National Park at Letterfrack. Visit the Centre and take a
walk in the Park. On to Kylemore Abbey nestled between the cliffs of Doughruagh and
Poulacappal Lough, followed by a terrific choice of great biking routes. Visit the Victorian
Gardens. Bike around Killary Fiord surrounded by Maamturk and Mweelrea mountains.
Through the village of Leenane, the setting for the Oscar winning film "The
Field" with Richard Harris. Ease into the evening as you watch the sunset. Local
chefs will delight you with their freshly prepared Connemara fare
Day Eight: Clew Bay
Cycling
This
morning we cycle onward through the Mountain pass between the Mweelrea and Sheeffry
mountains via Doo Lough. This route is often referred to as the famine trail, dating back
to events during the Famine during the late 1840's. It is spectacular in its dark beauty.
Pedal toward the village of Louisburgh. This village with beautiful local beaches
translates to the delightful name of ‘Meadow of the Buttercups’.
Visit Croagh Patrick, a pilgrim mountain on the shore of Clew Bay and on to
the lovely town of Westport, a charming ‘planned town’ with unique blend of old
and new. Walk along the tree lined river at ‘The Mall’ and enjoy a drink
outside on the Octagon, the heart of the town. Evening of traditional Irish music where
the less fainthearted can join in and sing or dance should you so desire!
Day
Nine: Departure
Depart from Westport - rail & coach to Dublin and Shannon.
Private transfer by request. Please allow one more day for flight travel.
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 9
Days & 8 Nights Dates & Pricing:
CLASSIC (LUXE) Option
Euro 1980.00 here>
GUESTHOUSE
Option
Euro 1400.00
here>
Single Supplement: Euro 300.00
Children under 16 yrs: 10% discount
Children 4 -10 and under: 30% discount
Children under 3, sharing with both parents: 50% discount
Trip
Includes:
Accommodations
as per itinerary Breakfast on all tour days
Luggage transfer
Welcome meeting and briefing on tour routes, points of interest and safety issues
21 speed Gary Fisher hybrid:
equipped with toe straps, pedals, water bottles,
and front handlebar pannier;
Helmets, if not bringing your own
Detailed maps highlighting
route, cultural information and travel tips;
Helpline and Contact phone
numbers
TRIP
HIGHLIGHTS
Poulnabrone Dolman
Burren Interpretive Centre
Burren Perfumery
Newtown Castle
Aran Islands
Dun Aengus Hilltop Fort
Roundstone Musical Instrument Centre
Cliffs of Moher
Kylemore Abbey and Gardens
Killary Fjord
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