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West
Coast Extravaganza
Guided Tour
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 Interpretative 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 start to Roundstone village, the most picturesque fishing harbour in Connemara.
Sailing boats once loaded turf (peat) to carry to the Aran Islands. Visit the Roundstone
Musical Instrument Centre - home of the traditional Bodhran. Depart Roundstone to
Ballyconneely village via stunning beaches at Dog’s Bay and Gurteen Bay. Follow the
dramatic and rugged coastline to Ballyconneely. Stroll through the art galleries and
bookstores and along the harbour front in the 19th century market town of
Clifden. Spin by ocean, rivers and forestry that surrounds Ballynahinch Castle.
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! Farewell Dinner.
Day
Nine: Farewell!
Sadly
we must bid you farewell today! Rail & coach connections to Shannon & Dublin.
Please allow one more day for flight travel. Private Transfers available upon request.
CYCLEWEST
IRELAND: EXTRAORDINARY BIKING ADVENTURES IN IRELAND
HEAD OFFICE: 3B Centre for Business
Innovation NUIG Galway Ireland Ph: 353 91 861001
Email: info@cyclewest.com
Toll free USA: 1 800 204 1452 Fax USA: 208 475 8910
Monday to Friday 9.30 am to 5.30pm GMT
Copyright © 1998 - 2008
CycleWest Ireland. All rights reserved. |
TRIP NOTES
9
Days & 8 Nights Dates & Pricing:
CLASSIC (LUXE) Option
Euro 2150.00 here>
Charming Inns Option
Euro 1895.00
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
WHAT
IS INCLUDED
Trip Includes:
Breakfasts on tour days
5 evening dinners
Experienced tour guides
Support vehicle and luggage transfer
Courtesy fruit & snacks
Guided tours of select locations
Daily briefing on tour routes,
points of interest and safety issues
Quality 21 speed Gary Fisher hybrid bikes,
helmets, water bottles
and front handlebar panniers
Detailed
maps and tour directions
Custom Miles for children & families
7 Day Trip Option also Available
Please contact us for further information:
info@cyclewest.com
|
Trip Highlights:
Poulnabrone Dolman
Burren Interpretive Centre
Burren Perfumery
Newtown Castle
Aran Islands
Dun Aengus Hilltop Fort
Roundstone Musical Instrument Centre
Cliffs of Moher
Connemara National Park
Kylemore Abbey and Gardens
Killary Fjord
Croagh Patrick
Transport information
Galway Airport
Shannon Airport
Bus Services
Rail Service
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