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Family West Coast Adventure

Where do Connemara ponies come from?
Why do cars drive on the left in Ireland?
What has this to do with ancient Irish warriors?
What is a fairy fort?
Are there really leprechauns in Ireland?
Did Ireland really have pirates?


Come join us on this amazing adventure and learn for yourself!

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
Explore ancient Newtown Castle  This day is designed a  day of discovery to bring you into the heart of the Burren, explore Ailwee Caves, and visit Poulnabrone Dolman, an 4,500 year old burial site. Onward to The Burren Centre. Discover a world of the ice age in Ireland, wildlife, folklore, and ancient ways of 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 an exciting ride along one of the most scenic coastal routes. Dolphins cove, the flaggy shoreline, Fanore Beach and Blackhead Lighthouse are amongst just some of the grweat points of interest we view along the route today. 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 boglands and heathers. Lunch at Screebe House where you learn of Connemara most famous ghost! 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. View the sailing boats once loaded turf (peat) to carry to the Aran Islands. Visit the Roundstone Musical Instrument Centre and learn to play the bodhran. Depart Roundstone to Ballyconneely village via stunning beaches at Dog’s Bay and Gurteen Bay. Follow the dramatic and rugged coastline to Ballyconneely. Spin by ocean, rivers and forestry that surrounds Ballynahinch Castle. Learn about our fabled pirate queen: Grace o'Malley and her fearsome pirates!

Day Six: Landscape and History
Visit Kylemore Abbey and the famous Victorian Gardens. Bike around Killary Fiord where, time permitting, we take a catarman cruise of teh fjord. 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. A well deserved rest!!

Day Seven: 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.

Add an extra night at Irelands most famous castle:
Ashford Castle. Explore the old grounds, take a lake cruise, or learn the ancient art of falcolnry and archery.

Contact us for more details at info@cyclewest.com

MULTI SPORT OPTIONS:
Horse back riding
Golf
Fly fishing
Walking Tour
Kayaking
Surfing
Yoga
Spa & Health
Island Safari

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