Ireland Experiences

Day 1: Welcome to Donegal

Your Donegal Bike Tour tour starts in Donegal town.

Be sure to take time to explore Donegal Castle. Built by the O’Donnell chieftains in the 15th Century, beside the river Eske in Donegal Town, the Castle was rebuilt in Jacobean style in the 16th Century by Sir Basil Brooke, after Hugh O’Donnell burnt it to the ground rather than let it fall into enemy hands. Information panels chronicle the history of the castle and guided tours are available.

Day 2: Lough Eske Loop

This morning we meet you and provide you with a full bike fit out and detailed tour briefing.  Following the briefing, today’s  ride takes you along the quiet roads and tranquil shores of Lough Eske,  in the mystical surroundings of the Blue stack mountains.

If you have not had enough time to explore the town ~ you can spend the afternoon browsing and relaxing. Perhaps take a local tour on the Donegal Waterbus and discover the rich history of this region. Relax and enjoy the traditional pubs, music and restaurants in the town tonight. Distance: 26kms/16mi

Donegal Bike Tour

Day 3: Donegal to Killybegs

Today, your bike ride takes you west along Donegal Bay.  You pedal the quiet roads of St John’s Point Peninsula following alongside the Atlantic Ocean. View the remains of Rahan Castle and the Killaghtee Cross.

Continue to your overnight destination in the traditional fishing village of Killybegs. Once the second largest fishing port in the county, Killybegs is the gateway to Sliabh Liag one of the signature points on the Wild Atlantic Way noted amongst the highest sea cliffs in Europe with stunning panoramic views across Donegal Bay.  Distance: 39kms/ 24mi. 

Slieve League, Co. Donegal, Ireland

Day 4: Killybegs to Carrick

Following the coastline west from Killybegs this morning the scenery becomes quite dramatic. Bike through the village of Kilcar, famous for its production of Donegal Tweed. Just a short ride from Carrick, you will encounter  towering cliffs, golden sandy beaches and breathtaking headlands. Visit the cliffs at Slieve League – one of Ireland’s greatest attractions.

These stunning cliffs are some of the finest marine cliffs in Europe. Accessible all year round and standing 600m tall, the sheer drop down into the crashing Atlantic swells below is quite the sight. Stand on the edge and breathe in deep – guaranteed to blow away the cobwebs!

If you can, take an archaeological tour too; you’ll learn about the region’s rich and interesting history. Be sure to also pay a visit to the nearby Tí Linn craft shop, where you’ll find a gorgeous selection of Irish giftware items, or grab a coffee and cake in the charming Tí Linn Café. If you fancy a maritime adventure, you can gaze up at these immense cliffs from the sea on a local boat tour – which takes you out to meet the area’s friendly dolphins.  Overnight in Carrick, Distance: 47km /29mi.

Day 5: Carrick – Glencolmcille – Carrick Loop

Today you cycle to the valley of Glencolmcille, a place of tremendous natural beauty and changing colours. You will be in awe of the sorrounds today: mountains, lakes, sea cliffs and beaches; a place of quiet roads, stone walls and fuschia-bordered lanes. It is an ancient corner of Ireland witnessed by 5000 years of history, the sites of dwellings and the tombs of the Megalithic period and by the cross inscribed stones of early Christianity. Distance: 33km /22mi.