Fairytale Bike Tour in Ireland’s Castle Hotels

Our Ireland West Coast Luxe Adventure is a self guided bike trip and one of Ireland’s surprises for the discerning traveller. Live like a prince or princess for a week in Ireland’s castle hotels!

The Burren~Aran Islands~Connemara
Luxe Country Lodges  & Castle Hotels
6 Days / 5 Nights Self Led Luxury Bike Tour
Euro 1295.00 per person sharing

Introduction

Explore the limestone plateaus with breathtaking views over the mystical Burren mountain’s and Galway Bay, onward to the Aran Islands and you continue to Connemara where you cycle through remote mountain passes, by majestic mountain lakes and through moors and bogs, by waterfalls and alongside rivers and the rugged Atlantic shore. Come join us on our terrific West Coast Luxe adventure and let your imagination do the rest…..

In the Burren, you will enjoy the stone forts, monuments, alpine and arctic flowers and plants that grow side by side, the seeds having been deposited by glacier millions of years ago. This is the mystical land of disappearing rivers and lakes, closed valleys, caves and limestone pavements. You may even find a real fairy fort!

The Aran Islands, three timeless islands in an endless sea showcase weathered monuments on awesome cliffs, great labyrinths of limestone, meandering walls, patchwork fields, quiet beaches and a welcoming island people.

Crossing by ferry from the Aran Islands, you will know immediately that you have arrived in Connemara by the light that constantly changes the mood and tone of the landscape!

Day 1: Welcome to the Emerald Isle!
Here you begin our celebrated tour. We meet in the village of Ballyvaughan at you first overnight tour accommodation. Further details and transfer options will be sent to you upon booking your tour. Welcome meeting and bike fit out with briefing in the late afternoon. You will spend the next two nights here in Ballyvaughan.

DAY 2: Castles and Caves
Today you explore medieval Newtown Castle before setting off on your day’s adventure. This day is designed a leisurely day to bring you into the heart of the Burren, explore Ailwee Caves and the Wild Bird sanctuary where you can watch the falcons fly. A day of history and scenery, of ancient ring forts and dolmans. 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. Overnight in Ballyvaughan. Daily Miles: Minimum mileage of 15 miles with extensions. Total possible miles: 42.

DAY 3: Moonscapes and Music
A leisurely ride along one of the most scenic coastal routes. The flaggy shoreline, Fanore Beach and Blackhead Lighthouse leading to the spectacular 700ft towering Cliffs of Moher. An afternoon ferry ride from the village of Doolin will take you to the historical Aran Islands, where Gaelic is the spoken language. Visit the historical Dun Aengus Hill top fort towering 700 ft above the ocean. Enjoy the vistas of white washed cottages and the intricate network of stone walls. This is a visit you will treasure long after your visit to Ireland.
Transfer by ferry and overnight on the Aran Islands. Daily Miles: Minimum mileage of 19 miles with extensions. Total possible miles: 30.

DAY 4: Ferries and Foxes
Mid Day departure from the Aran Islands to the Rosaveal ferry port. You traverse a route bordered by heather and bracken, through scenery that is wild and barren. Picnic lunch en route followed by a bike ride through the rugged Twelve Bens mountains towards the rugged coastline. Recommended dinner at a local restaurant, where the food and produce are all sourced in the West of Ireland. Overnight in Clifden. Daily miles: Minimum mileage of 27 miles with extensions. Total possible miles: 45

DAY 5: Seascapes and Sandcastles
Early morning start to Roundstone village, the most picturesque fishing harbour in Connemara where traditional Galway Hooker, lovingly cared for over the years, can be seen on Bertraghboy Bay. You visit Malachy Kearns Musical Instrument workshop, the home of the traditional Bodhran. Departing Roundstone to Ballyconneely village via stunning beaches at Dog’s Bay and Gurteen Bay, you follow the rugged coastline to Ballyconneely, taking time to visit the Connemara Smokehouse, perched on the water’s edge. You bike to the Alcock and Brown monument, dedicated to the first transatlantic flight in 1919 from New Foundland. Returning to Clifden via Ballynahinch Castle hotel by way of the scenic bog road where sheep are your only distraction. Tonight you may dine at a nearby award winning, family run restaurant where the seafood is truly the ‘catch of the day’.  Overnight in Clifden. Daily Miles: Minimum of a 22 mile loop, with longer routes from 23 – 45 miles.

DAY 6: Departure
Today, sadly, today we bid you farewell. This morning you depart from Clifden to your next point. We can assist you with any planning, be it rail, flight or car hire. Please also see our ‘trip arrival and departure’ instructions’ for transport options.