Adventourus Active Vacations

8 day Independent OR Escorted tour

This tour covers some of the most spectacular scenery that Ireland has to offer. Shortly after leaving Killarney, you will find yourself cycling between the majestic lakes that have made this area so famous to be shortly followed by a climb up to Molls gap with its wonderful views of the Macgillycuddyreeks, Ireland's highest mountain range. The rest of the week involves more of the same stunning scenery with a wonderful coastal cycle along Kenmare Bay and the twisted mountains of the Beara Peninsula. This summe, we are staying on the beautiful Beara Peninsula for ou rest day in Castletownbere. Towards the end of the week, we head inland and stay at a beautiful Lakeside retreat of Gougane Barra at the source of the River Lee. On the final day, we cycle up over the wild and isolated hills of the Coolea region before returning to Killarney.

Meet in the centre of Killarney with the tour guide and the rest of the group.

We set out on a cycle lane, which winds through Muckross National Park. In the afternoon, the road climbs in the shadow of the Macgillycuddy's Reeks, before we freewheel down to the coastal village of Kenmare, where we stay the night.

Day 3: Kenmare to Castletownbere (63 km)

You follow a spectacular coast road hugging Kenmare Bay with its wonderful views of the MacGillikuddy Reeks Mountains, before stopping for lunch at a small pub overlooking the bay. In the afternoon you can visit the nearby Dereen Gardens with its amazing variety of flora. Leaving the Gardens you cycle west where you can visit an ancient stone circle or explore the beautiful scenery and quiet back roads of the Beara Way.
Castletownbere, where you will spend the next two nights, is nestled at the foot of the Cahas Mountains and is Ireland’s largest white fish port.

Today’s cycle is a circular route, taking in the Beara Peninsula, one of the week’s highlights, with its twisted mountainscapes and breathtaking coastal scenery. You begin by retracing your route to Eyeries; from here, to your lunch-stop in Allihies, you can really feel you are away from it all, experiencing an undiscovered part of
Ireland well away from some of the bustling tourist routes. After lunch you continue cycling around the peninsula with more wonderful views of the ocean. You have the option of detouring off the main route for a scenic bike ride to the crossing point for Dursey Island, which can be reached by catching a ride on the only
cable car in Ireland. After this interesting detour you return back to the main road and continue on towards Castletownbere, passing the entrance for Dunboy Castle, which is well worth a visit.

Today’s cycle is along the shores of Bantry Bay, one of the deepest natural harbours in Europe. Glengariff, meaning “Rugged Glen” occupies a beautifully sheltered position, surrounded by mountains which, together with its mild climate, permits a variety of luxuriant plants to grow. Located just outside Glengarriff is Garnish Island, which was transformed between 1910 and 1913 from a bare limestone rock into a luxuriant garden island, known worldwide for its huge selection of plants and its Italian Garden full of exotic plants. A local regular ferry service provides a non-stop ferry service to the island, as well as water tours of Glengariff Harbour.

We cycle inland to our hotel in Gougane Barra, which is in isolated splendor, over-looking the lake in this dramatic glacial valley. It is Irelands first National Park and the source of the River Lee. This is a beautifully peaceful place and an ideal setting for your last night in the country before you head back to the hussle and bustle of the great metropolis of Killarney!

For the last day you cycle up into the Coolea region via remote, peaceful mountain roads where you can really feel you are away from it all. You can stop for a cup of tea at Ireland’s highest pub (Creedons) before descending back down into Killarney where you will overnight on the last night of your tour.

After breakfast your cycling tour comes to an end and you may begin your journey home. We would also be more than happy to extend your stay in Europe.

PRICE & DETAILS

Price & Schedule

INDEPENDENT TOUR

DEPARTURE DATES:

This tour starts daily from May through September, except on escorted tour start dates.

- 7 nights in excellent quality, small family run guesthouses and B & B's; all rooms with private facilities.

- Breakfast each day

- One dinner

- Luggage transport from hotel to hotel.

- Maps with indicated routes, detailed route description, tourist information about places of interest.

- 21 speed Giant hybrid bike with pannier.

Price & Schedule

ESCORTED TOUR

DEPARTURE DATES:

May 12           June 2, 30          August 25            September 8

- 7 nights in excellent quality, small family run guesthouses and B & B's, all rooms with WC and shower.

- Substantial breakfast each day

- One dinner

- Professional tour guide at your disposal each evening, in an accompanying support van  

- Daily tour discussion in the morning

- Luggage transport from hotel to hotel

- Maps with indicated routes, detailed route description, tourist information about places of interest.

- 21 speed Giant Escape 3 hybrid bike with pannier, mudguards & water bottle.

MODERATE TO HILLY: The roads are all sealed back roads, away from the main tourist routes. Terrain is moderately hilly so a reasonable level of fitness is required.

The nearest international airport is Shannon, with Dublin a little further afeild. Buses depart each city to Galway on a regular basis. There is also a regular train service from Dublin to Galway. Schedule are provided in your tour package.

Escorted Tour

Our escorted bicycle tours include all services provided to our “Individual” riders, as well as the following additional services:

- Tour Escort, well familiar with the region, with a support van.

- Daily personal tour introduction.

- Opportunity to ride the van if you need a rest.

- By common consent the tour escort organises sightseeing and picnics

- Entrance fees and guided sightseeing are (partly) included in the price.