Ireland

Arrive in Galway (there are regular buses from Shannon Airport or Dublin Airport). Stay the night in B&B or guesthouse. Depending on arrival time, our partner will meet you with your rental bicycle. Galway is a bustling university town and with 67,000 inhabitants the fourth biggest city in Ireland. The city centre dates back to the middle ages and it is not difficult to find a pub.

The route takes you away from the city along the coast to Oranmore and you leave the busier roads behind as soon as you reach Kilcolgan. From there it is on quiet backroads past the ruins of Kilcolgin Castle. Kinvarra is a beautiful fishing village ideally located for a nice seafood lunch. Continue your journey further south into the area commonly known as The Burren. Finish the day in the colourful village of Ballyvaughan.

A most beautiful day that will bring you into the Burren National Reserve, your first glimpse of this very unusual and unique region. You are passing by the Burren Perfumery, Ireland’s only perfumery, with its informational visitor centre, entertaining you on the unusual botany of the region. Stop in the small hamlet of Carron for lunch before continuing on minor backroads to Lisdoonvarna (along the route detour to the Polunabrone Dolmen adds 4km) and finish the day in the colourful village of Doolin.

If you have not done it the previous day cycle (or walk) to the Cliffs of Moher. There is also a beautiful cycle along the coastroad to Fanore with its sandy beach favoured by surfers. From here, turn inland onto the unique Burren landscape to cycle back to Doolin on minor back-roads.

Cycle to the pier to take the ferry (not inclusive) to the island of Inishmore (the biggest of the 3 Aran Islands). The island is very rich in historic and pre-historic sites and highlights include the cliff top fort of Dun Anghus, the semi-circular fort (there are 3 semi-circular walls) is over 3,000 years old and holds a special place in Irish mythology. Less known is the Black Fort (Dun Duchathair) where you can experience some of the most beautiful cliffs on the island. Furthermore there are early Christian (starting with the 6th century) churches, monasteries and cemeteries. The island is famous for the knitwear that bears the Aran name. Spend the night on the island to get a feel for island life.

After a morning spent exploring the island further and perhaps visit the fantastically located Black Fort (a promontory fort with 3 sides falling steeply into the sea and the 4th side protected by a massive wall. There will also be time to visit the shops at the harbour offering traditional Aran sweaters, before you take the ferry back to Rossaveal at noon. You will be heading into Connemara along the coast and over sections of bog-roads to the market town of Clifden. Here you will stay for two nights.

You have the possibility to visit the island of Inishboffin. The ferry (not inclusive) leaves from Cleggan (10km one way). But if you prefer to remain in the mainland then there is a beautiful loop ride past beautiful beaches to the fishing village of Roundstone, where you can see traditional musical instruments (bodhrans) being made by hand. There is also a wonderful a ride out along the Sky Road to enjoy some sublime coastal scenery and views over the Atlantic and the islands.

Breakfast, followed by your onward journey back by bus to Galway from where you can either travel to Dublin (for an extension of your holiday) by train or bus. Alternatively by bus to Shannon airport.