Ireland

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.

Visit the Cliffs of Moher by bike or alternatively by boat. The round trip takes you along the beautiful coast to Fanore. You then return inland on very quiet side roads to Doolin. You can also spend the day at your leisure in Doolin.

Cycle to the pier to take the ferry 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.

Today you can take a cycle tour along beautiful sandy beaches to the fishing village of Roundstone. Enjoy Ireland like in a picture book. Still have some time left? How about a ride on the Sky Road? Great views of the Atlantic and the islands in it await you! Alternatively, you have the option of visiting the island of Inishbofin. Take the ferry (at your own cost) from Cleggan.