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This holiday starts in Ennis, the Capital of Co. Clare,
just 15 minutes north of Shannon Airport. The first
days cycle on slightly hilly terrain to Miltown Malbay.
The route follows the coast by the Cliffs of Moher
on to the world famous town of Doolin and on to Lisdoonvarna
- The match making capital of the world. Cycle through
the Burren with its spectacular limestone scenery
- a strange lunar-like region. Below the scarred surface
of the Burren is the most remarkable collection of
diverse types of flora in Ireland. The next step is
the Capital of the West - Galway. The next 6 days
are spent exploring Connemara, cutting through bog,
moorland, lake and dramatic mountain scenery. |
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Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday |
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Suggested Routing
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Please
be advised that one of the benefits of this independent
cycling tour is that you are able to modify the routes
to fit your cycling skill level and adjust distances
at your discretion. Due to the flexible nature of
this tour it is important that you have the contact
numbers with you at all times in the event a situation
arises where you need assistance. An international
cell phone is highly recommended. |
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Tour Details
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14
days (Saturday - Friday)
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Cost
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May,
June & September: €920
July & August: €1010
Single Supplement:
7 Days: €110
14 Days: €220
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Included
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Cross
Country Bicycle
Pannier Bag, Handlebar Bag
O/S Map 1:250,000 scale
Route information
Daily luggage transfer
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Accomodations
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Carefully
selected B&B's, guesthouses and small family run
hotels
Twin rooms with bathroom ensuite
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Meals Included
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Irish
Breakfast daily
Packed lunches available (supplement of 5 euro per
day)
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Route Information
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Well paced route with wonderful scenery, Connemara leg challenging.
Average 40km on Burren section and 40-65km on Connemara section
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FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Ennis - Inis (river meadow) population 6,279
Ennis is the County Town of Co, Clare. Although it
is an old town with narrow winding streets, it is
a progressive business and marketing centre. For evening
entertainment why not visit’ Cois Na Habhanna’
where members of Comhaltas Ceoltoriri Eireann perform
traditional Irish Music. Many local pubs in the town
centre also offer traditional music.
PLACES TO VISIT
Ennis Abbey (1241)
Founded by Donough Cairbreach O’Brien for the
Franciscans, was for long a famous seat of learning.
It was finally closed in 1692
Ennis Court House (1852)
Ennis Court House is a good example of classic revival
architecture. A statue of Eamon de Valera stands outside.
At the town centre is a monument to Daniel O’
Connell (The Liberator) who was an M.P for Clare (1828-31)
Quinn Abbey
Quinn Abbey is located 10kms east of Ennis in the
village of Quin. It is a well preserved ruin of a
Franciscan friary founded in 1402 by Sioda Mac Namara.
Remains of a Norman Castle on the site were used in
the building and three of the castles corner towers
still stand. There are some tombs of the Mac Namaras
located here.
Knappogue Castle (5kms from Quin)
Knappogue Castle is open to visitors during the day
and night they hold banquets.
Craggaunowen castle
In Craggaunowen castle there is a museum and a reconstruction
of a crannog (Bronze Age Lake dwelling) The ‘Brendan’
is displayed here-a replica of a 6th century boat
which sailed across the Atlantic in 1976 and 1977.
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FOR YOUR INFORMATION
This is a gentle well paced route for the first day.
PLACES TO VISIT
- The Biddy Early Brewery in Inagh village
- Spanish point in Miltownmalbay
ROUTE 1
- Ennis to Inch 8 km
- Inch to MiltownMalbay 15 km
ROUTE 2
- Ennis to Inch 8 km
- Inch to Inagh 13 km
- Inagh to Miltown Malbay 17 km
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PLACES TO VISIT
- St Bridgets Shrine (you pass this shrine on
the climb from Liscanor to cliffs of moher)
- Cliffs Of Moher
ROUTE 1
- Milltown Malbay - Lahinch 12kms
- Lahinch - Liscannor 10kms
- Liscannor - Cliff of Moher 2kms
- Cliffs of Moher - Doolin 3kms
In Brief
This cycle mainly follows the coastal road along the
Atlantic Coast of Clare. There is a steep climb up to
the cliffs of Moher. We recommend that you visit the
cliffs, allow at least 30 minutes for your visit.
Check your breaks in the car park as there is a downhill
cycle into Doolin. The road is well surfaced and there
tends to be more traffic on the Cliffs of Moher -
Doolin part of the cycle.
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FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Free day in Doolin you can relax and take in the wonderful
scenery around Doolin. Another option is to take a
ferry to the Aran Islands. Please note that this can
be rough in high seas. Your guest house will have
details of ferry times. |
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PLACES TO VISIT
- Spa well health centre Lisdoonvarna
- The Burren Smokehouse Lisdoonvarna
- Newtown Castle Ballyvaughan
ROUTE 1 (recommended)
- Doolin to Lisdoonvarna
- Lisdoonvarna –Corkscrew Hill
- Corkscrew Hill - Ballyvaughan
ROUTE 2
- Coastal Route Doolin – Fanore
- Fanore- Blackhead
- Blackhead-Ballyvaughan
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FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Situated on the eastern side of Galway Bay, Oranmore
lies under the shadow of a restored Clanricarde Burke
castle, which saw action in the Civil and Cromwellian
wars of the 17th century. Opposite it, beside the
Galway road, lies a megalithic, or large stone tomb,
of a type classed as a boulder dolmen, dating perhaps,
to 2,000 B.C. A more recent monument, a statue of
a freedom fighter, stands at the main corner in the
town.
Galway regional airport is nearby, in neighbouring
Carnmore.
Renville Park, just outside the village, is an ideal
family destination.
Oranmore is a lively town, with lots to offer.
PLACES TO VISIT
15TH Century Castle in Oranmore
Prehistoric Ireland can be glimpsed by visiting the
Dolmen, ringforts, round tower located around the
village in Oranmore
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ROUTE 1
In Brief
This route takes you along the coast from Galway
city to Spiddle and on to Ros a Mhil. We then turn
inland through bog land with some wonderful scenery.
There are some steep climbs with a great view of
Lough Corrib as you descend into Oughterard. Approx
distance from Galway 57km.
ROUTE 2
In Brief
Pay attention when you are leaving Galway City.
The cycle from Oranmore to Oughterard is on flat
land across well surfaced roads. This can be a busy
road for traffic.
PLACES TO VISIT
15TH Century Aughnanure Castle
Glengowna mineral mines.
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ROUTE
In Brief
The cycle today is long (approx 65km) but the
scenery is wonderful. We recommend that you take our
suggested routing. Please remember to bring drinks
with you, as there are very few shops on this route.
PLACES TO VISIT
Connemara Heritage & History centre. |
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ROUTE
In Brief
A wonderful day of cycling across Connemara. It
is very important that you bring drinks today as there
are very few shops on the route except the villages
that you cycle through. The cycling from Clifden to
Letterfrack (26 km) has some challenging areas. You
will be provided with suggestions for 2 routes, the
"upper" and the "lower" Sky Road.
The Upper Sky Road is only recommended it you are
a fit cyclist. The cycle has a very steep 2km climb.
You are rewarded at the top with one of the most breaktaking
views that Ireland has to offer. Alternatively you
can take the Lower Sky Road that runs along the coast
with some minor climbing. The views from this road
are wonderful with the Atlantic to your left and the
upper Sky road above.
PLACES TO VISIT
Visit Ireland’s only hand made Forge on Killary
Harbour.
Aasleagh Falls-beauty spot.
Doolough Valley, scene of the tragic ‘Famine
Walk’.
Location of the filming of John B.Keane’s ‘The
Field’
That starred the late Richard Harris. |
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ROUTE
In Brief
Again, you will be provided with two suggested
routes. The direct route is approximately 30km. If
you have the energy it is recommended that you opt
for the longer route (approximately 50km). The longer
route has some dramatic scenery, some of the most
beautiful in Ireland.
PLACES TO VISIT
Westport House & Country estate.
The Clew Bay Heritage Centre.
Croagh Patrick, one of Europe’s best-known places
of pilgrimage.
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ROUTE 1
In Brief
The cycling on this route is very long and some parts
are difficult but the scenery from Killavally to Finny
is amazing. Most of the route is along the shore of
Lough Mask. There are some pubs on route so you can
stop and have a drink and relax. If the weather is
fine, this route is wonderful.
ROUTE 2
In Brief
This route offers a more direct cycle and is the easier
option.
PLACES TO VISIT
Cong Abbey- relic of monastery built by The High King
of Ireland Turlough O' Connor in 1120, for the Augustinians.
Ashford Castle.
A walk along the ‘Dry Canal’ rekindles
memories of ‘The Famine’of 1845-48
Cong is the setting for the film ‘The Quiet
Man’
This starred John Wayne & Maureen O’Hara
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ROUTE
In Brief
Today you have two options Cruise & Cycle
or just Cycle:
Cruise & Cycle
The cruise takes you from Cong to Inchagoill Island
and then on to Oughterard. You cycle from Oughterard
to Galway and then onto Oranmore. A brochure with
full details for the cruise will be included with
travel documents. Please note that it is important
to book your place on the ferry the evening before
departure. The cost of the cruise is payable directly
to ferry company.
Cycle
The cycle route is approximately 40km from Cong to
Oranmore. You will ride past the famed Ashford Castle.
A section of the route into Headford and Galway will
be a heavily travelled road. Please exercise caution.
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