Treasures of Ireland

Country of tradition

Map The Treasures of Ireland

Route

Tour profile / Level 2

Tarmaced and agricultural paths, hilly with some steep ascending slopes.

Day 1: Donegal

Individual arrival. On your arrival we will meet you and accompany you to your accommodation.  Here we will give you your bike, along with the notes and maps you will need for your bike tour.  If you arrive early, you can explore the town - ancient seat of the O’Donnell Clan.  Alternatively we will suggest a short cycle route, where you can familiarise yourself with your new surroundings.  Spend the evening relaxing in this historic town with it’s many pubs and restaurants.

Day 2: Around Lough Eske, approx. 26 km

Your bike tour today takes you around tranquil Lough Eske, nestled at the foot of the Bluestack Mountains.  Wind your way along the quiet roads that follow the lake’s shore.  In the afternoon return to Donegal Town.  You could take a tour of the 15th century castle, from where the O’Donnell Chieftans ruled over much of Ireland.  A trip on the Donegal Bay Waterbus to see the seal colonies is another worthwhile alternative.

Day 3: Donegal – Killybegs, approx. 38 - 53 km

Today you cycle west along Donegal Bay.  You’ll pass quiet bays and inlets, cycle along narrow peninsulas and headlands.  Bike along St. John’s Point, where the Atlantic Ocean will lie on both your left and right.  Wind your way through a network of quiet back roads to your overnight destination in the bustling fishing village of Killybegs.  Watch the hustle and bustle of the port where much of Ireland’s Atlantic catch is landed.

Day 4: Killybegs – Carrick, approx. 21 - 35 km

West of Killybegs the landscape becomes ever more dramatic. Golden strands, towering cliffs and sheltered bays await round every turn.  Cycle through Kilcar, a centre for traditional tweed production, before reaching your overnight destination of Carrick.  A short bike trip from Carrick brings you to the stunning Slieve League Cliffs – one of Ireland’s greatest treasures and a sight not to be missed.  Here you also have the opportunity to view the cliffs from below, with a boat trip from nearby Teelin Pier.

Day 5: Carrick – Glencolmcille – Carrick, approx. 25 - 33 km

Today your cycling holiday brings you through 5,000 years of Irish History. "5,000 Years In Stone", the book title about the Glencolmcille Valley, says it all.  Stone age court tombs, dolmens from the bronze age, and early Christian standing stones, Celtic ring forts, overlooked by a watchtower from the Napoleonic era.  Set in one of the most beautiful spots you will ever visit, there could hardly be a better place to explore by bike. Spend the day immersed in beauty and history, before cycling back to Carrick for the night.

Day 6: Carrick – Glenties, approx. 38 km

Cycle over wild boglands as you climb gradually to emerge at the head of dramatic Granny Valley.  The bike ride down the valley will be one to remember.  At the bottom of the valley, you will find pristine Maghera beach with its caves that can be explored at low tide. Nearby is dramatic Assarancagh waterfall. Stop in the heritage town of Ardara, before continuing to your overnight stop in the pleasant village of Glenties.

Day 7: Glenties roundtrip, approx. 18 - 40 km

Leaving Glenties along a newly constructed cycle path, follow a beautiful loop around by Portnoo and Rossbeg. Once again, the coastal views are magnificent and ever-changing. Stop at the impressive Kilclooney Dolmen, dating from the early Bronze Age. If you fancy a dip in the Atlantic Ocean there are several beautiful sandy beaches to choose from. If you would prefer a shorter route, an 18 km loop will bring you to some wonderful viewing points over the coast. Return to Glenties for the last night of your tour.

Day 8: Individual departure

Time to leave. A local bus service or a taxi will bring you to Donegal where you can catch connections to the main airports or other parts of Ireland.

Services

  • 7 nights

  • Daily breakfast

  • Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel

  • Welcome meeting on arrival day

  • Map material per room

  • GPS unit with pre-programmed routes 1x per room

  • GPX data available

Dates & Prices

Dates

Merkmale

    Season / Period
    Type

    Extras

    Bikes & Equipment  
    27-speed bike 110
    E-bike 255
       
    Additional nights*  
    Donegal (dbl/sgl) 90/120
       
    Transfer Airport Dublin - Donegal
    Car with up to 3 persons (price per transfer) 380
    Small bus with up to 10 persons (price per transfer) 520
       
    Child discount with 2 full paying adults
    0-15,99 years -33%

    Best - Price - Guarantee

    If you would verifiably receive better conditions and/or prices from another tour operator at the time of booking we guarantee at least the same conditions PLUS 1 handlebar bag for FREE!
    All prices per person in EUR

    Accommodation

    Hotel samples

    The accommodation we use for this bike tour is carefully selected with the needs of the cyclist a priority. Accommodation is in Bed and Breakfasts, all of which are of a very high standard.

    Killybegs: Tara Hotel
    Glenties: Avalon House
    Carrick: The Rusty Mackerel


    NotePlease be informed that these are hotel samples and therefore subject to alteration! Find Your final hotel bookings at Your hotel list after/at booking.

    Bicycle

    Bicycle incl. helmet and pannier

    You can choose between 27-speed Thompson touringbikes or alternatively an E-bike (Thompson Enigma) to rent for your tour. All bikes are equipped with a helmet for rent and panniers.

    E-bikes | Elecrical bikes | Pedelecs

    With an e-bike every bike tour is a breeze! If you had few opportunities to cycle over the last weeks or if you are not sure concerning your fitness, but also with physical disabilities, every bike ride is a treat! The shiftable, low noise electric drive of our modern e-bike relieves you of some of the work and increases the pedal force up to 3 times ... So you can now book a bike tour together with cyclists who have different fitness level. Acclivity can be handled easily.


    Child bikes & equipment

    Boardman Junior child bikes for a body heigt between 135 - 150 cm or Kellys Marc 2 child bikes for a body height between 135 - 150 cm are offered. Child seats for Your youngest can be equipped to a 24-speed bike. Due to the quality of the bike paths no child trailers are available.

    Useful

    Arrival - Parking - Departure

    Arrival by plane

    Airport: Dublin (DUB)
    By Bus: Direct buses (route 30/X30) run every 90 minutes from Dublin Airport and Dublin City to Donegal Town. For timetables see >>here


    Arrival by car

    If you arrive by car, parking is available on the street. For this you need a "Permit", which you can get >>here. Cost about € 20,-


    Transfer

    Airport Dublin - Donegal private transfer bookable in both directions - prices per transfer

    Car with up to 3 people € 380,-
    Small bus with up to 10 people € 520,-

    Videos

    Travel stories

    5,2 of 6 Stars | 2
    Great Tour - was more spectacular but also more difficult then I imagined. So many hills. But also great descents...R.R. 08/16
    5,5 26.06.2024 | Keith R. Treasures of Ireland

    Treasures of Ireland

    • Booking handling 5
    • Travel documents 4
    • Per-Tour information 5
    • Accomodation 6
    • Board 6
    • Luggage transport 6
    • Route description 6
    • On-site assistance 6
    • Route-character 6
    • Bicycle + equipment 6
    • Price-performance ratio 4
    more
    5,1 22.06.2019 | Simone M. Treasures of Ireland

    Amazing location, fantastic location, much harder than anticipated.

    The location, people and accommodation were all spectacular, however we feel that with regular bikes (not e-bike) this should be rated a 2-3. We have done 1-2 before and feel this was a much bigger step than simply a 2. The bikes would have completely ...
    • Booking handling 6
    • Travel documents 5
    • Per-Tour information 5
    • Accomodation 6
    • Board 6
    • Luggage transport 6
    • Route description 5
    • On-site assistance 6
    • Route-character 2
    • Bicycle + equipment 3
    • Price-performance ratio 6
    more
    load more travel stories

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