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On our family tours we have designed an itinerary with the younger traveler in mind (the cycling each day is approximately 18 - 25 miles with two rest days included). This tour revolves around the county of Clare in the heart of Western Ireland. There is so much to do and see in Clare that we feel will be of interest to all the family; a tour of the Aran Islands, a visit to an Aquarium, a chance to see a wild dolphin off the coast, a wonderful walking tour of the area, horse riding and beautiful beaches, all this linked together by gentle cycling on wonderful backroads. The Burren region is also an amazing limestone moonscape, famous around the world for its wonderful variety of botany. The area is rich in ancient and early Christian historical sites and offers some beautiful coastal cycling overlooking Galway Bay. Finally Clare is home to the cliffs of Moher the highest marine based cliffs in Europe and one of the best known images of Ireland.
Note: This tour is also available as an Individual or Self-led tour, starting any day except Saturday.
What your Guided Cycle includes:
7 nights accommodation based on twin sharing in hotels and guesthouses with ensuite facilities
1 Dinner
7 Full Irish Breakfasts
TREK 721 hybrid bike, with 21-speed gears, carrier, mudguards and front pannier bag
Detailed maps, route directions and historical details
Experienced Guide in support van
Luggage Transfers
 DAY 1 (Saturday) Arrival
The meeting point for the tour is in the town of Ennis, which is very close to Shannon airport.
DAY 2 (Sunday) Ennistymon
Having selected your bicycle the tour starts out to West Clare cycling by farmyards through backroads towards the Atlantic Coast and the small village of Ennistymon where we are staying in for the evening.
DAY 3 (Monday) Doolin
In the morning we can take a swim in a beautiful beach in nearby Lahinch and can also visit the Aquarium there. We continue on our cycle towards the Cliffs of Moher and on towards Doolin where we are staying in guesthouses for the next two nights.
DAY 4 (Tuesday) Rest Day in Doolin
You can take a ferry trip to the famous Aran Islands and visit ancient forts and monastic sites. There will also be an optional cycle route or you could simply return to the cliffs of Moher for a longer walk along the Atlantic Coastline.
DAY 5 (Wednesday) Ballyvaughan
Today is a beautiful cycle along the coast with Galway Bay and views of the Aran Islands on your left and the limestone cliffs which make the Burren such a unique landscape on your right. Today we will keep our eye out for “Dusty” a local dolphin who frequents this shoreline. We stop for two nights in our comfortable Hotel in the seaside village of Ballyvaughan.
DAY 6 (Thursday) Rest Day in Ballyvaughan
The day can be spent doing a wide variety of activities. The guide can organise a wonderful four-hour walking tour of the Burren with a local man who is a very entertaining character and an encyclopaedia of knowledge on the area. There is also an optional short cycle to the impressive ruins of a Cistercian Abbey. Alternatively the day could be spent relaxing in this attractive village.
DAY 7 (Friday) Ennis
The cycle heads straight into the heart of the Burren where we visit the Burren’s most famous historical sight, the Poulnabrowne Dolmen. Veering off the beaten track we stop at the village of Carran for lunch. In the afternoon we cycle through quiet backroads and visit Mullaghmor Mountain with the beautiful desert limestone landscape of the Burren surrounding you before heading to our lunch stop in Corofin. After lunch you can visit a 15th Century Tower House and 6th century monastic site before cycling back into Ennis and a farewell meal together.
DAY 8 (Saturday) Departure
After breakfast you make your way home with a head full of memories.
Tour Highlights:
- Cliffs of Moher
- The Burren
- Doolin village
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