Backroads | Ireland Family Multisport

Ireland Family Multisport

Let the magic of Ireland lure you and your family to its green hills and cheery villages on this delightful exploration of the land of leprechauns. Our Irish hosts have formed a close-knit community that embraces the family and allows an intimate look at daily life and local culture. On this fun-filled biking and walking trip, weave through a spectacular landscape through the quiet nooks of west Cork and Kerry, past breathtaking countryside and peaceful glens of emerald. You'll be charmed by a local historian, a spinner of folk tales, and the friendly locals who share age-old traditions and warm Irish hospitality.

Day 1 Ballylickey

Meet in Cork and shuttle to Inchigeelagh Admire lakeside views as you bike along coastal highlands to Gougane Barra Pedal the quiet rolling roads to Ballylickey on Bantry Bay Visit Manning's Emporium for a cheese tasting.

Days 2-3 Kenmare

Ride on back country roads to Glengarriff Keep an eye out for frolicking seals on the ferry ride to Garinish Island, where you can explore tropical gardens and replicas of Roman temples A pottery-making class provides kids with unique souvenirs Relish the lush green views as you venture up and over Caha Pass Explore the wild and rugged Beara Peninsula along Kenmare Bay Bike down quiet roads to Glen Inchaquin Park Watch a sheepshearing demonstration Weather permitting, kids go sailing on Kenmare Bay Stroll through the charming town of Kenmare Adults enjoy a whiskey tasting with a local expert.

Days 4-6 Killarney

Kids delight in a scavenger hunt in Kenmare Adults stroll the wooded Queens Walk, passing one of the largest stone circles in County Kerry Hike up to Windy Gap with our local guide for views of Killarney National Park Visit the famous Muckross House and gardens Marvel at thundering Torc Waterfall and climb Torc Mountain Spend an evening enthralled by a local storyteller Investigate the restored 15th-century Ross Castle.

IRISH TRADITIONS : Premiere Inns

Seaview House Hotel (1 night): At this four-star country house set on the shore of Bantry Bay, owner Kathleen O'Sullivan pampers us with personal attention.

Sheen Falls Lodge (2 nights): This former 18th-century fishing lodge and acclaimed Relais & Châteaux property is set near the banks of the Kenmare River and features sumptuously appointed guest rooms, a gourmet restaurant, riding stables, a fitness center with Jacuzzi, sauna, plunge pool and steam room, and a full-service spa.

Killarney Park Hotel (2 nights): Promising and delivering "warmth beyond the smile," this handsome hotel in the heart of Killarney offers elegant cuisine, a spacious spa and a full-time pianist.

Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain

Day 1

Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
Biking 13, 22, 27 miles
500 - 1000 feet elevation gain

Day 2

Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
Biking 7, 24 miles
500 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Optional Visit to Garnish Island 1 hour

Day 3

Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
Biking 7, 13, 25 miles
500 - 1000 feet elevation gain

Day 4

Level 1 2 Route Options Available
Walking (Adults) 2.5 miles
0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Scavenger Hunt (Kids) 1.5 hours
Hiking 3.8 miles
500 - 1500 feet elevation gain

Day 5

Level 2 1 Route Option Available
Hiking 6.9 miles
500 - 1500 feet elevation gain

Day 6

Level 1 1 Route Option Available
Walking 3 miles
0 - 500 feet elevation gain

Level 4 and 5 options available upon request; please ask your Trip Leaders for details. We bike on narrow roads that can be bumpy at times and may include loose gravel. We hike on paved roads, dirt tracks and foot paths that can be wet and boggy at times.

On this Family trip, our family options are chosen with minimal to moderate elevation gain/loss. Adult-only routes are available and include longer mileage and more significant elevation gain/loss. Liberal van shuttling is incorporated into the itinerary to facilitate our activities and mileage is kept moderate to enable you to spend more time exploring on your own.

Trips For All Abilities

Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.

Activity Level	Average Time	Average Distance
		Biking	Walking & Hiking
Level 1	2-3 hours	10-20 mile	2-5 miles
Level 2	2-4 hours	21-30 miles	5-7 miles
Level 3	3-5 hours	31-40 miles	7-9 miles
Level 4	4-6 hours	41-55 miles	9-11 miles
Level 5	5-7+ hours	56-75+ miles	11-13+ miles

2008 DATES

FAMILY TRIPS

8/10-15Price: $4598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1140 for sgl. occ.)

2009 DATES

FAMILY TRIPS

Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.

Recommended Kids Ages

Minimum Ages:

Recommended minimum age for the trip: 6 years

No burleys available on this trip

Minimum age restrictions:

Ride own bike: 9 years

General Info on Minimum Ages:

We strongly encourage families to join our Family Trips, designed with kid- and adult-friendly features. Please note that we have a minimum age requirement of 1 year for all Inn trips and 2 years for all Camping trips. Other than that, we do not restrict trips to a minimum age except in the rare case of a hotel age restriction. We do, however, recommend minimum ages based on the following criteria:

12+ cultural appreciation, difficulty of activities and route
9+ difficulty of activities and route
6+ several long adult dinners; parent may not be able to pull a Burley and/or there may be multiple activity restrictions
3+ riding is on bike paths, making it great for young kids; Burley and Piccolos are available; there are few or no activity restrictions; and no long dinners (or we offer alternatives)

Please note that a trip may feature an activity with an older age requirement than the minimum age recommendation for the trip. Younger kids are still welcome on the trip and while they will not be able to participate in the activity, the leaders will suggest an alternate activity. For safety reasons, children under 7 may not ride their own bikes and are required to ride on a Piccolo or in a Burley. For certain destinations, children must be 9 or older to ride their own bikes.

Trip praise

This was my best vacation ever! I can't say enough about the trip leaders who made this trip so much fun for my family.

Margaret Dlugos - Manitou Springs, CO

I know it can sound insincere to rate a trip so highly, but I simply cannot find anything to complain about on this trip. It absolutely exceeded my expectations in every way. I think Backroads is such an awesome company. This is our second Backroads trip, and I would gladly go on many more. The combination of keeping to a schedule and being flexible is perfect, and the balance of physical and cultural activity just right.

Vicki W. - Seattle, WA

I was really impressed with the planned kid activities, which exceeded our expectations. Our leaders were extremely patient with the children and created fun for them. They clearly love their jobs, people and families, and it shows.

Pam Fleischer - Sun Valley, ID