Region Overviews: Ireland Travel Guide: Overview
Ireland is an enchanting place, and the serene, beautiful scenery features breathtaking views and stunning landscapes throughout the whole country.
Way out west on the Emerald Isle is a land beckoning you to explore. Bike through traditional villages and visit ancient castles that feel as lost in time as they do in the gentle mist. Follow the winding curves of the Wild Atlantic Way and climb up to the Twelve Bens mountain range. Rocky inlets jut dramatically into the sapphire blue sea. Rustic stone fences stretch across sheep-dotted green pastures. And the melodious sounds of the sea resonate in the lilt of the Gaelic language, heard widely along the coast. Ride to your heart's content. Ireland's Connemara was made for this.
THIS ITINERARY: 6 days, 5 nights
ACCOMMODATIONS: Premiere Hotels
Start/End Dublin
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Bike through sparsely populated Connemara, a land peppered with small loughs (lakes) and villages | Traditions thrive here, where the lilt of Gaelic is ubiquitous | Rest your head at the glorious Ballynahinch Castle | Explore a winding route along Ireland's windswept western coast | Cycle meandering country roads, where breathtaking views of the sapphire ocean, windblown grasses and golden beaches abound | Taste mouthwatering salmon on a lively smokehouse tour | Hear the heartbeat of pub music with a stirring bodhran demonstration.
This stunning castle hotel is nestled amid 700 enchanting acres of parkland, with the Twelve Bens mountains as its backdrop.
Pedal beneath the jagged Twelve Bens mountains | Wander the quintessentially Irish town of Clifden | On the Aughrus Peninsula, ride amid a rock-strewn seaside landscape | Savor fresh oysters during a visit to an oyster farm | Cycle around majestic Croagh Patrick, a sacred pilgrimage site | Bike along a picturesque fjord, where otters, seals and dolphins play | Sip some of the area's best whiskey| Relax amid the old-world charm of a local pub.
A charming manor beautifully secluded amid private woodland on the quiet shores of Ballinakill Bay.
Bike through a kaleidoscope of landscapes, including craggy shores, soaring mountains, a deep fjord and shimmering lakes | Pedal into Joyce Country, a region rich in Gaelic speakers and rolling farmland | Rejuvenate at the Lodge at Ashford Castle, set on an expansive royal property | Take a peaceful stroll in Cong, a quaint village with medieval abbey ruins | Enjoy one last ride past beautiful farms framed by ancient stone walls.
Set on the magnificent Ashford Castle estate, this luxurious country lodge overlooks Lough Corrib and offers an unrivaled range of onsite activities (spa).
The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy
SMALL GROUP? TRY RENDEZVOUS
An extra leader and van for even more flexibility | +$2,400 for Europe and +$2,900 for North America | Call us to book your Rendezvous
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy.
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.
The key to a stellar day's ride is a bike that's perfectly in tune with your cycling style… Backroads has you covered with the best bike fleet in the world! Read on for your available bike options for this trip.
This custom-designed titanium bike is lightweight and responsive, featuring Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, 11-speed compact gearing, a premium Mavic Ksyrium Pro wheelset and a full carbon fork.
A proven classic, our most popular custom-designed titanium bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. It features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability.
Our newly redesigned titanium e-bike is a lightweight yet powerful machine unique in the world of e-bikes. It provides plenty of power to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance.
Ride like a pro with the top-of-the-line carbon Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Red ETAP AXS. Delivering phenomenal acceleration and handling in a light and powerful package—it’s built for hard-core riders.
$400 rental fee
This hand-built frame features Co-Motion's custom-designed cro-moly steel tubeset, powerful Avid disc brakes, Shimano Ultegra drive train, and a custom, upgraded wheelset. For experienced tandem riders.
$400 rental fee
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
While the Premiere Hotels on this trip offer outstanding service and amenities, please note that they are not equipped with air-conditioning. Despite the region's generally temperate climate and cool nights, guestrooms can occasionally become warm during peak temperatures.
Ireland is an enchanting place, and the serene, beautiful scenery features breathtaking views and stunning landscapes throughout the whole country.
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