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.
Biking
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Ireland Bike Tour
Charming Villages, Cozy Pubs & Celtic Coastline
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days 5 nights
Activity Level: 2-4
Casual Hotels
From: $3,999 - $4,199 pp dbl occ
($700 for sgl occ)
There's only one way to discover what makes Ireland so special. You have to be here. To cruise cobbled streets and feel the depth of history. To be saddle-high in a charming sea of sheep. To gather at a neighborhood pub where humor and heritage abound. To take in emerald hills, sweeping views and breathtaking coastlines, gliding by on our Ireland bike tour.
Ireland Bike Tour map
Ireland
Start/End Cork
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
- Relish classic Irish scenery of centuries-old stone cottages and woolly sheep dotting rolling hills blanketed in emerald green
- Partake in a whiskey tasting with a local aficionado who shares insight into the Irish love affair with the "water of life"
- Bike in the land of ancient Celts on the rugged Beara Peninsula, where colorful seaside villages mingle with fascinating geology
- Explore riverside Kinsale in County Cork, an inviting fishing town and historic port nicknamed the "Gourmet Capital of Ireland"
Itinerary
Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
6 Days Casual Hotels
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Days 1-2
Description
Pedal through classic Irish landscapes of emerald hills, small farms, quaint cottages and woolly sheep | A gorgeous cycling route winds through Moll's Gap and along Blackwater Valley's tranquil roads | Taste local brews in charming Kenmare | Bike by pristine lakes, stately cliffs and glacier-carved mountains on the untamed Beara Peninsula | Browse Kenmare's craft shops, meander by the River Finnihy, check out the nearby prehistoric stone circle or kick back with a pint at a lively pub.
Accommodations
Brook Lane Hotel
Kenmare
| Casual Hotel It's just a short stroll to the center of Kenmare from this contemporary boutique hotel.
Days 3-4
Description
Savor deliciously fresh seafood, like mussels and hearty chowder | A gradual climb leads to magnificent Caha Pass, complete with tunnels and panoramic views of Bantry Bay | Ride through Glengarriff on your way to picturesque Bantry | Gather at a cozy pub, where an Irish troubadour regales us with songs and prose | Bike along quiet roads on the Sheep’s Head peninsula with sweeping vistas of Bantry Bay.
Accommodations
Seaview House Hotel
Ballylickey
| Casual Hotel Owner Ronan O'Sullivan pampers us at his country house on the shore of Bantry Bay. (spa)
Days 5-6
Description
Soak up fascinating history and lively village culture | Partake in a whiskey tasting in vibrant Clonakilty | Stunning coastal scenery lines the bike route to Courtmacsherry Bay and the remains of 13th-century Timoleague Abbey | Wander Kinsale's medieval alleys, shop or walk along the shoreline of this colorful port town | Bike amid ancient battlefields and seaside vistas | A favorite local restaurant serves up classic Irish dishes with a modern twist.
Accommodations
Actons Hotel Kinsale
Kinsale
| Casual Hotel A harborside haven with style and soul, this stylish boutique hotel is the oldest hotel in Kinsale and has helped shape the town’s reputation as a world-class destination.
Dates & Prices
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.
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
June 2024
July 2024
August 2024
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Our Private Trips are best for groups of 6 or more. We suggest joining a scheduled trip.
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Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.
From our Guests
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Activity Level:
2-4
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.
Route notes
Ireland's landscape is characterized by constant rises and valleys, and the continuously rolling terrain (as well as other conditions such as rain) can make routes feel more challenging than the mileage may suggest. Many of the roads are made of chip seal and have soft shoulders, and sections can be rough.
Daily Route Options
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.
Route notes
Ireland's landscape is characterized by constant rises and valleys, and the continuously rolling terrain (as well as other conditions such as rain) can make routes feel more challenging than the mileage may suggest. Many of the roads are made of chip seal and have soft shoulders, and sections can be rough.
What's Included
Available Bike Options
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! Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.
Click the arrow to see all bike options.
Backroads Performance Road Bike
Performance Road Bike
Included in your trip price
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.
Backroads Touring Bike
Touring Bike
Included in your trip price
A proven classic, this 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.
Backroads Electric-Assist Bike
Electric-Assist Bike
Included in your trip price
Keep pace or zip ahead, pedaling with an electric boost. This bike provides plenty of power to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance.
Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+
Cannondale Synapse Pro Carbon Bike
Carbon Bike
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.
$650 rental fee; subject to availability
Co-Motion Torpedo Tandem Bike
Tandem Bike
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
Also Included
- All breakfasts, 4 dinners, 4 lunches
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
- On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
- Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
- Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
- Park and other entry fees
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
- Select coach transfers
- Baggage transfers and porterage
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