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 Family Bike Tour - 20s & Beyond
Charming Villages, Cozy Pubs & Celtic Traditions
There's only one way to truly see what makes Ireland so special. You have to be here. To feel the depth of history. To be seat-high in a charming sea of sheep. To gather at a neighborhood pub with locals, so full of good humor and pride in their heritage. To behold infinite shades of green.
THIS ITINERARY: 6 days, 5 nights
ACCOMMODATIONS: Casual Hotels
FROM:
$3,499 pp dbl occ
($500 for sgl occ)
Ireland Map
Ireland
Start/End Cork
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
- Witness woolly sheep dotting hills blanketed in emerald green and gaze at classic Irish scenery of centuries-old stone cottages and
- Partake in a private 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
- Discover riverside Kinsale in County Cork, an inviting fishing town and historic port nicknamed the "Gourmet Capital of Ireland"
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Itinerary
Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
6 Days Casual Hotels
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Days 1-2
Spin through a classic Irish landscape 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 | Partake in a private whiskey tasting | 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.
Brook Lane Hotel
Kenmare
| Casual Hotel It's just a short stroll to the center of Kenmare from this contemporary boutique hotel.
Day 3
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.
Maritime Hotel
Bantry
| Casual Hotel A stylish hotel on the quayside with views over Bantry Bay. (pool, spa)
Days 4-6
Soak up fascinating history and lively village culture | Stunning coastal scenery lines the route to Courtmacsherry Bay and the remains of 13th-century Timoleague Abbey | Wander Kinsale's medieval alleys, shop or stroll along the shoreline of this colorful port town | Pedal amid ancient battlefields and seaside vistas | Two-wheel it to the Old Head of Kinsale, where a ruined castle and watchtower from the Napoleonic War stand guard | A favorite local restaurant serves up classic Irish dishes with a modern twist.
Old Bank House
Kinsale
| Casual Hotel This elegantly renovated hotel is nestled in the heart of Kinsale.
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.
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Activity Level: 2-4
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. LEARN MORE.
Note: 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.
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! Read on for your available bike options for this trip.
Backroads Performance Road Bike
Performance Road Bike
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
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.
Backroads Electric-Assist Bike
NEW! Electric-Assist Bike
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.
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—it’s built for hard-core riders.
$400 rental fee
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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