LOCATION OF TOURS
Causeway Coast & Glens is found in the North Eastern region of Ireland and is easily accessible by road, rail, sea and air. Broughshane the starting and finishing point is only a short journey from the seaport of Larne and Belfast International Airport.
The Mourne Mountains this region is found in the eastern side of Ireland and your starting point of Rostrevor lies between the Southern entrance to the range and the coastal waters of Carlingford Lough. The village has an excellent bus service from the town of Newry, which is serviced by a good rail link from either Dublin or Belfast.
Clare & The Burren is located in the west of Ireland and your starting & finishing point of the town of Ennis can be reached by bus from Shannon Airport or by train from Dublin Airport via Limerick.
The Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula and the Beara Peninsula are located in the South West region of Ireland and the respective starting points of Killarney, Tralee and Glengarriff can be reached by bus or train from Cork or Shannon Airports.
CAN I DO IT?
Our cycling and walking grading system has been devised to enable you to choose the holiday most suited to you level of fitness. The cycle routes terrain vary from day to day and the grading indicator is given as an average for each location, but in general those with a moderate level of fitness can easily accomplish the tours.
Each walking holiday has also a variety of walks and again the grading indicator is given as an average for each location but in general those with a moderate to good state of fitness and capable of walking up to 12ml / 20km a day can accomplish each tour.
CUSTOM DESIGNED TOURS
An ongoing success from the beginning is our “custom designed cycle tour facility” for the touring cyclist whose timetable and requirements doesn’t suit the fixed tours.
If you let us know in plenty of time the region of Ireland you would like to cycle in, the length of your stay we would be delighted to discuss various options to suit either an individual or group needs. For further details on this package please contact the Irish Cycle Tours office.
THE BICYCLE
The bicycles used on the tours are quality hybrid touring cycles.
They come complete with mudguards, bottle cage and bottle, rear panniers, lock, pump and repair kit.
WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU
For cycling we would suggest for during the day general sports wear: a pair of shorts or tracksuit bottoms but for that extra level of comfort we would recommend a pair of padded cycling shorts. We do not provide you with a cycling helmet or rain gear so please bring your own. For walking tours we would suggest a good pair of walking boots, rain gear and a small haversack for daily use.
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
If you have chosen an independent cycling or walking holiday the starting point of each of our tours can be easily reached by bus or rail service If you let us know your port of entry we will be delighted to advise you on travel options within Ireland. If you have chosen a guided walking holiday there is a courtesy transfer service from designated airports, please check at the time of booking.
FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation on the tours is a combination of family run hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs.; All are of a very high standard and rooms can be allocated on the basis of twin sharing, a double or single occupancy with ensuite facilities. Please note there is an additional charge for a single: see prices for details
Full Irish breakfast is included each morning and in the majority of cases will keep you going all day.
TERRAIN RATING – CYCLING
Easy : The terrain is reasonably flat with only the occasional slightly sloping gradient.
Easy/Moderate : Minor ups and downs, gradients are noticeable but not difficult.
Moderate : Rolling countryside, which can involve longish climbs or short steep hills
TERRAIN RATING – WALKING
Moderate : Walking in varied terrain, sometimes wet underfoot
Energetic : Walking / Hiking sometimes across open mountain and bog land (wet conditions)
Strenuous : Climbing up to 900 metres on open mountain, off track and in wet conditions.
PRICE OF THE HOLIDAY INCLUDES:
Cycle Tours All accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis.
The use of a quality hybrid bicycle.
Luggage transported between each night’s accommodation.
Detailed route notes.
Ordnance survey map.
On call back –up service.
On the Antrim Glens & Causeway Coast Tour you have the added benefit of meeting the support driver each morning who can offer advice on local attractions and alternative routes.
Independent Walking Tour All accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis.
Luggage transported between each night’s accommodation.
Detailed route notes.
Ordnance survey map.
On call back –up service.
Transfers to and from the walks as required.
Guided Walking Tour All accommodation.
All meals – full Irish breakfast, picnic lunches and evening meals.
Courtesy transfers from your arrival airport (within our timetable) to your starting point.
Return transfers to your nearest bus or train station (again within our timetable) on your departure day, one-week after your holiday commences.
Transfers from the start and finish of each day’s walk as required.
Luggage transportation throughout the week.
Expert Irish Guide (English speaking) with you throughout the week.