FULL ITINERARY
DAY ONE WED 21 MAY | ARRIVAL AND WELCOME
Arrive in Bantry and settle into the hotel. We'll do any bike preparations for the start of the tour tomorrow. Tour Briefing and Welcome Dinner that evening.
DAY TWO THU 22 MAY | LOOP TO GOLEEN HARBOUR
Our first foray is south west and a delightful introduction to the lilt of Irish place names. We ride mildly undulating terrain. Sweeping views from Mount Gabriel followed by the peaceful inlet of Goleen Harbour.
DISTANCE | 80KM | 50MI
ELEVATION | 800M | 2600FT
DAY THREE FRI 23 MAY | BANTRY TO TRALEE
Only a wee bit hillier than yesterday, enjoy the Irish backroads as we ride quiet country lanes from County Cork into County Kerry on our way to Tralee. We ride through the Gap of Dunloe which spoils us with incredible scenery. How can it not be a great day, when heading to a place called Tralee?!
DISTANCE | 95KM | 59MI
ELEVATION | 1100M | 3600FT
DAY FOUR SAT 24 MAY | LOOP TO DINGLE
Lovely loop from Tralee along the coast, ducking across the peninsular to Dingle and home again. Just one climb on the route, but although at the 'lofty' height of just 456M, the summit offers breathtaking views over Mount Brandon and Brandon Bay.
DISTANCE | 95KM | 59MI
ELEVATION | 900M | 2950FT
DAY FIVE SUN 25 MAY | TRALEE TO KILKEE
On to County Clare today. We start the day with a transfer to the shores of the Shannon Estuary and take a ferry across towards Kilkee. A wonderful opportunity for a different perspective from the water, and a rest day if needed. In the afternoon, there is the option of the famous Loop Head Drive. One of the Wild Atlantic Ways, the loop to Ail Na Brun and the Loop Head Light House. Loop Head was used to film Star Wars: The Last Jedi - can you resist the lure of the Jedi Masters?
DISTANCE | 65KM | 40MI
ELEVATION | 500M | 1650FT
DAY SIX MON 26 MAY | KILKEE TO DOOLIN
We hug the coast for most of the ride, passing one of Ireland's famous landmarks, the UNESCO Global Geopark listed Burren and Cliffs of Moher. That's not to mention wrecked Spanish galleons and the one of Ireland's oldest golf courses. Oh, and fantastic riding as well!
DISTANCE | 70KM | 43MI
ELEVATION | 500M | 1650FT
DAY SEVEN TUE 27 MAY | DOOLIN TO GALWAY
Today's route is over quiet, undulating roads as ever lined with neat, stone walls. Enjoy sweeping views of the Atlantic, cobbled beaches and ancient castles with the deep green fields and coastal shrublands. Option of longer route inland towards the Burren National Park.
DISTANCE | 85KM | 53MI
ELEVATION | 400M | 1300FT
DAY EIGHT WED 28 MAY | GALWAY LOOP
A great loop that heads north, skirting the Moycullen Bogs, past Ross Lake to Oughterard. From here the route turns south west across the Galway Wind Way and gorgeous, multicouloured heath before we turn homeward along the coast, and an evening in Galway. This is a town of great character, and the centre of Irish music. Enjoy!
DISTANCE | 95KM | 59MI
ELEVATION | 700M | 2300FT
DAY NINE THU 29 MAY | CONNEMARA LOOP
Sublime ride for our last day that includes the wildly beautiful Connemara area and National Park. We'll transfer by van to Errisbeg and set off towards Ballyconneely. The route encompasses shimmering silver lakes, rust coloured bogs and saltly inlets; verdant hedgerows and windswept heath; little harbours and charming villages. We can even duck in for a quick peak at Kylemore Abbey. A transfer back to our hotel will give you time to absorb the day's wonders. We can share it all at dinner, and celebrate an amazing week of riding. To be sure!
DISTANCE | 80KM | 50MI
ELEVATION | 400M | 1300FT
DAY TEN FRI 30 MAY | GOODBYE
Time to say farewell, until next time.
Ride safe Puntos!