Self-Guided Bike Tour

• Scenic rural cycling through County Clare and Connemara
• Visit the Cliffs of Moher, Poulnabrone Dolmen, and Dun Aengus ring fort
• Two nights in Doolin, famous for its pubs and music seisiuns
• Overnight stay on Inishmore in the Aran Islands
• Shop for all things Irish, from bodhráns to hand-knit sweaters

Day 1: We’ll meet you in Shannon for lunch and a bike fitting before your transfer to the tiny fishing village of Kinvarra, set on the shores of Galway Bay. Warm up with a ride past Flaggy Shore, known for its colorful tidal pools and bobbing Galway Hookers, traditional sailboats originally used to transport the local peat to Galway. (0, 8, or 21 mi.)

Day 2: Tiny back roads lead through the Burren National Park, with stops at mysterious Poulnabrone Dolmen and the high Celtic crosses of Kilfenora Cathedral. Stop for lunch in seaside Lahinch, then follow the coast to the Cliffs of Moher and on to Doolin, for a two-night stay with ocean views. (35 or 42 mi.)

Day 3: A scenic coastal route leads to the fishing village of Ballyvaughan for lunch overlooking Galway Bay. Return via the serpentine Corkscrew Hill road, with a longer option visiting the Cistercian ruins of Corcomroe Abbey. In the evening, relax with a pint at McGann’s or O’Connor’s, famed for their traditional music seisiuns. (35 or 44 mi.)

Day 4: Morning ferry to Inishmore, largest of the Aran Islands, for a free day to explore by bike or foot. Visit Dun Aengus ring fort, monastic “beehive” huts, and the ruins of The Seven Churches. Warm welcome and a home-cooked feast at Kilmurvey House, a gracious Georgian manor and Easy Rider favorite. (7-18 mi.)

Day 5: Morning ferry to Rosaveel, County Galway. Views of heather-covered mountains and the Connemara coast on a ride across the Cashel bog to Clifden. Two-night stay on the waterfront at stylish Quay House, originally built as the Harbour Master’s residence. (41 mi.)

Day 6: Spend the day sightseeing and shopping in colorful Clifden, or take a last ride along the aptly-named “Sky Road,” with bird’s-eye views of Clifden and Killary Harbor against the backdrop of the Twelve Bens. Long option traces tiny coastal lanes to the picturesque harbor in Cleggan. (0, 12, 21, or 35 mi.)

Day 7: Transfer to Shannon Airport for early afternoon flights.

“Seeing Ireland from the saddle is the only way to experience such a dynamic and beautiful country.”
– L.K., Colorado

"The beauty of the routes, friendliness of the innkeepers, and of course, the scenery, music and people of Ireland made it a once-in-a-lifetime trip."
– B. S. and J. K., California

“Ireland exceeded our dreams. The food, the people…even the sheep were friendly!”
- J.T., Florida

• 6 nights accommodations in country inns and traditional B&Bs (double occupancy, with private bath)
• Full Irish breakfasts every morning
• Use of a top-quality 24-speed Trek hybrid bicycle
• Baggage transfers between inns
• Transfers to and from Shannon Airport at specified times
• Detailed maps, written directions, and background information on sights along the way
• Easy Rider’s favorite restaurant recommendations for lunches and dinners
• Daily choice of cycling options; total mileage of 95 to 199 miles
• Ferry trip to the Aran Islands
• Transfers to and from Shannon Airport at specified times
• Comprehensive trip preparation information and training tips
• Easy Rider T-shirt and water bottle
• Not included: Airfare, guides, and van support.