Ireland: Bike The Emerald Isle

Bike and Golf Trip

Ireland has been called a golf lover’s paradise. In fact, by some accounts, Ireland is known as much for its golf as it is for its beer. And one sure way to please the biking and golfing enthusiast in your life is with a bicycle tour through Ireland.

Here’s a list of some of the finest golf courses Ireland has to offer:

Ballybunion Golf Club. Located in County Kerry, Ireland, this is rated among the top ten golf courses in the world. A true must for the golf lover.

Lahinch Golf Club. One of the oldest and most respected courses in Ireland, the Lahinch was founded in 1892 on the edge of a seaside resort in County Clare, Ireland.

Tralee Golf Club. Designed by Arnold Palmer, this relative new-comer is distinctive as much for the golf as the architectural ruins scattered throughout the course. Known for its sweeping vista, the Tralee challenges the player to keep his vision and attention on the game as much as the scenary.

Portmarnock Golf Club. This club is considered one of the most challenging courses in the world, and is conveniently located just 10 miles from Dublin.

Druids Glen. This course was voted European Golf Course of the year in 2005. Druids Glen is a wildlife haven known for its flora and fauna, not just its golf.

K Club. Only 40 minutes from Dublin, this respected course is growing in popularity after hosting the Ryder Cup in 2006.

Killarney Golf Club. This golf and fishing club proudly maintains the title of “The Nearest Golf Course to Heaven!” with the famous Killarney lakes and nearby outdoor amenities including leisure center, swimming, fishing and equestrian center.

Friendly Family Bicycle Tours in Ireland

One of the most valuable things you can pass along to your children is a love of travel and appreciation of other cultures, people and places. Use these quick tips for making sure the entire family has a great time during your bike tour in the Connemara region of Ireland.

Irish National Heritage Park . This unique park takes visitors through 9,000 years of history with an authentic recreation of homes, burial mounds and even a Celtic farm complete with ancient breeds of animals! Beginning with the Stone Age, the entire family will walk through time into the Celtic, then Early Christian age all the way to modern day Ireland.

Marble Arch Caves . With a setting that looks like something straight out of an adventure film, the entire family will board boats to float underground along natural limestone caves.

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park in Shannon Ireland . Considered one of the finest surviving examples of an Irish tower house, this castle has been destroyed and restored numerous times in its bloody history. The folk park has been created to demonstrate everyday life with shops, taverns, farms and demonstrations.

Ireland - Land of Fantasy and Enchantment

Family bicycle tours in Ireland are a great way to spend quality time with the young and young-at-heart alike. With plenty of golf (and beer) to keep the older generation entertained, Ireland is an abundance of enchantment and fantasy that will light up your little ones’ imagination. When planning your bike tour through Ireland make sure you search out these flights of fantasy.

Four Leaf Clover. Shamrocks (three leaf clover) might be Ireland's most recognized national symbol but four leaf clovers are known as good luck charms. Finding your own bit of good luck is easy as you bike and golf the natural beauty of the enchanted isle.

Leprechaun. Keep your kids guessing—and looking. While in the land of the leprechauns it’s always a good idea to keep an eye out for the fairies, unicorn and, of course, the proverbial pots of gold.

The Banshee. Your kids will get a kick out of knowing that while Leprechauns are male fairies, the Banshee is an Irish female faerie that may appear as a young woman, stately matron or old hag. According to an Irish myth, Banshees will leave a comb to lure the weak-spirited— but humans should not pick it up lest they be whisked away. A solitary and mourning figure, the Banshee will follow all of true Irish descent.

Ireland Adventure Travel to the Mythical Realm

While most people associate Ireland with Leprechauns and Shamrocks, there are numerous sites associated with ancient myths and legends of profound significance to the original inhabitants. Rich in history, lore and legend, these sites offer unparalleled insight into the beliefs and customs of past generations; a bike tour through Ireland is like taking a tour through time.

Hill of Tara. This ancient site of the High Kings of Ireland dates back to 2500-3000 B.C.

Loughcrew Hills. These scattered stone structures still capture the morning light during each equinox for a display that has continued to amaze for centuries.

Newgrange. An ancient monument dating back to roughly 3150 B.C., this structure is surrounded by giant stones situated to display the Winter Solstice.

River Shannon. This large river is named after one of the most popular Irish myths. It began when a mortal woman searched for the Well of Knowledge that contained the magical hazel tree and nuts. But in her quest for knowledge, she opened the well and let loose the mighty river that took her life and became the river you see today.

Irish Ales

An Ireland biking adventure simply isn't complete without mention of Irish Ale; after all, Ireland is known for beer. But before biking Ireland, make sure you know the difference between ale, lager and other basic beers. Here are some beer basics to get you started:

Beer falls into two categories: ale and lager.

Ales are top-fermented, which is the process of producing beer in a warmer temperature with higher alcohol content. These beers tend to be crisp and sweet, but lack carbonation. Dark ales begin with roasted malt to create a dense, dark beer.

Lagers are bottom-fermented beers with a clear mild hop flavor and strong carbonation.

Some of the most popular Irish beers you might want to try in an independent taste test include: Beamish Stout, Guinness Draught, O'Hara's Celtic Stout and Harp Lager

For something different try a cocktail containing the famous Guinness including:

• Black Velvet - a Champagne and Guinness combination
• Irish Car Bomb - Irish Cream, Irish Whiskey and Guinness

Finally, plan to visit the Guinness Storehouse at historic St. James's Gate and try a free pint in the Gravity-Bar!

Planning a family bike tour in Connemara Ireland

Is your idea of festivals limited to Mardis Gras and the Rio Carnaval? Well get ready to experience the fabulous festivals and family bike tours Ireland Connemara has to offer.

Smithfield Horse Market . This monthly event (last Sunday of every month) is popular among equestrian enthusiasts as horses are bought and sold at the local market. Nothing fancy but a lot of fun for those inclined toward the horses.

St. Patrick's Day Festival . As you might expect, every March the Irish enjoy a celebration commemorating the patron saint of Ireland in a big way.

Oyster Festival . Seafood, shellfish and Guinness are the big attractions at this September festival.

Galway Early Music Festival . Held in May, this annual event celebrates Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque music.

Docklands Maritime Festival . This annual event is held every June. Enjoy tall ships? This is the festival for you!

O'Carolan Harp and Traditional Music Festival . This annual festival is filled with the sounds of music, dancing and of course – harps. The summer comes alive when the festival is held every August.

Visiting Ireland - The Basics

Contemplating bicycle tours in Ireland? Whether tracing your family roots or simply delighting in the lore and history of Ireland, here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:

When to travel. Ireland is a great year-round destination. However, many prefer to visit during the warmer summer months.

Entry Requirements. To enter Ireland you will only need a passport valid for three months beyond the intended date of departure. Visas are not required.

What to pack. A waterproof jacket and warm clothes are always advised.

Language. English and Gaelic.

Health Risks. Ireland is considered a very safe and healthy travel destination with no major health risks reported. No special immunizations or vaccinations are required.

Money Matters. All major credit cards are accepted. ATMs are common and currency exchange facilities are available in most airports/hotels. Ireland uses the Euro.

Driving. Irish drive on the left.

Guinness is the most popular beer sold in Ireland but keep an eye out for small independent producers as well.