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IRELAND |
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Bike trip Itinerary in the connemara region of IrelandSunday: Rendezvous in Galway City.It's a short transfer into the heartland of Connemara to our abode for the next two nights, BallyInahinch Castle Hotel. Enjoy a welcoming pint of Guinness, bike fitting, and tour briefing followed by a short spin through the forests and nearby lakes. Once home to the O'Flaherty Chieftains and the infamous pirate queen, Granuaile O'Malley, this area is a hidden jewel marked with country elegance and remarkable views. Log fires and fisherman's tales will welcome you upon your arrival. The Owenmore Restaurant provides a splendid panoramic view overlooking the beautiful Ballynahinch River and serves as the setting for a carefully prepared menu, complimented by an impressive wine list. 22 miles of biking.
MondayAn early morning ride brings us to Roundstone village, the most picturesque fishing harbor in Connemara. Next we visit the Roundstone Musical Instrument Centre - home of the Irish Bodhran. Roundstone, or 'rock of the seals' as its name translates from Gaelic, is a small fishing village nestled beside the stunning beaches at Dog's Bay and Gurteen Bay. Follow the rugged coastline and sandy beaches. Pick your choice of routes via the lakes, rivers, and surrounding forests. Afternoon brings us to the quaint town of Clifden. Enjoy this 19th century market town with its wealth of little galleries, bookstores, antique stores, and restaurants. Onward via the sky road, so called because it winds its way skyward around the hillside cliffs offering spectacular views of the offshore islands. Irish Whiskey tasting and an informative talk await upon arrival back at the castle. 37 miles of biking.
Tuesday:Today our route will take us through the Lough Inagh Valley, one of the finest valleys in Ireland. On this morning's bike ride you'll see a stunning vista of peatlands, lakes, and forests. For a little culture, we visit Kylemore Abbey; a Benedictine monastery with magnificently restored Victorian gardens. The Church is a 'cathedral in miniature', complete with a crypt, projecting corner buttresses, and carved angelic gargoyles. The interior is embellished with a variety of Irish marble columns. The columns support the gothic arches of the decorative ground Bath stone ceiling. In the south transept, a beautiful stained glass tracery window depicts the five graces: Fortitude, Faith, Charity, Hope, and Chastity. The church is a center of reflection and prayer for many visitors. After lunch, you may visit the Connemara National Park and its visitor center.
We continue along winding country roads via Tully Cross village. Enjoy the fragrant assortment of wildflowers intertwined with hedgerow: fuscias, mont breesia, blackberries, purple heather, yellow gorse, rhododendron, and wild daisies to name just a few. We arrive at Zetland Country House. The House, built originally as a Sporting Lodge in the early 1800s, derives its name from the Earl of Zetland, a frequent visitor in the last century. 40 miles of biking Wednesday:Day four features spectacular day biking around the majestic shoreline of Killary Fjord, Ireland's only fjord. Surrounded by Maamturk and Mweelrea mountains, we continue through the tiny village of Leenane, the setting for the Oscar winning film "The Field" with Richard Harris. Enjoy an evening sunset over Mweelrea Mountain from the superb restaurant and its commanding views. 35 miles of biking
Thursday:in pass between the Mweelrea and Sheeffry mountains via Doo Lough. This route is often referred to as the famine trail, dating back to events during the Potato Famine during the late 1840's. It is spectacular in its dark beauty. We reach the village of Louisburgh in time for lunch. The name of this village with beautiful beaches translates to the delightful 'Meadow of the Buttercups'. The circular route will take you around the shoreline and return to Delphi Resort. 32 miles of biking
Friday:Departure from Westport to Dublin or Galway City. Transfers to Shannon Airport form Galway City. Ireland bike trip itinerary for printing |
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