IRELAND family bike
vacations
This extraordinary family
Irish biking adventure has been designed with elegance.
We invite you on a biking trip through the spectacular vistas
of Galway Bay, the historical Burren, the Aran Islands and scenic
Connemara. Immerse in the history, the culture and the pure magic
of the West of Ireland
ITINERARY
Introduction
to the Burren Region
The Burren is one of Ireland's surprises for the discerning traveller.
An area of limestone mountain scenery, with a distinctive beauty,
holding a wealth of treasure for the botanist and explorer of
historic ruins. In the midst of this wilderness lies the four
star, Gregans Castle Hotel, at the foot of the Corkscrew Hill,
with breathtaking views over the mystical Burren mountains and
Galway Bay.
Day One: Welcome to the
Emerald Isle!
Here we begin our celebrated tour of the West Coast of Ireland:
the Burren region, the Aran Islands and Connemara. We begin our
journey at the seaport village of Ballyvaughn. We are
guests for the tonight at the delightful Gregans Castle
Hotel. Evening dinner and welcome to the West Coast
of Ireland!
The
main house at Gregans Castle Hotel, dates from 1750 and was the
residence of the Martyn Family who married into the O'Lochlain
clan (Princes of The Burren) and were granted the Gregans estate
by the Cromwellian Commissioners in 1656. Now a relaxing four
star country house hotel, this oasis has been run by The Haden
Family for 30 years. Warm hospitality, friendly staff, good food,
comfort and peace and quiet are the themes. Comfortable bedrooms
and suites are decorated in a traditional country house style.
There are extensive borrowed landscape gardens and woodland paths
to wander through with abundant birdlife. We also travel
to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, towering over 700ft.
An
early start from Galway City includes a tour of restored Newtown
Castle and Ailwee Caves, followed by a
visit to the ancient 4500 year old Poulnabrone portal
dolman. Walk through Caherconnell Ring
Fort.
Day Two: Aran Islands
Gregans Castle, We bike through the high Burren
to Lisdoonvarna. It is a downhill cycle past Doonagore castle
to the little fishing village of Doolin, famed for its pubs, seafood
and wealth of traditional Irish music. Time out at one of
the finest craft stores in Ireland. Onward by ferry to The Aran
Islands from Doolin to the Island of Inishmore, for an overnight
stay. Visit the historical, cliffside Dun Aengus Fort.
Capture the tranquillity; see the whitewashed cottages and the
intricate network of stone walls surrounding tiny green pastures.
This is a visit you will cherish and remember long after you leave
the islands and return home. Overnight on the island, at the historical
Kilmurvey Country House.
Day Three: Coasting Along
the Shoreline
Early morning ferryboat ride to Rossaveal (Aran Island ferry port) and
transverse across a route bordered by heather, bracken and furze
and through scenery that is wild and unspoiled. Lunch at
Screebe House followed by a bike ride through the beckoning Twelve
Ben mountains towards the rugged coastline, past mountain lakes
to Derryrush. Here the mountain road narrows and a twisting medium
gradient climb for a mile and rounds the shoulder of Cnoc Mordain.
Overnight stay at Zetland Country House,
with its beautiful surrounds and gardens.
Day Four:
Breathtaking Landscapes
Early morning start to Roundstone village, the most picturesque
fishing harbour in Connemara. Sailing boats once loaded turf (peat)
to carry to the Aran Islands. The village, with welcoming hotels,
restaurants and traditional pubs, looks out over the harbour and
Roundstone Bay. Stunning beaches at Dog’s Bay and
Gurteen Bay near Roundstone with rugged coastline and sandy beaches.
Spin through breathtaking lakes, rivers and woodlands surrounding
Ballinahinch Castle estate. Overnight stay and dinner close
to the 19th Century town of Clifden. Our lodging for the next
two nights is at the country estate and castle Ballinahinch
Castle Hotel
Day Five: Rest
and Relaxation
Today is a rest day with splendid opportunities to explore
the little antique stores and coffee shops, of Clifden town.
Begin your day with an enjoyable breakfast of fresh fruit &
yogurts. Stroll through the art galleries and bookstores and along
the harbour front. Optional activities today include extra biking
miles, Horse back riding along the shores of
Omey Island from the village of Cleggan; Golfing at the Connemara
Golf Club at Ballyconneely or Fly-fishing at
Ballinahinch Castle.
Six: Departure
Sadly we must bid you farewell!
Connections available, from Ballinahinch Castle to Galway
City.
DuVine Family bike trips are exclusively for families, our trips
play to kids' natural curiosity and quest for fun with plenty
of activities and interesting diversions.
Our routes are specially developed with kids in mind, as well
as routes for adults. The day's options are designed with ease
and flexibility so each member of the family will enjoy the perfect
amount of activity.
We know that kids have special tastes, so we've made sure that
our dining experience cater to their appetites without sacrificing
yours.
Leave the planning to the DuVine family, so your family can enjoy
a summer bike trip that is simply DuVine!
Friendly Family Pricing: When children share
a room with two adults, youths receive a 10% discount off the
trip price. $2,995.00 adults and $2,605 for kids When a child
shares a room with one adult or when two children share a room,
a 10% discount applies to children 18 and younger. The third and
fourth youths in a room will receive the tiered discounts described
above. When one youth is in a separate room, a 10% discount is
applied to the trip price, but the single supplement applies.
Read what our past travelers say about us.
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