8 Day Donegal Cycling tour. £559 or €699 per pps. Includes: 7 nts B&B ensuite, Bike Rental, Flight from Dublin or Glasgow to Donegal or Ferry from Holyhead/Stranraer to Dunlaoghaire or Belfast. Bike Rental, Luggage Transfers, 1 dinner, 1 lunch, weaving demonstration, turf cutting demonstration irish breadmaking demo and much more
The following is an outline only. Upon arrival you will be given detailed notes. These will contain information on historical sites, places of interest, alternative routes etc.
Day 1: Donegal Airport to Bunbeg – 15 Km
Arrive at Donegal Airport. Here you have the option of taking a private transfer to the first accommodation or to begin your cycle tour immediately. Either way we will meet you at the airport, and provide you with your bicycle and all the maps and information required for your trip. From there, cycle to your first overnight stop at Bunbeg. If you wish, we can accompany you on some, or all of this journey. This will allow you to familiarize yourself with your new surroundings, and bicycle. Sandy beaches stretch out just below Bunbeg. After checking in, you might like to take a stroll or a relaxing dip in the ocean. This area is rich in cultural history and internationally acclaimed performers such as Clannad, Enya, Altan and Skara Brae all have their roots in this region. You can visit the local pubs where they first emerged, and who knows - you might see the next big traditional group from the area.
Day 2: Bunbeg to Churchill– 45 Km
A day to immerse yourself in the magnificent mountain and valley scenery of Ireland's North West. From Bunbeg, cycle west along Dunlewey lake to the base of majestic Mount Errigal. From here it is possible to climb to the summit. If you choose to do this you will be rewarded with an amazing 3600 panoramic view of mountains, lakes, inlets and headlands. A less strenuous option in this area is to visit the hauntingly beautiful Poisoned Glen, with its ruined church. Further along the road is Glenveagh National Park. Here you can tour the castle and gardens or take in one of the many marked walks through the valley. From Glenveagh continue along to the shores of Lough Gartan to your overnight accommodation in Churchill.
Day 3: Churchill to Glenties – 40 Km
From Churchill head South through Glenveagh National Park. Keep an eye out for red deer and golden eagles. You climb gradually to the viewing point, where you can look back down at Glenveagh valley, and lake from the southern end. From here the road drops slowly along one of Ireland's most peaceful and beautiful valleys. The Glendowan Mountains lie on the eastern side and Sliabh Sneacht lies on the western side. Follow the Gweebarra River to the pleasant village of Doochary. From Doochary continue south above the Gweebarra, which has now changed from a river to and estuary. Pass through forest and bogland, continuing on to your overnight destination of Glenties.
Day 4: Glenties to Killybegs – 29 Km
From Glenties continue south through a network of quiet backroads. Here you pass through farmland, and cycle by several small lakes. Many of the cottages you see here remain unchanged from the traditional style. The landscape becomes more open and barren as you continue south. The sea becomes visible again as you descend towards Killybegs. This lively town is the busiest fishing port in Ireland. A walk along the piers allows an insight into the modern European fishing industry. If you fancy a stroll or a swim, Fintra beach lies a few Kilometres to the west.
Day 5: Killybegs to Glencolumbcille – 30 Km
From Killybegs, continue west. Here the landscape becomes more rugged. Every turn reveals a new panorama of beaches, cliffs and dramatic coastline. After a few Kilometres, you pass beautiful Fintra beach. You might like to stop for a stroll or a swim. From Fintra, follow the dramatic coast road to the villages of Kilcar and Carrick. From Carrick head towards the magnificent Cliffs at Slieve League. The area around the cliffs offers unrivalled opportunities for hiking. You could also avail of the opportunity of viewing the cliffs by boat. From Teelin, continue west - along the foot of Slieve League - to Glencolumbcille. Glencolumbcille and its surrounding area is a haven for lovers of traditional music. You might be lucky enough to hear a “session” of the music which has been handed down, unchanged, for generations.
Day 6: Glencolubmcille to Glenties – 40 Km
From Glencolumbcille you cycle through one of Ireland's most remote regions. This route takes you through wild valleys and boglands. A short diversion will take you to the deserted fishing hamlet of Port. Again this area offers spectacular hiking options - including the possibility of crossing the hills to the valley of Glenlough - accessable only by foot. Welsh poet, Dylan Thomas, and American aritst, Rockwell Kent, were among the former residents of this now deserted valley. From Port the route goes Northeast. You have the option of descending to the heritage town of Ardara, through one of two beautiful valleys - Glengesh or Granny. Glengesh is the better known (and smoother) of the two, although Granny is more spectacular. It takes you past the magnificent sandy beach, caves and waterfall at Maghera. From Ardara continue to your overnight accommodation in Glenties.
Day 7: Glenties to Dungloe – 25 Km
From Glenties your route overlaps with a small section from day 3 of the tour. An alternative route takes you north to Fintown. This pretty village lies on the shore of Fintown lake. Along the lake runs a restored vintage railway. Continue on once again to the village of Doochary. Climb west out of Doochary. Once again you pass through wild boglands - interspersed with small lakes and rocks. This brings you to the town of Dungloe. If you arrive early in the day you might consider taking a trip to Arranmore Island. The departure point for the island is in Burtonport - 7km from Dungloe. Ferries make the pleasant 20 minute trip regularly. The Island has spectacular scenery - especially on the western side facing the atlantic ocean. Here waves pound against the base of huge cliffs. Take the ferry back to the mainland and back to Dungloe.
Day 8: Dungloe to Donegal Airport – 20 Km
Almost finished, and time to make the trip back to the Airport for the flight home. Again the route takes you through quiet backroads among lakes and boglands. An alternative route winds its way round the coast. We will meet you again upon arrival at the airport. We are certain you will have enjoyed your trip around the Coast and Highlands of Donegal.
Whats Included:
Prices:
UK£659 or €699 per person sharing. Single Supplement €79
Supplement for Glasgow Departure is UK£55 or €60
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