UK (Ireland)

Emerald Isle Tour

Tour duration 8 days / 7 nights
Tour Area :  Southern Ireland
Tour status:  Escorted 
Tour Mileage : 100 - 150 miles per day (max 200 miles)
Roads: Motorway, A,B and unfenced roads
Accommodation: Mixture of 3 star and traditional hotels. 

Following the success of last years tour we have decided to return to Ireland, this time for a full weeks tour. After a fast ferry from Holyhead to Dublin the tour travels northwest towards County Mayo and the rugged Atlantic coast. We then turn southwards through the Connemara national park to the lively university town of Galway.

Following the western Atlantic coastline we cross the Shannon river past the Dingle Peninsula to Co.Kerry. Where a two night stay in a Killarney  gives us ample opportunity to tour the famous Ring of Kerry.

Our journey now takes us eastwards past Cork to Wexford and onto the Wicklow Mountains and a chance to visit Avoca where Ballykissangel was filmed.

With a mixture of 3 star and traditional Irish accommodation this is a great opportunity not only to see some great Irish scenery but soak up the atmosphere over a pint or two of the "black stuff".

This is what I call a rolling tour i.e. a tour that involves single night stops. Although this will not suit everybody it is a great way of covering distances without travelling huge distances. The roads in Ireland vary enormously from smooth motorways to potholed back roads however all the daily distances are well within your capabilities. There will be a two night stay in Killarney to give us a full day to tour the famous Ring of Kerry.  Where possible we have included evening meals , where not we have ensured that you are within easy walking distance of pubs/restaurants.

Brief Itinerary

Saturday 26^th June :   Travel from your home to Holyhead, N.Wales . Catch 1345 hrs Fastcat ferry to Dun Laoghaire.(99 mins)  Travel to Cavan. Dinner, B&B  at hotel complete with swimming pool, sauna and steam room.
Sunday 27^th June:       Cavan to Westport Quay via Lough Erne/Sligo/Ballina  B&B at Westport Quay overlooking the ocean. Leisure centre and pool.
Monday 28^th June:      Westport to Galway via Connemara national park. Dinner B&B at 3 star hotel 2km from Galway city
Tuesday 29^th  June:    Galway to Killarney choice of ways either via Limerick or Ennis and the Killmer/ Tarbet ferry. Tralee and Dingle peninsula.  B&B at award winning guest house in Killarney minutes from town centre
Wednesday 30^th June: Ring of Kerry. B&B at award winning guest house in Killarney minutes from town centre

Thursday 1^st July:         Killarney to Wexford Dinner, B&B at 3 star hotel with swimming pool and leisure centre.
Friday 2^nd July              Wexford to Wicklow. Chance to visit Avoca home of Ballykissangel. Dinner, B&B at traditional Irish pub.
Saturday 3^rd July:         Wicklow to Dun Laoghaire. Stena 1100 am fast ferry to Holyhead. Arrive 1230 hrs.

Tour prices are inclusive of the following:
Return HSS ferry from Holyhead to Dun Laoghaire
7 nights en-suite accommodation.
4 Evening Meals. 
7 regional Breakfasts.
Services of tour guide
Maps and Route notes.

Tour Cost: 

Two persons, one bike, shared room    £430  each
One person, one bike, shared room      £475
One person, one bike, single room        £525
deposit £75 per person

** The amount of single rooms available is limited however if you are willing to share there is a good chance we can get you on the tour, and save you money.