Biking Ireland: Perhaps it began with our forebears. More than once we've wondered if our love for Ireland was bred in the bone of our ancestors, and that's why we just feel at home amid the gracious hills and emerald valleys. There is a simple and abiding beauty here, and we're happy to share the magical Ireland that we've discovered on three incredible bike tours throughout the Emerald Isle.
Biking Connemara, Ireland: Connemara is regarded by many as the Real Emerald Isle, the true Ireland just waiting to be explored. It is almost supernaturally beautiful, with rugged, green vistas that will touch your heart, and soothe your soul. We can think of few places so profound. In spring, the bountiful hillsides comes alive — quite literally — with the soft peals of newborn lambs dancing among glorious bright flowers. In autumn, these same mountains are blessed with a riot of fall colors that seem to shift and deepen with each passing day. If you are lucky enough to experience Connemara with Pedal and Sea Adventures, you’ll make memories that are sure to last a lifetime.
Our Connemara, Ireland tour is new for 2008 and has been designed by Gallant because this area truly touches him deeply. It might go back to his mother’s forbears, the Donovans, who left Ireland generations ago to seek work and the promise of a better life in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. I wonder if they’d recognize the economic miracle that Ireland has become today.
We had two goals for our Connemara tour: to provide our guests with comfort and a sense of belonging, as you’ll be staying the week at one of our favorite lodges. And to show you this lovely, lyrical island. From Lough Inagh Lodge, we’ll set out on loop rides, exploring the beauty surrounding Connemara, while Maire and her staff pamper us in true Irish style. For variety, we have designed the tour with a bevy of options, so you don’t have to spend every day in the saddle. So you may decide to hike the surrounding mountains, or travel to Inishmore to shop.
Our Connemara, Ireland bike tour has both guided and self-guided options.
Biking Western Ireland: Let Pedal & Sea Adventures guide you through Ireland on a magical bicycle tour. Ireland is a country of prehistoric graves, crumbling fortresses, and ruined monasteries that are nestled against a vibrant green backdrop that remains as it has for untold centuries — breathtakingly beautiful! You will bike through soft green fields, along awesome cliffs, and beside the beaches of Connemara. Yet the heart and the music of Ireland will never be more than a stone’s throw away.
The bike tour will take you to Doolin, where some of the world’s best pubs — brimming with live music — can be found. From there you will: cycle along a harsh and rocky stretch of the Burren; explore the Island of Inishmore, where the best glass of Guinness can be found; and spin along the quiet roads of Western Ireland nestled between the mountains and coastline — wonderful bicycle trails that will make your heart ache. The tour will end eight days later in the beautiful town of Louisburgh.
This is one of the world’s best bike rides, and a delightful addition to Pedal and Sea’s world bicycle tours. There’s no better way to enjoy Ireland.
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