This is the latest addition to the tours. Here you will stay in Georgian splendor in Derry City and in the remote Sperrin Mountains. You circle around the lovely backroads and villages of the Glens of Antrim and then follow the spectacular seashore by the Giants Causeway and take a ferry to the Inishowen peninsula. The route incorporates several sections of cycle path developed by Sustrans as part of the Millenium National cycle route project.

DAY 1 - SATURDAY - DERRY CITY

Meet with your guide at 6:30 pm in the Centre of Derry city and stay in a beautiful Georgian townhouse.

DAY 2 - SUNDAY - DERRY TO FEENY

Setting out on a Sustrans Cycle path, there is a beautiful cycle to a remote Georgian country farmhouse in Feeny where you will also have dinner.

DAY 3 - MONDAY - FEENY TO CUSHENDAL

Take a coach transfer into County Antrim and then cycle under Slemish Mountain to the seaside village of Carnlough, where you stop for lunch. In the afternoon, cycle along the coast to the village of Cushendal.

DAY 4 - TUESDAY - CUSHENDAL TO BALLYCASTLE

Heading inland again, take a detour through the Glens before returning to the coast and the village of Ballycastle where you will stay for 2 days.

DAY 5 - WEDNESDAY - REST DAY IN BALLYCASTLE

One attractive option on the rest day is to take the ferry to explore Rathlin Island, which is some five miles out in the Atlantic.

DAY 6 - THURSDAY - BALLYCASTLE TO MOVILLE

Cycle along the coast to view the hexagonal rock formations at the Giants Causeway. Head from there to the village of Bushmills where you can visit the famous Whiskey distillery. Later in the afternoon, take a boat across the Foyle Estuary to County Donegal where you stay in Moville.

DAY 7 - FRIDAY - MOVILLE TO DERRY

On the last day, there is a choice of routes around the Inishowen peninsula before we return to Derry for the last night of the tour.

TOUR DETAILS

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is on a twin-sharing basis in a mixture of family run hotels and guesthouses with breakfasts included. On booking we will need to know whether sharing will be on a twin (two beds) or double (one bed) basis. Due to the isolated nature of several of the places on the itineraries, single rooms cannot be guaranteed. For people traveling alone, we can twin share them with another single person on the tour. In exceptional cases one single room may be provided at a supplement of 100.00 Irish Pounds for the week. This is on a request only basis.

FITNESS, DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY

Other than young children whom we discourage, people of all ages and abilities come on the tours, so do not worry if you are not super-fit. You have all day to cover the recommended route and while Irish roads rarely follow a straight line, there are few really high climbs. Sore bottoms are an occupational hazard on a cycling tour, but a pair of padded cycle shorts or a gel saddle cover can work wonders. Complete beginners might also take a few practice rides before coming on the tour. The average cycling distance is an easy 30 miles with longer routes being available each day. The safaris are suitable for adults of all ages and fitness levels but the tours are not suited for children under 13 years of age. The Ring of Kerry, The Highlands of Donegal and the Derry Air tours have more hills than the other routes.

MEALS

The guide will recommend a lunch stop each day where a snack lunch will cost between 3 -5 Irish Pounds. A group evening meal is also organised by the guide each night, which costs between 10 - 15 Irish Pounds

THE BICYCLE

A 21 Trek Hybrid touring model is available for the tours. Each booking should give the clients name and approximate height. Repair equipment, helmets and pannier bags are available on request

INSURANCE

We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance.

STARTING TIMES

Each of the tours start with a meeting of the group at 6.30 pm on the Saturday evening in a central hotel close to the local train and bus station. This is only a meeting point, typically the group will be staying in nearby guesthouses. The guide is able to return to the meeting place at 9.30 pm again that evening and the following morning for those arriving late. After an introductory talk the guide will organise an evening meal and direct clients to their first nights accommodation in bed & breakfasts.

WHAT TO BRING

As baggage is transferred each day you are free to bring the ball gown and tuxedo should you wish to. However, we find that more experienced travellers arrive with one compact piece of luggage and look on with amusement at those who have to drag their kitchen sink containers along airport corridors. Do bring a comfortable outfit for the cycling and a pair of cycling shorts if you have them. The Irish sun is stronger than people think, so a sun hat, sunglasses and sun cream are also recommended.