Itinerary
Ennis
This tour will start and finish in Dublin. Today you will be picked up and taken on your cliffs of Moher tour bus to Ennis, where your cycle adventure begins. You have all day to get settled into your accommodation and explore the town of Ennis, a bustling town set on both sides of the River Fergus. You can check out some of the local attractions before you start your cycle adventure, such as the medieval Friary ruins or the Clare Museum, where you can learn about Irish history and culture. Ennis is the capital of Co. Clare and has many wonderful pubs and restaurants to keep you entertained in the evening.
Overnight: Ennis
Restaurant Suggestion: Town Hall Cafe
Spanish Point
You will enjoy this first day of cycling, which will take you across flat green pastures to the west coast of Ireland. Extreme Ireland have chosen quiet country back roads, which rarely see much traffic so you can settle into your cycle and enjoy the scenery. You arrive at Spanish Point, which is known by surfers for its big waves. Spanish Point was named after the Spanish who died here in 1588, when many ships of the Spanish Armada were wrecked during stormy weather.
Overnight: Spanish Point
Restaurant Suggestion: Johnny Burke's
Lahinch
Leaving behind wonderfully historic Spanish Point, you will head towards Lahinch, a town that has been continually whipped by Atlantic storms. You’ll cross through a golf club to see the Dough Castle ruins, built in 1306 by the O’Connors. You’ll also visit the village of Liscannor, where the inventor of the submarine, JP Holland, was born. Then you will reach the highlight of this tour, the Cliffs of Moher! These enormous cliffs over 200 meters high are one of the icons of Ireland. This is a ruggedly beautiful location, showcasing the best of nature. Not only for the impressive scenery but for being home to a variety of wildlife. To end the day you arrive in Doolin, the beating heart of Co. Clare and for many people the Irish traditional music capital.
Highlight of the day: The Cliffs of Moher
Overnight: Doolin
Restaurant Suggestion: Roadford House Restaurant, Doolin Cafe
Aran Islands
Early in the morning you will go to the harbor to catch the ferry to the Aran Islands. You are going to the largest of the islands, Inishmore. This island is famous for its strong Irish culture. The ferry arrives in Kilronan, where you’ll start your cycling tour. Following the road along the north coast of the island you get to Kilmurvey Beach and to Dun Aoghasa, the most famous of several prehistoric forts on the Aran Islands. It is on Inishmore, at the edge of a 100 meter high cliff. Once you have seen this amazing megalithic monument you can enjoy a cycle loop of the entire island and its abundance of wildlife before you come back to Kilronan and return to Doolin by ferry, where you’ll stay again overnight.
Highlight of the day: Dun Aoghasa
Overnight: Doolin
Restaurant Suggestion : McGann’s
Doolin
Today is a real treat. This cycle is a loop route which will lead you back to our favorite village of Doolin and saves you packing and unpacking for a third day. Out of Doolin, you will cycle up along the amazing limestone covered coastline with the wild Atlantic Way at your side. There are plenty of sites and points of interest along this initial leg, like the Doolin Cave or the Birds of Prey exhibition. You can also stop for a dip at Fenore Beach, if you are so inclined. You head towards the Black Head through Ballyvaughan, which is a good lunch stop. You will then make your way to Poulnabrone Dolmen (4200BC). This dolmen is the burial site of a local Chieftain and is a magical site to see. You'll reach the world famous village of Lisdoonvarna, where a matchmaking festival takes place each summer, before you find yourself back in Doolin. You should take the boat ride along the Cliffs of Moher for an amazing experience. Get close to the cliffs and admire their majestic beauty as you look up at them from the boat. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, why not kayak along them!
Highlight of the day: Poulnabrone Dolmen
Overnight: Doolin
Restaurant Suggestion: O'Loclainn's Pub
Doolin rest day
Sometimes it’s a good idea to stop to take in the local atmosphere and Doolin is just the place to do that. There are so many things to do here from horse riding, caving, hiking, kayaking or you can even see a different side to the Cliffs of Moher with a boat trip along their base which is a must do! You might also want to just take it easy and lay back for the day. Whatever you decide, today will be yours to own. Remember, you’re in Ireland so wasting time is not time wasted!
Highlight of the day: Optional - Boat Trip along the Cliffs of Moher
Overnight: Doolin
Restaurant Suggestion: Fitzpatrick's
Burren National Park
Leave Doolin for the last time and move on to other adventures for the day ahead. You will cycle inland into the heart of the Burren National Park with amazing limestone mountains at every turn. Your route will take you through valleys full of flora and fauna that can only be found in this part of the country. Many call this part of Ireland 'the fertile rock.' What seems a wild and rocky place, is actually a place where beautiful wild flowers thrive. Bursts of color from the plants and flowers growing out of cracks and crevices in the rock make this a unique location. The locals here are very friendly so don’t be afraid to say hello and get involved, you’ll be welcomed with open arms!
Highlight of the day: The Burren National Park
Overnight: Kinvara
Restaurant Suggestion: Hyland’s Burren Restaurant
Return to Dublin
The morning is yours to enjoy - explore Kinvara and nearby Dunguaire Castle or simply have a rest! Your day tour coach from Dublin stops in Kinvara and will pick you up for the last journey back to Dublin after this wonderful wild Atlantic two-wheeled adventure.
End of Services: Thank You!
