This tour starts at the ferry port in Holyhead, and you might want to take your time getting there on a scenic route through north Wales. Our morning sailing gets you into Dublin just after noon, where you will be met by your local guide and Escorted to our 4 star hotel in Westport in good time to check in at our hotel, change and shower before a quick drink and dinner with the group.
The west coast of Ireland is dramatic and spectacular, and our first ride-out from here takes us west for a loop of the Wild Atlantic Way in County Mayo, dropping in at Cong on the way back to our hotel in Westport, where we will walk into town for dinner, and no doubt some live music in one of the many bars.
Heading north next day, the Wild Atlantic Way takes us through the Wild Nephin National Park to Achill Island, and on past Ceide fields to our hotel in Donegal town. From here, and via Glenveagh National Park, we’ll ride to or next hotel just southwest of the Inishowen peninsula, ready to finish the Wild Atlantic Way the day after, taking in Malin Head (most northerly point of mainland Ireland) before a couple of nights in Ballycastle. Our base here allows us to spend a full day exploring the north east corner of the island of Ireland, visiting the Giants Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, the Dark Hedges (which wll be familiar to ‘Game of Thrones’ fans) and maybe a pint of the black stuff at Joey’s bar.
We’ll be turning south the next day, following the scenic coast road of County Antrim down to Belfast, stopping to visit of the Titanic museum before we check in at our hotel. The final leg of the tour continues around the coast of County Down and back into the Republic of Ireland, finishing with a night in Dublin. Our hotel is handy for the ferry the next day, and has a tram station right outside to take us to Temple Bar in the centre of Dublin, where the craic will be good, and as the ferry doesn;t leave until the next afternoon maybe a celebratory drink is in order.
A total of about 1400 miles on the island of Ireland (plus whatever it takes you to get to and from Holyhead) with the longest day being about 230 miles. Ireland has beautiful landscapes, and the dramatic cliffs of the west coast are just awesome. The loughs and mountains come a close second scenery wise, and of course there is the famous hospitality and culture. Come along and enjoy the craic, but pack your waterproofs, just in case...
For more details on this tour please send an email to 'info@mcitours.com' or just call us on 0800 774 7149.