THE FRIENDLY TOUR – IRELAND July 2022 (FULL)

THIS TOUR IS FULL…..SORRY.. IRELAND WILL GIVE YOU A TRULY FRIENDLY AND UNFORGETTABLE END TO END EXPERIENCE. COME AND HAVE SOME FANTASTIC CYCLING, WHILE EXPERIENCING THE CULTURE AND HERITAGE OF THIS AMAZING ISLAND.

Its friendly, because the Irish are such welcoming hosts, and the cycling is not too demanding (although still 70 to 75 miles a day, just a little less hilly !)

Discover the natural beauty of Ireland while cycling this awesome tour. Starting at Ireland’s most southerly point, Mizen Head, over seven days you will cycle the length of Ireland, ending the challenge at Malin Head in the north.
Journey over rolling hills and rugged mountains through a myriad of landscapes. Encounter forests, glens, rivers, beaches, historic towns and quaint villages.  A fantastic way to see the richest scenery that Ireland has to offer. Hear the celtic music, drink the sublime Guinness, and get a feel for this beautiful country

• DISTANCE – Approximately 500 miles
• BIKES – Ride your own bike ! Your bike collected from you, then delivered back to you after the tour. (An extra £45 each way for this service)
• FULLY SUPPORTED TOUR, with 7 days cycling, averaging approximately 70 miles a day. 8 nights accommodation. Cycling leader plus support vehicle carrying luggage, and feeding you during the day
• ACTIVITY LEVEL – 6/10 – Moderately challenging. The first day has some climbs but after this generally undulating landscapes

FLIGHTS, You would need to arrange to fly in to Cork on Saturday 2nd July 2022, and fly out of Belfast or Derry on Sunday 10th July

Starting at Mizen Head in the south, we travel through the rugged peninsulas of West Cork, then on into County Kerry, passing through Kenmare and Killarney and the area of outstanding natural beauty of the Killarney National Park. Travelling north through various natural heritage sites, we cross the Shannon by ferry, and make our to Spanish Point. From there, travelling north we go through more bog lands, and into the Burren National Park. One of the largest Karst landscapes in Europe.Once into County Galway, a beautiful ride through the Mamturk mountains takes us to Castlebar. Then on to Northern Ireland, stopping on the border at Belcoo, before cycling up to Donegal. More climbing through the Bluestack mountains, before travelling north through this beautiful county of Donegal, via more sites of national heritage, we reach our tour end at Malin Head.

START
The ride starts at Mizen Head on the Sunday, but you should arrive into Cork on Saturday 2nd July, from where a representative of  ACT Cycle Tours will meet you. You will be driven down to the south west of Ireland, by minibus that afternoon, staying in Schull that night. Early on the Sunday morning you are then taken on to Mizen Head to start our tour.

FINISH
The ride ends at Malin Head on the following Saturday, where we will stay overnight, and celebrate our achievement. On Sunday 10th July, we will transport you to either Derry Airport or Belfast Airport (from where there are flights to most UK regional airports).

ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD
This is a small hotel/B&B based holiday. Prices are based on sharing in twin rooms. SINGLE SUPPLEMENT IS AN EXTRA £350

BIKES

WE TRANSPORT YOUR BIKE IN A CUSTOMISED VAN SPECIALLY TRANSFORMED TO SAFELY CARRY YOUR PRIZED POSSESSION !

We recommend a touring bike or a road bike with 25 to 28 mm tyres. Mountain bikes are NOT suitable. The most important thing is that the bike functions properly and that you are comfortable riding it. You should make sure that your bike has suitable gears as there are some steep hills on parts of the route.  You should also make sure that you are able to carry some spare food and extra clothing with you on the bike.