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Great Explorations

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(604) 730-1247

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Particulars

Trip Dates:

2008
June 18-25
July 2-8
July 9-15
July 16-22
August 29-Sept 4
September 13-19 

Self-guided and custom trips also available and can start any day.Call or email for details.

2009
June 17-24
July 1-7
July 8-14
July 15-21
August 28-Sept 3
September 12-18

Trip Size:

8-16 participants

Total Days:

7 days/ 6 nights

Arrive/Depart:

Ennis/Galway

Accommodations:

Atlantic View House, Doolin

Kilmurvey House, Aran Islands

Screebe House, Screebe

Quay House, Clifden

Activity Level:

Moderate
20-40+ miles daily
van supported

Terrain:

Mostly level with some rolling hills

Cost:

Land Cost (current year):
US $2250
Includes 6B/2L/5D

Single Supplement:
US $400

Bike Rental:
US $140
Extension add US $40

Extension (optional):
US $ 495

Includes 2B/2D

Having cycled all over Ireland, we have found the western coast region including Galway, Connemara, & the Aran Islands to have the most spectacular scenery, with a tremendous abundance of historical monuments, a rich and unique culture, warm and inviting people, and surprisingly few tourists. The hotels and food are a highlight with genuine hospitality. This should be our most popular tour!

Only Great Explorations:

• Small groups, extraordinary guides, and authentic experiences.
• A view you will never forget: the one from the Cliffs of Moher, one of the most stunning in Ireland.
• Learn about the archaelogical wonders of Dun Aengus, the prehistoric stone forts, from a local expert.
• Order off the menu at restaurants you won't find in guidebooks.
• Distinctive, charming hotels too small for larger groups.
• We design and operate our own trips so there are only good surprises.

Itinerary

Getting there :
Ennis - We recommend flying into Shannon airport; we'll recommend hotels for the night before the trip start.

DAYS 1+2:
Doolin - We start our trip near Ballyvaughan, beautifully situated on Galway Bay. We’ll explore the magical Burren, where megalithic tombs, stone forts and castles are in abundance. In Doolin, we’ll listen to traditional fiddle music and at the Cliffs of Moher, we’ll marvel at a view that is nothing short of spectacular. Our hotel, in the hills above Doolin, overlooks South Sound and the Aran Islands.

DAYS 3+4:
Aran Islands - Ferry to Aran Islands. No visit to this part of Ireland would be complete without a visist to Inishmore, where horse-drawn carriages transport luggage and everyone (including the locals) ride bikes. Back on the mainland, we cycle along quiet roads past fishing villages and tranquil bays to our hotel, a charming lodge where the owners welcome us as friends.

DAYS 5+6:
Clifden - Ride past monastic remains in lush countryside on rural roads to Clifden, surrounded by the Twelve Bens Mts. We’ll visit Roundstone, where the bodhran instruments are still made by hand and Kylemore Abbey, surrounded by gardens and walking trails. We’ll finish with a ride along the Skye Road, arguably the best cycling route in Ireland. We stay at the historic Quay House Hotel, which boasts splendid views over Clifden Harbor.

DAY 7: Transfer to Galway for flights or extended stay.

Post-trip Extension (optional):

DAY 7:

Cong - Ride from Clifden to Cong with a stop at Connemara National Park. In Cong, there is the opportunity to cruise Lough Corrib, or enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the grounds of Ashford Castle.

DAY 8:

Galway - After a morning ride, transfer to Galway for sightseeing and historical walking tour. We’ll stay at the Skeffington Arms Hotel, located in the historical center and enjoy dinner at an acclaimed restaurant.

DAY 9: Depart at your leisure