Ireland’s West Cork – 8 Days
Type of tour: Guided
Level: 3
Duration: 7 Nights
Distance: 25 Miles/day average
Dates: May 11, 25; Jun 8, 22; Jul 13, 27; Aug 10, 24; Sep 7, 2015 (additional dates available for a surcharge)
Tour price: €1075
Start city: Kinsale, Ireland
End city: Kinsale, Ireland
Tour Description
It’s no wonder they call West Cork “A Place Apart”. Nature sets the pace in this beautiful south-west corner of Ireland – stretching from smart south-coast Kinsale to three rugged westerly peninsulas reaching into the wild Atlantic: Mizen Head, Sheep’s Head and Beara. With so much on offer, we believe you won’t find a better place in Ireland to enjoy your cycling holiday.
Hundreds of inlets, tiny coves, safe harbours and beaches are just right for long active days in the salty air. Thanks to its gentle and generous nature, this corner has a wonderful food culture. West Cork’s farmers, award-winning artisan producers and chefs are leading Ireland’s culinary revolution. From traditional pubs to world-class restaurants, at local farmers’ markets, and long-established food festivals, you’ll be spoiled for choice for places to stop and enjoy great food right across West Cork.
There’s something restorative about the temperate climate and sub-tropical gardens, the tranquil lanes thick with fuchsia and montbretia, the sudden glimpses of water through the trees, the shifting light, and the soft greens, greys and violets of bays and distant mountains.
Highlights: Guided Daily Program: Guided Day 1: Arrival in Kinsale Day 2: Kinsale – Rosscarbery (34 miles/54 km) Leaving Clonakilty, we travel through one of Irelands’ most beautiful villages, Rathbarry and then over to Castlefreke. We will finish the day’s journey with a short spin along the beach at Owenahincha before arriving in Rosscarbery where our hotel will be our base for the night. This is a beautiful hotel with full leisure facilities and views over Rosscarbery Bay and Lagoon. There are some very quiet walks around Rosscarbery to pass away the evening. Day 3: Rosscarbery – Baltimore (22 miles/35 km) We will continue to follow the coast and arrive in Tragumna where a beach awaits if anyone would like a swim. We will then pass through Skibbereen and stop at Lough Hyne nature reserve. Lough Hyne is the only saltwater lake in Europe. On leaving Lough Hyne we will have a short journey to Baltimore where we will arrive at our hotel. This is a beautiful, family-run hotel overlooking the harbour. We strongly recommended you spend a few hours walking and exploring this enchanting little village. Day 4: Ferry to Cape Clear Island, Schull – Bantry (26 miles/42 km) Waving goodbye to Schull, we will then travel along the coast taking in one of the finest beaches in Ireland, Barleycove. From there, it’s on to the Mizen Head which is the most south-westerly point in Ireland where we’ll get a chance to experience their visitor centre. On leaving the Mizen Head we will follow the coast through Durrus village and arrive at the hotel in Bantry. This is another great hotel with full leisure facilities. In the evening take a walk around Bantry, visit Bantry House overlooking Bantry Bay. Day 5: Bantry – Skibbereen (20 miles/32 km) We will have lunch in Skibbereen before getting a guided tour around this historic town. We will visit Skibbereen Heritage Centre as well as the famine graveyard which is a great monument to all those who died during this period of history. We will finish the day at our base, our hotel, which is a family-run business noted for their hospitality Day 6: Skibbereen – Clonakilty (22 miles/36 km) Day 7: Clonakilty – Kinsale (25 miles/40 km) Day 8: Departure Included Services: Guided Bike Rentals: Guided Bikes come equipped with: Pedals: Seats: Helmets:
The tour starts in Kinsale, and you can start by enjoying the wonderful atmosphere overlooking Kinsale harbour. We recommend you arrive early to enjoy Kinsale and all it has to offer. Enjoy a stroll around this beautiful town while you are here; there are plenty of enchanting shops and fine places to dine. The Cycle West Cork Team will also be paying you a visit to deliver your bicycles, give a brief safety talk and answer any questions you may have. You will also receive information on the following day’s cycle route. Relax for the night and look forward to exploring all of West Cork’s beauty.
Overnight in Kinsale.
A quick visit to Charles Fort, Kinsale in the morning, before passing over the Bandon River, while following the coast to the Old Head of Kinsale. We will travel by the sandy Garretstown beach, so why not bring your swimming gear and enjoy a swim? We will then arrive in the coastal village of Timoleague where we will stop to view the historic abbey. The day will continue to Clonakilty where we will stop for lunch.
Overnight in Rosscarbery.
We will leave Rosscarbery and travel along the coast to the idyllic village of Glandore, stopping along the way at visit the ancient stone circle at Drombeg. On leaving Glandore, we will travel over the bridge into Union Hall, a renowned fishing community. Next, we venture on to beautiful Castletownshend where we can have tea in the castle.
Overnight in Baltimore.
Leaving Baltimore we will take the ferry to Cape Clear Island. Cape Clear is an Irish-speaking community and is one of the highlights of any visit to West Cork. After exploring Cape Clear, we will hop on the ferry to Schull, another charming village where we will stop for lunch.
Overnight in Bantry.
On leaving Bantry we head towards Skibbereen and visit Liss Ard House Estate. Liss Ard House has stunning award-winning gardens and it is worth taking your time to explore fully. There is also a freshwater lake if you require a swim.
Overnight in Skibbereen.
We will leave Skibbereen and travel through Leap and back to Rosscarbery, before we again follow the coast road to Galley Head and take in the stunning lighthouse. We will continue to Ardfield on the way to Inchydoney Island to take in the breathtaking beaches and the famous Inchydoney Spa Hotel. We will continue the cycle to the market town of Clonakilty to our hotel. Enjoy the evening and all that Clonakilty has to offer.
Overnight in Clonakilty.
The final day’s cycle is short; leaving Clonakilty we travel towards Innishannon and following the river Bandon back to where we started, Kinsale. The guided cycle will finish early on the final day but you can retain the bikes until the following morning, allowing you the opportunity to cycle or walk while discovering the charm of Kinsale.
Overnight in Kinsale.
After breakfast, you can leave individually for your onward travels.
Bikes available on this tour, and included in the tour cost (reserved in advance at the time of booking):
The bikes will have FLAT pedals. If you bring your own pedals, be sure to bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.
If you plan to bring your own seat, please ensure that it has a universal seat post.
Helmets are available on this tour. However, we recommend that you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene purposes.
