Ireland: Bike the Antrim Glens & Donegal
Seven days in Ireland’s most welcoming and least-travelled counties. Hilly cycling on paved roads.
Ireland's quiet green hills are laced with roads and pathways that take you from one enchanted place to another, through shady glens, wee villages, timeless moorlands, peat bogs, rugged cliffs, mountains, and along miles of white sandy beaches. The numerous fairies and leprechauns are difficult to spot, but you'll enjoy meeting the Irish villagers, and counting the smiles that will light up your day with delightful frequency. Starting in Broughshane, in the middle of County Antrim, you will first visit Slemish Mountain, where St. Patrick slaved over his sheep, before visiting the magnificent waterfalls in Glenariff, the most impressive of the Nine Glens. Following the Antrim Coast, you will visit several picturesque hamlets with fine views across to Scotland, as close as twelve miles away! The Giant’s Causeway, the Carrickarede Rope Bridge, the oldest distillery in the world at Bushmills, and the mystical ruins of Dunluce Castle all contribute to this exceptionally rich experience. Then you will follow the Sperrin Mountains toward County Donegal, for some exploration of the fantastic western coast, including the Slieve League, known as the highest sea-cliffs in Europe, and some of the prettiest beaches you'll ever see. On day seven, you will walk the fascinating walls of Londonderry, then will return by van to Broughshane, pleasantly tired, and amazed that such an enchanting part of the world has remained so untouched by tourism. This is an exceptional opportunity, whose memories you’ll cherish for a long time!
The Plan:
Day 1: 28 miles plus options.
From the village of Broughshane, you’ll travel to the bottom of Slemish Mountain where Saint Patrick spent six years as a slave way back in the 5th century. From the top of Slemish, on clear days, you will catch tremendous views of the North of Ireland and right over the sea to Scotland. After Slemish, you’ll travel through two of the glens of Antrim enroute to Ballygally castle, and may enjoy views of the still inhabited Glenarm Castle on the way. You’ll follow the coast to the pretty seaside village of Carnlough, to stay in a hotel formerly owned by Sir Winston Churchill. LD
(Meal inclusions provided for guided trips. Self-guided trips include breakfast only)
Londonderry Arms, Carnlough, www.glensofantrim.com
Day 2: 33 miles.
Following the Antrim coast, you will turn inland to wander through the forested Glenariff Glen, which is famous for its beautiful gardens and fairy lore. The highlight is the enormous waterfall at the bottom of the shady glen. From Glenariff, cross moorland to Glenaan, where you'll find Ossian's grave, just before reaching Antrim's coast at the picturesque village of Cushendall. Finish with a walk along the shore to the medieval ruins of Layde Church and its burial ground. BL
The Meadows B&B, Cushendall; or
Cloneymore B&B, Cushendun
Day 3: 35 miles.
First, the challenging hills of Tor Head between Cushendun and Ballycastle. From the northeastern tip of Ireland you will have tremendous views of Scotland as you go from Fair Head down a narrow winding road to Murlough Bay. Following the North Antrim coast, you will visit the rope bridge at Carrickarede, which sways back and forth 100 feet above the sea, over to a wee island used by salmon fishermen! Afterwards you can recover your wits making your way from Ballintoy Harbour along the beautiful beach of Whitepark Bay to the tiny hamlet of Port Braddon, near the fantastic Giant's Causeway. You can explore the marvel of the causeway, with its unique rock formation. Finn McCool, who was trying to get over to Scotland, built this centuries ago. Modern scientists, however, challenge this belief. Walking paths lead from the causeway up to cliffs, where you will have splendid views. At day’s end, you will stay at an inn very close to the Bushmills Distillery. BLD
The Bushmills Inn, Bushmills, www.bushmillsinn.com
Day 4: 29 or 36 miles.
Leave Bushmills toward Dunluce castle, Portrush, Portstewart, and the cycle path to Coleraine. Transfer to Londonderry for lunch and to walk the walls of ‘Derry with your guide, learning about the troubles on the Ulster border. Enter Eire on your transfer to Letterkenny before riding the final 7 miles to your gorgeous inn. BD
Castle Grove Hotel, Letterkenny, www.castlegrove.com
Day 5: 46 miles, plus options.
A beautiful ride through Glenveagh National Park, all the way to Ardara in County Donegal, where traditional Irish music is heard on most nights in any of the 13 unique pubs there. Ardara is well situated to explore some of the most unspoilt scenery in Europe. BD
Woodhill House, Ardara, www.woodhillhouse.com
Day 6: 35-57 miles. Horse riding options.
This is a spectacular day! Ride out to the end of the Donegal Peninsula, seeing Glencollumkille, and the fantastic little beach just beyond there, and return via the dramatic Slieve League, the highest sea-cliffs in Europe. Hike along the ridgetop, and enjoy the phenomenal view. Return via the seaside fishing port of Killybegs to Ardara, stopping in as many pubs as necessary to overcome your fear of heights! BD
Same lodging
Day 7:
After a leisurely farewell breakfast, return by van to Broughshane or Belfast, stopping to walk the old walls of Londonderry to complete an educational and fantastic Northern Irish experience. B
The Details:
| Start: | Broughshane, near Belfast International Airport, UK, 09:00 Day one. Transfers can be arranged. |
| Finish: | Broughshane, 16:00 Day seven. See www.aircoach.ie for economical transfers between Dublin and Belfast. |
| Guided Cost: | $2995 (per person, includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners, luggage handling, van and guide support, maps and route notes, taxes). |
| Self-Guided: | $2595 (per person, includes 7 days, 6 nights; 6 breakfasts; luggage handling; maps and route notes; taxes; horseback riding is arranged by request, at your expense). |
| Single Occupancy: | $835 |
| Bicycle Rental: | Hybrid: $195; Racing: $275 |
| 2010 Guided Dates: | Aug 29-Sep 4; Sep 12-18. Call 800-672-0775 for guaranteed departure, updates or to add a new departure. |
| 2011 Guided Dates: | Jun 12-18; Jul 17-23; Aug 28-Sep 3; Sep 11-17. Call 800-672-0775 for guaranteed departure, updates or to add a new departure. |
| Self-Guided Dates: | You choose! Best months are May, June, late August, and early September. |
All details are subject to change without notice.
