Ireland: Donegal Bike Tour
Six nights; six days of bicycle touring on the quiet roads of County Donegal coast, through Glenveagh National Park, along the Wild Atlantic Way and on the Donegal Cycleway.
“Something surprising around every corner… and there are a lot of corners!” – Pauline S.
WHY THIS TRIP?
- Ireland’s wildest – and debatably loveliest – corner.
- Quiet roads across moorlands and valleys.
- Unspoilt scenery. Sand beaches and sea cliffs abound.
- Slieve League’s highest sea cliffs in Europe.
- Options to hike.
- Traditional Irish music.
ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:
Mostly paved roads across moderately hilly terrain. There are occasional short stretches on unpaved surfaces and the paved sections can be uneven at times; hybrids are recommended unless you are comfortable/experienced riding racing bikes on mixed surfaces. The Ireland: Donegal Bike Tour offers variable distances most days, with brief van transfers for those preferring the condensed options.
Daily Distance:
- DAY 1: Introductions
- DAY 2: ~46 km or ~80 km
- DAY 3: ~38 km or ~62 km
- DAY 4: ~69 km
- DAY 5: ~80 km
- DAY 6: ~12 km and/or 3-4 h hike
- DAY 7: ~38 km
Ireland: Donegal Bike – Elevation Profile:
(Click image to enlarge)
Elevation Profile
Activity Levels
The easiest routes we offer, these are generally flat and cover relatively relaxed distances. You will be comfortable riding a hybrid bike, walking in sneakers, or paddling a light kayak, and will normally have time to take many photos and enjoy extended lunches.
This is primarily an easy route, but some days may fall into the moderate category. You can expect time to stop and smell the roses, but some of the rides may be on more hilly terrain.
Requiring moderate fitness levels, these cover terrain with hills and valleys, and tend to include distances of 50-80km (30-50mi.)/day cycling, or 3-6 hours of walking per day. Most Freewheeling Adventures fall into this category, and are suitable for most ability levels.
This is primarily a moderate route, suitable for most ability levels, but some days may be a little more challenging. You can expect some long distances, and/or some big climbs/descents.
The most challenging trips, these include longer distances, bigger hills, long hikes, exposed paddling, and full days of activity. We recommend a higher degree of fitness and training to make the most of the experience.
There is also a rare double black diamond, reserved for only the most difficult adventures.
Start: Donegal, your hotel, 17:00, day one. Daily flights (www.aerlingus.com) and buses (www.buseireann.ie) are available from Dublin or Glasgow.
Finish: Early afternoon, Annagry or Donegal airport, Co. Donegal.
Please contact us to arrange alternate plans, if necessary.
Introductions
Fly into the Donegal airport (CFN) at Annagry, from where you can do extra day trips before starting this adventure. D (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips. Self-guided trips include breakfast only)
Caisleain Oir Hotel, or, Danny Minnie’s, Annagry
Annagry to Ardara, ~47km or ~80km
Follow tiny lanes around the perimeter of several peninsulas, one of which has the largest migratory bird preserve in the British Isles. Continue toward Lettermacaward, a Gaeltacht village with two shops and three pubs; the short ride finishes here with a transfer, while energetic cyclists can pedal the final 32km to their inn at Ardara. Traditional Irish music is heard on many nights in some of the 13 unique pubs here, and it is well situated to explore some of the most unspoilt scenery in Europe. BLD
Woodhill House, Ardara
Ardara to Glencolmcille and Slieve League, ~38km or ~62km
This is a spectacular day! Ride out to the end of the Donegal Peninsula, following Loughross Bay to Assarancagh Waterfall and the unspoiled expansive sandy strand of Maghera, then through the little-travelled Granny Pass to Glencolmcille. Visit the folk village and craft shops in “the Glen”, then head to the viewpoint for the dramatic Slieve League, the highest sea-cliffs in Europe. Hike along the ridge top and enjoy the phenomenal view. Return to Ardara via the challenging Glengesh Pass from where stunning views of Loughros Beg Bay are framed between the steep sides of Glengesh and Mulmosog mountains. Leisurely cyclists will transfer by vehicle from the Slieve League back to Ardara. BL
Same lodging
Ardara to Glenveagh, ~70km then transfer to Ramelton
Morning ride to the top of Glenveagh National Park. The Glebe Gallery, where Derek Hill’s portraits are a result of study with Monet and Picasso, is a fine spot for lunch. Then it’s an afternoon ride into Glenveagh National Park where you can walk along the bridal path to the Castle and gardens. An afternoon transfer (35 minutes) will bring you to your comfy estate near the Cathedral town of Letterkenny. BD
Castle Grove Hotel, or, Rathmullan House (shoulder season only), or, Frewin House (self-guided only), Ramelton
Ramelton to Doe Castle, ~80km, then transfer to Dunfanaghy
Ride past what is often referred to as the prettiest beach in the world at Magherwarden, also known as Portsalon, to the spectacularly located lighthouse and abandoned barracks at Fanad Head Light Station. Ride from there along tiny coastal roads and across the new bridge to Carrickart for a lunch on Main Street before continuing along the Doe Castle where your guides will transfer you 20 minutes to your inn at Dunfanaghy. B
Arnold’s Hotel, or, Rockhaven House B&B (self-guided only), Dunfanaghy
Bike & hike options from Dunfanaghy, ~14km and/or 3-4 h hike
A short ride takes you to overlook the magnificent heather-topped sea cliffs at Horn Head. You can also hike to Two Pistols, McSwyney’s Gun, magnificent Tramore Beach, and Marble Arch. The walk between Creeslough and Falcarragh is a two-hour trek back in time along an old bog road to Lough Naboll at the base of Muckish Mountain. Alternatives includes golfing on the Harry Vardon designed links across the road from your hotel, as well as horse riding, surf lessons, sea kayaking, and angling. BD
Same lodging
Dunfanaghy to Dunlewey, ~38km
Ride south from Dunfanaghy toward Dunlewey and the Poisoned Glen. Its name was a cartographer’s mistake – confusion between the Gaelic words for heaven and poison. The glen is a beautiful place for a walk, and is the pickup point for the short transfer to Donegal airport in time for flights to Dublin or Glasgow. For those with afternoon flights, or otherwise not inclined to finish, explore the ride along the carefully-selected and signposted roads of the Donegal Cycle way. BL
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
SCHEDULED DATES
2023 Guided:
- Jun 4-10
- Aug 13-19
- Sep 10-16
2024 Guided:
- Jun 2-8
- Aug 11-17
- Sep 8-14
Self-Guided available any dates, except for those listed above. New dates are also welcomed for guided or private departures.
PRICING
Guided: C 3975 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners, full-time guide and vehicle support, luggage handling, maps, route instructions, taxes
Small groups or private tours, fully supported with drivers/guides and vehicles, all lodging and most meals included. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Self-Guided: C 3475 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, inn to inn luggage transfers, maps and route instructions, essential transfers as outlined in the itinerary, on-call emergency support, taxes
Semi-supported, independent tours including welcome briefing, lodging, luggage transfers and necessary vehicle transfers. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Single Occupancy: 795
Bike Rentals:
Hybrid-Fitness: 235
Aluminum Racing: 295
Electric-Assist: 455
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
Please see above for accurate pricing and inclusions, unless we have proposed a customized trip for you and those details are provided in your custom proposal.
1. Choose an advertised date to join a small group, or see our Join a Group page to see where groups are already forming.
2. Pick your own dates. We will confirm quickly, and are happy to talk with you as you make your choice. If you would like a private guided date, this usually comes at a surcharge depending on the details, please get in touch for more information. If you prefer self-guided, we usually only require two participants to initiate a new date at the advertised price, and can sometimes reduce prices for you if you have four or more.
More Reading:
This is debatably Ireland’s loveliest corner. Gorgeous sand beaches interrupt heather-clad sea cliffs, and quiet pathways carry you between places of outstanding beauty. County Donegal is sandwiched between the border with Northern Ireland and the surf-ringed headlands of the open Atlantic. You will hike around Horn Head near the delightful village of Dunfanaghy, and make your way from the Glebe Gallery to the formerly private estate of Glenveagh Castle, through the wild Glenveagh National park, before visiting the musical and pub-peppered town of Ardara. You will hike past waterfalls and beaches from Ardara toward the Slieve League – the highest seacliffs in Europe, near the folk village of Glencolmcille. From there, you will finish with a hike to an abandoned village on an astounding coast. After a heady mix of gentle walks and challenging hikes, the hardest part will be leaving all of the wildly sublime beauty behind.
