Day 1 As with each of our tours, the week starts with a meeting of the group at 6:30pm, in a hotel close to the centre of Cork City.
Day 2 We head out the banks of the Lee and travel along quiet backroads to a lunch stop in the market town of Macroom. In the afternoon we continue up the Lee Valley through rolling countryside to the wonderfully peaceful Lakeside retreat of Gougane Barram the source of the River Lee and Ireland's first National Park.
Day 3 We cycle down to the coast past fields of grazing cattle and sheep to the coastal town of Bantry for lunch. In the afternoon we head out to the beautiful Sheep's Head Peninsula and cycle along quiet coastal roads with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. That night you have a home-cooked dinner in your guesthome.
Day 4 We cycle onto the Mizen Peninsula in the morning and the village of Schull. After lunch you can either cycle the coast road or else take a ferry across Roaring Water Bay (it is usually quite calm!) to visit Sherkin Island and then take a later ferry into the village of Baltimore.
Day 5 Baltimore is a lovely village to potter around for the day or else you can take off to explore the nearby islands and countryside.
Day 6 In the morning we cycle along quiet backroads to the peaceful Lough Ine and then follow the West Cork coast to the village of Glandore where we have lunch overlooking the beautiful Glandore Harbour and its two islands, Adam and Eve. In the afternoon we visit a 3,000-year-old stone circle, one of the best examples of its kind in the country, before following another scenic coastal cycle to the bustling town of Clonakilty.
Day 7 In the morning we follow the coast road before heading inland to the village Timoleague, where you can visit a 15th-century Franciscan Friary. After lunch we continue to hug the coastline all the way to the historic town of Kinsale, sit of the 1601 Battle of Kinsale. Kinsale is a colourful cosmopolitan town with a wide range of excellent craft shops. Later than evening we have a final farewell night on the town together.
Dya 8 In the morning you are free to make your own way back to Cork City which is 18 miles away.
Distances: The average cycling distance is an easy 30m (45km ) with longer routes being available each day.
Starting times:
Each of the tours start with a meeting of the group at 6.30pm on the Saturday evening in a central hotel close to the local train and bus station. This is only a meeting point, typically the group will be staying in nearby guesthouses. The guide is able to return to the meeting place at 9.30pm again that evening. After an introductory talk the guide will organise an evening meal and direct clients to their first nights bed & breakfast accommodation.
For those arriving unexpectedly late they can phone our office number in Dublin and the guides’ mobile phone number will be on our answering machine.
The bicycles:
We supply 21 speed hybrid touring bikes for the tours.
Repair equipment, helmets (for guided tours only) and front handlebar pannier bag are available for each client.
Clients are required to take due care of any rented equipment (includes bike, panniers, tool kits and helmets), we reserve the right to charge for any damages caused due to loss or negligence.
Distances:
The average cycling distance is an easy 30 – 40 miles (48- 64 km) with longer routes being available most days. The safaris are suitable for adults of all ages and fitness levels but the tours are not suited for children under 13 years of age.
There are a number of hills on the route but you have all day to do the cycling. You will be provided with a more comprehensive route description and map at the start of the tour. There is an option each day for a variety of longer routes. With the exception of the roads in and out of Killarney, the traffic on the route should be quite light. You should however cycle carefully at all times, especially when going downhill.
The Group, Guide and Back-Up Support
The group size varies from 12 to 20 people . Each group is lead by a local guide driving a support van. She/He will sweep during the day to check on cyclists. In the afternoon they will be gone for about two hours to leave the luggage off at your accommodation therefore may not be on hand to give you a lift, but there is no rush; you have all day to complete the ride. As soon as the guide has delivered the luggage to your accommodation they will sweep back to do a final check on cyclists.
Our aim is to allow you feel like an independent traveller, free to cycle each day at your own pace while at the same time having the security of knowing that a support van is nearby just in case you might need it. Most importantly, our guide is there to help in whatever way possible so that all you have to do is leave your worries behind and enjoy the many wonderful experiences that this cycling holiday has to offer.