Clare & the Burren
Ireland Bike Tours
A bike tour in County Clare, Ireland
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€875 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
If you want to experience a taste of Ireland’s musical heritage, you could not have picked a better Ireland cycling tour. Clare is the music center of Ireland and on this tour, you are sure to have your feet tapping to traditional tunes nearly every night of the week.
The Burren region is also an amazing limestone moonscape, famous around the world for its wonderful variety of botany. The area is rich in ancient and early Christian historical sites and offers some beautiful coastal cycling overlooking Galway Bay that will give this Ireland bike tour memories you won't soon forget.
Finally, you can bike the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, one of the best-known and most breathtaking landmarks of Ireland.
Highlights
- Ennis
- Cliffs of Moher
- Village of Doolin (famous for its three pubs that compete to provide the best music)
- Spectacular coastal rides
- Limestone landscape of the Burren
- Overnights in coastal towns/villages
This tour encompasses the very best of Ireland from start to finish!
All of our bike tours in Ireland can be found here.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Ennis, Co. Clare
Day 2: Ennis to Spanish Point, 30 mi. (48 km)
Day 3: Spanish Point to Doolin, 29 mi. (46 km)
Day 4: Doolin to Ballyvaughan, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 5: Rest day in Ballyvaughan
Day 6: Ballyvaughan to Kinvara, 24 mi. (39 km)
Day 7: Kinvara to Ennis, 31 mi. (49 km)
Day 8: Departure from Ennis*All distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, therefore the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way you may find temporary deviations/detours caused by roadwork, In this case, please follow the directions posted on site.
Day 1: Ennis, Co. Clare
On arrival in Ennis, you will make your way to your B&B. Check-in is after 2:00 pm on the day of arrival. A folder containing your route details and information on collection of your bikes will be waiting for you at the guesthouse. Ennis is a fantastic town for music and entertainment so the rest of the day can be spent relaxing and enjoying the sights.Accommodation: Stoney Haven B&B
Day 2: Ennis - Spanish Point, 30 mi. (48 km)
In the morning you will cycle towards West Clare, cycling along quiet country roads through rolling green fields to the Coast. You stay the night in a comfortable Hotel at Spanish Point. The area gets its name named from those Spanish Armada Ships which sank here in 1588 during their retreat home to Spain.Accommodation: Bellbridge Hotel
Day 3: Spanish Point - Doolin, 29 mi. (46 km)
Cycling along quiet country roads you meander your way to the popular holiday town of Lahinch where you stop for lunch. In the afternoon, you visit the Cliffs of Moher which rise a spectacular 660 ft up from the Atlantic waves below. You can stroll along the cliff face and watch the birds gliding in the updraft. After visiting the cliffs you head to the village of Doolin. That night you can have a pub meal and enjoy the wealth of traditional music for which the village is famous.Accommodation: Suantrai B&B or Seascape
Day 4: Doolin - Ballyvaughan, 31 mi. (50 km)
In the morning you begin to see the first hints of the limestone landscape of the Burren and visit the monastic site at Kilfenora and its stone-high crosses. Kilfenora is also home to the Burren Heritage Centre which gives you an excellent insight into the formation and history of the Burren. Later you can stop off for lunch at the matchmaking town of Lisdoonvarna.
The afternoon's cycle is a beautiful run where the road hugs the coastline with Galway Bay and the Aran Islands on your left and the limestone cliffs of the Burren on your right. You stop for two nights in our comfortable hotel in the seaside village of Ballyvaughan.Accommodation: Wild Atlantic Lodge or Hylands Hotel
Day 5: Rest day in Ballyvaughan
The day can be spent doing a wide variety of activities. There is a wonderful four-hour walking tour of the Burren with a local man who is a very entertaining character and an encyclopedia of knowledge on the area. There is also an optional short cycle to the impressive ruins of a Cistercian Abbey or you could visit the nearby Ailwee Caves. Alternatively, the day could be spent relaxing in this attractive village.Accommodation: Wild Atlantic Lodge or Hylands Hotel
Day 6: Ballyvaughan - Kinvarra, 24 mi. (39 km)
The cycle heads straight into the heart of the Burren where you can visit the locality and most famous historical sight, the Poulnabrowne Dolmen a small ancient burial site dating back to 2500BC. Veering off the beaten track you can stop at the village of Carran for lunch in an old police barracks. In the afternoon, you cycle through quiet backroads to visit the Burren Perfumery which makes a wide variety of perfumes using the local flora and has a wonderful slide show illustrating the beautiful and unique botany of this region. You then descend through a limestone lunar landscape to the pretty seaside village of Kinvarra where you spend the night.Accommodation: Kinarva Guesthouse or Fallon's B & B
Day 7: Kinvarra - Ennis, 31 mi. (49 km)
For the last day, you head back into the Burren through another limestone moonscape, passing Lough Buny and the impressive Mullaghmore before stopping for lunch in Corafin. In the afternoon, you can visit a 16th Century Tower House and an even older monastic sight. This is also the site of the famous battle of Dysert O’Dea where the Irish Chieftains defeated the Normans and kept them out of Clare for another 200 years. You then cycle back into Ennis for a final night on the town.Accommodation: Ashford Court Hotel
Day 8: Departure
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Day 1: Ennis, Co. Clare
Day 2: Ennis to Lahinch, 18 mi. (30 kms)
Day 3: Lahinch to Doolin, 14 mi. (23 kms)
Day 4: Rest day in Doolin
Day 5: Doolin to Ballyvaughan, 18 mi. (29 km) (longer options available)
Day 6: Rest day in Ballyvaughan
Day 7: Ballyvaughan to Ennis, 28 mi. (45 km)Day 1: Ennis, Co. Clare
On arrival in Ennis you should make your way to your B&B accommodation. Check-in is after 2.00 pm on your day of arrival. We will send you full accommodation details closer to your departure date. A folder containing your route details and information on the collection of your bikes will be at the guesthouse. Ennis is a fantastic town for music and entertainment so you can relax for the rest of the day and take in the atmosphere.Day 2: Ennis to Lahinch, 18 mi. (30 kms)
The tour starts out to West Clare cycling by farmyards through backroads towards the Atlantic Coast and the town of Lahinch where you are staying in for the evening.Day 3: Lahinch to Doolin, 14 mi. (23 kms)
In the morning you can take a swim in a beautiful beach and can also visit the Aquarium there. In the afternoon you climb up to the dramatic Cliffs of Moher rising 660ft up from the Atlantic waves below, making them one of the highest marine-based cliffs in Europe. You can stroll along the cliff face and watch the birds gliding in the updraft before heading down towards Doolin where you will be staying in guesthouses for the next two nights.Day 4: Rest day in Doolin
You can take a ferry trip to the famous Aran Islands and visit ancient forts and monastic sites. There will also be an optional cycle route or you could simply return to the cliffs of Moher for a long walk along the Atlantic Coastline. Another great option is to visit Doolin Caves.Day 5: Doolin to Ballyvaughan, 18 mi. (29 km) (longer options available)
Today is a beautiful cycle along the coast with Galway Bay and views of the Aran Islands on your left and the limestone cliffs which make the Burren such a unique landscape on your right. We stop for two nights in our comfortable hotel in the seaside village of Ballyvaughan.Day 6: Rest day in Ballyvaughan
The day can be spent doing a wide variety of activities. A highly recommended option is to take a walking tour through the Burren with a local guide. There is an optional short cycle to the impressive ruins of a Cistercian Abbey. Alternatively, the day could be spent relaxing in this attractive village.Day 7: Ballyvaughan to Ennis, 28 mi. (45 km)
The cycle heads straight into the heart of the Burren where we visit the Burren’s most famous historical sight, the Poulnabrowne Dolmen. Veering off the beaten track you can stop at the village of Carran for lunch. In the afternoon you cycle through quiet backroads and visit Mullaghmor Mountain with the beautiful desert limestone landscape of the Burren surrounding you before heading to our lunch stop in Corofin. After lunch you can visit a 15th Century Tower House and 6th-century monastic site before cycling back into Ennis and a farewell meal.Map
Hotels & Bikes
You will be staying in guesthouses, B&B’s, or occasionally small hotels. The majority of the time, these small establishments do not have elevators so please pack accordingly. All hotel bookings are based on availability. If the preferred accommodation is not possible, a suitable alternative of an equal standard will be booked. You can take a look at the day-to-day itinerary for the preferred accommodation used.
Bicycles
Giant Alight 2 City
Frame ALUXX-Grade Aluminium Fork ALUXX-Grade Aluminium (w/ Low-rider Rack Mount) Shock N/A Handlebar Giant Connect, Low Rise Stem Giant Sport Seatpost Giant Sport Saddle Liv Comfort Pedals Giant Sports Shifters Shimano Altus 24 Speed Front Derailleur Shimano Tourney Rear Derailleur Shimano Altus Brakes Tektro TK837 linear pull Giant Escape City
Frame ALUXX-Grade Aluminium Fork ALUXX-Grade Aluminium (w/ low-rider Rack Mount) Shock N/A Handlebar Giant Connect, Low Rise Stem Giant Sport Seatpost Giant Sport Saddle Giant Connect Upright Pedals Giant Sports Shifters Shimano Altus 24 Speed Front Derailleur Shimano Tourney Rear Derailleur Shimano Altus Brakes Tektro TK837 linear pull Ease-E + 2 Electric Bike
Motor Giant SyncDrive Silent drive front hub motor, 30Nm Sensors Giant PedalPlus 2- sensor technology Display RideControl LED Battery Giant EnergyPak 300, 36V Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Panasonic Frame ALUXX aluminum Fork ALUXX aluminum Handlebar Aluminum Stem Aluminum adjustable Seatpost Aluminum Saddle Selle Royal Nuvola Pedals Anti-slip Shifters Shimano 8 speed Tourney Revoshift Rear Derailleur Shimano RD-M310 Altus Brakes Linear Pull Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodations for 7 nights
- Full Irish breakfasts
- One evening meal in Ballyvaughan
- 24-speed hybrid bicycle with a rear rack, small pannier bag (not waterproof), repair equipment, lock, and bottle cage
- Helmets
- Luggage transfer
- All route details and maps
- GPS tracks on request
- Also included in the Supported tour:
- Guide in support van on set departure dates with a minimum of 8 people
What’s Not Included
- Individual arrival to your first hotel
- Lunches (approx. €15 to €20 per lunch)
- Remaining dinners (one is included, approx. €20 to €30 per dinner)
- Bike protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Self-guided
Arrivals are possible daily from April 16 to October 1, 2022
Supported
May 21, July 16, and August 20, 2022*
*If there are less than 8 people booked on the tour, it will be conducted as a traditional self-guided tour. However, if there are more than 8 people on a set departure date, a guide in a support van will be assigned. Each person will still have their own route details and maps and have the freedom to cycle at their own pace each day, however, there is the security of a person in the background offering assistance if and when it is needed.
Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
Standard and family tour
April, May, June & September
Price $ 1370 £ 794 $ 1,226 € 920 ₪ 3075 NZ$ 1517 kr 9951 $ 947
July & August
Price $ 1422 £ 824 $ 1,272 € 955 ₪ 3192 NZ$ 1574 kr 10329 $ 983 Single supplement (for single travelers in a group) $ 380 £ 220 $ 340 € 255 ₪ 852 NZ$ 420 kr 2758 $ 262 Supplement for solo traveler (for single travelers not in a group) $ 588 £ 341 $ 526 € 395 ₪ 1320 NZ$ 651 kr 4272 $ 406
Extra Options
Electric bicycle rental: $ 246 £ 142 $ 220 € 165 ₪ 552 NZ$ 272 kr 1785 $ 170 On request. Limited number available.
Extra nights on request.
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
This is an easy to moderate, self-guided, or supported hotel tour. The roads are all tarmacked and the route is designed to ensure that you spend most of the week on quiet back roads. Occasionally it will be necessary to ride on busier roads which is unavoidable as there may be no minor roads on certain stretches of the route. To experience the majestic scenery of this area the route does have some climbs, so it is worth getting a few weekends training on a bike in varied terrain before coming, thus ensuring that you can fully enjoy the week. It will make your time in the saddle much more enjoyable. Cycling requires a good command of your bike, good balance, and the ability to stop and start quickly.
Airport Info
Fly into Shannon International Airport (SNN/EINN) or Dublin International Airport (DUB). Shannon is the closest airport, but Dublin will have more route options.
Local Travel
Shannon Airport:
Bus Eireann provides connections to and from all of Ireland’s major cities. From the airport, the city center of Ennis is only 13 miles away and costs approx. €13. If you prefer a taxi, the cost will be approx. €35.
Dublin Airport:- Bus + train:
Take the Airlink shuttle (bus) service into Dublin city where you can transfer to a train to Ennis from Heuston Station. The bus requires exact currency which is approximately €6 for a single adult ticket into the city. The train to Ennis takes approx 2 hrs 20 mins. Details of all train travel are on IrishRail. - Bus:
There is a bus service direct from Dublin city to Ennis available. Check BusEireann for more information.
Climate
Ireland is called the Emerald Isle. The rolling, green hills and lush landscapes are possible because of the frequent rainfall so don’t forget your rain gear, as well as your sun hat, as a day that starts with rain, can end with glorious sunshine! However, because it is an island, located near the gulf stream, Ireland has a very mild climate making it ideal for cycling. The temperature range during the summer is between 15 and 22 degrees centigrade (60 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit).
Day of Rest
Day 5 is a day of rest in Ballyvaughan. The day can be spent doing a wide variety of activities. You can join a wonderful four-hour walking tour of the Burren with a local man who is a very entertaining character and an encyclopaedia of knowledge on the area. There is also an optional short cycle to the impressive ruins of a Cistercian Abbey or you can visit the nearby Ailwee Caves. Alternatively, the day could be spent relaxing in this attractive village
Recommended
Padded cycling shorts and/or a gel saddle cover which will definitely make your cycling days more comfortable. Rain gear is not provided. Be sure to bring some lightweight rain gear.
Remarks
If you wish to use toe clips please bring your own pedals with toe clips (and spanner) which you can attach to your bikes, as they come with flat pedals. You can also bring your own saddle which should be possible to attach.
The rental bikes don’t have lights. This is no problem on the long summer evenings, but if you are traveling in May or September, please bring your own light or high-visibility vest.
There are a limited number of electric bikes available for this tour. Please request at the time of booking.Important to know
Documents
Before you travel, please check your country's passport and visa requirements and the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. For US citizens, the US Department of State website is a good source of information. The Country Information tab in the International Travel section provides details about passport validity, blank passport pages required, etc. For our other international clients, please be sure that you research your own country's travel requirements. It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure proper documentation.
*Important note: Beginning July 1, 2021, additional documentation from the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.
More on self-guided vs. supported
Self-guided tours assume a level of independence and a desire to cycle at your own pace without the pressure of cycling with a group or guide. GPS tracks are available as well as good maps and route descriptions. For this tour, on the set departure dates, you will have the back-up of a guide and support van if the bookings reach 8 or more. The aim is to allow you to feel like an independent traveler, free to cycle each day at your own pace while at the same time having the security of knowing that support is close by! If bookings are less than 8, you must be prepared to cycle completely self-guided.
Covid-19 Info
Country Entry Requirements
Due to the changing requirements for entry, it is imperative that you stay up to date on requirements set by the country/countries that you are visiting. Please visit our Travel Restrictions Tool page and the country/countries government webpage for this information.
Extra Stay
It is possible to request extra accommodation in Ennis at the start or end of your tour. Pricing on request. We do not assist with extra nights in Dublin. If you are planning to spend a few days in Dublin at the end of the tour, we recommend that you book accommodation well in advance as the capital is very busy on weekends.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Irish Cycling Safaris.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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