Ireland’s Northern Coastline E-Bike Tour
Northern Ireland, Ireland Bike Tours
Bike Ireland’s Stunning Causeway Coast
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€1645 Rates
Overview
This self-guided bike tour features the dramatic coast and landscapes of Northern Ireland. This small isle, engulfed by the surges of the Atlantic, is a place of natural beauty and diversity, a blend of rugged cliffs, serene beaches, and coastal villages.
And the famed Irish hills? Beautiful but challenging. Fear not, riding on an electric bike transforms the journey, providing ample time to relish the beauty. And for those who crave an added challenge, a touring bike is also available.
From the historically significant city of Derry/Londonderry, with its intact medieval walls, to the captivating landmarks like Dunluce Castle and the Giant's Causeway, each day unfolds a story of cultural heritage and natural beauty.
You enjoy the coastal charm of towns like Portstewart and Ballycastle before concluding in the Glens of Antrim, where the freedom to choose between leisurely explorations or exhilarating rides ensures a diverse and memorable journey.
Highlights
- Derry – Ireland’s only intact walled city
- Bushmills Village and Distillery
- Dunluce Castle
- The Legendary Giants Causeway
- Carrick-a-Reed rope bridge
- Cycling the stunning Causeway Coast
- Rathlin Island’s “upside down” lighthouse
- Torr Head
- The Beautiful Glens of Antrim
All of our tours in Ireland can be found here.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Derry/Londonderry
Day 2: Derry/Londonderry - Moville, 24 mi. (38 km)
Day 3: Moville to Portstewart, 27 mi. (43 km)
Day 4: Portstewart - Ballycastle, 27 mi. (43 km)
Day 5: Ballycastle, 28 mi. (44 km)
Day 6: Ballycastle - Cushendall, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 7: The Glens of Antrim, 16 or 29 mi. (25 or 47 km)
Day 8: DepartureThe distances provided are approximate. temporary deviations or detours along the route might be required due to roadwork or other unforeseen factors not reflected on your maps or route descriptions. In such instances, kindly adhere to the locally posted directions.
Day 1: Arrival in Derry/Londonderry
Welcome to the historic city of Derry/Londonderry, the only city in Ireland with fully intact medieval walls testifying to its rich culture and history. A one-hour stroll along the walls offers a fascinating exploration of both ancient and recent history, complemented by panoramic views of the city. Derry boasts numerous lively bars and restaurants, creating the ideal setting for the inaugural night of your self-guided Irish bike tour.Sample accommodation: DaVincis Hotel, Derry
Day 2: Derry/Londonderry - Moville, 24 mi. (38 km) | Elevation gain: 372m
You cycle a scenic path along the River Foyle which guides you northward and away from the city center. As you pedal along tranquil country roads, you cross the border into County Donegal, Republic of Ireland. Through charming green pastures, with Lough Foyle on one side and the Inishowen hills on the other. Push northward to the delightful seaside town of Moville, your overnight stop for the day.Sample accommodations:
- The Cosy Cottage
- Riverbank House, B&B
Day 3: Moville - Portstewart, 28 mi. (45 km) | Elevation gain: 458m
A brief cycle leads to the ferry terminal in the picturesque fishing village of Greencastle. A quick 15-minute ferry crossing (€5 not included) transports to Magilligan Point in Northern Ireland. You pedal to Downhill Beach and Demesne, featuring the iconic Mussenden Tower, a familiar sight for Game of Thrones enthusiasts. Continue your journey to the university town of Coleraine at the mouth of the River Bann. After a short distance along the coast, you arrive at your overnight haven in the charming seaside town of Portstewart.Sample accommodations:
- Cul Erg
- Cromore Halt
Day 4: Portstewart - Ballycastle, 27 mi. (43 km) | Elevation gain: 385m
Prepare for a day of cycling through some of Northern Ireland's most iconic landscapes. Your route leads by the mesmerizing Dunluce Castle, perched dramatically on a cliff top. It continues to Bushmills, offering a chance to savor whiskey from the world's oldest distillery then to the legendary Giant's Causeway. Optional extra cycling allows you to visit the exhilarating Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge along the coast. The day's destination is the charming seaside town of Ballycastle, where the scenic views from the harbor may entice you to linger and unwind.Sample accommodations:
- Corratavey Guest House,
- Ardaghmore B&B
Day 5: Ballycastle, 28 mi. (44 km) | Elevation gain: 215 or 245m
Today offers a choice between leisurely rest, exploring Rathlin Island, or embarking on a loop cycle to the renowned Dark Hedges. Rathlin Island, a magical retreat (ferry tickets not included), invites you to experience life at a different pace, with its captivating lighthouses, including the cliff-edge West Lighthouse serving as a seabird observation point. For Game of Thrones enthusiasts, the Dark Hedges requires no introduction, being one of Northern Ireland's most photographed sites. A picturesque 35 km cycle through the rolling Ulster countryside will lead you to this iconic location.Sample accommodations:
- Corratavey Guest House,
- Ardaghmore B&B
Day 6: Ballycastle - Cushendall, 19 mi. (30 km) | Elevation gain: 600m
You enjoy breathtaking sea views at every twist and turn as you pedal along the northeast corner of Ireland. The scenic route unfolds past the captivating Fair Head and Torr Head, leading you into the charming town of Cushendun. Now nestled in the heart of the Glens of Antrim, the route follows the southern coastline to reach your final destination in Cushendall. This picturesque coastal village sits at the point where Glenballyeamon meets the sea.Sample accommodations:
- Glendale B&B
- Riverside B&B
- The Meadows B&B
Day 7: The Glens of Antrim, 16 or 29 mi. (25 or 47 km) | Elevation gain: 395 or 77m
Dedicate a day to exploring the enchanting Glens. Opt for a leisurely 25 km cycle to discover Glenballyeamonn and the renowned "Queen of the Glens," Glenariff. Alternatively, a longer route leads through the equally stunning Glendun and Glenann. Regardless of your choice, relish a delightful downhill cycle back to the sea, culminating in a final night in the charming village of Cushendall.Sample accommodations:
- Glendale B&B
- Riverside B&B
- The Meadows B&B
Day 8: Departure
Following breakfast, easy bus connections will bring you to Belfast or back to Derry. There you may continue your travels, or make your way home.Take a look at all of our active adventures & experiences; biking, biking & boating, hiking, & multiadventure!
Map
Accommodation
On this self-guided bike tour, you are accommodated in primarily small family-run bed and breakfasts and guest houses. In Derry, you’ll stay in a cozy small hotel. Our careful selection ensures that the chosen lodgings cater to the specific needs of cyclists. Positioned in charming towns and villages, these accommodations offer proximity to village centers, allowing easy walks to local restaurants and pubs.
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation for 7 nights in B&B’s & small hotels
- Welcome meeting & bike set up on arrival evening or morning of Day 2
- Luggage transfers
- Electric bike rental
- Comprehensive route descriptions
- GPS unit with all routes pre-programmed (one per room)
- GPX tracks available pre-tour (If you would like to use your own GPS device or mobile app)
- Emergency support
What’s Not Included
- Meals other than breakfast
- Entry to sites & attractions not included as part of the tour
- Ferry crossing from Greencastle to Magilligan Point in Northern Ireland (€5)
- Ferry to Rathlin Island
- Bike Protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Tuesdays
May 21 to September 3, 2024*
Excluding July 9Alternate start days are available to groups of 5 or more
Please Note
- Rates are per person, 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
Twin/double $ 2703 £ 1410 $ 2,509 € 1645 Ft 673805 kr 250499 ₪ 7045 ¥ 271910 Mex$ 35829 NZ$ 2978 kr 19628 zł 7229 S$ 2401 kr 19076 CHF 1577 $ 1,852 Single supplement $ 460 £ 240 $ 427 € 280 Ft 114690 kr 42638 ₪ 1199 ¥ 46283 Mex$ 6099 NZ$ 507 kr 3341 zł 1230 S$ 409 kr 3247 CHF 268 $ 315 Extra Options
Touring (non-electric) bicycle, discount: $ 214 £ 111 $ 198 € 130 Ft 53249 kr 19796 ₪ 557 ¥ 21488 Mex$ 2831 NZ$ 235 kr 1551 zł 571 S$ 190 kr 1508 CHF 125 $ 146
Extra Info
Skill Level — Moderate
This tour caters to individuals with a moderate fitness level, comfortable cycling 40 – 50 km (25 – 30 miles) daily. While predominantly hilly, the scenic routes feature gradients ranging from gentle slopes to steep inclines. Anticipate an elevation gain of around 400 meters (1,300 ft) on average. Opting for an electric bike eases the tour’s difficulty. The majority of the route includes roads open to traffic, with dedicated cycle paths in towns like Derry and Coleraine, where traffic is heaviest. Gravel sections along the old railway line between Bushmills and the Giant’s Causeway add diversity. Short stretches on roads with moderate traffic are part of the experience, but traffic is limited, ensuring a manageable cycling experience.
Airport Info
Fly to Belfast International Airport (BFS) or Dublin International Airport (DUB).
Local Travel
From Belfast International Airport there is a direct shuttle service to Derry / Londonderry. Services operate every day except Christmas Day. Aircoach departs from the coach park located behind the taxi rank. You can book tickets here: https://www.aircoach.ie/derry. This service also leaves from Dublin International Airport and stops at Belfast Airport and onward to Derry/Londonderry.
Climate
Northern Ireland has a temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild temperatures, relatively moderate rainfall, and relatively consistent weather patterns throughout the year. on. Showers are frequent, but they are usually light to moderate. The weather can be changeable, so it’s advisable to be prepared for different conditions.
Remarks
Most of your tour will take place in Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom,where the currency is the British Pound Sterling. On the evening of Day 2, you overnight in Moville located in the Republic of Ireland.
Important to know
Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this 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.Extra Stay
You can request extra nights before your tour starts in Derry/Londonderry. Extra nights within the itinerary are not possible.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Ireland By Bike.
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?
Photos
Have you been on this tour?
Please leave your feedback