THE CLARE CYCLE
IRELAND Walk Hike Bike Ltd. Contact in Ireland & 24 Hour Emergency Number: +353 (0) 87-250 2434 IRELAND WALK HIKE BIKE
For 25 years Ireland Walk Hike Bike (IWHB) has been welcoming guests to Ireland. The realisation of a dream for company founder Linda Woods who sought to show people the “real Ireland” rather than the traditional tourism template! These ideals continue today, showing you Ireland the way we believe it should be seen: slowly, intimately and knowledgeably. Our terrific office personnel and great guides all share the same philosophy – “to take people into those hidden parts of Ireland that few know about and give people a real “taste and flavour” of Ireland the way we know and love it”.
With today’s fast pace of life & the lack of “downtime”, we at IWHB take great pride in the trust our guests show in us to create great experiences for you. All of us in IWHB are committed to ensuring our fascination for Ireland, its’ history, culture, diversity & humour, is part of your holiday. Ireland enjoys a relaxing pace of life; beautiful and varied scenery, with the sea never far from sight & a great selection of music at night. While in Ireland, we ask you to PLEASE take your time as you discover small sections of Ireland, for if you rush, the charm of the country and the people will pass you by. The best made plans will always change in Ireland, and your adaptability to enjoy chance encounters with friendly locals, incredible characters and the odd charismatic sheep is what will make your holiday a truly memorable experience!! ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
Day Travel / Activities 1 Arrive in Ennis - optional cycle
2 Ennis To Kilrush Luggage Transfer
3 Kilrush to Kilkee Luggage Tranfer
4 Kilkee to Lahinch Luggage transfer
5 Lahinch to Doolin Luggage Transfer
6 Rest Day or Doolin Loop
7 Doolin To Ennis Luggage Transfer
8 Departure Day CLARE
‘Burren’ is derived from the Irish word boireann meaning ‘place of stone’, and the name could not be more apt. There is no part of Ireland where rock so obviously dominates the landscape as it does in this corner of County Clare.
The Burren covers an area of some 260 square kilometres. Famous for its bare limestone pavements dissected by deep crevices and traversed by countless stone walls. Almost devoid of trees and surface water, it has been described as ‘lunar’ in its appearance. An ancient limestone plateau lies beneath which is a labyrinth of pot-holes, caves, streams and lakes. This unusual and apparently hostile environment is a botanist’s paradise as around ¾ of Ireland’s plant species are found here. This is more than any other region. DAY 1, ARRIVE IN ENNIS
Arrive in Ennis and check into your B&B. Collect your bicycle (if hiring), Information Pack with Route Description and map from the proprietor. If you have time take the short circular cycle to Quin and Knappogue Castle returning to Ennis for your overnight. DAY 2, ENNIS TO KILRUSH
Leaving Ennis for Kilrush you cycle along the north shore of the mighty Shannon River Estuary which hosts beautiful views over North Kerry and Scattery Island. The town of Kilrush has a wonderful marina and offers the opportunity to enjoy a boat trip over to the prized Scattery Island boasting a wonderful monastic settlement dating back to St. Senan. DAY 3, KILRUSH TO KILKEE
Today’s cycle takes you from Kilrush to Carrigaholt & the beautiful Loop Head cycle. Overlooking the Shannon Estuary, south to County Kerry & north up towards the Cliffs of Moher. Completing your circuit, you end your day in the seaside town of Kilkee. Overnight in Kilkee. DAY 4, KILKEE TO LAHINCH
From Kilkee, your cycle takes you along the south-western shores of County Clare as you follow north through the seaside village called Spanish point which takes its name from the stories of Spanish Armada ships washing up on the coastline and many Spanish sailors who made it ashore lost their lives to the local chieftain. This region of Clare is a very traditional region & many Irish people holiday here making it a great place to “meet the locals” while enjoying some super coastal scenery. Overnight in Lahinch. DAY 5, LAHINCH TO DOOLIN
Continuing north from Milltown Malbay, you pass the famous Lahinch Golf Course before reaching the coast town of Liscannor – famous for its stone work. Continuing on to the Cliffs of Moher, we encourage you to stop here, lock your bicycles and enjoy a walk out to these impressive cliffs with wonderful views across to the Aran Islands. Continuing to your accommodation in Doolin – you will have a chance to enjoy some great traditional Irish music as you overnight here. DAY 6, REST DAY OR DOOLIN LOOP This is your opportunity to take a rest day & we recommend you take this opportunity to visit one of the famous & beautiful Aran Islands. If you are unable to make a 9-Day holiday, then we suggest you enjoy this loop in place of the Aran Islands.
Doolin Loop – As you cycle to the northern corner of County Clare this is one of the most spectacular regions in Ireland – known as “The Burren”. You will be amazed by this landscape & the variety of rock formations. It is wonderful just to park up your bike for a short time & walk across sections of these “paving slabs” to explore the amazing flora hidden in the cracks & crevices. Reaching the village of Ballyvaughan offers you a beautiful place to refresh & enjoy some local cooking or snacks before you return to Doolin. DAY 7, DOOLIN TO ENNIS
On your return to Ennis you have the opportunity to learn more about this fascinating region. A visit to Kilfenora will give you the obscure history of why its Bishop is the Pope and continuing on to Dysert O’Dea you may follow an archaeological & historical trail around 25 incredible sites detailing much of Ireland’s history. Return to Ennis for your overnight. DAY 8, DEPARTURE DAY
After breakfast, depart for onward journey, either Airport or further holiday. All transport details/information provided if required. Private transfers can be arranged if preferable PRICING OPTIONS
Digital - €815.00pps | Platinum - €875.00pps Single Room Supplement - €205.00 Solo Traveller Supplement €320.00 Hybrid Bike Supplement - €130.00 Road Bike Supplement - €180.00 eBike Supplement - €350.00 WHAT'S INCLUDED WHY BOOK WITH US TESTIMONIALS TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Ireland Walk Hike Bike Ltd (“the Company”) formerly trading as South West Walks Ireland, accepts bookings subject to the following Terms & Conditions:
1. The contract is between the Company and the client, being any person travelling or intending to travel on a tour/ holiday operated by the company. The contract, including all matters arising from it, is subject to Irish law and the exclusive jurisdiction of the Irish courts.
A booking is accepted and becomes definite only from the date when the company sends a confirmation. It is at this point that a contract between the company and the client comes into existence. Before your booking is confirmed and comes into existence the company reserves the right to increase or decrease published prices. The company or their agents reserve the right to decline any booking at their discretion.
2. To secure a booking the Company or their agent requires a completed Booking Form and the necessary deposit. (Full payment if travel is within 30 days). The first named client must be over 18 years of age. Clients booking by telephone, by website/E-mail or fax will be deemed to have signed the Booking Form and read and accepted our Booking Conditions. The person signing, or being deemed to sign, the Booking Form warrants that he/she has full authority to do so on behalf of all persons whose names appear thereon, and confirms that all such persons are fully aware of and accept these Conditions. Please note that your deposit is non-refundable.
3. The balance of all monies due, including any surcharges applicable at the time, must be paid to the company or their agents not later than 56 days before departure. In the case of non-payment of the balance by the due date the Company reserves the right to cancel your booking and cancellation charges will apply. If any payment is dishonoured we reserve the right to charge €45 per person to cover administration costs.
4. Travel Insurance is mandatory for all clients whilst on a tour/ holiday organised by the Company. Clients are wholly responsible for arranging their own insurance. Clients are responsible for ensuring that they are in possession of private Travel insurance with protection for the full duration of the tour/ holiday in respect of at least medical expenses, injury, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment, with adequate cover.
We require proof that you have as a minimum, Personal Liability Insurance Cover at time of booking. This is for your own protection & very often forms part of your Household Insurance.
Our full terms and conditions can be found at www.irelandwalkhikebike.com/terms- conditions/