Ireland Active Journeys Self Guided Cycling Tour

Highlands of !

Donegal is a place apart from the rest of the Republic. In some ways closer to Scot- land than to Dublin, it is home to some of Ireland’s most dramatic scenery, a particu- lar musical tradition, a distinctive accent and a regional kindness. Come and visit the distinctive highlands of Donegal.

The Donegal seaboard is one of the most impressive in Ireland. See the cliffs plung- ing nearly 2000 feet from the summit and the unforgettable ocean vistas. Each day your guide takes you on a unique and remarkable ride into the Irish countryside. A combination of coastal scenery, dramatic coastline roads, placid villages, sheep– dotted pastureland and magical mountains make this landscape wonderful.

Our Highlands of Donegal Cycling tour starts in Sligo. Our ride takes us through Glencolkille, Dungloe and Dunafanaghy. See the rugged coastline and ride across the Glenveigh National Park while stopping in attractive villages along the way!

Tour Details Daily departures from April to end of September

Cost: $1695 per person

Single Supplement: on re- quest Fast Facts Length: 8 days / 7 nights  Seven nights charming accommoda-  Experience the local culture, and enjoy a Bike Rental: $175 tion with full Irish breakfast craic (a traditional get-together, where Grade: Moderate with some  Route maps and details, luggage hills the locals sing and dance) transfers each day  Visit Glenveagh, Ireland’s largest Starts / Ends: Donegal  Taste the many local brews National Park

Active Journeys Contact: 11----800800800----597597597----55945594 or 416416----236236236----50115011 Email: [email protected]

ITINERARY

Day 1 Arrive Donegal Town Individual arrival to the town of Donegal. Make your way to your first B&B for check-in. Donegal is one of the undiscovered gems of Ireland.

Day 2 to Glencolumkille 62 kms After being fitted out for your bike, you head out of the city towards the coastline. The route goes close to the towering cliffs at Slieve League (over 2,000 feet), which plunge down into the Atlantic Ocean. Continue to the village of Glencolumbkille.

Day 3 Glencolumkille to Dungloe 60 kms Heading north, there is a choice of spectacular and little used roads to the village of Ardara where you can stop for lunch. See the wonderful tweeds and knitwear for which Donegal has long been famous for and do some shopping. In the afternoon follow the scenic Atlantic Coast Road to Dungloe.

Day 4 Dungloe to 64 kms The recommended route bisects Mount Errigal and Glenveagh National Park leading you to the village of Dunfanaghy for our two-day stopover. Glenveagh Na- tional Park boasts 37 square miles of glorious forest glens and mountains.

Day 5 Dunfanaghy Rest Day A rest day in Dunfanaghy is notable for its spectacular beaches. Fishing, bird watching, golf and a number of other activities can be organized from your hotel. An- other excellent option is to relax for the day.

Day 6 Dunfanaghy to 60 kms This morning’s ride takes you through isolated highland country roads with a worthwhile detour to Doe Castle. After a lunch stop in , you follow the rolling hills on a coastal road that overlooks white sandy beach- es to .

Day 7 Circular ride 38 kms Today ride the beautiful and remote Peninsula. We continue along the shores of Lough Swilly. Then a transfer for Donegal town in the afternoon for a last overnight.

Day 8 End of tour Tour ends after breakfast.

What to Expect What will the weather be like? Getting There The daytime temperature will be around 15 to mid-20 degrees C ( 60’s to 70’s F), with moderate rainfall. It often rains in Ireland, making the countryside lush and Fly to Dublin green. It is usually misty and not torrential downpours, but rain gear is still nec- There is a direct bus service from the essary, both a jacket and a pair of pants. airport to Donegal town availa- How many hours of cycling a day? ble. You can also go from Dublin Be prepared to ride between 4 to 6 hours daily. City to Donegal town . How fit do I need to be? Check Bus Eireann timetable for The fitter the better, so you will be able to ride to your next town and hotel. more information. There are some hills and some level terrain, but also coastal rides.

What is the food like? We have included a full Irish breakfast each day. For lunch, you can stop in a pub and local restaurant for a full meal or mid-day snack. For dinner, your guidebook will suggest a location.

What are the hotels like? They are chosen for their charm and location. Properties are charming B&Bs and small hotels, well- located in the towns. All the rooms have private facilities.

Extra Services How to book your holiday  Contact our office to make sure there is space available. We have a selection of hotels available for you, both before and after the tour. One of our travel planners will walk you through the entire process. Hotels in Killarney, Dublin and Shannon can be arranged for you, ranging from B&B’s to deluxe  Download the reservation form from our site and send in accommodation. Contact us for details. the completed form by fax or email. Once this is done, your space is confirmed and pre-departure packet will be sent.

 A deposit is required immediately, and final payment is re- quired 60 days prior to the trip departure. Terms & condi- tions are outlined in our Reservation Form.

 Plan your air travel as soon as possible.

 We encourage you to purchase travel insurance, either through us or a travel insurance provider directly.

 Ensure you are in proper health for the trip chosen. Contact us for more information on vaccinations, inoculations, and fitness requirements.